In the past, ear piercing was limited to the lobes, but now it’s a creative feast with options beyond just the basics. Multiple piercings have become a way to express individual style, turning ears into a palette for self-expression.
Before you join the piercing trend, it’s wise to understand the safest places to get pierced and what level of discomfort and healing time to anticipate. With that in mind, here’s a quick guide to 11 trendy ear piercing styles that might inspire your next look.
Types of Ear Piercings
Lobe Piercing
Picture Source: Red Book
| Pain: | 🌟 🌟 |
| Recovery time: | 2-4 months |
Earlobe piercing is a little puncture right through the fleshy part of your ear to slip in some shiny studs or dazzling hoops. It’s a timeless trend, one of the first and favorite forms of body art. Some folks receive a pair of sparkling ear gems as a family tradition or cultural rite of passage when they enter the world.
However, some people think that newborns and infants under 3-6 months old might be too delicate for the procedure. This is because their immune systems are still developing. It is not recommended to pierce a child's ears too early for safety reasons. Moreover, early ear piercing may cause the hole to shift as the child grows, requiring a re-piercing.
Transverse Lobe Piercing
Picture Source: Glam
| Pain: | 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 |
| Recovery time: | 6-12 months |
Transverse lobe piercings are the trendy twist on the classic earlobe piercing. Instead of going up and down, these piercings zip right across the earlobe, creating a cool horizontal line of bling. It’s like a little sideways smile for your ear, offering a fresh and edgy look that stands out from the traditional vertical piercing. With this style, you’re sure to turn heads and show off your flair for the unconventional.
Helix Piercing
Picture Source: Red Book
| Pain: | 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 |
| Recovery time: | 6-12 months |
Helix piercings are the ear’s answer to a constellation of style. Whether you choose one earring or multiple earrings along your ear, it's a timeless and modern style.
But style comes with a touch of caution. Helix piercings can get tangled in your hair, so be careful, especially right after getting pierced. Don't forget about maintenance for your upper ear piercing. It can attract earwax, so keeping it clean is important for a good healing process.
With some care, your helix piercing will shine like the stars and give your everyday look a celestial touch.
Forward Helix Piercing
Picture Source: Red Book
| Pain: | 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 |
| Recovery time: | 6-12 months |
Industrial piercings are a statement-making choice, featuring a long barbell connecting two piercings across the upper ear. The regular route goes from the outer upper curve to the inner ridge of cartilage near the front of the ear.
An industrial piercing requires a bit more dedication when it comes to healing and aftercare. But pull it off, and you’ll have an ear piercing that’s as attention-grabbing as a guitar solo.
Anti-helix Piercing
Picture Source: Red Book
| Pain: | 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 |
| Recovery time: | 4-6 months |
Anti-helix piercing (also known as snug piercing) is available. This piercing is not in the usual spots. Instead, it is placed on the inner ridge of the cartilage. It is located just above the anti-tragus. It’s like a secret sparkle, sitting snugly parallel to the helix.
Now, here’s the kicker – anti-helix piercings are no walk in the park. They’re a bit trickier and, let’s face it, pricier on the pain scale. The cartilage here is a bit chunkier and has more curves, which can make the piercing process a bit more intense.
Also, if you sleep on your side, you may want to think twice about getting this piercing. It could cause discomfort and slow down the healing process.
Industrial Piercing
Picture Source: Red Book
| Pain: | 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 |
| Recovery time: | 6-12 months |
Rev up your ear game with an industrial piercing, the punk rock star of the piercing world. This edgy look involves two piercings that link up with a single, long barbell, creating a bold line that slashes diagonally across the upper ear cartilage. It’s like wearing a piece of abstract art on your ear.
The beauty of the industrial piercing is that it’s as unique as the person wearing it. No two are exactly alike, as the piercings can be placed in slightly different spots to suit your individual ear shape. The regular route goes from the outer upper curve to the inner ridge of cartilage near the front of the ear.
An industrial piercing requires a bit more dedication when it comes to healing and aftercare. But pull it off, and you’ll have an ear piercing that’s as attention-grabbing as a guitar solo.
Daith Piercing
Picture Source: Red Book
| Pain: | 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 |
| Recovery time: | 9-12 months |
Daith piercings are the hidden gems of the ear piercing world, nestled deep within the innermost cartilage fold, just above the ear canal. This piercing is tricky because it's in a small area, which can be challenging for even experienced piercers.
