Have you chosen to get a snug piercing and are looking for information about the price, healing, and pain before visiting a piercer?
At Luna, we're passionate about ear piercings and have the answers to your questions.
In this article, you will discover:
- Everything you need to know about this piercing: pain, cost, healing, and more.
- Tips for quick healing.
- Which jewelry you should wear for the snug.
- How to prepare before getting the cartilage pierced.
The snug piercing will no longer be a mystery to you. Let's dive in!
Where is the Snug Piercing Located?
The snug is the cartilage fold located in front of the external auditory canal. This horizontal piercing is situated in the middle of the ear, on the same cartilage portion as the rook. It lies below the helix.
Furthermore, this mid-ear piercing is often confused with the conch since they're nearly in the same spot. Highly versatile, the snug piercing suits a wide variety of jewelry. Yet, it remains relatively rare as it requires some piercing expertise and can be quite painful.
Triple and double snug piercings are even rarer, but possible for some based on their ear anatomy and cartilage shape.
Snug Piercing Pain
Many people are apprehensive about getting ear piercings due to the pain. However, the pain varies from person to person and depending on the area being pierced. But, does getting a snug piercing in the ear hurt?
Is the snug piercing painful?
Unfortunately, the snug piercing is painful. The piercer's needle has to pass through two thick layers of cartilage. In fact, it's among the most painful piercings, right up there with the rook and the daith. On a scale of 10, the pain is a 7/10.
The initial feeling is a brief, sharp, and intense pain that resembles a pinch. This sharp pain fades quickly and should not bother you for more than a few minutes. Your ear will continue to be red, swollen, and tender for another ten days or so.
Given that the snug piercing is painful, we don't recommend it if it's your first cartilage piercing. Opt for the helix or the tragus, which are thinner and less innervated areas.
How to reduce the pain of a snug piercing?
The pain mechanism appears when the body tries to protect itself. It's an alarm system that encourages you to heal to avoid infections. However, fortunately, it's possible to outsmart it.
The first piece of advice you should follow is to go to a professional piercer to get your snug piercing. The sterilized needle they use will hurt less than a piercing gun. Indeed, the gun tears the cartilage, whereas the needle acts like a scalpel.
Before visiting the piercer, make sure you eat sufficiently, get good sleep, and drink plenty of water. This prepares your body for the healing process.
Lastly, prepare yourself mentally and psychologically. Tell yourself that everything will be alright. Take deep breaths, listen to your favorite song, chat with the piercer, meditate... In short, don't over-stress!
Healing Time
The healing time for a snug piercing is quite extensive, lasting from 6 to 18 months, which is over a year! In fact, the ear's shape in this area is unique: it's curved, thick, and prone to snagging.
The healing of any ear piercing happens in 3 stages: initially, the wound is red and oozes a clear fluid (this is exudation).
Then, the skin changes color and turns brown, forming crusts around the jewelry (this is granulation). Finally, the cartilage's condition improves, and it fully heals.
Before changing your jewelry, you must wait approximately a year until your snug piercing has healed. Consult your piercer if you're unsure. They might even fit you with a different piece.
Care Tips for a New Piercing
When you get an ear piercing, the body reacts to heal the wound. It defends itself and tries to cope with external aggressions (microbes, piercer's needle...). But how to care for a snug piercing? How to recognize and prevent infections?
How to clean and disinfect a snug piercing?
Given that the snug piercing is located on an external cartilage portion, beware of snags (clothes, phone, and hair). Avoid swimming, refrain from sports for the first 2 months, and follow a balanced diet.
Ensure you follow a strict care routine. Apart from being able to change your jewelry, regular care helps prevent complications (keloids, infections...). By keeping the wound clean, you'll allow your body to heal itself.
Here's a routine you should repeat twice a day for 15 days and then once a day for your snug:
- Wash and dry your hands properly;
- Apply saline solution or antibacterial soap on a gauze;
- Gently press on your piercing;
- Remove dirt and residue;
- Rinse your ear with warm water;
- Make sure your jewelry is correctly positioned;
- Never remove your piercing.
How to recognize and treat an infection?
The cartilage might sometimes be red, swollen, and painful, but it doesn't necessarily mean it's infected. If you've exercised or snagged your ear, it might merely be irritation.
However, if you notice yellowish pus, a foul smell, and/or have a fever, your snug piercing is likely infected. You can follow the usual care tips, repeating the routine twice a day, but it's wiser to see your piercer or consult a doctor.
As it's on an external cartilage fold, snug piercing infection is relatively common but usually goes away after a few days.
How much does a snug piercing cost?
If you've fallen for this piercing and wonder about the price, snug piercings usually range between 40 and 60 euros. Despite being in a challenging piercing area, it remains in low demand. The service price typically includes the piercing, the jewelry, care advice, and piercer follow-ups.
It's recommended to avoid jewelry stores and their tourist prices. Sellers aren't piercing professionals and often use low-quality materials. It's better to see a real piercer who'll know how to care for your ear. But don't be surprised by price variations based on their location and experience.
Materials, Jewelry, and Combo Ideas for Snug Piercing
Because of its location and shape, the snug piercing is perfect if you're a bold and creative woman. But which jewelry can you wear with the snug?
The snug area is very versatile in terms of jewelry: traditional studs (with a small ball or gem), the curved "banana" barbell, horseshoes, or rings. Curved barbells (or barbell) with two small balls or gems on each end are generally preferred.
Before choosing a design, ensure you pick hypoallergenic, high-quality materials. Avoid copper, nickel, and zinc alloys and opt for titanium, stainless steel (or surgical steel), and gold.
Piercers don't highly recommend silver, but it's suitable as a secondary choice.
For snug piercings, you can change the jewelry around 4 months post-piercing if done by the piercer. Don't attempt it by yourself while it's still healing (i.e., within 6 to 18 months).
With its rebel and rock and roll vibe, the snug goes well with a helix piercing, rook, and classic lobe earrings. You could wear a curved barbell on the snug, a ring on the helix, and hoop earrings on the lobe.
Snug and tragus piercings also pair very well! Don't hesitate to get creative and play around with layering hoops, but don't overdo it.
Choosing a Good Piercer
A good piercer should be experienced and professional. To find the ideal piercer, here are some criteria to consider:
- Recommendations and Reviews: Ask your friends or look up online reviews to find a reputable and reliable piercer in your area.
- Hygiene and Cleanliness: A piercing studio should be clean and well-maintained. Make sure the piercer adheres to all hygiene standards and uses sterilized equipment.
- Portfolio: Review the piercer's portfolio to see their past work and ensure they have experience with snug piercings.
- Certifications: A competent piercer should have certifications and take regular courses to stay updated on best practices.
- Communication: The piercer should be attentive to your needs and explain the piercing process and aftercare instructions clearly.
By following these tips, you should be able to find a skilled piercer to safely perform your snug piercing.
Conclusion
The snug piercing is a bold and unique choice for those looking to stand out. With the right information about pain, price, healing, and care tips, you'll be well-prepared to take the step and add this stylish piercing to your collection. Remember to choose an experienced piercer and follow the aftercare instructions for optimal healing and a hassle-free experience.