Are You Tempted by the Conch Piercing but Wondering if It Hurts and How Much It Costs? Or Maybe You Already Have a Conch Piercing That Isn't Healing Well?
At Luna, we love this ear piercing and have valuable information to share with you on the topic.
Located on the outer cartilage of the ear, opposite the auditory canal, the conch piercing is very aesthetic, especially with a double hoop for a rocker effect. However, it is not recommended as a first piercing as it can be painful and heal slowly. Typically, the cost ranges between 30 and 50 euros.
In this article, you'll discover everything you need to know about this piercing, including the price, the pain, the necessary care for quick healing, and the best jewelry to wear. You'll also find tips for alleviating pain in this area of the ear.
With our complete guide, the conch piercing will have no secrets for you. Discover it right now!
What is the Conch Piercing?
The conch piercing is increasingly popular and fashionable. In this article, we present the different variants of this piercing and its location on the ear.
The conch is situated on the part of the ear cartilage opposite the external auditory canal, approximately in the center of the auricle. This hollow area of the ear is one of the roomiest. The conch piercing is located above the upper lobe and below the helix piercing. There are two types of conch piercings: internal and external. The former is the curved part located opposite the auditory canal, while the latter is the flat and softer area between the helix and the anti-helix.
The name "conch piercing" comes from the conch, a seashell that has the same shape. In fact, this is the reason why the conch piercing is also called the concha piercing.
Double and Triple Conch Piercings
Every ear has a unique morphology. For those lucky enough to have the right shape, it's possible to get a double or even triple conch piercing.
Though the conch piercing is not very common among men, it remains a popular trend among women. Perhaps this will change someday!
Conch Piercing Pain
Affordable, fashionable, and unique, the conch piercing adds a rebellious touch to your style. But does it hurt? Discover our tips to adequately prepare yourself before getting the piercing.
Does the Conch Piercing Hurt?
Pain associated with a piercing is a subjective experience that varies from person to person. It depends on various factors such as your personal pain tolerance, your expectations regarding this experience, and your level of stress and self-confidence.
The conch piercing is considered one of the most painful piercings on the pain scale, scoring a 6-7/10. Indeed, the cartilage in this area is thick, and the piercing is close to the auditory canal, which can make the pain quite uncomfortable.
During an ear piercing, you may experience three types of pain:
First, a sharp but brief (about ten seconds) pain that resembles a strong pinch. This sensation can be surprising if you're not used to it; Then, a dull pain that gradually fades away (a few hours) and can feel like post-traumatic pain; Lastly, a general sensitivity throughout the cartilage with redness and swelling.
If you're afraid of the pain associated with the conch piercing, it's recommended to start with a helix piercing, which is less painful and just as aesthetically pleasing as the conch.
How to Reduce Ear Piercing Pain?
Though the conch piercing can be painful, it's possible to reduce the pain and mentally prepare yourself beforehand. If it's your first time, bear in mind that the procedure is simple and quick:
- You will sit or lie down.
- The piercer will disinfect the area to be pierced, in this case, the conch.
- They will pierce your ear with a needle and place the jewelry (sometimes a ring, sometimes a labret).
- The piercer will clean your new piercing and move on to the other piercings.
- You will be given care instructions and can then leave.
Before your piercing, make sure to eat a balanced and substantial meal, hydrate adequately, and sleep well. Also, avoid consuming alcohol or drugs. Remember to tie your hair back and avoid excessive makeup.
These elements will reduce the risks of dizziness and prepare your body for healing.
To be less stressed and well mentally prepared, you can try "hacking" your body with:
- Meditation.
- Abdominal breathing.
- Positive thinking.
- Listening to music.
- Talking to a loved one. These elements will help you reduce the pain of your conch piercing.
Where to Get a Cartilage Piercing Safely?
Cartilage piercings can be more painful when done with a needle, so the use of a piercing gun is strongly discouraged, as it can harbor bacteria and cause tears in the cartilage. To avoid any risk, it's advisable to opt for a reputable piercing studio.
A professional piercer is accustomed to performing ear piercings (and other body parts) throughout the day. They use single-use sterilized equipment and appropriate placement jewelry.
Before choosing a piercer, make sure they have governmental authorization and have been practicing body art for several years. Also, check reviews, customer comments, and the overall state of the salon: Is it clean? Does it inspire confidence?
How Much Does a Conch Piercing Cost?
The price of a conch piercing typically ranges between 30 and 60 euros, like most cartilage piercings. However, prices tend to be higher, around 60 euros, as the conch is a thick and difficult-to-access piece of cartilage that requires considerable expertise from the piercer.
Note that prices can vary from one studio to another. Popular, talented, and experienced piercers tend to charge higher fees. A conch piercing done in a salon located on the Champs-Élysées in Paris will obviously cost more than in a salon in a less frequented rural area.
It's important to consider the price-to-quality ratio before choosing a piercer. While prices offered in a jewelry store may be attractive, the sellers are generally not qualified to pierce the conch and often use low-quality equipment.
Jewelry for the Conch and Combination Examples
The aim of a piercing is to be both modern and elegant, but it's important to enjoy it and let your creativity fly. You can buy your jewelry in stores or online, but what jewelry is suitable for a conch piercing, and when should you change your ear-piercing jewelry?
Materials to Prioritize:
The choice of material for your jewelry is an important point to consider. Avoid cheap models bought at markets and favor authentic pieces sold by professionals. Often, cheap piercings contain copper or nickel, two metals that are often allergenic. We recommend that you opt for:
- Titanium ASTM-F136;
- Stainless Steel ASTM-F138, also known as surgical steel;
- 14 or 18 karat gold;
- Sterling silver.
If gold is too expensive for your budget, you can opt for gold plating or PVD gold titanium. Silver is an option, but unfortunately, some people are allergic to it.
