YOUR GUIDE TO EAR PIERCINGS: ADDRESSING COMMON QUESTIONS

Ear piercings are a widespread form of body modification, yet they can still provoke a myriad of questions and uncertainties. In this section, we'll answer some of the most commonly posed queries.

If you're contemplating getting an ear piercing or simply wish to enhance your understanding, delve in!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EAR PIERCINGS

In this part, we'll address common queries pertaining to piercings in general - from the choice of material, things to avoid, to identifying signs of healing and more. Subsequent sections will offer insights into specific types of piercings, so feel free to browse based on your interest.

WHAT MATERIAL IS BEST FOR MY PIERCING?

The choice of material for your piercing is paramount, as certain materials can lead to irritation or potential infection. We recommend opting for hypoallergenic materials like titanium, silver, or high-quality gold. Ensure to steer clear of materials containing common allergens like nickel, often found in stainless steel.

HOW CAN I TELL IF MY PIERCING HAS HEALED?

Healing signs are often indicated by:

  • The absence of redness, swelling, or pain around the piercing.
  • The ability to manipulate the piercing without discomfort or pain.
  • Limited movement of the jewelry within the piercing.
  • No formation of crusts around the piercing, and a normal-looking surrounding skin.

SHOULD I PIERCE MY EAR WITH A GUN OR NEEDLE?

Though slower and potentially more painful, a needle offers precision and is less traumatic to the tissue. This translates to a reduced risk of infection and a more rapid, efficient healing process. Furthermore, needles offer versatility, catering to an array of piercings and ear shapes.

We advocate for needle piercings, favoring them over gun piercings.

CAN A PIERCING HELP WITH MIGRAINES?

The Daith piercing, targeting pressure points associated with headaches and anxiety, is known to decrease the frequency and intensity of migraines.

Beyond the Daith piercing, the Tragus and Helix piercings have been reported to alleviate migraines. Located on the outer portion of the ear, these piercings purportedly stimulate pressure points which aid in migraine relief.

Nonetheless, it's crucial to remember that the effectiveness of piercings in mitigating migraines lacks scientific support, with results varying significantly among individuals.

Conch

WHAT IS THE CONCH PIERCING?

The Conch Piercing is a unique form of ear cartilage piercing. It's positioned within the curvature of the ear, specifically in the region that lies adjacent to the external auditory canal. This piercing penetrates the ear's conch cartilage, offering a deeper setting compared to many other ear piercings.

DOES THE CONCH PIERCING HURT?

While pain is subjective and varies from person to person, most find the discomfort of a Conch Piercing to be moderate. On a pain scale of 1 to 10, it is typically rated around 4 to 5. Although it's more intense than a standard lobe piercing, the pain is generally manageable.

WHAT IS THE HEALING TIME FOR A CONCH PIERCING?

Initial signs of healing are typically evident after the first 30 days. However, full recovery for a Conch Piercing may take between 4 to 6 months.

WHEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY FIRST CONCH PIERCING JEWEL?

We advise waiting at least 1 to 2 months post-piercing before changing your jewelry. Ensuring your first jewelry swap is carried out under the guidance of a professional piercer is essential to minimize potential complications.

WHAT IS THE COST OF A CONCH PIERCING?

The price of a Conch Piercing can vary based on several factors, including the specific type of piercing (inner or outer), the location, and the reputation and experience of the piercing professional. Generally, this piercing ranges in cost from USD35 to 60.

WHAT TYPE OF JEWELRY IS BEST FOR A CONCH PIERCING?

Typical jewelry choices for a Conch Piercing include hoops and studs or straight bars, with hoop sizes of 5/16" - 1/2" or 10-12 mm and studs measuring 5/16" or 7-8 mm.

DAITH

WHAT IS A DAITH PIERCING?

A Daith Piercing is a distinctive body modification that involves perforating the innermost cartilage of the ear, right above the auditory canal. This gives it a unique, eye-catching placement.

DOES A DAITH PIERCING HURT?

Owing to its somewhat elusive location and the pressure applied during the procedure, the Daith Piercing is often perceived as more painful than other types. However, it's essential to remember that pain is subjective and varies from individual to individual.

