Best Headphones For Tragus Piercing? Quick Answer

If you’re looking for a new accessory, you might want to consider an ear piercing (or two). The curated ear is trending among cool girls and celebrities alike, and with good reason. Whether you’re looking for something understated or quirky, there are plenty of options to choose from.

One of our favorites is the tragus piercing, which is “pretty recent in terms of history and was probably first seen in the 1980s,” says piercing expert Jasmine Lewis. Nonetheless, the tragus remains a popular choice for ear piercings. Celebrities from Zoë Kravitz to Rihanna to Scarlett Johansson have all been spotted wearing an adorned tragus. Keep scrolling to learn more about getting a tragus piercing, including the level of pain, healing time, and cost.

Tragus Piercing Placement: The small piece of cartilage over the entrance to the ear canal Price: $30-40, plus the cost of the jewelry Pain Level: 4/10 Healing Time: 6 to 12 months Aftercare: Clean twice a day with a sterilizer, saline solution. Avoid putting pressure on the area by not sleeping on the side with the earring until it has healed.

What is a tragus piercing?

A tragus piercing sits on the small area of ​​cartilage that partially covers your ear canal. Anatomically, the outer ear is made up of cartilage and skin. While the fleshy lobe remains the preferred choice among traditionalists looking to get pierced, areas of cartilage, such as the tragus, can lure those interested in something different or in addition to their already pierced lobe. According to Lewis, “As piercers, we look for a small flat area to support the piercing.

You may also have heard of a surface tragus piercing, which is placed in the same area as the tragus piercing, except that only the skin is pierced, not the cartilage. However, because the jewelry is under the skin, there is a higher chance that the body will reject it and see it as a foreign object that needs to be pushed out.

pain and healing time

Sure, pain is relative — up to a point. How much does a tragus piercing generally hurt? Lewis says, “Most cartilage piercings feel more like pressure than pain to me. For example, I’ve had both a tragus and a helix piercing and I wouldn’t say one was more painful than the other. Although people are sensitive in different areas, so the intensity of the pain will vary from person to person.” No pain, no gain, right?

While any ear cartilage piercing is difficult to heal, the tragus, in particular, gets in the way when using a phone, listening through headphones/earbuds, or using a Bluetooth earbud. Germs are likely to be on these ear tips and can delay the healing time of your piercing. It’s wise to avoid having anything come in direct contact with your tragus for at least a few weeks after your piercing. “A lot of things will go into the healing time of a piercing, but generally we’d say anywhere from six to 12 months,” says Lewis.

Cost of a tragus piercing

The price of a tragus piercing depends on where you get it done, less for reasons related to the act of piercing than to the piece of jewelry. Tragus piercings usually cost between $30 and $40. Lewis elaborates, “Most inner ear cartilage piercings are about the same price. Jewelery choices vary, the only caveat being: how many diamonds?”

post-treatment

If you are considering getting any type of piercing, proper aftercare is of the utmost importance. After all, you don’t want the excitement of your new earring to be overshadowed by earring infection. To avoid such a scenario, Lewis recommends, “Clean your piercing with sterile saline solution twice a day for the first two to three months. Avoid touching or moving the piercing – any excessive trauma or pressure will prolong the healing process, simply put, leave the piercing alone unless you are cleaning it!”

dr Howard Sobel, founder of Sobel Skin and treating dermatologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, says avoid soap, shampoo or other sanitizers “on the first day.” He also suggests applying polysporin to the area. “I would even consider not using headphones/earbuds for the first four to eight weeks after the piercing,” he says.

Lewis adds, “Anyway, applying pressure to the piercing while it’s healing will prolong the healing process. We would recommend not sleeping on it for the first few months. Travel pillows can come in handy to avoid pressure.”

Because the tragus piercing may swell more than other ear piercings, a ring would be much more difficult to heal as it may not provide room for swelling. Instead, opt for an ingot as your first ear jewelry.

side effects of piercing

Infection and scarring: “Be aware that this area of ​​the ear has poor blood flow, which puts a tragus piercing at a higher risk of infection or scarring,” says Sobel. Having the piercing done by a professional and practicing proper aftercare will reduce the likelihood of these side effects. “If you have irritation or redness, it’s important to talk to your dermatologist to find the best solution for your specific needs,” adds Sobel.

“Be aware that this area of ​​the ear has poor blood flow, which makes a tragus piercing a higher risk of infection or scarring,” says Sobel. Having the piercing done by a professional and practicing proper aftercare will reduce the likelihood of these side effects. “If you have irritation or redness, it’s important to talk to your dermatologist to find the best solution for your specific needs,” adds Sobel. Allergic Reactions: According to Sobel, it’s possible to have “allergic reactions to the type of metal used in the earring.” Common sensitivities include lower quality nickel, copper and gold. If you are sensitive to metals, discuss this with your piercer before choosing jewelry.

According to Sobel, it’s possible to “have an allergic reaction to the type of metal used for the earring.” Common sensitivities include lower quality nickel, copper and gold. If you are sensitive to metals, discuss this with your piercer before choosing jewelry. Hypertrophic Scarring: Although not a keloid, hypertrophic scarring is caused by excessive amounts of tissue forming over the punctured area. This type of scarring “is common with cartilage piercings,” says Sobel.

Although not quite a keloid, hypertrophic scarring is caused by excessive amounts of tissue forming over the punctured area. This type of scarring “is common with cartilage piercings,” says Sobel. Blisters: “If you have irritation or see a blister/bump, it could be due to hypertrophic scarring, or it could be an infection/abscess fluid trapped under or behind the piercing,” notes Sobel. While not all bumps are severe, it’s important to see a doctor if you notice anything more than minor irritation in the area.

How to change a tragus piercing

Avoid removing the piercing until it has fully healed. Before changing your tragus piercing (or any other piercing), it’s a good idea to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and clean the area regularly to disinfect it and “don’t get bacteria into the area,” says Sobel. He recommends cleaning the piercing yourself with saline or a product like NeilMed Piercing Aftercare Wound Wash ($14).

The specific steps depend on whether your earring is a stud, ring, barbell, etc. If in doubt, most piercing studios will replace an earring free of charge.

What type of jewelry is used for tragus piercing?