Lastly, try to choose a jewelry color that complements your skin tone. If you have dark skin, go for yellow/gold. Otherwise, for lighter or paler people, silver/gray will work well. If you're more tanned, then you can opt for anything.
What Size and Type of Hoop for the Conch?
If you have an outer conch piercing, opt for a hoop. Very aesthetic, it will highlight your ears and your look. It's ideal if you like to draw attention and show your rebellious side. Regarding the jewelry size, prefer models from 10 to 12 mm in diameter. Diamonds add a trendy touch to your piercing. A conch piercing with a hoop pairs well with a banana in the rook and a hoop or stud in the helix.
The Stud, a Fine and Discreet Jewel
If you've chosen an inner conch piercing, go for a stud. More discreet than the hoop, the stud, also known as a labret or straight barbell, is a small, 100% customizable bar. A flower, moon, or lightning bolt-shaped head can be screwed on. Studs with cubic zirconia are very popular! They are perfect for a more discreet but creative woman. Regarding the stud size, prefer bars that are 6 mm long. You can pair it with a hoop in the daith.
When and How to Change Your Conch Piercing?
The first jewelry used for the conch piercing is usually a ring. However, if you want to change your jewelry, it is advised to wait until the healing is complete. It is advisable to use the same type of jewelry for the first year to solidify the hole, i.e., a ring.
To remove your placement jewelry, simply gently pull both sides of the ring and slide it out of the hole.
Examples and Composition Ideas
The conch piercing is increasingly in demand and very fashionable. It pairs well with a tragus or helix piercing. If your cartilage is thick enough, you can even make 2 or 3 holes and stack several rings! Here are some composition ideas for your conch piercing:
Care and Healing Tips for Cartilage
An open wound requires special attention, especially in the case of a cartilage piercing. This area is sensitive to snags and infections and has poor blood circulation.
How Long Does It Take for a Conch Piercing to Heal?
Generally, your conch piercing will take between 3 months to 1 year to heal. Due to its hollow, thick, and poorly vascularized nature, this area tends to accumulate a lot of dirt and bacteria, which slows down healing. However, unlike the helix located on the edge of the ear, your conch piercing is better protected against snags.
There are several phases that must be crossed before your conch piercing is completely healed:
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The first phase, immediately following the piercing, lasts between 7 and 15 days. It is characterized by a flow of transparent liquid and a red and swollen ear. This is the inflammation and exudation phase;
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The second phase lasts several months and is characterized by the formation of crusts around your piercing and a brown tunnel. This is the irritation and granulation phase;
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The third phase marks the end of the healing. To know if your conch piercing is healed, your ear should not be red, painful, or swollen. No liquid (blood, lymph, or pus) should flow.
Once your cartilage is completely healed, you can consider changing your piercing yourself after more than 3 months. However, if you are in a hurry, you can remove your piercing after 2 months if the change is done by a professional piercer.
How to Disinfect and Heal Your Conch Piercing?
To disinfect and heal your conch piercing, it's crucial to follow the care recommended by your piercer. The usual care routine consists of washing your hands and drying them carefully before pouring a gentle, pH-neutral soap or saline solution onto a gauze. Then, gently rub the piercing and move it slightly to remove residues and dirt. It's important to rinse the conch with warm water and ensure your jewelry is securely fastened.
It's crucial not to remove your piercing before the healing is complete and avoid using cotton swabs, towels, or similar products. On the other hand, using a saline solution will deeply hydrate your wound and provide beneficial minerals for healing. An antiseptic solution can also be used during the first 15 days to assist your body.
It's important to perform this care twice a day for the first 15 days, and then once a day thereafter. Also, it's recommended to avoid snags and chemicals like shampoos and make-up. Swimming and sports activities are also discouraged because water and sweat can contain bacteria.
In addition to these cares, it is advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, drink enough water, and get adequate sleep. If you follow these recommendations, you will help your piercing heal properly and avoid complications like keloids and lumps behind the ear.
Despite these precautions, it is possible to develop a keloid on the conch. Although benign, this unsightly flesh lump can form at the site of a healing wound or in contact with a foreign body. Fortunately, it can be prevented and treated by following the usual care tips. If the problem persists, consult a doctor for more advanced treatments like laser surgery or cryotherapy.
Ear Infection: Symptoms, Care, and Advice
If you think you have an infection in your conch piercing, and it is red, swollen, and painful, it's important to know how to recognize and properly treat it to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the ear.
How to Recognize an Infection?
An infection occurs when unwanted microorganisms enter the body, usually through an open wound, and kill healthy cells. A cartilage piercing can be especially prone to infections.
Fortunately, most piercing infections are benign and pose no risks to your health. To recognize an infection in your conch piercing, pay attention to the following symptoms:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Discharge of yellowish, foul-smelling pus in large quantities
- Bleeding
- Fever
If you experience at least 4 of these symptoms and they persist for several hours or days, it's likely that your conch piercing is infected. In that case, it's important to treat it and consult a specialist.
How to Treat an Infection in the Conch Piercing?
It's crucial to disinfect and properly care for your piercing to prevent the infection from slowing down the healing process or worsening. The first thing you should do is contact your piercer to describe your situation and get advice. If the infection is severe and you have a fever, consult a doctor immediately.
Otherwise, you can resume your usual care routine by cleaning your piercing with a saline solution twice a day. Also, use a disinfectant product during the first week to speed up the healing of your conch piercing.
It's important not to remove your jewelry, as this could trap the infection under the skin. Avoid swimming, exercising, and touching your ear with dirty hands, and use a band to sleep.
By following these tips and treating any infection promptly, you can avoid complications and allow for quick and effective healing of your conch piercing.