HOW LONG FOR A DAITH PIERCING TO HEAL?

Typically, a Daith Piercing takes anywhere between 6 to 12 months to fully heal. In this period, careful wound care and optimal hygiene are critical to avoid infections and ensure a speedy recovery.

WHEN TO SWITCH OUT MY INITIAL DAITH PIERCING JEWELRY?

We advise waiting for a minimum of 1 to 2 months post-piercing to change your initial Daith jewelry. It's best to have this done under professional supervision to minimize potential complications.

WHAT IS THE COST OF A DAITH PIERCING?

The cost of a Daith Piercing may fluctuate between $35 and 45 in smaller, lesser-known shops, or range from $45 to 65 in more renowned establishments.

WHAT JEWELRY WORKS BEST FOR A DAITH PIERCING?

A Daith Piercing can accommodate a variety of jewelry styles, but the most commonly used are horseshoes and hoops or clickers. These pieces typically measure 5/16" - 3/8" or 8-10 mm, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit in the Daith area.

FORWARD HELIX

WHAT IS THE FORWARD HELIX PIERCING?

The forward helix is a prominent ridge that runs parallel to the helix, rising upwards in the ear's center. This unique location has become a favorite spot for piercings, thanks to the versatile range of jewelry that can accentuate this area. Bear in mind, it consists of stiffer, less pliable cartilage.

DOES A FORWARD HELIX PIERCING HURT?

While a forward helix piercing tends to be more painful than a lobe piercing due to its location in the ear cartilage, individual pain thresholds differ. If you are considering your first piercing and are sensitive to discomfort, you might want to start with less painful options before attempting a forward helix.

WHAT IS THE HEALING PERIOD FOR A FORWARD HELIX PIERCING?

Similar to other cartilage piercings, the healing time for a forward helix piercing is relatively lengthy. A full recovery can take anywhere from six months to a year.

WHEN CAN I CHANGE MY INITIAL FORWARD HELIX JEWELRY?

It's advisable to allow your forward helix piercing to heal completely before switching out the initial jewelry, typically a period of 3 to 6 months depending on personal healing capacity and care routine.

Post-healing, you can change your jewelry, but remember to select the right size and style to prevent irritation. If you encounter any issues, consider seeking advice from a piercing professional.

HOW MUCH DOES A FORWARD HELIX PIERCING COST?

A forward helix piercing generally falls within a price range of USD30 to 50. However, if you prefer high-end jewelry options like gold, the cost might escalate. When choosing a piercing service, prioritize quality and safety over cost. Engage the services of a seasoned professional and invest in quality materials for a seamless healing process and a superior aesthetic outcome.

WHAT KIND OF JEWELRY IS SUITABLE FOR A FORWARD HELIX PIERCING?

Jewelry choices for the forward helix are typically small-diameter hoops (1/4" or 6 mm) or straight (studs) or curved bars measuring between 1/4"- 5/16" or 6-8 mm. Avoid excessively large hoops as they may press against the inner ear, resulting in discomfort and a less appealing look.

FLAT

WHAT IS A FLAT PIERCING?

Flat piercing refers to an intriguing style of ear piercing placed on the flat area of the ear cartilage, just above the tragus. It is distinctively pierced horizontally through the cartilage, contrasting with the traditional vertical approach. Given its location which is prone to pressure and friction, flat piercing necessitates special care to prevent extended healing periods.

HOW INTENSE IS THE PAIN FROM A FLAT PIERCING?

Pain is a subjective experience and varies widely among individuals. While some might experience a sharp, stinging sensation from a flat piercing, others might sense minimal discomfort. In comparison to lobe piercing, flat piercing, due to its cartilage penetration, can be more painful. If we were to rate it on a pain scale, it could be considered a moderate 5 out of 10.

WHAT IS THE HEALING DURATION FOR A FLAT PIERCING?

The healing time for a flat piercing can differ depending on the individual. Typically, it's estimated to take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to fully heal.

WHEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY INITIAL FLAT PIERCING JEWELRY?