Maria Tash Serrated Diamond Stud Earrings $295.00 Shop

Studs: Small and simple, studs are a great option for tragus piercings, which tend to be tiny. A ball stud with smooth edges that are less likely to snag on hair and clothing is ideal for a new piercing. Once it heals you can get more adventurous with your studs.

Small and simple, studs are a great option for tragus piercings, which tend to be tiny. A ball stud with smooth edges that are less likely to snag on hair and clothing is ideal for a new piercing. Once it heals you can get more adventurous with your studs. Barbell: A barbell is an earring with balls on both ends and a stick in the middle. Tragus dumbbells are smaller than most. This is another great option for a brand new piercing as it is easy to set in and keep clean.

A barbell is an earring with balls on both ends and a bar in the middle. Tragus dumbbells are smaller than most. This is another great option for a brand new piercing as it is easy to set in and keep clean. Hoop Earrings: Tiny hoop earrings are another option for the tragus, although we recommend waiting for your piercing to heal before trying hoops with unique shapes or textures.

What jewelry material is used for tragus piercing?

Stainless Steel: This is a high-quality metal often used for piercings, but it does contain some nickel, which Sobel says is “a very common source of irritation and piercing infections because many people are sensitive to nickel, even in minute amounts.” ”

This is a high-quality metal that is often used in piercings, but it does contain some nickel, which Sobel says is “a very common source of irritation and piercing infection, as many people are sensitive to nickel even in minute amounts.” Gold: While it might be tempting to opt for a metal that’s at a lower price point, it’s worth noting that higher-grade metals promote healing and are ideal for those with sensitive skin, according to Sobel. Inexpensive jewelry often contains nickel, notes Sobel, who recommends 14k gold.

While it may be tempting to go for a lower priced metal, it’s worth noting that higher quality metals promote healing and are ideal for those with sensitive skin, according to Sobel. Inexpensive jewelry often contains nickel, notes Sobel, who recommends 14k gold. Platinum: A gold alternative also approved by Sobel, platinum does not contain nickel but has an appearance similar to stainless steel.

How is a tragus piercing done?

Make sure you consult a certified professional piercer with several years of piercing experience. Also, make sure the salon you visit is clean and hygienic with properly sanitized equipment.

The piercer will have you sit in the chair and mark a spot with the marker and check with you if the position is acceptable. You can also place a cork or other barriers in your ear canal to protect it from the needle. Next, the piercer will clean your ear with surgical soap or solution.

After cleaning, the piercer quickly pierces the tragus. Next, the piercer inserts starter jewelry and applies pressure to stop the bleeding. You will need to wear starter jewelry for the first few months while the site is healing.

Everything we do can shed a lot of light on our personality.

From the clothes we wear to the music we listen to, everything says a little bit about who we are to the world without either party knowing. Of course, a person’s unique collection of ear piercings is no exception. Whether you have a lobe or industrial earring, scroll down to learn what your ear piercing says about you!

Also Read: Everything You Should Know About Ear Piercings

Earlobe Piercing

You tend to be a bit cautious about how you live your life. You’ll take risks here and there, but you should always evaluate whether it’s worth it before taking the plunge. Needless to say, you are a planner. You stick to your schedule and always write everything in your calendar so you don’t miss anything. However, that would never happen because you are also the most organized person anyone will ever meet.

Check out this post on Instagram. A post shared by Marc’s Pittston (@marcspittston) on Sep 19, 2018 at 5:30pm PDT

Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About Lobe Piercings

Industrial piercing

Wild and free, you don’t let anyone or anything get you down. They live by their own rules and always try to go against the mainstream, which tends to put people off and leave them shocked or confused. But that doesn’t bother you, because that’s exactly the reaction you wanted. You tend to attract people with your charming personality but have few very close friends. That way, you’re less likely to hurt yourself because you might look all gross and stumbling, but you’re a big wuss on the inside.

(via Shutterstock)

Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About Industrial Piercings

Daith piercing

While many struggle with confidence issues, you were never one of them. From a young age you knew who you are and what your main purpose in life is. You are quite focused and ambitious and never let speed bumps or pitfalls stop you from being successful in life. Although you work hard, you play just as hard. You’ve managed to get the job done while maintaining a pretty exciting social life.

Check out this post on Instagram. A post shared by Latinoamérica Piercer Girls (@lp_girls_) on Sep 19, 2018 at 7:18pm PDT

Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About Daith Piercings

conch piercing

The conch shell is a bit of a hidden piercing that makes it clear that you are a mysterious individual. You tend to live your life in seclusion, never being surrounded by too many people at once. While some prefer to spend their weekends living it, choose to stay indoors and watch Netflix or curl up with a good book. It’s not that you don’t like people – you do – but you’re more comfortable when you’re alone. You find it difficult to be yourself in the presence of others. Eventually you will meet people who you think are worth knowing the real you.

Check out this post on Instagram. A post shared by Russell Rasmussen (@rusrasm) on Sep 19, 2018 at 4:58pm PDT

Tragus piercing

A tragus piercing lets others know that you are feisty and energetic. Some would say you are the life of the party. You have a way of improving the mood of those in your presence simply by flashing your pearly whites. You prefer to keep the atmosphere light-hearted and fun, which is why you will always be the first to crack a joke the moment you notice things getting tense. Nobody can ever be mad at you for just being so darn cute and charming. you, got in trouble? Never.

(via Shutterstock)

Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About Tragus Piercings

Pleasant piercing

You are a fair and balanced person who is fantastic at making decisions. Because of this, you are a great mediator when your best friends get into arguments. They know how to find a compromise in seconds that both sides are happy with. You hate when others are not treated kindly, which is why you always lend a hand to those in need. You are essentially a friend to everyone, but not in an obnoxious or wrong way. They genuinely care about others and want them all to live long and thrive.

Check out this post on Instagram. A post shared by Diamond Heart Studios (@diamondheartstudios) on Mar 16, 2018 at 6:30pm PDT

Rook Piercing

Adventurous to the max, you are willing to try anything once. You know this world has so much to offer and you plan to absorb as much as possible. You love to spend your days outdoors, so you’re rarely found indoors. Heck, you’re not even someone who uses your phone a lot. Experiences are the most important thing for you, so you are not at all materialistic. You’d rather spend your money on a flight to England than on a fancy new piece of technology every day.

