Ear Piercing: Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Pierced

Author of the article - Tetyana (Caflon manager")

The most attractive place for earrings was and remains ear piercing. Some people prefer to decorate only the lobe, and those who are more progressive and bold make the entire auricle the goal of body modification - curls, cartilages, external and internal curves.

We offer complete information (one might say a kind of guide) about where a new piercing will look most stylish and individual.

The guide is suitable for both beginners and experienced piercers thinking about an additional piercing.

Here you will find information about the types of ear piercing, their location and preferred jewelry, basic care and precautions.

The article is based on reviews and recommendations of the best masters Ukraine.

Classic lobe piercing

Involves one hole in the center of the lobes. It is done even for children. As a rule, such piercing allows the strictest dress code.

A modern interpretation of this body decoration implies two punctures, going diagonally, vertically or horizontally, resembling a “bite”, but only if it is a pair of identical or similar studs.

You can also make 3 holes, creating a slightly vintage look.

A new type of earlobe piercing - transverse

This puncture goes inside the earlobe, most often horizontally, but can also be diagonal. A barbell with two tips is used. The image is a little rebellious and unusual.

Tragus or tragus piercing

This is the name of the small cartilage above the earlobe, slightly covering the ear canal. Either labrets or small rings are used.

Forward helix

Just above the tragus is a small cartilage that is directly adjacent to the head. It got its name because it is located slightly in front of and parallel to the regular helix. It is customary to insert small labrets into the hole, other decorations look too outrageous.

Snug

The antihelix of the concha is pierced, opposite the forward helix or the auditory canal, which depends on the anatomical structure of the concha. A double puncture of the cartilage is performed, so the piercing is considered painful and takes a long time to heal. Of the jewelry, rings or barbells are most often chosen.

Auricle

It is made on the outer edge of the ear just above the lobe and just below the curl. Due to the different anatomy of the auricle, it is not suitable for everyone, since there is not always enough space for an earring. As a rule, a ring or labret is inserted.

Dace

Located on the inner fold of cartilage, directly above the auditory canal. Mini barbells or rings are used for decoration.

Conch

Located in the center of the ear. Divided into the inner conch and outer conch. Rings or barbells are used for decoration.

Orbital piercing

It can be located in different parts of the ear, but most often it can be seen in the helix or end area. The main task of this solution is two punctures connected by a ring.

Anti tragus

The decoration is located on the cartilage directly above the lobe. Since the cartilage actually opposes the tragus, the piercing received the prefix "anti". It is usually decorated with labret.

Rook

Is a puncture of the upper cartilage. That is, this is the upper inner fold of the ear (anti-helix), just above the Daith piercing. Curved bars or small rings are suitable for it.

Industrial

Consists of 2 punctures in the upper part of the ear, connected by a straight bar. Now bars with pendants or voluminous decor are actively used, but minimalism remains in demand.

Helix

The earring is located in the upper outer part of the ear. This is one of the most popular types of piercing. Can be done as a single puncture, or in combination with several punctures (double helix, triple helix). The most varied jewelry is selected: rings, labrets, studs, etc.

Flat piercing

It is localized in the upper part of the auricle, on the flat space above the upper cartilage and below the outer fold. Labret is mainly worn here.

How to properly care for a piercing

The masters recommend rinsing a new puncture with saline or slightly salted water. To relieve swelling and reduce discomfort, you can apply ice wrapped in a paper or cloth napkin. You can hold it for no more than 10 minutes, then take a break for 2-3 minutes. and, if desired, repeat. The total duration of the applications is no longer than an hour.

Also, do not touch the piercing with your hands, twist or remove the earring. Depending on the location of the hole, do not wash your hair or clean the ear canal in the first few days.

How to reduce pain during a piercing?

Experts have noticed that when the client is relaxed, the procedure is easier and less painful. We recommend rescheduling the operation for another time in case of a panic attack or anxiety attack.

For relaxation, you can use breathing exercises, memories of pleasant moments in life, soft and soothing music.

Which piercing is the most painful?

Compared to the earlobe, any cartilage is more painful to pierce and takes longer to heal. Double cartilage piercings are considered the most difficult, they are also the most painful, requiring a long healing time. But it all depends on the individual pain threshold and the performer's skill.

What is better to do piercing with: a gun or a needle?

For the earlobe, a gun is considered optimal, since it simultaneously puts on the earring, which reduces the number of irritating movements by half and ensures maximum sterility.

Cartilage is pierced with a special needle, and the more confidently and smoothly the master's hand moves, the less discomfort the client experiences.