You may consider changing your initial flat piercing jewelry anywhere from 45 to 90 days after the procedure, but this should always be done under professional guidance. Like all cartilage piercings, the wound should be fully closed before any jewelry change. However, remember, a fully closed wound does not equate to a fully healed piercing.

HOW MUCH DOES A FLAT PIERCING COST?

The cost of a flat piercing usually ranges between $30 and 50, which is comparable to other cartilage piercings. The accessibility of its location, its relatively low thickness, and the lack of need for a special needle contribute to its affordability.

WHAT JEWELRY TYPES ARE SUITABLE FOR A FLAT PIERCING?

Flat piercings are best adorned with studs, bars, and labrets of 1/4" or 6-7 mm. These pieces come in various sizes and lengths, specifically designed to fit flawlessly in the flat piercing. They can be composed of a variety of materials, including steel, titanium, gold, or silver, and some may even be embellished with gemstones or diamonds for a sophisticated flair.

Helix

WHAT IS A HELIX PIERCING?

A helix piercing is named for its placement on the outer upper part of the ear, known as the helix. This area can accommodate multiple piercings, and when two or three piercings are made, they are known as double or triple helix piercings respectively.

HOW PAINFUL IS A HELIX PIERCING?

The helix piercing, located in a relatively sensitive part of the ear, can lead to a degree of discomfort. The presence of cartilage in the helix area makes the piercing procedure somewhat more uncomfortable than piercing the earlobe. However, the pain experienced is transient and usually manageable.

WHAT IS THE HEALING TIME FOR A HELIX PIERCING?

The healing duration of a helix piercing can vary based on numerous individual factors, typically ranging from 3 to 9 months to achieve complete healing.

WHEN TO CHANGE THE INITIAL HELIX PIERCING JEWELRY?

As a general rule, helix piercing jewelry can be switched after a 3-month period, under the watchful eye of a piercing professional. A titanium piece is usually recommended for the initial change.

It's crucial to remember that, like with all cartilage piercings, the wound must be completely closed before changing the jewelry. However, a wound being completely closed doesn't necessarily indicate that it's fully healed.

HOW MUCH DOES A HELIX PIERCING COST?

The average cost of a helix or anti-helix piercing is around $30, but the exact price can fluctuate depending on the specific piercing studio, generally falling within the $30-50 bracket.

WHAT KIND OF JEWELRY IS APPROPRIATE FOR A HELIX PIERCING?

For helix piercings, a range of jewelry options is available, including hoops (5/16" - 3/8" or 8-10 mm), studs, or barbells (1/4"- 5/16" or 6-8 mm. There are also "cartilage earrings," crafted specifically for helix piercings to perfectly align with the curve of the cartilage.

Rook

WHAT IS THE ROOK PIERCING?

A rook piercing is an intricate type of ear modification that involves piercing the uppermost inner portion of the ear. It specifically targets the primary fold of cartilage nestled within the antihelix region, located just above the tragus. This piercing process is inherently intricate and calls for exceptional skill and precision on the part of the piercing professional.

HOW PAINFUL IS A ROOK PIERCING?

The rook piercing is performed in an area characterized by dense cartilage, which might result in a higher degree of discomfort compared to other piercings. It's quite common for the ear to exhibit redness and mild swelling for a few days following the procedure.

WHAT IS THE HEALING TIME FOR A ROOK PIERCING?

The rook piercing is located within a thick cartilage zone, which implies that the piercing operation can be moderately painful and the healing process slower than usual. Generally, a rook piercing may take about 6 to 8 months to heal entirely.

WHEN CAN I REPLACE MY INITIAL ROOK PIERCING JEWELRY?

You should retain the initial rook piercing jewelry for the duration suggested by your piercing professional, which usually extends to at least 6 to 8 weeks within the initial healing phase. Post this period, the piercing should have healed adequately to allow for jewelry replacement, albeit the overall healing duration can differ from individual to individual.

WHAT IS THE COST OF A ROOK PIERCING?