Check out this post on Instagram. A post shared by Gord Bouchard (@golden_gord) on Sep 19, 2018 at 10:20am PDT

Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About Rook Piercings

Helix piercing

You are very attracted to the finer things in life and hope to one day live the ultimate life of luxury. You’re the kind of person who indulges on the fly and spends your money more frivolously than most. You always justify your habits by insisting that cash won’t take you with you when you die. Plus, you’ll know when to spend and when to spend. While it may not seem like it to others, you and your bank account know it’s true.

Check out this post on Instagram. A post shared by Luci Doll (@luci_doll_piercing) on ​​Sep 19, 2018 at 7:36pm PDT

Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About Helix Piercings

Inspired to get a new piercing? Before you do that, you should scroll through our ranking of the least painful piercings HERE.

Bob Ross can transform a canvas of happy little trees, and a seasoned piercing professional can transform your ears with a variety of happy little (or not-so-little) piercings. A particularly artistic place to pierce? her tragedy. Your tragus is that knobbly little projection of cartilage that sits just in front of your ear canal. Tragus piercings have become all the rage, and with good reason. When you want to show off a noticeable hoop or a subtle stud, a tragus piercing always looks cool. While you can opt for a surface piercing (which means it pierces your skin vertically next to your tragus, creating a double-hole effect), most people choose the traditional tragus piercing, which creates a single hole through the cartilage. Want all the details on this awesome hip piercing. We have them. Fast Facts What it is: The thick, knobbly piece of meat that covers the opening of your ear

the thick, knobbly piece of flesh covering the opening of your ear. Cost: generally between $25 and $50

generally between $25 and $50 Pain Level: 5 to 6 out of 10 but varies from person to person

5 to 6 out of 10 but varies by person Healing time: 4 months to 1 year

4 months to 1 year follow-up: Wash the area with saline solution 2 to 3 times a day for 2 to 3 weeks. Avoid all contact, including with your hands, hair, headphones, etc. Share on Pinterest Illustration by Maya Chastain

How much do tragus piercings hurt? OK, we’re not going to sugarcoat it: a tragus piercing is going to hurt. But not as much as you might think. Because your tragus is mostly cartilage, it doesn’t have as many nerve endings as other parts of your ear, like the earlobe. Keep in mind that because the tragus is thick, the piercer has to apply some pressure to pierce it. The pressure alone can be uncomfortable and intense. Because it’s closer to the opening of your ear, you’ll likely hear it too. It’s important to remember that everyone experiences pain differently — a tiny prick to one person can feel like the slice of a knife to another. Talk to your piercer about pain concerns. Tragus Piercings Don’t Cause Weight Loss The rumor mill has rife with stories that a tragus piercing puts you on the fast track to weight loss by activating pressure points that control your appetite and cravings. But there is no research to back these claims.

How long does it take for it to heal? While your average lobe piercing typically takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal, cartilage piercings — like a tragus piercing — generally take longer, around 4 months to 1 year. You will know when your tragus has fully healed. You will experience pain, warmth, redness or discoloration, swelling, discharge, and tenderness. It’s important to note that changing your jewelry before it has fully healed can delay healing time and lead to complications. To be on the safe side, wait the full 16 weeks before exchanging the jewellery.

How to Take Care of a New Tragus Piercing We can’t stress this enough: It’s imperative to take good care of your new tragus piercing. While your piercer will (hopefully) provide you with aftercare instructions, you can also refer to this list of do’s and don’ts: What you should do Clean the area with a saline solution two to three times a day for 2 to 3 weeks, starting with the day you do it Got it. The easiest way to do this is to soak a clean cotton ball in the saline solution and hold it against your tragus for 3 to 5 minutes per cleaning.

Keep your hair away from the area so it doesn’t sweep bacteria near the piercing.

Wash your sheets and pillowcases more often than usual. Once again, bacteria could live in it.

Wash your hands well before touching it. (You shouldn’t have to touch it at all, TBH.) Don’t touch or play with your jewelry. Your hands are full of bacteria.

Use aggressive products such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide. Lotions, creams or scented products.

Use ointments such as Hibiclens, Bacitracin, or Neosporin, which can impede healing by blocking the wound’s oxygen supply.

Use headphones.

Sleep on your side. Hot Tip: If changing sleeping positions is a letdown, try one of those airline neck pillows that have a hole in the middle so your piercing doesn’t rest against a fabric.

Submerge the area in water. Showers are OK but bath time – not to mention swimming – has to wait at least 3 weeks.

Rub the area with a towel or abrasive cloth.

Use lotions or creams — including sunscreen — on the area.

How much does a tragus piercing cost? They generally pay between $25 and $50 for a tragus piercing. However, several factors can affect the exact cost, including the location of the studio and your piercer’s level of experience. Depending on studio policies, jewelry may or may not be included in this cost and may vary depending on jewelry style or metal type preferred. You should also plan for any necessary aftercare products. And of course, don’t forget to tip your piercer! Always let a professional do it! All piercings should be done by a professional, especially a tragus piercing which is particularly prone to infection. The pros know how to do it right so the process is safe and clean. Trust us – it’s worth it in the long run.

