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Auricle Piercing: Your Complete Guide
When most people get their first piercing, their location of choice will be the earlobes. However, the entire ear can serve as a piercing canvas with multiple places to insert eye-catching hardware.
If you're looking for a unique yet trendy ear piercing, you may be a good candidate for an Auricle ear piercing.
What Is an Auricle Piercing?
The Auricle piercing is located along the outer edge of the ear. Specifically, this piercing is placed halfway between the earlobe and the top of the ear.
Variant: Double Auricle Piercing
If just one piercing isn't enough, it's possible to stack two Auricle piercings vertically to create the double Auricle piercing. This variant gives you the option of wearing two studs, two rings, or one curved barbell for some extra visual impact.
What's Special About This Piercing?
This piercing is special because it's an easy gateway into cartilage piercings. In general, cartilage piercings are known to be relatively painful compared to other common piercings.
However, the Auricle piercing is typically the least painful option. While there is still cartilage in the place, it's usually thinner and softer than other parts of the ear.
Additionally, Auricle piercings are invaluable for creating piercing clusters and stacks. If you have piercings in multiple locations on your ear, the Auricle piercing's position near the center of your ear makes it the ideal place to wear an anchor piece to pull them all together.
Auricle Piercing Vs. Helix Piercing
The Auricle piercing is a variant of the Helix piercing and both have similar healing times and aftercare requirements.
The difference between the Auricle piercing and the Helix piercing depends on their respective locations. With the Auricle piercing at 3 o'clock, the Helix piercing is located between 12 and 2 o'clock, slightly above the Auricle piercing.
Auricle and Conch Piercing
Conch piercings are located at the conch or “concha” portion of your ear, which is the inner middle portion of the ear that looks similar to a conch shell. They go through the ear’s cartilage, which is more hard and dense than the ear lobe.
Conch piercings can stand alone or they can be paired with other piercings for a more complex look.
Is Auricle Piercing Cartilage?
Yes, the Auricle ear piercing is considered a cartilage piercing because most people will have some cartilage in the area. Some individuals may have softer or thinner cartilage in this place compared to others, which makes for an easy piercing experience.
Auricle Piercing Healing Time
How long does Auricle piercing take to heal? An Auricle ear piercing can take 3-9 months to heal, depending on several factors.
If you have thicker or harder cartilage in the Auricle, it will sustain more trauma than soft, thin cartilage, which can prolong recovery. Healthy, young individuals will also heal faster than older people or those in poor health.
Auricle Piercing Cost
You can expect to budget about $30-$50 for this piercing. Cartilage piercings are pretty common, including Auricle ear piercings. This makes the Auricle piercing less likely to require specialized skills and relatively affordable as a result.
Note that this is the average cost of the piercing without jewelry, which adds to the final total. Your total cost will also be higher if you live in a large city, go to a highly-rated piercer, or choose jewelry with higher-quality metals.
Auricle Piercing Pain
Do Auricle piercings hurt? On a standard 1-10 pain scale, most people report an average pain level of 3 for the Auricle ear piercing. This makes it slightly more painful than an earlobe piercing and relatively tolerable overall.
Your actual experience will depend on the distribution of cartilage in your ears and your personal pain threshold.
Auricle Piercing Pros and Cons
Pros
- least painful of the cartilage piercings for most people
- one of the least painful of overall body piercings
- requires no specialized knowledge, skills, or equipment
- relatively affordable and available at most piercing salons
- wide availability of earring materials, styles, and price points
- visually interesting
- trendy and fashionable
Cons
- may be painful if you have more cartilage in the area
- higher risk of complications compared to earlobe piercings, including infection, swelling, or bleeding
- may require up to 9 months to heal completely
- must wait for complete recovery before wearing hoop-type earrings
- more likely to experience scarring compared to earlobes
Auricle Piercing Jewelry Types
1. Auricle Piercing Stud
Auricle piercing stud with clear cz stones titanium stud 16G $21.9, SHOP NOW.
Studs are the industry standard for new Auricle piercings and are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles.
A typical earring stud consisting of a head, post, and backing can be worn safely in the Auricle piercing. You may also try a flat-back stud, which screws into a flat base rather than a traditional earring backing.
2. Auricle Piercing Hoop
Vertical Helix hoop with pearls titanium hoop 16G $24.9, SHOP NOW.
Hoops or rings that curl around the edge of your ear can add a touch of elegance and texture to your Auricle piercing.
The best form of hoop jewelry for the Auricle piercing is the seamless ring, which is a nearly complete circle with a very small space between the two ends. This type of ring has a perfectly smooth surface with no hinges or clasps that can irritate your piercing.
Hinged clicker rings and captive bead rings are also popular choices for Auricle ear piercings.
3. Auricle Piercing Chain Earrings
Chain earrings with diamond 16G in gold and silver $32.9, SHOP NOW.
Chain earrings for the Auricle piercing are similar to studs, only the stud and backing will be connected by a long chain. When the jewelry is worn, the chain forms a loose hoop around the edge of the ear.
Alternatively, you can wear a chain earring that consists of two separate earrings connected by a single chain, wearing one in your Auricle piercing and the other in any other ear piercing.
4. Auricle Piercing Dangle Earrings
Spike piercing with a clear diamond and a chain $22.9, SHOP NOW.
As the name suggests, dangle earrings will "dangle" and are extremely popular for wearing in the ears.
Due to the higher placement of the Auricle ear piercing, opt for smaller, delicate dangle earrings. This will maintain visual balance in your ear, whether you are incorporating the earring as part of a cluster or wearing it on its own.
Jewelry Size
1. Auricle Piercing Gauge
Gauge refers to the thickness of the post that passes through your piercing. It also refers to the size of the needle that was used.