Being among the less prevalent ear piercings, the price of a rook piercing typically ranges between $40 and 60. However, bear in mind that the final cost can fluctuate based on the specific material of the jewelry and the credibility and experience of your piercer.

WHAT KIND OF JEWELRY IS SUITABLE FOR A ROOK PIERCING?

The jewelry selected for a rook piercing typically has a curved design. This includes a rook barbell, a horseshoe, or a hoop. The sizes are usually around 1/4"- 5/16" or 6-8 mm, with the diameters for hoops measuring 1/4" or 6 mm.

Snug

WHAT IS A SNUG PIERCING?

A snug piercing is a distinct type of piercing located under the helix, close to the ear canal. The process involves puncturing the inner and outer cartilage of the ear and is usually performed quickly and seamlessly.

HOW MUCH DOES A SNUG PIERCING HURT?

The snug piercing, nestled in the anti-helix area of the ear, could be significantly painful due to the thickness of the cartilage that necessitates additional force for piercing. It's noteworthy that individuals' pain tolerance may vary, but many often rate the pain at around 8 on a 10-point scale.

WHAT IS THE HEALING DURATION FOR A SNUG PIERCING?

A snug piercing can typically take between 3 to 9 months to heal completely. During this healing process, proper hygiene is paramount, and wearers should avoid any inappropriate jewelry that could hinder healing. However, it's important to remember that healing times can differ from person to person.

WHEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY FIRST SNUG PIERCING JEWELRY?

A minimum wait of two months is suggested before changing the initial snug piercing jewelry. This should be done under the supervision of a professional piercer. As snug piercings are known to be quite painful and require a substantial healing period, it's essential to confirm the wound is fully healed before making any changes.

HOW MUCH DOES A SNUG PIERCING COST?

Snug piercing is generally in the same price range as other ear piercings. Prices usually fall between $40 to 60. This cost generally covers the price of the jewelry, often made of surgical steel or other superior materials, jewelry placement, post-piercing care instructions, and professional follow-ups.

WHAT TYPE OF JEWELRY IS APPROPRIATE FOR A SNUG PIERCING?

A snug piercing can be embellished with a curved barbell (shaped like a horseshoe or banana) or a hoop that fits the cartilage's contour. The recommended size for the bar is 5/16" - 3/8" or 8-10 mm, while the hoop is suggested to be 1/4"- 5/16" or 6-8 mm in diameter.

Tragus

WHAT IS A TRAGUS PIERCING?

A tragus piercing is an ear piercing situated on the tragus, the small, firm section of the outer ear located just above the earlobe. This area forms a petite triangular ridge composed of cartilage.

HOW MUCH DOES A TRAGUS PIERCING HURT?

While tragus piercing can potentially cause more discomfort than a lobe piercing, its pain level is generally comparable to other cartilage piercings. The tragus area, though a small triangular section, is fairly soft and malleable.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A TRAGUS PIERCING TO HEAL?

The healing duration for a tragus piercing primarily hinges on the care and attention it receives. Full healing can typically be expected between 3 to 6 months, contingent on an individual's personal healing capacity. Special attention should be devoted to the piercing for the initial 30 days to mitigate the risk of infections or complications.

WHEN CAN I REPLACE MY INITIAL TRAGUS PIERCING JEWELRY?

It's advised to wait a minimum of one month before considering changing the jewelry of a tragus piercing, and even then, only under professional consultation. Given that a tragus piercing could take several months to fully heal, it's of utmost importance to ensure the wound is entirely healed before switching the jewelry.

HOW MUCH DOES A TRAGUS PIERCING COST?

The price of a tragus piercing typically falls between $30 to 50, although this can vary based on the chosen piercing studio. This cost generally incorporates the jewelry's placement, the use of the initial medical-grade piercing during the healing period, and the essential care products to promote safe healing.

WHAT JEWELRY IS APPROPRIATE FOR A TRAGUS PIERCING?

Suitable tragus piercing jewelry includes a straight bar (known as a labret or stud) or a hoop.

The bar should ideally be1/4"- 5/16" or 6-8 mm in length, with the hoop's diameter also suggested to be 1/4"- 5/16" or 6-8 mm.