Are you drawn to the idea of an anti-tragus piercing, but lack the information to make up your mind? At Luna, we are passionate about body art and love sharing our knowledge. One of our experts, who also has an anti-tragus piercing, provides all the details on this topic.
The Understated Elegance of the Anti-Tragus Piercing
Located above the earlobe, the anti-tragus piercing is both elegant and uncommon. While it can be painful, it heals quickly and blends perfectly with other piercings. Rings and "bananas" (curved bars) are particularly suitable for this type of piercing.
In this article, discover:
- The healing duration of the anti-tragus.
- How to take care of your piercing.
- Ideas and tips for choosing your jewelry.
What is the Anti-Tragus Piercing?
The anti-tragus is located on the lower part of the ear, opposite the tragus and above the earlobe. This cartilaginous area shaped like a curved ridge is quite thin, which means some ear shapes may not be suitable for an anti-tragus piercing.
Emerging after its cousin, the tragus piercing, which was already popular in the 90s, the anti-tragus has not yet reached the same popularity. However, this could change soon.
Ear piercings have always been associated with magical and spiritual beliefs. Some cultures and tribes still use them to cure diseases and ward off evil spirits. Nowadays, wearing an ear piercing symbolizes independence and can be seen as a rite of passage to adulthood. It might also reflect a need for change in teenagers.
The anti-tragus will enhance your originality without veering into the extravagant. It's an ideal choice if you like to stand out. It pairs well with an upper helix and a tragus.
Which Jewelry to Choose for Your Anti-Tragus Piercing?
If you're fortunate enough to have a sufficiently broad anti-tragus, you might be wondering which jewelry to wear. You have two main choices: a hoop or a banana-type piercing.
Hoop or Curved Bars?
Hoop earrings are an excellent choice for your anti-tragus piercing. They offer flexibility and add roundness to the ear. We recommend wearing a small golden hoop in the cartilage, with a 6mm diameter. Avoid overly large sizes and don't over-accessorize the area.
Bananas, or curved bars, are ideal for those who appreciate the rock'n roll side of this jewelry. Discreet, they're simple and match with many other pieces of jewelry.
Anti-Tragus Piercing: Is it Suitable for Everyone?
It's important to note that the anti-tragus piercing isn't suitable for everyone. In fact, some people don't have the ear morphology conducive for this type of piercing. To determine if your ear is suitable, it's best to consult a professional piercer who can provide personalized advice.
How to Choose a Good Piercer?
The choice of piercer is crucial to ensure a successful and complication-free piercing. Here are some tips to wisely choose your piercer:
- Research online reviews and recommendations of the establishment.
- Check if the piercer has recognized certifications and training.
- Visit the studio to assess the cleanliness and hygiene of the place.
- Talk with the piercer to gauge their experience, knowledge, and passion for the craft.
Healing of the Anti-Tragus Piercing
Factors Influencing Healing Duration
The healing duration of an anti-tragus piercing varies depending on several factors such as age, genetics, the immune system, and the care provided. Generally, the healing time for an anti-tragus piercing ranges from 3 to 6 months. However, for some individuals, this process can take up to a year.
Importance of Patience
It's vital to be patient during the healing period and not attempt to change the jewelry before the piercing is fully healed. Switching the jewelry prematurely can lead to complications like infections or keloids.
How to Care for Your Piercing Daily Cleaning
To ensure proper healing of your anti-tragus piercing, it's essential to clean it daily. Use a sterile saline solution or a specific piercing cleanser, which you can find at pharmacies or from your piercer. Apply the solution with a cotton swab or sterile gauze to the pierced area, making sure to gently remove any crust or residue.
Avoid Irritants
Refrain from touching your piercing with dirty hands or using irritating products like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or scented soaps. These products can delay healing and cause irritation.
Precautions During Showering
When showering, be careful not to leave shampoo or soap residues on your piercing. Rinse the area thoroughly after showering and gently dry it with a clean towel or sterile gauze.
Ideas and Tips for Choosing Your Jewelry Types of Jewelry for the Anti-Tragus
Once your anti-tragus piercing is fully healed, you can start exploring different jewelry options. The most commonly used jewelry for the anti-tragus includes rings and curved barbells. Each type of jewelry provides a distinct look and can be chosen based on your aesthetic preferences.
Jewelry Materials
It's important to choose hypoallergenic jewelry materials to minimize the risks of irritation or allergic reactions. The most recommended materials are titanium, surgical steel, gold (14 karats or higher), and silver.
Size and Shape of the Jewelry
The size and shape of the jewelry are crucial aspects to ensure comfort and fitting to your anatomy. It's preferable to consult with your piercer to determine the size and shape of the jewelry that best suits your ear. Also, think about choosing pieces that align with your style and personality. A ring with a small gemstone will give a refined, delicate appearance, while a simple ring will be more understated yet equally striking.
Anti-Tragus Piercing and Work: Are They Compatible?
In some professions, visible piercings can pose issues. Therefore, it's essential to check whether your employer or industry is accepting of visible piercings before diving into the anti-tragus piercing adventure. Some employers may ask you to remove or conceal piercings during work hours. You might also consider opting for discreet jewelry to minimize the piercing's visual impact.
Risks Associated with the Anti-Tragus Piercing
Like any piercing, the anti-tragus piercing comes with certain risks:
- Infection: This can occur due to poor hygiene or inadequate piercing care. To prevent this, strictly follow your piercer's aftercare advice.
- Keloid: Keloids are hypertrophic scars that might develop around the piercing. They are more common in individuals with a family history of keloids or darker skin.
- Rejection: Rejection is a process where the body attempts to push the jewelry out of the skin. Signs of rejection include redness, swelling, itching, and discharge. If you suspect your piercing is being rejected, consult your piercer.
Anti-Tragus Piercing for Men Anti-tragus piercings aren't just for women; men can also rock this type of piercing with style and personality. Often, men opt for larger or more distinctive jewelry designs to give their look a unique touch. Below, we offer some ideas and tips for men considering an anti-tragus piercing.
Jewelry for Men For men, stainless steel, titanium, or even gold jewelry might be popular choices. Jewelry with geometric or tribal designs can also add a masculine touch to the anti-tragus piercing. Rings and curved barbells are suitable options for men, but size and thickness may vary based on individual preferences and ear anatomy.
Combining with Other Piercings The anti-tragus can be paired with other piercings to create a bolder, personalized look. For instance, men might choose to pair the anti-tragus with a tragus, upper helix, or even a daith or conch. These combinations can make the style more intriguing and unique.
Conclusion
The anti-tragus piercing is a unique and stylish option for those seeking a distinctive ear piercing. It's important to be well-informed about aspects related to this type of piercing, choose a skilled piercer, and diligently follow aftercare advice to prevent complications. Don't hesitate to consult a professional to determine if your ear's anatomy is suitable for this piercing and to receive personalized advice.
If you decide to take the plunge, don't forget to share your experiences and tips with our body art enthusiast community at Luna!