The most common gauge for Auricle piercings is 16g (1.2mmm), which is slightly larger than the 18g (1.0mm) of a typical earlobe piercing. Depending on your anatomy, your piercer may recommend going larger or smaller than this.
2. Length
The length of the post in Auricle piercing jewelry should measure between 6-8mm (1/4"-5/16"), depending on skin thickness.
The first piece of jewelry that's inserted directly after your piercing will be slightly longer to accommodate for swelling. After healing, it's important to size down to the correct length for your anatomy to prevent irritation or accidental injury.
3. Diameter
For hoops and rings, the diameter measures the distance from one side to the other. Like studs, Auricle piercing hoops should measure 6-8mm (1/4"-5/16"). Those who prefer a looser fit may choose to size up to 12mm (1/2").
However, be aware that loose-fitting hoops are more likely to get caught on foreign objects.
Safe Materials for Auricle Piercings
The best materials to select for your Auricle piercing are implant-grade titanium, 14-karat or 18-karat gold, and surgical stainless steel.
1. Implant-Grade Titanium: About $20-$40
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Implant-grade titanium Auricle piercing jewelry is strongly recommended. Titanium is a corrosion-resistant shiny metal prized for its low weight and strength. It has a reputation for being the best metal for piercings for many reasons. It is lightweight, hypoallergenic, nickel-free, and won’t tarnish.
To be detailed, titanium is hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely to cause allergic reactions. It’s often recommended for those who are allergic to brass, nickel, and other metals common for jewelry.
Its high density-to-strength ratio means your jewelry is very durable. A lower density also makes titanium lightweight, a big plus for many users. Finally, the metal comes in many colors because you can anodize it.
2. 14-Karat and 18-Karat Gold: About $40-$200
18K gold ring hinged segment clicker from $79.9, SHOP NOW.
14-karat and 18-karat gold ear piercing jewelry can offer an elevated look. This metal will not rust or tarnish. It is also easy to decorate and shape. The added alloys in 18k, and especially 14k, make them more durable than 24k gold pieces.
One downside to gold jewelry is the price tag, which is expensive. Another concern will be that the metal is soft, making it susceptible to bends, breaks, and gouges. Also consider if you have allergies, such as an allergy to gold.
3. Surgical-Grade Stainless Steel: About $5-$30
If you opt for stainless steel, you should opt for surgical-grade steel. It often contributes to a smooth healing process and is extremely durable. However, even surgical-grade steel may contain small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions in those with skin sensitivities.
Talk through all material options with your piercer to figure out what’s best for you and your skin.
Auricle Piercing Aftercare
You will need to take extra care to clean and sterilize your new piercing every day. Skimping on the cleaning can lead to an ear infection, and scarring, and could even make it impossible to ever get your daith pierced again.
- Avoid sleeping on the ear you had pierced.
- Take care to avoid contaminating the piercing.
- Avoid touching it or applying makeup very close to it.
- Avoid getting in the water that might be dirty.
- Clean your piercing twice per day using a saline solution made for wound cleaning or soap and water to prevent infection.
- Avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation.
- And of course, make sure to avoid snagging on clothes or towels.
- Wear loose clothing. Avoid wearing tight clothing or clothing that may rub against the piercing, as this can cause irritation and slow down the healing process.
- Use hypoallergenic jewelry like implant-grade titanium and 14- or 18-karat gold. Surgical-grade steel may contain small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions.
- Don't move the piercing unless you're cleaning it. Pulling on a piercing early in healing is painful, but it also can get in the way of healing or damage the piercing itself.
- Wait until your piercing heals before changing out your jewelry.
- Watch for potential signs of infection and consult your piercer or doctor if it becomes infected.
You should ensure you get pierced by someone experienced and reliable who utilizes the right cleaning and sterilization procedures. You’ll also need to choose high-quality jewelry that you aren’t allergic to. After you get your piercing, be sure to follow all instructions from your piercer.
Auricle Piercing Cleaning
You should start cleaning your ear piercing the same day you receive it. Be sure to take the following steps to keep it clean and reduce potential risks:
It is recommended to use sterile saline that you buy from the store, rather than homemade saline, for cleaning your piercings. Homemade saline may be too salty for delicate piercing sites, leading to dryness and delayed healing.
Using mild, fragrance-free soap and water to clean your piercing site is also an option.
If you prefer homemade salt solution. You can start by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt with one cup of distilled or boiled (for at least 20 minutes) water. You may choose to use less of the salt mixture like 1/4 to 1/8 teaspoon if you want a weaker solution that’s less likely to burn or sting. Stir the solution until it dissolves.
If you see signs of infection, you can also use antiseptic solutions, such as betadine, isopropyl alcohol, or diluted hydrogen peroxide. However, avoid using them for daily cleaning as they can damage cells.
Then proceed with the following steps to clean your piercing:
- Soak a cotton ball, a paper towel, or a non-plush cloth with the solution. Avoid fabrics that could snag and pull the jewelry or leave fibers behind. Gently saturate the piercing and cleanse it. Don't remove the jewelry!
- If you have a sterile saline wound wash that you buy from stores, then spay it while healing.
- Ensure you cleanse the piercing of any discharge or crusty material.
- Take clean gauze or cotton swabs and pat the area dry.
Your piercer should give you detailed instructions on how to keep your piercing clean once it has been placed.
Read More
17 Types of Ear Piercings: Ear Piercing Names, Healing, Cost, Jewelry, Cleaning, Aftercare
Helix Piercing: Healing, Pain, Cost, Jewelry, Aftercare, Pros and Cons
Conch Piercing: Placement, Pain, Healing, Cost, Jewelry, Aftercare, Pros and Cons