Possible Side Effects You Should Be Aware Of No piercing is risk-free, and a tragus piercing is no different. While it’s generally considered safe, it *is* possible to experience nasty side effects, especially if you don’t take proper care of your tragus piercing. Developing good aftercare habits can go a long way in preventing not-so-fun side effects. Infection All piercings are susceptible to infection, but cartilage piercings, including tragus piercings, are more susceptible because less blood — which contains infection-fighting mechanisms like white blood cells — flows through these areas. Infections range from mild to severe. Often, you can nip a new infection in the bud by redoubling your follow-up routine. Here are some symptoms of a mild or new infection: Swelling that lasts more than 48 hours after the sting

persistent heat or warmth in the area

Inflammation and redness or discoloration that does not go away after 2 weeks. However, if you notice any of the following infection symptoms, consult a doctor. continuous or increasing pain

Bleeding that develops days after piercing

yellow, dark, fetid pus

Fever

chills

nausea

Vomit

Dizziness Keloids Keloids are bumps of scar tissue that form on or near a piercing. While they don’t pose a health risk, they can be itchy, red, or discolored, and uncomfortable. Following your aftercare instructions will help reduce your risk of getting a keloid, but you can still get one even if you’re diligent. Getting rid of a keloid can be tricky. Sometimes you can get rid of an early-stage keloid by speeding up your cleaning routine. Or you can try using moisturizing oils or creams to soften the tissue and prevent the keloid from growing. But it’s best to consult your doctor. You might suggest one of the following: Pressure bandages

silicone pads or injections

Surgical Removal Hypertrophic Scars Hypertrophic scars, although often confused with keloids, are flatter and tend to be smaller. They can be anywhere from pink to brown in color and may show up as your skin heals. Hypertrophic scars can be caused by a reaction to your piercing or by using sharp products on the wound site. They can be itchy, painful, or uncomfortable overall, but fortunately, they usually go away over time. To avoid hypertrophic scarring, stick to a proper aftercare routine and avoid harsh chemicals or fragrances around the wound until it has fully healed. Allergic Reaction It is common to be allergic to certain metals. Nickel, for example, is particularly problematic. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to your jewelry include: Itching

redness or discoloration

blistering

Swelling In general, to avoid an allergic reaction, it’s best to stick to metals, such as aluminum. B.: surgical stainless steel

Gold (14k or higher)

titanium

niobium

How much does a tragus piercing hurt?

✨ I won’t lie – tragus piercings hurt 😬 as the tragus is a cartilage piercing and will be harder to pierce than an earlobe. Luckily, the pain is sharp and brief — experts say it’s more the pressure on the ear canal than the pain of the piercing itself that’s uncomfortable.

💪 If you’re nervous about the pain, a tragus piercing could be something to build on. Or you can do what piercer Ryan Dreyfuss recommends and bring a “fighting partner” to your piercing to help you out.

What is the best jewelry for my tragus piercing?

✨ Tragus piercings really help you get your ear party started. Cartilage hoop earrings, flat back earrings and horseshoe styles like our Shooting Star Open Hoop Earrings all look fantastic on your tragus.

💫 In terms of size, a 6mm or 8mm flat back hoop or earring is standard for your tragus piercing.

What should I know about the jewelry size for my tragus piercing?

✨ Tragus piercings, like all ear cartilage piercings, are usually done with a 16 gauge needle which is 1.2mm thick. In comparison, your standard lobe piercing uses a 20 gauge needle that is 0.81mm thick. Ideally, you should wear 16 gauge jewelry in your tragus to prevent your piercing from shrinking.

✨ We hear from a lot of people wearing standard 20 gauge jewelry in their tragus (not recommended!) and sometimes your piercing will close up a bit when you do this. If your piercing has shrunk over time, you should try earrings sized 18 gauge, or 1.0mm thick.

ℹ️ Need extra help with jewelry sizing? We’ve created a whole little guide that answers all the important jewelry sizing questions that we get, just for you.

How long will it take for my tragus piercing to heal?

✨ A tragus piercing takes about 3 to 6 months to heal. Your tragus piercing will usually heal within six months, but it’s recommended that you wear the jewelry that pierced you with for a full year before replacing it.

🎵 It’s a shame but it’s not recommended to wear headphones to avoid irritation and pressure on your tragus piercing while it heals. This might be difficult for us music-addicted Airpod lovers… and anyone who’s on Zoom all day.

🧽 You should also regularly remove and clean your piercing jewelry according to the specifications of your piercer.

Fun facts about the tragus?

✨ Your tragus cartilage helps you hear backward sounds and it also protects your outer ear and concha. And it’s one of the most commonly pierced parts of your ear cartilage – we just love the look.

What Type of Jewelry Works Best?

Typically, tragus piercings are performed with captive bead rings, horseshoes, or labret studs. We offer you an extensive jewelry collection to choose from, so your new jewelry can still show your personal style. You can even add some bling with a gemstone bead! However, the tragus is pierced with jewelry long enough or large enough to allow for any swelling that may occur after piercing.

There are problems?

There are very few issues that can arise, but still things to be aware of, infections being one of the most important. Infection can occur for a variety of reasons. The most common are that the piercee does not use the aftercare consistently, so that the piercing wound cannot drain, or the piercing was touched with contaminated fingers. If you think your piercing is infected, seek advice from a doctor.

Often people think their piercing is infected, but it’s actually just irritated. Residues from shampoo, conditioner, and hair care products can get into the piercing and irritate the wound. When this happens, you just want to start your aftercare. Soaking the piercing in the water and sea salt mixture will “flush” the piercing, allowing the wound to drain again and removing any product residue. And we won’t lie, even piercers get tired of doing their aftercare every day!! If you forget your aftercare for a few days and your piercing irritates, just start doing it again! We make it easy for you to get more follow-up care when you’re out and don’t live near one of our locations. Simply buy online here! If irritation persists, the piercing feels hot, you develop a fever, or you notice green or bloody discharge, you should see a doctor.

Metal allergies can also cause piercings to become irritated. At Almost Famous Body Piercing, we only pierce with surgical grade stainless steel, titanium, or 14k gold jewelry. You should be careful what type of materials you put in your piercing even after it has healed if you have sensitivities.

Are there any benefits to the tragus?

The tragus is associated with acupuncture techniques to control appetite. There are also some who believe that tragus piercings can help with anxiety and migraine pain. You may see benefits with any of these things, but nothing we can guarantee as there are no scientific studies to prove or disprove this claim. However, we can promise that you will receive a beautiful piercing with high quality jewelry that you will love for years.

With so many different types of ear piercings out there, it’s important to do your research before getting pierced so you know exactly what you want, where you want it, how much it will cost, and most importantly, how much it will hurt becomes .

But before you head to the salon or as they are now known as “earring bar” to get a permanent piercing, we’ve got everything you need to know in a nutshell. For starters, these are the three main types of ear piercings you can get:

Lobe Piercings: Standard Lobe Piercing, Transverse Lobe Piercing

Standard lob piercing, transverse lobe piercing, outer ear piercings: tragus piercing, snug piercing, forward helix piercing, industrial piercing, pinna piercing

Tragus Piercing, Snug Piercing, Forward Helix Piercing, Industrial Piercing, Pinna Piercing

How painful is an ear piercing?

