Ear piercing is as old as civilization but still grows ever more popular by the day. Some of the biggest and emerging jewelers in top cities like NYC have shoved aside their other concessions in favor of the thriving subsector riding on the new wave of Insta-Tiktok which has sold earrings body piercing in general like never before seen. Not sure what to get for yourself? You are in luck because we spoke to the head of piercings at Stone and Strand and prepared a small encyclopedia on ear piercings. By the end of this short read, you should understand all possible ear piercings and the combinations that make the most glam.
How Old is Ear Piercing
Ear piercings and jewelry are now becoming the staple for beauty with many faiths already accepting ear piercings as the cultural and beauty norm that it has been for ages. Ear piercing is rooted in both western, mid and oriental cultures and religions including Hinduism.
13 Foundation Ear Piercing Spots
This being a foundation course on ear piercings means we cannot assume that you already know the various types of ear piercings that are on trend. Even if you have been on TikTok it might take you an eon to realize that all the glamorous well curated ear patterns that have now become the fashion accessory du jour are based on a cluster of 8 possible piercings ordered a little differently.
1. Standard Lobe Piercing
First, a classic. The standard ear lobe piercing is a modest beauty cue that also spells innocence and can transform plain beauty to next level glam. The lobe area is a beginners entry point for piercings as it one of the easiest to heal and also one that can be discrete when needed. The threshold of pain is also quite low at about 1.5 of 10.
2. Stacked Lobe
If you would like to get a little out of the comfort zone then there is the stacked lobe option which is still modest but with an edge for redefined beauty. As the name suggests, the stacked lobe means you probably already have another earring on the lower lobe area discussed above. Smaller point jewelery will look stunning at this spot and have a minimal beauty about them.
3. Upper/High Lobe
A fun technique to spruce up the lobe is with a high-lobe piercing. They’re particularly effective in transforming a badly placed piercing you may have had before into a feature. The lobe is so meaty that the amount of discomfort from the piercing is a very low two out of 10. Although the recovery period, which lasts six to eight weeks, is quite brief, this does not excuse you from providing poor aftercare. You must always adhere to the post-care and maintenance recommendations of your piercer.
4. Anti-Tragus
You have probably already heard of or have the tragus piercing but have you heard of the anti-tragus tattoo? With constellation based pieces blowing up on Insta, the tragus is setting stars apart from mediocrity with some of the prettiest curated ears ever. The tragus is a rare gem especially because its high threshold of pain and protracted healing time up to 8 months.
5. Snake bite Midi
You can protect snake bites with rings and labret studs. A bar with a stud or other similar decoration on one end and a flat plate on the other that rests against the inside of the lip is referred to as a labret stud. Rings are exactly what they sound like: lip-encircling rings.
6. Helix
Helix piercings can be had anywhere on the upper outer cartilage and are the de facto next move after a stacked ear lobe. It is also trending as “flat piercing” (although technically not) and has grown ever more popular with the industry trying all sorts of crazy combinations using the Helix. As cool as it is, it’s still basic and looks good on a full donned ear and with creative jewelers beyond the cliche loop. It isn’t too painful and heals in 6 to 9 months.
7. Flat helix
Flat helix is the , well, flat area just below the outer rim of your ear. It seems like hard thin cartilage is easier to get through but as it turns out, piercing thinner sections is more painful than thicker tissue, just like with tattoos. It is however, only moderately painful and a rewarding unusual location that can be discreet or flaunted as needed. Here, you can use a flat back or stud to create the best alluring effects.
This piercing looks way cooler than most other moderately painful piercings for the eat such as daith, conch and anti-tragus.
8. Forward helix
Forward helix is a placement on the cartilage closer to your face and oriented forwards directly above the tragus. Although slightly complicated compared to say a standard ear lobe, there is nothing exceptionally difficult about acquiring this piece and healing is also quite rapid on most subjects, usually 6 months or so. Variants include double and triple forward helix piercings. They are a joy to have as they do not require much attention after healing. Granted, these are fairly rare combinations to have and have the potential to be a really personal choice.
9. Rook Piercing
The rook is one place you might want to examine if you’re searching for a trendy new piercing. Your ear’s topmost ridge’s inner edge is punctured by a rook piercing. It is two levels above the tagus, the curving bulb that covers your inner ear, and one step above a daith piercing, which is the tiny ridge over the ear canal. Rook piercings appear to be becoming more popular, despite the fact that they are not connected to migraine relief like the daith. They are fashionable this year because they may center a constellation of piercings, which resembles a starry sky. Rook heart piercings are particularly slow to heal and will take up to 10 months to heal besides being quite painful ( maybe a 6 out of 10).
10. Daith Piercing
The daith, which is located in a little uncomfortable location—the hoop that hugs the ear’s inside cartilage—requires a knowledgeable piercer. It is also said to be effective in treating migraines. You’ll experience a five to six on a scale of one to ten discomfort when having the daith punctured since it is put on cartilage. The normal recovery time for a daith piercing is between six and nine months. In contrast to certain outer-ear piercings, sleeping on a daith piercing after a few months is rather normal. As with any new piercing, it is not advised to do so until it has fully healed.
11. Conch Piercing
The enormous spiral form that ears resemble inspired the name of a particular type of cartilage piercing called a conch. It may be due to the way they boldly yet subtly embellish the ear, or it might be because of how very adjustable they are—they can be worn alone or with carefully selected ears. There are different possibilities for jewelry kind and location (inner versus exterior) in the field of conch piercings (stud or hoop).
