Ear piercings are more than just a fashion statement; they’re a unique form of self-expression and, in some cases, a source of medical relief.
From the standard lobe to helix piercing, there are so many different options to choose from.
Whether you’re looking to get your first ear piercing or expanding your existing collection, it’s important to understand the many options available.
Different Types Of Ear Piercings
Standard Lobe Piercing
Pain level: 1/10
Healing time: 6-8 weeks
When you think of ear piercings, the first one that often comes to mind is the standard lobe piercing.
Located in the soft and fleshy part of the ear, called the lobule or lobe, the standard lobe piercing is the most common type because it’s the least painful. Depending on the size and shape of your lobes, you can get one or multiple piercings in this area.
Not only is the standard lobe piercing one of the most common, but did you know it’s been said to help improve vision? Located in the acupuncture point named the ‘vision point’, there have been reports of people having improved vision after getting their lobes pierced. This theory dates back to pirates who believed that wearing a hoop in their ears would improve their eyesight and allow for better sailing.
Helix Piercing
Pain level: 5/10
Healing time: 6-9 months
Helix ear piercings are also known as cartilage piercings and are placed anywhere on the ear's upper cartilage. This type of piercing is often the first choice when people move on from the lobe.
The helix is usually pierced in the ‘allergy point’ location, which is said to relieve symptoms of allergies, such as congestion or a sore throat.
Forward Helix Piercing
Pain level: 5/10
Healing time: 3-9 months
Another cartilage ear piercing, the forward helix piercing, is located above the tragus at the front of your ear. You can fit multiple mini studs in this area.
The forward helix piercing may stimulate an ear acupressure point to help relieve tense muscles and encourage blood circulation.
Conch Piercing
Pain level: 4/10
Healing time: 3-9 months
Conch piercings are named after the conch shell because of the shape of the ear where it’s located.
The location for this piercing is extremely versatile, as you can get multiple small studs or a cuff piercing that hugs the ear.
Conch piercings are said to target ear acupuncture points that aid in muscle relaxation and chronic pain relief.
Tragus Piercing
Pain level: 5/10
Healing time: 6-9 months
The tragus piercing is located on the small bit of cartilage that partially covers your ear canal. The tragus is a perfect spot for a mini stud or hoop earring.
Much like many other types of ear piercings, there is a rumour that the tragus piercing has been said to help appetite control. However, there isn’t any research to back up these claims.
Anti-tragus Piercing
Pain level: 9/10
Healing time: 4-6 months
Located opposite the tragus piercing, just above the lobe, is where you’ll find the anti-tragus piercing.
This piercing is great for mini studs and hoops.
Rook Piercing
Pain level: 6/10
Healing time: 6-12 months
Located above where you get a conch piercing, the rook piercing goes through the inner ridge of the highest ridge of cartilage on your ear. The rook piercing is perfect for a small hoop earring.
Much like how Ayurvedic texts believe that piercing the left nostril can reduce menstrual symptoms such as pain and cramps, there have also been reports of rook piercings providing the same relief.
Daith Piercing
Pain level: 5/10
Healing time: 6-18 months
The daith piercing is located on the ridge below the rook and hugs the cartilage, making it a cartilage ear piercing.
Did you also know that daith piercings are common ear piercings for migraine relief? Getting daith piercings for migraine relief gained popularity in the mid-2010s, and it has been all the rage since.
One case study reported that a 54-year-old man who suffered from chronic migraines decided to get a Daith piercing. After getting the piercing, he claimed to have experienced a large reduction in the number of migraines he suffered.
Industrial Piercing
Pain level: 6/10
Healing time: 9-12 months
Industrial piercings are one of the more unique types of ear piercings as they’re essentially a mini barbell that connects one part of the ear to another.
Since the industrial piercing is essentially two cartilage ear piercings, it can take a little while to heal.
Auricle Piercing
Pain level: 3/10
Healing time: 3-9 months
Auricle piercings are placed in the fold between your helix (outer fold) and earlobe. They are also known as ‘mid-helix’ piercings.
Mini hoops and studs are great choices of jewellery for this piercing.
Least Painful Ear Piercings
Now that you know ten of the most common piercings, what are the least painful ear piercings?
Standard Lobe Piercing
Pain level: 1/10
Due to being in the most fleshy part of the ear, the standard lobe piercing is easily the least painful ear piercing. Because of this, many people get this piercing as a child or before any other type of piercing.
Auricle Piercing
Pain level: 3/10
Located halfway up the outside of the ear between the earlobe and helix, the cartilage is relatively thin in this area, making the pain of an auricle piercing relatively low.
Conch Piercing
Pain level: 4/10
Located in the middle portion of your ear cartilage, the conch piercing is one of the least painful cartilage ear piercings.
However, since the needle will pierce cartilage, you can still expect some pain, but it will be moderately better than other cartilage piercings such as daith or tragus piercings.
Tips For Creating Ear Jewellery Stacks
When people say “less is more”, it doesn’t refer to earring stacks. In fact, it’s quite the opposite! The more, the merrier when it comes to earrings, especially if you’ve got the ultimate earring stack down pat.
Here are some tips to help you create the perfect earring stack for your ear.
Choose your statement earring
When creating your earring stack, you want to start with the piece of jewellery that will have the most impact, which is usually your lobe earring.
Whether it’s a statement earring or a bold hoop, start with that and work your way up!
Mix and match your jewellery
When deciding which jewellery to place in your ear, you don’t want them to be the same. For example, if you love ocean blue, use it throughout your stack and incorporate a mix of gemstones and blue detail.
Think about size
Just like how you don’t want all of your earrings to be the same shape, you don’t want them to all be the same size, either!
The cascading rule is a great place to start. The cascading rule is when you have your larger earrings at the bottom of your ear and smaller, more dainty pieces the higher up the ear you go.
Get Your Ears Pierced At Celebrity Ink
From helix piercings to tragus piercings, there are so many types of ear piercings to choose from.
Whether you like dainty, understated pieces or bold and shiny earrings, ear piercings are a great way to express individuality.
If you’re considering getting your first piercing or adding to your collection, book an ear piercing appointment at your nearest Celebrity Ink studio.
We’re ready to help your personality shine!