Probably the most frequently asked question before sticking that dreaded needle through your ear is “how much is this going to hurt?” Well, it all depends on your sensitivity to pain, because what you and your BFF find painful can vary significantly, so there’s no real guide, but if you want to minimize pain, there are certain types of piercings that you might want to avoid .

While you shouldn’t feel more than a pinch with earlobe piercings as the needle goes through your ear, cartilage piercings are known to be quite painful, initially giving you a sharp shock before you feel a duller throbbing pain. Note, however, that most people find piercing needles less painful than piercing guns, and they’re also much safer. Hmm, the more you know. Parent trap piercings, anyone?

Some of the best ways to beat the pain are to simply take your eyes off the piercer (you know, pretend it didn’t happen), talk to a friend and hold their hand, or when you’re alone are listening to music the non piercing ear to distract you and before you know it bam you have a brand new piercing!

What is the most painful ear piercing?

While traditional piercings like earlobes hurt the least, the snug and tragus are considered to hurt the most. However, all cartilage piercings are not known to cause the same pain threshold, with upper cartilage piercings such as Helix being considered less painful than antitragus and other inner ear piercings which have harder tissue.

According to Authority Tattoo, the level of pain during the procedure also has a lot to do with the experience of the piercer. “If you choose a more experienced professional to do the piercing, it will likely go a lot smoother. They also have better technique with the piercing needle to make sure everything goes right.”

Any cartilage piercing can also hurt for up to a week after the initial piercing as the inflammation settles down as this area of ​​the ear doesn’t have so much blood flow that it takes longer to heal.

Another thing to keep in mind with any cartilage piercing is that you’re effectively creating a wound in your ear that typically takes three months to heal, so there’s a greater risk of infection that can cause pain during recovery.

How much does it cost to get your ears pierced?

There’s no denying that multiple piercings have become a definite trend that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, with four to six piercings in one ear being the most popular requests. But rocking to the salon for a whole new look (as expert Maria Tash will tell you, “ear curation”) will cost you a pretty penny. While it depends on where you’re going, most places charge between £15-20 for earlobes and £20-30 for cartilage, not including the type of jewelry that if you want to get your earlobes pierced at Maria Tash, you’ll want to sit down a little more back.

What piercings would look good on my ear?

Honestly, that’s entirely up to you. But don’t let trends dictate what you want to get, remember these holes are permanent, but if you’re looking for the ultimate guide we’ve got you covered below.

The ultimate guide to pierced ears:

We’ve put together a guide to all the main ear and cartilage piercings you can get, including the helix, tragus, and daith piercings – but if you’re getting confused with all that “inner rim” and “outer conch” chat, you might It’s worth referring to the image below for a handy quick view:

This content is imported from Instagram. You may find the same content in a different format or more information on their website.

Tragus piercing

The tragus is the inner piece of cartilage that sits over the ear canal, just above your earlobe. This popular piercing can look great with studs, hoop earrings and in combination with many other pieces of jewelry.

Cost: £20-30.

Pain threshold: 6/10.

Gregg DeGuire Getty Images

Rook piercing

Follow the anti-helix round from the snug to the other end of the cartilage rim and this is where you will find a rook piercing. You can rock this piercing with a hoop or a barbell, whatever your preference.

Cost: £20-30.

Pain threshold: 7/10.

This content is imported from Instagram. You may find the same content in a different format or more information on their website.

Industrial piercing

Instead of a single piercing, an industrial piercing usually consists of two (though sometimes more) piercings through the ear cartilage. The most popular style of industrial piercing is through the spiral and forward spiral connected to a long piece of barbell jewelry (or a cute dart).

Cost: £20-30.

Pain threshold: 7/10.

JON KOPALOFF Getty Images

Pleasant piercing

The snug piercing runs along the ear’s antihelix — basically the inner crest of the cartilage in your ear, next to the ear canal — and sits just above the antitragus.

Cost: £20-30.

Pain threshold: 7/10.

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Anti Tragus Piercing

The anti-tragus is the small piece of cartilage next to your lobe and opposite your tragus (see above). Depending on your pain threshold, this piercing can be quite painful both during the procedure and in the recovery time afterwards.

Cost: £20-30.

Pain threshold: 7/10.

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Standard lobe piercing

You know this one, aka the classic piercing we all got when we were nine. The OG. If you want to create a curated earring stack, two standard stud earrings might be a good place to start.

Cost: £15-20.

Pain threshold: 3/10.

EDWARD BERTHELOT Getty Images

Lobe piercing across

Rather than piercing through the lobe from front to back like a standard lobe piercing, the transverse lobe piercing goes through the skin horizontally using a barbell. This type of piercing is cartilage-free and therefore generally less painful than other types of piercing.

Cost: £15-20.

Pain threshold: 3/10.

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Helix piercing

Any piercing in the outer cartilage rim of the upper part of the ear is called a “helix piercing”. Two piercings placed one below the other in this area are called double helix piercings.

Cost: £20-30.

Pain threshold: 4/10.

DIA DIPASUPIL Getty Images

Forward Helix Piercing

A forward helix piercing is done on the outer edge of your ear (the helix) at the top of the rim just above the tragus. It can often be quite painful as it pierces through the cartilage in your ear. You can also get a double or triple forward helix piercing.

Cost: £20-30.

Pain threshold: 5/10.

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Daith piercing

The daith piercing is positioned at the end of the helix on the innermost part of the cartilage near the tragus.

Cost: £20-30.

Pain threshold: 6/10.

GEORGIE HUNTER Getty Images

ear piercing

An ear piercing is placed on the outer part of the ear, usually midway between the earlobe and the helix. Because this is a cartilage piercing, expect a longer recovery time and more pain than a lobe piercing.

Cost: £20-30.

Pain threshold: 7/10.

MATTHEW SPERZEL Getty Images

Outer conch piercing

The outer concha is the depression in the ear between the antihelix and the helix (the two edges). The inner turbinate is the next “sink” after the antihelix and before the ear canal.

