Ear Piercing Types and Names
Short answer: Ear piercings fall into two groups: soft tissue (the earlobe) and cartilage (helix, tragus, daith, conch, rook, flat, industrial). The lobe is the easiest and fastest to heal, while cartilage piercings are more sensitive and take longer to heal. Before getting a cartilage piercing, it's important to choose an experienced piercer who works with a sterile needle.
The ear is the most popular place for piercings because it has so many different spots. By combining them you can even build a curated ear. But you need to know that every spot has its own anatomy, pain level and aftercare.
Ear piercing locations
Lobe (earlobe)
The soft lower part of the ear. The most common, easiest and fastest-healing piercing. Besides the classic hole, there are variations like the upper lobe (second or third hole) and horizontal or vertical lobe piercings. The lobe is the best spot for a first piercing.
Helix
The upper outer cartilage of the ear. It can be done as a single, double or triple helix. A forward helix sits on the front upper part of the ear. Because it is cartilage, it takes longer to heal than the lobe.
Tragus
The small flap of cartilage in front of the ear canal. A sensitive spot; you may feel pressure. The anti-tragus sits on the cartilage opposite it.
Daith
The innermost cartilage fold of the ear (the innermost part of the helix). It needs a specific angle and curved jewelry; the piercer's experience is crucial.
Conch
The wide, bowl-shaped cartilage area inside the ear. It is split into the inner conch (close to the ear canal) and the outer conch (higher up). It can take a ring or a stud.
Rook
The inner upper cartilage fold of the ear, between the daith and the helix. A difficult, sensitive spot.
Flat
The flat cartilage surface of the ear. Modern and stylish; usually worn with small gemstone jewelry.
Industrial
Two separate holes in the upper cartilage of the ear, connected by a single barbell. Because both points need to heal at the same time, aftercare is harder.
Orbital
Two holes in the same cartilage, connected by a single ring.
How much does each one hurt?
Pain varies from person to person; a general ranking looks like this:
- Milder: Lobe, flat (for some people)
- Moderate: Helix, conch
- More sensitive: Tragus, daith, rook, industrial
For details, see Do Piercings Hurt?.
Cartilage piercing healing
Cartilage has little blood flow, so it heals much more slowly than soft tissue; usually months, sometimes up to a year. During that time:
- Don't change the jewelry early.
- Don't sleep on it or put pressure on it.
- Watch out for friction from headphones, hats and hair clips.
- Keep it clean and dry; follow the aftercare instructions.
For details, see How to Care for a Piercing.
Choosing jewelry
- Barbells and labrets: Common for cartilage piercings.
- Rings: Preferred in some spots once healed; putting in a ring too early can cause irritation.
- Material: Implant-grade titanium or quality gold is a good choice for sensitive skin.
- Length: The first piece is chosen a little longer to allow for swelling; your piercer decides the right length.
Cartilage piercing warnings
- Piercing guns: Using a gun on cartilage is generally not recommended; the blunt force can damage the tissue. Choose a piercer who uses a sterile needle.
- Irritation and bumps: Poor aftercare or changing jewelry too early can cause a bump on the cartilage.
- Infection: Cartilage infections can be serious; if you have swelling, pain, pus or a fever, see a doctor without delay.
- Allergies: If you have a nickel allergy, choose suitable jewelry.
Ear piercing prices
Price depends on the spot, the jewelry material, the piercer's experience and the studio. For details, see How Are Piercing Prices Determined?.
How do you find a place for an ear piercing?
In the TattooVerseCo Artists section you can find artists who do piercings, and in the Studios section studios that offer piercing, using the city and district filters. Compare the gallery, reviews and hygiene information on their profiles.
Frequently asked questions
Which spot is best for a first ear piercing?
The lobe (earlobe) is a relatively easy, fast-healing spot.
How many months does a cartilage piercing take to heal?
Usually from a few months up to a year. Your piercer will tell you the timeline for your case.
Can I get several ear piercings at once?
It's possible, but every new hole is a separate wound. Getting too many at once can make healing harder.
Does a daith piercing really help?
Some people choose it for headaches, but it is not a scientifically proven treatment. See a doctor for health problems.
When can I change my ear piercing jewelry?
After healing is complete, with your piercer's approval.
The right piercing for your ear. Find places that do piercings in the TattooVerseCo Artists and Studios sections.