Simple Guide to Ear Piercing Names, Healing Time & Jewelry
Ear piercings are a fun way to show off your personality. But with so many
ear piercings names, it's easy to get confused. In this post, we'll walk you through common ear piercings, how long they take to heal, and which type of jewelry works best. Easy to learn and suitable for beginners!
Names Of Ear Piercings
Helix Piercing
Where: Cartilage in the upper part of the ear, along the outer edge. This is one of the most popular cartilage piercings.
Healing time:3-6 weeks
Jewelry: simple studs, curved and circular barbells, ear cuffs, captive bead rings, helix hoop earrings
Flat Piercing
Where: The flat area of cartilage between the helix and rook, on the upper ear. It’s a wide surface, great for tiny clusters.
Healing time: 4–6 months
Jewelry: Flat-back studs, tiny clusters, or dainty bars
Rook Piercing
Where: The inner ridge of cartilage above the daith, tucked in the ear fold.
Healing time: 6–9 months
Jewelry: Curved barbells, small captive bead rings, tiny hoops
Daith Piercing
Where: The innermost fold of cartilage, right above the ear canal.
Healing time: 6–9 months
Jewelry: Heart-shaped rings, curved barbells, captive bead rings
Tragus Piercing
Where: The small thick flap of cartilage right in front of the ear canal.
Healing time: 3–6 months
Jewelry: Small studs, flat-back labrets, captive bead rings
Anti Tragus Piercing
Where: Opposite the tragus, just above the earlobe on the outer edge.
Healing time: 6–9 months
Jewelry: Small hoops, studs, curved barbells
Conch Piercing
Where: The middle cartilage area of the ear, either inner (near the ear canal) or outer (flatter space near the helix).
Healing time: 6–12 months
Jewelry: Studs, flat-back labrets, large hoops (for outer conch)
Lobe Piercing
Where: The soft lower part of the ear. This is the most common
Healing time: 6–8 weeks
Jewelry: Studs, hoops, huggies, dangles
Upper Lobe Piercing
Where: Just above the standard lobe piercing, still in the soft tissue.
Healing time: 8–12 weeks
Jewelry: Studs, hoops
Transverse Lobe Piercing
Where: Horizontally through the earlobe, rather than front to back.
Healing time: 2–10 months
Jewelry: Transverse lobe earrings
Industrial Piercing
Where: Two connected holes in the upper ear cartilage, typically from the helix to the forward helix.
Healing time: 4–6 months
Jewelry: straight barbell
Forward Helix Piercing
Where: The front part of the helix, closest to your face, above the tragus.
Healing time: 3–6 months
Jewelry: Tiny studs, flat-back labrets, small hoops
Snug Piercing
Where: The inner cartilage ridge between the outer ear and conch, often quite shallow.
Healing time: 6–12 months
Jewelry: Small curved barbells, tiny hoops
Orbital Piercing
Where: Two holes connected by a single hoop, typically done in the lobe or helix area.
Healing time: 6- 12 months
Jewelry: hoops and barbells
Jewelry Material Tips
For new piercings, choose implant-grade titanium, surgical steel, or solid gold. Avoid nickel and cheap costume jewelry while your piercing heals. Opt for flat-back labrets or threadless body jewelry to ensure comfort.
Healing Advice
- Always wash your hands before touching your piercing.
- Wash twice a day with sterile saline.
- Avoid sleeping on your new piercing.
- Do not twist or rotate jewelry.
- Be patient - cartilage takes longer to heal than earlobe piercings.
With proper care and quality jewelry, your ear piercing can heal well and last a lifetime!