Cost: £20-30.

Pain threshold: 7/10.

DAVE J HOGAN Getty Images

Orbital piercing

An orbital piercing refers to any piercing in which two holes are made in the same part of the ear, generally so that a piece of jewelry with a hoop can fit through both. While these can be done in many places, people typically have this piercing in the helix or earlobe.

Cost: £20-30.

Pain threshold: 7/10.

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To style multiple piercings:

Now you have done all the research on what you can get. Here’s our guide on how to style any piercing.

Eliot Wilcox

1. Do your research. Walk into your piercing shop the same way you walk into your barber, armed with research and ideas for how you want to look. “I use Instagram and Pinterest as my sources of inspiration,” says multi-pierced influencer Monikh Dale (@Monikh).

2. Rome wasn’t built in a day. You can never have too many piercings (within reason), but “we recommend not having more than three per session,” says Penny of Maria Tash. So if you’re aiming for six, talk to your piercer about staggering them.

3. Go maximum (not minimum). “Large layered earrings are the next big trend,” says Monikh. “Think gold layered, shells and dangling next to tiny studs.”

4. Get smart. “I have tiny good quality gold bangles from Jennifer Fisher and I hang small charms or pendants from charity shops or flea markets on them. You can also buy individual used earrings and just sterilize them well before wearing them. That way no one will ever have the same ones as you,” says Amy Bannerman, Cosmopolitan fashion director.

5. If you don’t want to go all the way, fake it ’til you make it with cuffs and hugs, which are essentially fake hoops. “They stay in place even when you sleep or shower and they look so realistic. Instant pain-free style!” says Amy.

6th layer, layer and layer again. “Sometimes you can put a tiny stud in the same hole as a hoop earring so it ends up looking like a single earring,” explains Amy. cool, right?

Interesting facts about piercings:

We asked piercing industry experts about the pros and cons so you can get answers to common questions like: should I take my earring out if I get an infection? How do I speed up the healing process? And can you ever have too many piercings?

Which is better, a piercing gun or a needle?

“Needles are sterile, single use and hurt a lot less, whereas a gun is essentially a blunt object that will go through your ear if you hit it hard – it will always feel more painful,” says Penny Burrows of Maria Tash, pierced Kate Moss and Kate Idris Elba.

Is there anything that can help make the piercing process less painful?

“When you’re on your period, you might be more sensitive to pain,” says Penny. But, adds Clem Kirchmeier, general manager at Metal Morphosis, “Painkillers shouldn’t be used beforehand, as most are blood-thinning.” Rhianna Jones, piercer at The Circle, suggests “eating an hour or two beforehand.” You can also channel your inner zen as The Circle piercers use yoga breathing during the procedure. ommm

Why do I get metal allergies?

“Allergies to certain metals are often due to the nickel content. We don’t know how or why certain people are more sensitive than others,” says Penny. “At Maria Tash we only pierce with absolutely nickel-free gold. Some other studios are stinging with titanium, which also has a low nickel content. Never get pierced with silver as it oxidizes and increases the risk of infection and allergic reactions.”

Rhianna says, “We only recommend piercings with implant-grade titanium, which is used in surgical procedures such as knee and hip replacements. Anything of a lower degree is not fit to live in the body.”

dr Emma Wedgeworth, a renowned dermatologist, agrees that surgical titanium is the safest metal to pierce: “Certain types of stainless steel are made to contain the nickel in the metal so it doesn’t get into the body. Still, I would personally avoid it for a fresh piercing.” She adds, “If you’ve ever had a reaction to jewelry, a watch, or a belt buckle, it’s also important to have that evaluated before getting the piercing.”

What should I do if my piercing becomes infected?

“Don’t take it out right away. You could catch the infection in your ear as it clears up,” says Penny. To avoid this, Clem advises, “Use the right aftercare products, like a pre-made sterile saline solution, don’t touch it, use fresh towels and pillowcases regularly, and don’t swim in public pools for a while.”

If you’re worried about an infection or don’t get better within a few days, see your GP.

What are keloid scars?

Keloid scars are enlarged, raised scars that can be pink, red, skin-colored, or darker than the surrounding skin. They can also continue to grow and may need to be surgically removed.

“If you have a bump nine times out of ten, it’s probably not a keloid bump, it’s a blood blister,” says Penny. “In that case, you should do compresses every day for a few weeks. Just soak some kitchen roll in a hot cup of chamomile tea.”

If you are still unsure, consult a doctor or piercer.

Buy the best earrings now:

The Best Piercing Shops on a Budget:

• In addition to offering feather boas and an excellent selection of rhinestone jewellery, also offer piercings in the shop.

• . Pretty handy if you want to get some paracetamol after the pierce, TBH.

• free piercings with the purchase of a pair of earrings over £15! *Google’s nearest branch*

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How Infections Happen Lancing the ear’s small cartilage, known as the tragus, is becoming increasingly popular. And while they look great once healed, tragus piercings often become infected. This may be because hanging hair exposes piercings along the ear to more bacteria. Not only can dirty hair introduce new bacteria to a fresh piercing, but shampoos and other hair products can also irritate the area. Also, hanging hair can get caught in a tragus piercing and irritate the hole. This can prevent the wound from healing and make your piercing even more susceptible to infection. Read on to learn what symptoms to expect during the healing process and how to recognize and treat an infection.

How to recognize an infection

slight discomfort

redness

slight heat or warmth

Clear or light yellow discharge Although your piercing may not heal completely for about eight weeks, these symptoms shouldn’t last more than a week or two after the piercing. If you notice any unusual changes, talk to your piercer as soon as possible. You should also see your piercer if you notice any of the following symptoms of an infection: Swelling that lasts longer than 48 hours

an uncomfortable and persistent heat

persistent inflammation and redness at the site

strong pain

excessive bleeding, with or without pus

a bump on the front or back of your piercing site

Pus that is dark in color or smell Your piercer is the best person to advise you on your treatment options. Until then, there are a few things you can do to ease your symptoms and potentially clear the infection.

1. Do not play with your piercing or remove jewelry. Your hands can transmit bacteria, so it’s important not to play with your piercing. You should only touch it when going through your cleaning routine and only after washing your hands. It’s also important not to remove the jewelry that your piercer has inserted. If you find it irritating or tight, visit your piercer. If your jewelry needs changing, they will do it for you.

