The ear piercing locations discussed on Piercing Ya
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Ear Piercings

The ear, with its diverse and prominent canvas, offers many options for self-expression through ear piercings. Whether you’re a well versed piercing enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this guide explores some of the most popular ear piercings. You’ll find classic styles to bolder placements.

  • Lobe Piercings: The earlobe is the most common piercing location, offering versatility and a relatively painless experience. Classic earlobe piercings can be placed anywhere on the lobe, while stacked earlobes involve multiple piercings close together. Transverse earlobe piercings go horizontally across the lobe, and upper earlobe piercings sit high on the lobe near the head.
A man viewed from the back with earlobe piercings in his ear.

Conch Ear Piercings

  • Conch (Inner): Nestled in the inner curl of the ear cartilage, the inner conch piercing offers a unique look. Healing can take longer due to the thickness of the cartilage.
  • Conch (Outer): Located on the outer rim of the ear cartilage opposite the tragus, the outer conch piercing provides a bold statement.
A conch shown in the very center of the photo surrounded by other piercings.
  • Daith: The daith piercing sits in the small, fleshy fold of cartilage at the top of the ear. It’s near the entrance of the ear canal. It’s believed by some to help with migraines, although there’s no scientific evidence to support this.
A close up of a daith piercing in a person's ear.

Helix Ear Piercings

  • Helix: Located on the outer rim of the upper cartilage, the helix piercing is a popular choice with a wide range of placement options.
  • Helix (Forward): This variation of the helix piercing adorns the curved cartilage towards the front of the ear. It adds a unique touch.
A woman with long red hair that has her helix pierced.

Industrial Piercings

  • Industrial: The industrial piercing involves two piercings connected by a single barbell across the upper cartilage fold. Therefore, healing can take a longer time due to the barbell spanning a larger area.
  • Industrial (Vertical): A variation of the industrial, the vertical industrial involves two piercings stacked vertically and connected by a single barbell.
Am man with a standard industrial.
  • Rook: The rook piercing rests in the small fold of cartilage above the tragus. This placement offers a unique look and is considered to have a moderate healing time.
  • Snug: Occupying the small indentation near the top of the ear, the snug piercing can be tricky to heal due to its placement in a folded area.

Tragus Piercings

  • Tragus: The tragus, the small bump in front of the ear canal, is a popular and easily healing location due to its thin cartilage.
  • Anti-Tragus: Sitting on the opposite side of the tragus, the anti-tragus piercing adds an edgy touch. Healing can take longer due to the thickness of the cartilage.
  • Surface Tragus: Unlike other piercings that go through the cartilage, the surface tragus rests on a flat surface near the tragus. So, due to its placement on the skin, it requires specific care and has a higher chance of rejection.
A woman with a tragus piercing.

Interested In Getting One Or Many Ear Piercings?

Craving a classic earlobe embellishment or a popular cartilage adornment? This guide has shed light on various ear piercings you can choose from. Also, remember, that the journey of body modification is a personal one. So, take your time studying styles, and safe piercing practices, but most importantly, choose a piercing that reflects your personality. Also, make sure it shines with your confidence. With the right knowledge and a touch of self-expression, you can transform your ears into a canvas.


Need to find a piercer? Check out the Association of Professional Piercers.

Author: Scott S.


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