Ear Piercings – What do all the different styles and names actually mean?
Conasidering your ears are a fairly small part of your body, there are endless options for piercing what up – and right now there’s even the huge trend of constellation jewellery, which sees gals and guys rocking arty, starry sky-inspired clusters of multiple piercings all at once.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here; with some dreamy examples from Instagram to inspire and illustrate things clearly for you, let’s make sure you know exactly what you’re after with a quick rundown of all the different ear piercing names, their style, and exactly where they are. Handy, eh?
1. Ear Lobe
Image credit: Pinterest
2. Second Ear Lobe
Image credit:@kanpantha
3. Third Ear Lobe
Image credit: Pinterest
4. Helix
Image credit: @manokruel
5. Double/Triple Helix
Image credit: @tangledmossjewellery
6. Forward Helix
Image credit: @piercinginspiration
7. Double Forward Helix
Image credit: @eyeoftheneedlepiercing
8. Triple Forward Helix
Image credit: @maverickconnerbate
9. Industrial
Image credit: Pinterest
10. Tragus
Image credit: @maria_tash
11. Anti Tragus
Image credit: Pinterest
12. Daith
Image credit: Pinterest
13. Outer Conch
Image credit: @dassinhaq
14. Inner Conch
Image credit: @thesammersaurus
15. Rook
Image credit: @thesammersaurus
16. Snug
Image credit: Pinterest
17. Transverse Lobe
Image credit: @holly.casey
So, is it gonna hurt?
Let’s be honest, you’re voluntarily sticking your hand in the air to have a whacking great needle a pop a hole in your flesh. So yep, it probably is going to hurt – at least a little bit.
But everyone has different pain thresholds. A piercing that’s the most painful experience in the world for your BFF might be no biggie for you – and you’ve chosen to have it in the name of fashion, remember, so the knowledge of how great it’s going to look might carry you through. But at the very least, you can expect a little bit of discomfort during the actual piercing, and maybe even afterward while it heals.
Which ones are the most and least painful?
It’s a different experience for everybody, but the easiest way to figure out a pain rating is to think about exactly what you’re punching a hole into. Generally, the ear lobe is said to be least painful because it’s fleshy and soft, while something a bit edgier like a helix, forward helix, daith or conch is gonna hurt more because it’s pure, tough cartilage.
Generally speaking, you’re looking at a rough pain-o-meter that goes something like this from least to most ouch-worthy.
LEAST PAINFUL
Lobes A good one to go for if it’s your first ever piercing. They’re super fleshy, so it’s just like a small pinch or sting. Helix This is full-on cartilage so needs some more pressure to pierce – but it’s still over in seconds. Daith/Tragus Through your inner cartilage, meaning it’s uncomfortable but not unbearable Rook/Snug You’ll feel a sharp pressure that lasts a few moments while the needle pushes through thick cartilage (but on the other hand, it’s tucked inside your ear so it’s less likely to catch on anything afterward). Conch It pierces directly through the shell of your ear which is thicker cartilage, so very little flesh means more pressure and pain. Industrial It goes without saying that this one’s two parts of the ear (and they’re both cartilages), so that’s technically two piercings in one go. Ow.
And what about afterward?
Once you’re all done and dusted at the (professional and sterile) piercing parlor, it’s all on you to make sure that things don’t take a turn for the gross with your piercing. Healing completely depends on the type of piercing – ear lobes take around four to six weeks, while cartilage piercings can take up to a whole year. We know it’s tempting, but do NOT rush to change your jewelry until it’s properly healed.
Aftercare is also super important to make sure that you’re not left with any infections and that your new piercing heals to Pinterest levels of perfection.
Ask your piercer for specific instructions, but it’s generally agreed that you should be using a clean cotton bud and sterile saline or antibacterial solution to gently remove any dried blood or discharge. Try not to twist the piercing as this could irritate it. If things get swollen, extra bloody or painful despite all of this, get it checked out.
So here ends your introductory lesson on ear piercing. In conclusion: read reviews online, don’t be afraid to ask literally ANY questions you have before and after the big moment, and be strict with yourself when it comes to sticking to the aftercare.