It can be pierced with a stud for a delicate look, a double stud (if you’re feeling daring), or even a cuff that can wrap around the edge of your ear.
12. Tragus Piercing
The tragus, that tiny flap partially covering the ear canal, can add detail to any curated ear, especially when it’s adorned with a pretty stud or snug hoop. As the tragus is a cartilage piercing, you can expect the pain level to fall somewhere between four or five out of 10.
Because the tragus is there to protect the outer part of your ear canal, piercing through it, your post is going to be blocking where your earbuds go. Each time you take them in and out, it’ll irritate this piercing. It’s not impossible to heal, but if you’re a ‘picker’ or a ‘fidgeter’ it may not be for you.
13. Industrial
An industrial piercing is among the most striking techniques to pierce your ears. If you’ve been considering getting one but aren’t sure, you’re in the perfect spot. It’s also trickier than many other ear piercings. Here, we’ll attempt to address some of the most often asked queries regarding industrial piercings.
An industrial is really two (or perhaps more) piercings of the ear cartilage connected by a single piece of jewelry, unlike conventional ear piercings. The helix, the thick ridge of cartilage around the top of the ear, is the most popular site for an industrial piercing. Both piercings are located close to the back of the ear, one through the front helix and the other through the rear helix.
Other possibilities for industrial piercing combinations are also available. For instance, an industrial piercing may connect a helix and a daith or a rook and a conch. In fact, here are 10 more for you to consider.
10 Cool-Girl Ear Piercings Combinations to Try
A single ear piercing is outdated this year; quantity is key! It’s about time you joined the bandwagon of many ear piercings, as have all of our favorite celebrities and influencers. Read on for the finest combos that will cause everyone to pause if you’re sick of your typical ear candy. Scroll down to find your next inspiration:
1. Flat + Triple Lobe
Choose a flat piercing + triple lobe if you don’t want your ears to seem overly crowded but yet want many ear candies.
2. Single lobe + Daith + Helix
A single lobe + daith + helix combo is a good choice if you like your piercings to be spaced apart from one another.
3. Single lobe + Industrial
Make careful you mix an industrial piercing with something understated, like a single lobe, since it will undoubtedly draw attention.
4. Conch + Double helix + Single lobe
This combination is perfect for you if hoops are your life.
5. Triple lobe + Conch
By acquiring a triple lobe + conch combo, you can keep everything on the lowest portion of your ear.
6. Triple lobe
By acquiring a triple lobe + conch combo, you can keep everything on the lowest portion of your ear.
7. Conch + Helix + Flat
Place all of your piercings on top of your ear, like this conch, helix, and flat combination, if you wish to leave the lower half of your ear naked.
8. Tragus + Helix + Flat
Triple lobe is not usually implied by three piercings. For a “fresher” approach, consider a tragus + helix + flat combination.
9. Double lobe + Double forward helix
Get a double lobe and double forward helix piercing to maintain balance.
10. Tragus + Daith + Triple lobe
The combination of a tragus, daith, and triple lobe is certain to create an eye-catching design.
Final Thoughts
Regarding any more piercings or fashion trends that we should keep an eye out for. The majority of these are cartilage piercings, which heal similarly and require the same treatment. Because they are “simple,” but in a great way, [Industrial, Helix, Tragus, and the Standard Lobe] are currently trendy and will continue to be after quarantine.
Think about what piercing would look excellent by itself, and then expand upon that. Consider whether you favor an asymmetrical or symmetrical appearance as well. Your piercer will be able to help you with a design or at the very least point you in the right direction if you discuss the general aesthetic you’re looking for with them.
You can place them however closely or far apart you desire. The key factor is ultimately your taste. The first hole on the earlobe, however, typically favors a bigger stud than the second, third, etc. Your piercer should space the second piercing sufficiently apart from the first one to prevent them from touching.
The appropriate earring and its placement may often be helpful (This is much easier than re-piercing). To better line your earring with the piercing next to it, you may, for example, relocate the posts further to one side.
FAQ
How far apart should I place ear piercings?
You can place them however closely or far apart you desire. The key factor is ultimately your taste. The first hole on the earlobe, however, typically favors a bigger stud than the second, third, etc. Your piercer should space the second piercing sufficiently apart from the first one to prevent them from touching.
How can you fix the position of an ear piercing that you no longer like?
The appropriate earring and its placement may often be helpful (This is much easier than re-piercing). To better line your earring with the piercing next to it, you may, for example, relocate the posts further to one side.
What is the best piercing to get for a girl?
One of the most alluring ear piercing designs is the conch. These piercings, which are named after shells or “conches,” are done in the middle of your ears. Conch earrings are among the most adaptable types that allow for experimentation because this is the ear region with the largest space.
Which ear piercing is most attractive?
Helix. The upper ear’s cartilage groove is where the helix piercing is located. another painful piercing is the Rook may look stunning if worn with the appropriate jewelry, although being less prevalent than other piercings on this list.
What piercing hurts the most?
Due to its location on your body, a navel piercing has one of the longest healing durations, lasting up to 12 months. From 6 to 8 weeks, the jewelry may often be replaced to a little shorter sterile item.
When will I be able to sleep on my lobe piercing?
There is one exception to the usual rule that you shouldn’t sleep with earrings in place: when you have a new piercing. These tiny studs must be left in for at least six weeks or until your piercer gives you the all-clear.