Discover the Different Types of Ear Piercings

You have many ear piercings if you want to adorn your ears with jewelry. But before you snag yourself one of these trendy looks, know which type of piercing is best for you.

Each ear piercing has its own healing time and discomfort level, an essential factor to consider before diving in. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular options to help you decide which is right for you!

Lobe Piercing

Lobe piercing is one of the most popular body modification options in some types of ear piercings. It’s easy to get and comes in various shapes, sizes, and styles.

Ear piercings, in general, can take six to twelve weeks to heal, depending on the piercing you’ve chosen. And like all ear piercings, you’ll want to follow some basic aftercare instructions so that your new ring can heal properly.

Once your piercing has healed, you’ll want to keep it clean. Experts recommend twice daily washing your piercing with saline solutions to ensure it stays infection-free.

If your ear piercing doesn’t seem to respond to the aftercare you’re following, it’s essential to visit a piercer immediately. The piercer will be able to evaluate the situation and prescribe the best treatment for your ear piercing.

Tragus Piercing

A tragus piercing is a stud that goes into the hard part of your ear, called the tragus. It’s located right above your ear lobe and is made of cartilage, so it feels hard yet bendable.

This piercing is a popular choice for women because changing your jewelry is easy. You can get a simple stud that will look sleek and polished or a glamorous hoop or wrap that adds a little flair to your look.

Getting your tragus pierced is usually quick and painless, but following your piercer’s instructions and ensuring you’re taking care of the area properly so it heals properly. According to Dr. Howard Sobel, founder of Sobel Skin and an attending dermatologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, this can reduce the risk of infection, bumps, and scarring.

Regarding the healing process, use a saline solution two to three times daily for 2 to 3 weeks, starting after you get your piercing. This will help prevent bacteria buildup that can cause infection and swelling.

Conch Piercing

If you’re looking for a new ear piercing to add to your collection, consider adding a conch piercing. It’s a celebrity favorite and has serious versatility in jewelry.

A conch piercing is done through the center of your ear’s cartilage, just above the dash. It’s usually styled with a stud and is more flexible than other piercings.

Unlike lobe piercings, it typically takes longer to heal. It’s also more likely to irritate or become infected if you don’t follow proper aftercare instructions.

To help your piercing heal faster, clean it twice daily with a saline solution. You can make a simple saline solution by mixing four tablespoons of salt in a gallon of water.

If you’re considering getting a conch piercing, consult a licensed, experienced piercer before making any decisions. They can advise on what jewelry materials are best for your piercing and tips and tricks for healing it correctly.

Helix Piercing

Helix piercings are among the most common ear piercings; you can get them in many different styles. They range from a simple stud or hoop to a double helix or cartilage shield.

Helixes are made up of cartilage, which is much more demanding than the fleshy lobe of your ear. That means they don’t feel as bad as lobe or tragus piercings, and most people say they only hurt a bit, like a sharp pinch.

If you decide to get a helix piercing, it’s important to remember that they can take longer to heal than other types. Cartilage heals differently than soft tissue, so it can take up to 12 months for your helix piercing to recover and look as good as new.

Aftercare is also a significant factor in helix piercing healing, so wash your piercing twice daily with an antibacterial saline solution or antimicrobial soap. You should also avoid irritating it as much as possible, says Earnest.