2. Clean your piercing two to three times a day. Most piercers recommend a daily cleaning routine for the first four to eight weeks after your piercing is done. However, the duration may vary depending on skin type and general health. Cleaning the area two to three times a day is considered standard. Your piercer can give you specific information about you and your piercing. Using Saline Saline is the safest and most effective way to clean your piercing. Your piercer can give you a ready-made saline solution. Saline solutions can also be bought at the pharmacy. To clean your piercing: Dip a clean piece of paper towel in the saline solution and gently apply to the pierced area. Hold the towel firmly in place to thoroughly soak the piercing site. You want to apply the solution in such a way that it softens any crust and seeps into the pricked hole. This means you may need to soak a new piece of paper towel and use multiple applications. Continue the process for about five minutes or until all of the scab around your piercing has softened and separated from the skin. Using Sea Salt Bath Sea salt water is a type of saline solution that can be made at home. It’s often cheaper than buying a ready-made saline solution. To make a sea salt solution: Add 1 teaspoon of sea salt to an 8 ounce glass of warm water. Stir the mixture with a clean spoon until all of the salt has dissolved. Then follow the cleaning instructions above with your sea salt solution. Do Not Use There are a number of products that should be avoided as they can damage healing cells. These include: Rubbing alcohol

hydrogen peroxide

Hibiclens

bacitracin

Neosporin

Anoint

ear care solutions If you are unsure about the safety of a product, speak to your piercer.

3. Apply a warm compress You can also apply a warm compress to promote faster wound healing. Although a warm towel can do the trick, chamomile tea bags are an unexpected way to stimulate the area and promote healing. How to make a chamomile compress: Soak a chamomile tea bag in a cup of hot water. Let the bag steep for 3-5 minutes. Dip a paper towel in the solution and apply to your piercing for 5-10 minutes. You may need to soak and put on a new paper towel halfway through the process to retain the heat. If you have a ragweed allergy, skip the chamomile. It can cause a side effect.

4. Apply an antibacterial cream. A mild antibacterial product such as benzalkonium chloride may also be helpful. Your piercer may recommend diluting the cream with an equal amount of water for easier application. Be careful not to confuse antibacterial cream with ointment. Ointments are viscous, which can form a barrier over the piercing site. This can prevent proper air circulation in the area, which can make your symptoms worse.

5. Other Things to Consider Cleaning your piercing is key, but it’s not the only thing you should do to speed up the healing process or clear an infection. You should

Keep your linens clean. Whether you’re tossing and turning on your pillow or tangled in your sheets, your ears will get banged. Changing bed linen regularly can limit the number of bacteria that come into contact with your ear.

Whether you’re tossing and turning on your pillow or tangled in your sheets, your ears will get banged. Changing bed linen regularly can limit the number of bacteria that come into contact with your ear. Avoid aggravation. Skip the overhead shirts until your piercing has healed, as they can catch on your piercing and further aggravate it. You should also be careful about putting on and taking off loose shirts and scarves.

Skip the overhead shirts until your piercing has healed, as they can catch on your piercing and further aggravate it. You should also be careful about putting on and taking off loose shirts and scarves. Stay out of the water. It is best to avoid baths, swimming pools or prolonged periods in the shower, especially in the first two weeks.

It is best to avoid baths, swimming pools or prolonged periods in the shower, especially in the first two weeks. Take care of oneself. Stay healthy during the healing process. Drugs, alcohol and smoking can delay wound healing.

Stay healthy during the healing process. Drugs, alcohol and smoking can delay wound healing. Pay attention to hygiene. Remember to always wash your hands before touching your piercing.

Ear piercing – A guide to hearing loss

This is a very popular form of fashion that uses the ears to display jewelry in a variety of ways. Many people only show earrings in the earlobe, others choose to have more than one piercing and on different parts of the ear.

The ear is the most popular site for piercing, but many parts of the body can be pierced, such as the skull. B. the nipples, the tongue and the navel.

The earlobe is the safest and most popular site for piercing, and complications are rare. An earlobe piercing is easy to care for and the jewelry fits better than on other parts of the ear. However, other parts of the ear have become popular sites for piercing, including the helix (top of the ear), conch (near the ear canal), tragus (small protrusion of cartilage in front of the ear canal), and rook (small fold of cartilage across). the ear canal).

These are all names for types of ear piercing.

These parts of the ear contain the most cartilage and can also be the most painful! They also take much longer to heal than the traditional lobe piercing, up to a year in some cases.

Risks of ear piercing

Ear piercing is a relatively straightforward procedure and it’s easy to become indifferent about it, but there are risks, including:

infection

Allergic reaction to the earring

bleeding

Poor or misaligned piercing due to inexperience or poor technique

The lobe of the ear is the most popular site for piercing, but other parts of the ear can also be pierced, although this requires a great deal of skill and experience on the part of the doctor. Ear cartilage can become damaged if not treated carefully, resulting in unsightly scars, infection, and even permanent disfigurement. Hearing loss can occur in the event of an infection, but this usually resolves after the infection is treated.

Piercings in the upper part of the ear tend to get infected more easily than other parts of the ear. Repeated infections can damage the cartilage over time, eventually causing the ear to deform or develop into a “cauliflower ear” — a look more commonly seen in boxers.

Ear infections are the main risk of ear cartilage piercings, mainly due to the fact that there is less blood flow to this area compared to the earlobe. Also, many of these piercings are performed with a piercing gun, which applies much more force to the cartilage than a needle and subsequently damages it. A common ear cartilage infection is “perichondritis,” where the tissue surrounding the cartilage becomes infected. Symptoms include pain, redness, swelling, and discharge from the infected area.

Is there a risk of hearing loss? Hearing loss is not usually a problem with ear piercing, but if the site of a piercing becomes infected, fluid from the infection can block the ear canal, affecting hearing. This is more likely to be the case with piercings like the conch shell, which are located next to the ear canal. Another possible factor is an earring that is too large, blocking the ear canal and thus affecting your hearing.

