Ear piercing guide
Are you considering getting your first piercing?
Are your ears pierced, but you need to know how to rock your new piercing like a superstar? It might seem pretty overwhelming, especially if you have many questions and no forthcoming answer.
What piercing should you get? How should you clean your ear piercing and earrings to avoid an infection? How do you style your ear piercing? That's why this post is a must-read for you. We have outlined everything you need to know before or after your ears are pierced to ease your worries.
What piercing should I get?
Not all ear piercing or piercing arrangements will work with your anatomy; it all boils down to your personal preference and the distinctive form of your ear. However, here are some trendy piercing styles that might interest you:
Helix Piercing
Helix piercings are made anywhere on the ear's top outer cartilage. Even well-known celebrities are now opting for helix piercings as a fashion statement. Helix piercings come in a variety of styles and placements on the ear.
Location: Upper outer cartilage
Pain: 4/10
Healing: 6–12 months
Variations: Single helix, double helix, triple helix, forward helix
Halfway Piercing, 18kt gold and white sustainable diamonds.
Tragus Piercings
Your tragus, a tiny piece of cartilage that partially encloses your ear canal, is the site of a tragus piercing. Tragus piercings look amazing on almost everyone and will look great on you if your ear is compatible.
Location: Small cartilage flap by the ear canal
Pain: 3–5/10
Healing: 3–6 months
Bloomy Piercing, 18kt gold and white sustainable diamonds.
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Daith Piercings
A Daith piercing is a particular style of ear piercing in the cartilage directly above your ear canal. While piercing, you should feel the area being pinched as the cartilage is tough and should only be mildly or moderately painful.
Location: Cartilage fold above the ear canal
Pain: 3–7/10 (varies by anatomy)
Healing: 6–12 months
Smiley Piercing, 18kt gold and white sustainable diamonds.
Rook Piercings
Nano Hoop, 18kt gold.
A rook piercing is a cartilage piercing in your inner ear's uppermost ridge above the tragus in the antihelix. A rook piercing is delicate and new and can also be worn in many different ways.
Location: Inner ridge (antihelix) above the tragus
Pain: 6/10
Healing: 6–12 months
Conch Piercing
A conch piercing is situated in the center part of the ear. Conch piercings are hands down one of the most seductive piercing styles you'd see. It might be due to the way they boldly yet subtly embellish the ear, or it might be because of how extremely customizable they are. The type of jewelry worn with conch piercings can be either stud or hoop, and the placement can be either inner or outer.
Location: Center shell of the ear
Pain: 6/10
Healing: 3–9 months
Smiley Piercing, 18kt gold and white sustainable diamonds.
Industrial Piercing
Puffy Piercing, 18kt gold.
The industrial piercing, also known as bar or scaffolding piercing, is a straight barbell joining two cartilage piercings on the upper ear. An industrial piercing has endless customization possibilities.
Location: Two upper-ear cartilage holes connected by a straight barbell
Pain: 6/10
Healing: 4–9 months
How to clean ear piercing?
Proper ear piercing cleaning is key to preventing infection and scarring. Follow this daily routine for your earrings and piercings:
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Wash hands thoroughly with warm water and mild soap before touching your piercing.
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Clean twice a day—ideally during your morning and evening showers.
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Use a sterile saline solution: Soak a fresh cotton pad or swab and gently dab around the piercing.
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Pat dry with a clean tissue or lint-free towel.
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Avoid sleeping on your new piercing until fully healed.
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Sanitize your earrings: Soak them in hydrogen peroxide (or our Piercing Aid) and let air-dry on a clean cloth.
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Pro tip: Never twist or rotate jewelry while cleaning—that can cause irritation.
How to style ear piercing?
Ready to rock your new studs and hoops? Follow these piercing styling rules for a balanced, eye-catching ear stack:
1 Mix Textures & Metals
Combine smooth hoops, pave studs and chain-linked earrings. Mixing gold and silver or matte and polished finishes adds depth.
2 Follow the Cascading Rule
Place larger, dangling pieces (like hoops or drop earrings) in your lobes and reserve smaller studs for upper cartilage. This “waterfall” effect elongates and balances your ear.
3 Add an Ear Cuff
No extra holes? A cuff clips on your helix or conch to mimic a piercing and give instant edge—perfect for sensitive ears.
4 Play with Color & Charms
Introduce colored gemstones, enamel charms, or birthstone studs to personalize your look. Rotate a charm between piercings for fresh combinations.
Choosing the Right Piercing for Your Anatomy
Not every ear shape works with every piercing:
- Flat ears: Conch and daith often fit best.
- High-arched cartilage: Helix or industrial piercings are ideal.
- Small lobes: Stick to classic lobe piercings or micro-studs.
Always consult a professional piercer who can map your ear “landscape” and recommend the safest, most flattering placement.
Bottom Line
Ensure you get ear piercings that work with your anatomy. This should not bother you, as a professional piercer will enlighten you on the styles that suit the shape of your ear. To prevent your new piercing from the risk of infection, you must embrace a lifestyle of regularly cleaning and caring for your ear piercing and earrings. Always ensure that you follow the instructions given to you by your piercer.