There are as many places to pierce on your ear as there are shapes of ear: the sky really is your limit. But we’ve attempted to categorise the most popular ones, as well as taking a look at which piercings suit different people.
Want to find out about a specific piercing?
Wherever you get your piercing done, make sure the place looks clean and the tools are appropriately sterilised. Hollow piercing needles should be used for cartilage piercings (they generally heal much quicker this way), but a piercing gun can be used for lobes.
Take the time to double check the placement of the intended piercing before giving the go-ahead – you’re the one that will be stuck with the hole afterwards!
Be aware that lobe piercings tend to be less painful than cartilage piercings as there are fewer nerve endings in this area.
Want more? Learn about different earring styles in this jewellery glossary post
Earlobe
The most common piercing out there, a single lobe piercing is a classic look that’s popular around the globe. It’s normally done with a piercing gun or a sterilised piercing needle. This is one of the least painful piercings to get and it’s also usually the quickest to heal.
Healing time: About 6–8 weeks
Multiple Lobe
You can of course get your lobes pierced more than once on each side, often these are done in a row following the line of the ear.
Healing time: About 6–8 weeks
Helix
Any piercing around the outer rim of the ear.
Healing time: 2–12 months
Tragus
Piercing of the small piece of cartilage that juts out from in front of the ear. A less painful place to get pierced.
Healing time: 8–16 weeks
Anti-Tragus
Piercing the cartilage opposite the tragus, just above the earlobe.
Healing time: 8–16 weeks
Orbital
Two piercings that can be joined with one piece of jewellery such as a barbell. These should be pierced separately and allowed to heal completely before being joined with anything.
Healing time: 2–12 months
Snug
Piercing of the inner cartilage halfway down the outer rim of the ear.
Healing time: 8–16 weeks
Daith
A piercing of the cartilage between the upper inside of the ear and the ear canal.
Healing time: 8–16 weeks
Rook
Piercing of the thick fold of cartilage on the upper inside of the ear. This one can be quite painful, and can take up to a year to heal.
Healing time: 2–12 months
Conch Piercings
A conch piercing is any piercing in the central “shell” of the ear.
Healing time: 8–16 weeks
How much should ear piercing cost?
- Lobe piercings: about £20–30 for a pair
- Cartilage piercings: £15–30 per piercing (studio prices vary widely)
Which piercings suit small ears?
A simple pair of lobe piercings suits all ears. But if you want more than that, choose piercings based on the fold and shape of your ear. If you have small or attached lobes, they can quickly look crowded. Choose spaced-out piercings like a tragus, a lobe, and a helix.
Which piercings suit large ears?
A simple pair of lobe piercings will look classic on larger ears too. With more room to play with, you could try a row of three lobe piercings or multiple helix placements. If you want to minimise visual emphasis, avoid helix piercings (especially if your ears stick out) and go for something like a tragus for a clean, modern look.
Express yourself
Piercings are a great way to express your personality and unique style. Make note of piercings you admire on others and talk to a professional piercer about what will work for your ear anatomy. Once you're healed, have fun experimenting with studs, earrings, cuffs and bars to build your own look!