There is a fashion for wearing body piercing jewelry as earrings, which can be great as a personal expression but can cause problems. If the piercing site is right next to the ear canal (e.g. conch) and you choose a large disc-shaped earring or earplug, there is a chance that it will cover part of the ear canal, affecting your hearing. A qualified practitioner can advise you on selecting appropriate earrings for a cartilage piercing.

post-treatment

Whatever piercing you choose, there is always a risk of infection, but this can be minimized by following a routine of aftercare. This means cleaning your piercing site daily with cotton swabs and warm water or a special solution recommended by your piercer.

Gently rotate the piercing to prevent it from getting stuck in the hole, which will also help it heal properly.

If you notice signs of infection, see a doctor.

“Well I really want to get some cool ear piercings – but I have to wear headphones/earbuds/headsets! What can I do!” As piercers, we hear this all the time, and today’s blog post is for you! It’s about finding ways to use headphones or earbuds for work, school, or life, and also in the To be able to get and wear your piercings comfortably and safely!

Placement Considerations

Placements come first. There are piercings that mostly get out of the way of the headphones and earbuds, which are super good choices, and others that are more affected. Things along the outer portion of the earlobes, spirals, and anterior spirals are often unaffected by earbuds but can experience pressure from headsets. Things like rooks, daiths and conches will be affected depending on your earbuds, but can be fine with a larger pair of over-ear headphones. And tragus piercings are obviously the most affected by earplugs and headsets, as they press directly on the front or back.

Anti-tragus and snug piercings fall into a gray area, as both often sit a little away from the earbuds, but both are very fragile piercings that can be a challenge to heal. Therefore, with these piercings, it is imperative to avoid headphones or earplugs for the entire time. Industrialists must also avoid over-ear headphones – these piercings are just too fragile while healing to handle!

When healing

As piercings heal, you need to be more careful with anything that approaches them. I suggest wearing earplugs on one side only, i.e. if you are healing a conch and tragus on your left ear, only use your right earplug until they are fully healed. For over-the-head headphones, you can loosen the headgear, and for healing piercings, push one side away from the ear. For example, if you’re healing a conch shell and tragus on your right ear, you can wear the left side of the headset over your left ear and the right side slightly behind or in front of your right ear so there’s no pressure from piercing.

If it’s impossible to just wear an earbud or adjust your headset, stick with piercings that won’t be affected by wearing those things. Bring your preferred headphones or earplugs to your appointment so your piercer can see how everything fits and is seated and make sure they place your piercings appropriately.

Once healed

Once your piercings have healed, it’s time to enjoy things like you did before! You can wear headphones and earplugs as usual without hesitation! It may take some experimentation to find ways and jewelry styles that work with them, but it’s possible! For things like conch and tragus piercings, make sure they are properly scaled down. Extra headband length can result in the headband pressing on the earbuds and preventing them from fitting properly. So when you make sure the jewelry fits perfectly, wearing ear buds becomes a lot easier. The same goes for over-ear headphones and helix piercings. With daiths, once healed, going with slightly smaller jewelry is usually enough. Also helping for some people is a piece with a larger wearable that you can rotate up and away from the ear canal when wearing earbuds.

With earplugs, it can also help to use smaller or larger tips for the ends. Now that earbud piece that fits perfectly without piercings can be too small or too big, so don’t hesitate to play around with the earbud side to find one that works for you. Most companies offer different sizes and shapes of inserts and tips for earbuds, so you can experiment to find what works best for you.

Many customers also find that the AirPods sporty attachments or the running earbuds work really well with piercings as they have an extra loop that goes around the back of the ear to hold things in place. This also relieves pressure on piercings such as daith, conch, and tragus piercings. They make these as accessories for your standard Bluetooth earbuds, or you can get a full set of runner’s earbuds.

Many ear piercings are perfectly compatible with wearing earplugs, as long as you’re willing to be patient while things heal and get a little creative once they’re healed. Enjoy your piercings and your music!

How much does a tragus piercing hurt?

✨ I won’t lie – tragus piercings hurt 😬 as the tragus is a cartilage piercing and will be harder to pierce than an earlobe. Luckily, the pain is sharp and brief — experts say it’s more the pressure on the ear canal than the pain of the piercing itself that’s uncomfortable.

💪 If you’re nervous about the pain, a tragus piercing could be something to build on. Or you can do what piercer Ryan Dreyfuss recommends and bring a “fighting partner” to your piercing to help you out.

What is the best jewelry for my tragus piercing?

✨ Tragus piercings really help you get your ear party started. Cartilage hoop earrings, flat back earrings and horseshoe styles like our Shooting Star Open Hoop Earrings all look fantastic on your tragus.

💫 In terms of size, a 6mm or 8mm flat back hoop or earring is standard for your tragus piercing.

What should I know about the jewelry size for my tragus piercing?

✨ Tragus piercings, like all ear cartilage piercings, are usually done with a 16 gauge needle which is 1.2mm thick. In comparison, your standard lobe piercing uses a 20 gauge needle that is 0.81mm thick. Ideally, you should wear 16 gauge jewelry in your tragus to prevent your piercing from shrinking.

✨ We hear from a lot of people wearing standard 20 gauge jewelry in their tragus (not recommended!) and sometimes your piercing will close up a bit when you do this. If your piercing has shrunk over time, you should try earrings sized 18 gauge, or 1.0mm thick.

ℹ️ Need extra help with jewelry sizing? We’ve created a whole little guide that answers all the important jewelry sizing questions that we get, just for you.

How long will it take for my tragus piercing to heal?

✨ A tragus piercing takes about 3 to 6 months to heal. Your tragus piercing will usually heal within six months, but it’s recommended that you wear the jewelry that pierced you with for a full year before replacing it.

🎵 It’s a shame but it’s not recommended to wear headphones to avoid irritation and pressure on your tragus piercing while it heals. This might be difficult for us music-addicted Airpod lovers… and anyone who’s on Zoom all day.

🧽 You should also regularly remove and clean your piercing jewelry according to the specifications of your piercer.

Fun facts about the tragus?

✨ Your tragus cartilage helps you hear backward sounds and it also protects your outer ear and concha. And it’s one of the most commonly pierced parts of your ear cartilage – we just love the look.