Ear Piercing Guide – Different Types of Ear Piercings to Try this Year

different types of ear piercing

One of the fashion styles that has always been in trend is ear piercing. When it comes to creating a unique and attractive look, ear piercing is a perfect choice. However, there are different types of ear piercings, which makes it difficult to find out the best one.

If you are planning to get an ear piercing, then here is an article with all you need to know about different ear piercings, pain, and cost.

Pain in Ear Piercing

When it comes to piercing, the first question that comes to mind is, “how painful is ear piercing?” It varies according to the pain sensitivity level of individuals as what you consider painful might not be painful for your best friend. However, if you want a piercing with lower pain, then it would be better to avoid some piercings. 

When it comes to lobe piercings, the pain is not more than that of a needle going through the ear. However, cartilage piercings are a little bit painful. Initially, you may feel a sharp shock before a throbbing, dull pain. 

If you have decided to get an ear piercing, then don’t let the thought of pain stop you. Trust me; you will love the results. One of the best ways to avoid pain is not to think about it, talk with your friend or listen to some good music in order to distract yourself. 

Cost of Ear Piercing

Ear piercings will never go out of style. One of the most popular trends in ear piercing is getting four to six piercings in one ear. 

The cost of ear piercings depends on different factors like the location of the salon and the experience of the professional body piercer. Most places charge around $20-25 for piercing ear lobe and around $25-30 for cartilage piercing. This cost does not include the cost of jewelry that you will wear after piercing.  

Different Types of Ear Piercings

Before you go to a salon to get your ears pierced, it is better to know everything about different types of piercings. This ear piercing guide will help you better understand different ear piercings. Below mentioned are different types of ear piercings and different ear piercings names.

Lobe Piercings 

A lobe piercing sits on the bottom portion of the ear, and it is one of the least painful piercings. 

Standard Lobe Piercing

Standard lobe piercing is one of the most classic ones among different types of ear piercings. It is also one of the most common types of ear piercings. In this type of ear piercing, the love is pierced front to back, which looks simple and beautiful. 

As the lobe is the fleshy bottom part of our ear, the piercing at this place is least painful. Moreover, the healing time for this type of piercing is also the quickest. 

In case you want something more stylish, you can get two lobe piercings.  

Cost : $20-25

Pain: 3/10

Transverse Lobe Piercing

In this type of ear piercing, the piercing is done horizontally through the skin using a barbell. The angle in this type of ear piercings depends on the size and shape of the lobe. 

It does not involve cartilage. Therefore, it is more pain-free as compared to other types of piercings. The only drawback of this piercing is that it requires a longer healing time. 

Cost: $20-25

Pain: 6/10

Outer Ear Piercing  

An outer ear piercing sits on the outer part of the ear. It is quite painful as compared to a lobe piercing. 

Tragus Piercing

Tragus refers to the inner part of cartilage. It is a type of cartilage piercing that is done over the ear canal exactly above the lobe. This type of ear piercing looks amazing with hoops, studs, and in combination with different types of jewelry.  

Cost: $25-50

Pain: 6/10

Forward Helix Piercing

The difference between a normal helix piercing and a forward helix is the location. A forward helix piercing is done on the outer rim of the ear, which is called the helix. This type of piercing sits at the top of the rim, exactly above the tragus. It is quite painful as it is done through the cartilage of the ear. If you want something unique, you can get a double forward helix piercing.

Popular jewelry for this type of piercing is studs. 

Cost: $40-50

Pain: 5/10

Snug Piercing

It is also a type of cartilage piercing. The snug piercing is done on the antihelix. It is present between the helix and above the antitragus. This piercing looks amazing with the right jewelry. It is a shallow location to get piercing, so it is better to use micro jewelry. 

Cost: $40-50

Pain: 7/10

Auricle Piercing

This type of ear piercing is done on the out part of your ear. It is usually halfway up between the helix and ear lobe. As it is also a cartilage piercing, you can expect more pain and a longer recovery time. 

Cost: $40-50

Pain: 7/10

Industrial Piercing

An industrial piercing includes two piercing through the cartilage. One of the most popular types of industrial piercing is through the helix and antihelix, and both are connected with a long piece of barbell jewelry. 

Cost: $40-50

Pain: 7/10

Inner Ear Piercing 

This piercing is done on the inner part of the ear. It is more painful, and you may experience sharp pain and pressure. 

Anti Tragus Piercing

This is one of the most popular among different types of ear piercings. It is a little bit of cartilage and sits next to the lobe and opposite the tragus. The pain varies according to your capacity, but this piercing can be painful during the process as well as during the recovery time. 

Cost: $40-50

Pain: 7/10

Rook Piercing

Rook piercing is present between the sung and the other end of the cartilage rim. The rook piercing sits at this place. You can make rook piercing more fashionable with a barbell or hoop.

Cost: $40-50

Pain: 7/10 

Helix Piercing

Any piercing that is done on the outer part of the cartilage rim present on the upper part is called helix piercing. The pain level is low in this piercing as it is done using a small needle. 

One popular type of helix piercing is double helix piercing. In this one, piercing is placed under the other. Barbells are popularly used in this piercing, but you are free to wear whatever you like. 

Cost: $40-50

Pain: 4/10

Daith Piercing

This piercing is done at the end of the helix and on the inner part of the cartilage that is present near the tragus. This piercing is highly versatile, and it suits almost everyone. Some people believe that this type of ear piercing helps to release migraines associated with anxiety. 

Cost: $40-50

Pain: 6/10

Orbital Piercing

Any piercing that involves two holes in the same part of the ear is called an orbital piercing. It is generally done so that hoop jewelry can pass through both the holes. This piercing can be done in lots of places, but some common places are helix or lobe. 

Cost: $40-50

Pain: 7/10

Outer Conch Piercing

The outer conch is present between the helix and antihelix. On the other hand, the inner conch is present before the ear canal and after the antihelix. The name of this piercing derives from the section of the ear that looks like conch seashells. 

Cost: $40-50

Pain: 7/10

Aftercare Tips for Ear Piercing

Different types of ear piercings are less risky as compared to other body piercings. However, they can also cause complications if not handled properly. The average healing time for body piercings differs on the piercing location. Below mentioned are some aftercare tips for newly pierced ears.

  • Always wash your hands before touching the pierced ears while they are healing.
  • Wash your ears regularly with soap and water. Make sure to wash them at least once a day in order to avoid any risk of infection.
  • Do not remove the starter earrings too early. Let the starter earring stay for six or more weeks. 
  • Make sure to twist the earrings a few times every day. It will allow you to keep pierced holes open. 
  • Gently clean your skin around the ear piercing at least twice a day. For this, put some rubbing alcohol on cotton and gently clean the skin close to piercing. 

Final Words

Ear piercing is one of the best ways to create a stylish and classy look. Before visiting a salon to get an ear piercing, make sure to have popper knowledge about different types of ear piercings. It will help you to deice a suitable piercing. If you want a more unique look, then you can opt for frog eyes piercing on the tongue. Do share your experience with us by dropping a comment. 

Rashmi