But the effort is worth it. Daith piercings have shot to fame in recent years, thanks to their distinct and chic appearance. Whether you’re into trendy hoops or subtle studs, this piercing offers a fresh way to adorn your ears. And with the right jewelry, your daith piercing will be a conversation starter, turning heads and catching eyes wherever you go.
Tragus Piercing
Picture Source: Red Book
| Pain: | 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 |
| Recovery time: | 9-12 months |
Tragus piercings are a popular choice for their understated yet eye-catching style, sitting on the small flap of cartilage above the ear canal. The thick cartilage in this area can make getting a piercing painful. It is important to have a skilled piercer do it.
If you’re new to piercings or you enjoy using in-ear headphones, you might want to think twice about getting a tragus piercing. Despite the challenges, though, a tragus piercing can be a unique and stylish addition to your look.
Antitragus Piercing
Picture Source: Red Book
| Pain: | 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 |
| Recovery time: | 9-12 months |
An antitragus piercing sits on the outer cartilage, directly opposite the tragus, close to the earlobe. This spot’s thicker cartilage can make the piercing process more painful. Healing can take up to a year for some, and it’s not the best choice if you’re a frequent headphone user. Despite this, it’s a stylish piercing that can add a touch of flair to your ear.
Conch Piercing
Picture Source: Red Book
| Pain: | 🌟 🌟 🌟 |
| Recovery time: | 9-12 months |
Conch piercings are all about making a statement with a bold cut through a significant chunk of your ear’s cartilage. There are two zones to choose from: the inner conch, nestled in the center of the cartilage, and the outer conch, perched higher up.
Deciding whether to pierce the conch is a matter of space. If the spot is on the petite side, it’s best to pass on the piercing to avoid any hassle with headphones. Post-pierce, opt for dainty 3mm stud earrings – they’re the perfect fit for your freshly punched conch.
Rook Piercing
Picture Source: Red Book
| Pain: | 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 |
| Recovery time: | 6-12 months |
Rook piercings are the hidden gems of ear accessorizing, nestled in the upper ear’s cartilage ridge, just above the tragus and antitragus. This piercing’s offbeat location adds a touch of originality to your look, making it stand out from the crowd. If you’re after a piercing that’s both chic and a bit unconventional, the rook might just be the choice for you.
Common Questions about Ear Piercing
Where is the riskiest place to get your ears pierced?
Cartilage Piercings
Cartilage piercings are more prone to infections and take longer to heal than earlobe piercings. The restricted blood circulation in the cartilage makes infection control challenging. There's also a higher risk of hypertrophic scarring and keloids formation with cartilage piercings.
Industrial Piercings
Industrial piercings are more likely to get infected, cause pain, and take longer to heal. This happens because they travel through more tissue and are more likely to move and become trapped. For this piercing, it is important to ensure precise alignment. Incorrect placement could lead to discomfort or slow healing.
Daith Piercings
The daith piercing is in the inner cartilage of the ear. It can be difficult to keep clean. This increases the risk of infection. Additionally, because of its placement, it is more prone to discomfort from headphones or earbuds.
Which location affects wearing earbuds?
Daith piercings, tragus piercings and conch piercings.
Picture Source: Red Book
Considerations for Non-Lobe Piercings
The process of getting other types of ear piercings can be more complex and painful than earlobe piercings. You should be more careful after getting non-lobe piercings.
1. Find a professional piercer: Choose an experienced and skilled piercer to ensure safe and proper piercing.
2. Healing time required: Different piercing locations have different healing times. For example, simple earlobe piercings usually heal faster, while more complex locations may take longer.
3. Keep your piercing clean and dry: You should clean it regularly with saline solution. Avoid touching it with your hands to prevent bacteria.
4. Take it easy: After getting pierced, make sure to avoid overexerting yourself. For example, especially using headphones or headsets that could slow down healing. And avoid touching or twisting the jewelry. Try not to sleep on the pierced ear.
5. Avoid allergic reactions: When picking out earrings, think about any allergies you have. Some metals may cause allergic reactions in some people.
6. Pay attention to your body: If you feel any unusual pain, swelling, discharge, or signs of infection, see a doctor right away.
Whether you want something simple or something bold, there is a piercing to match your style and taste. And with the right care and attention to detail, you can enjoy your new piercing for years to come.
If you want a new ear piercing, read on to learn about the different options available. Choose the perfect one that best suits your style. Show off your new piercing with confidence.
