Types of Piercings and Their Names

Short answer: Piercing is the general name for holes made in the skin to wear jewelry on different parts of the body. The main types are ear (lobe, helix, tragus, daith, conch), nose (nostril, septum), lip (labret, medusa, smiley), eyebrow, navel and tongue piercings. Each type has its own name, jewelry, healing time and risks, so it's important to know the area and the jewelry type before you get pierced.

It's easy to get lost among piercing styles and names. Even the same area has several different names. This article introduces the most common types of piercings with their names and key features.

Ear piercings

The ear is the most popular area for piercings. Both soft tissue (the lobe) and cartilage areas are used.

• Lobe (earlobe): Location: The soft lower part of the ear · Note: The most common and the easiest to heal
• Helix: Location: The upper outer cartilage of the ear · Note: Cartilage, takes longer to heal
• Tragus: Location: The cartilage flap in front of the ear canal · Note: A sensitive area
• Daith: Location: The inner cartilage fold of the ear · Note: Needs a special angle and jewelry
• Conch: Location: The wide inner cartilage area of the ear · Note: Worn with a ring or a stud
• Rook: Location: The cartilage fold inside the ear · Note: Needs an experienced piercer
• Industrial: Location: Two holes in the upper ear, one bar · Note: Joins two points, harder to care for
• Flat: Location: The flat cartilage area of the ear · Note: Modern and stylish

For details, see Ear Piercing Types and Names .

Nose piercings

• Nostril: The side of the nose. The most popular nose piercing; worn with a ring or a small stud.
• Septum: The middle wall of the nose. Worn with a ring or a horseshoe.
• Bridge: The bridge of the nose, between the eyes. Less common.
• Nasallang: Goes through the nose from side to side, passing through the septum. A more difficult procedure.

For details, see Nose Piercing Styles .

Lip and mouth piercings

• Labret: Below the lower lip, above the chin.
• Medusa: The center of the upper lip.
• Monroe and Madonna: Beside the upper lip (Monroe on the left, Madonna on the right).
• Smiley: Through the upper lip frenulum; it shows when you smile.
• Snake bites: A pair of piercings on either side of the lower lip.
• Tongue: The center of the tongue. Because it's inside the mouth, a tongue piercing comes with particular risks and aftercare needs.

For details, see Lip and Tongue Piercings .

Navel and body piercings

• Navel (belly button): The upper rim of the navel. Very popular with women.
• Eyebrow: The outer edge of the eyebrow.
• Dermal (surface) piercing: A piercing anchored under the skin, with a single gem showing on the outside. It requires special expertise.
• Genital and nipple piercings: Intimate areas; only get these done by very experienced, hygienic piercers.

For the navel, see Belly Button Piercing Styles and Aftercare .

Types of jewelry

• Stud: Small, one piece, with a gem on the front.
• Ring (hoop): Circular jewelry.
• Barbell: A bar with two ends; used in the tongue, eyebrow and cartilage.
• Labret (flat back): With a flat back piece, for the lip and ear.
• Horseshoe: Shaped like a horseshoe.

Jewelry materials

• Implant-grade titanium: Often recommended for sensitive skin.
• Surgical steel: Common, but it can contain nickel; anyone with a nickel allergy should be careful.
• Gold (high-quality karat): A pricier, high-quality option.
• Bioflex and acrylic: Preferred for some uses and stages.

How long does each piercing take to heal?

Times vary from person to person; in general:

• Earlobe: Weeks (a few weeks to a few months)
• Cartilage (helix, tragus, conch): Months (a few months to a year)
• Nostril: Months
• Lip: Weeks to months
• Tongue: A few weeks
• Navel: Months (it can take a long time)

These times are estimates; your piercer will give you an estimate for your case.

Steps to the right piercing

1. Decide on the area and the jewelry.
2. Choose an experienced place that pierces with a sterile needle. Piercing guns are generally not recommended on cartilage.
3. Ask about the jewelry material.
4. Learn the aftercare instructions. How to Take Care of a New Piercing
5. Be patient through the healing process.

Finding a piercing artist and studio

TattooVerseCo doesn't have a separate section for piercing, but artists who do piercings are listed in the Artists section, and studios that offer piercing are listed in the Studios section. Use the city and district filters to compare options near you.

Frequently asked questions

What's the most popular type of piercing?

The earlobe and the nostril are the most common. Cartilage piercings are increasingly popular too.

Which piercing hurts the most?

Pain varies from person to person; cartilage, the navel and some facial areas are generally considered more sensitive. For details, see Do Piercings Hurt? .

When can I change my piercing jewelry?

Changing it before healing is complete can cause problems. Ask your piercer.

Which area is best for a first piercing?

The earlobe is a common choice for a first piercing because it's relatively easy and heals quickly.

Piercing gun or needle?

A sterile needle is generally considered safer, especially on cartilage. Ask your piercer about their method.

The right piercing starts with the right piercer. Find places that do piercings in the TattooVerseCo Artists and Studios sections.