October 12, 2024

Cartilage Piercing: Types, Healing, Pain, Cost, Jewelry, Gauge, Aftercare, Cleaning

What Is a Cartilage Piercing?

17 Types of Ear Piercings: Ear Piercing Names, Healing, Cost, Jewelry, Cleaning, Aftercare

Cartilage piercings involve piercing the cartilage of the ear, which is the harder, more structured part of the ear.

Cartilage ear piercings include Helix piercings, Conch piercings, Daith piercings, Rook piercings, Tragus piercings, Industrial piercings, Snug piercings, and so on.

Compared to cartilage piercings, earlobe piercings are located in the soft part of the ear. They are one of the oldest forms of body modification and are popular among both sexes.

Cartilage Piercing Healing Time

How long does a cartilage piercing take to heal? In most cases, cartilage ear piercings usually take between 4 and 12 months to heal.

Cartilage piercings takes more time to heal than earlobe piercings. There are fewer blood vessels in your cartilage than in your ear lobe which is what lengthens the healing time of cartilage piercings.

Cartilage Piercing Pain

Do cartilage piercings hurt? While piercing pain varies from person to person, a cartilage ear piercing is rated between a 4 and 9 out of 10 on the pain scale depending on the types of cartilage piercings you prefer.

Cartilage ear piercings are generally considered more painful than ear lobe piercings.

Most Painful Cartilage Ear Piercings

The most painful cartilage ear piercings typically include the Industrial piercing, the Snug piercing, the Daith piercing, and the Rook piercing.

These piercings involve thicker cartilage and more complex anatomy, leading to increased discomfort during the procedure and a longer healing time compared to other types of cartilage piercings.

Cartilage Piercing Price

How much does a cartilage piercing cost? While it depends on where you are located, getting a cartilage ear piercing probably costs between $30 and $80. Jewelry can make the price go up quite a bit depending on what you choose.

It’s best to go with a reputable piercer and high-quality jewelry, instead of just going with the cheapest options. This can help prevent infection and other complications.

Types of Cartilage Piercings

Here are the different types of cartilage ear piercings:

1. Helix Ear Piercing

17 Types of Ear Piercings: Ear Piercing Names, Healing, Cost, Jewelry, Cleaning, Aftercare

The Helix ear piercing is one of the most common and popular types of ear piercings. You can use almost all kinds of ear piercing jewelry for this piercing. It is also considered not very painful compared to other ear piercing types.

If you are not sure which kind of ear piercings to get, this is the one.

A helix piercing is a type of cartilage ear piercing done in the upper half of your ear. It can be a single piercing or multiple. It can also be positioned in various areas of your upper ear based on your preferences.

Whereas lobe piercings often heal within a month, Helix piercings can take 6 to 9 months to fully heal. It may take longer if you experience complications. There are fewer blood vessels in your cartilage than in your ear lobe which is what lengthens the healing time.

On a scale from 1 to 10 with 1 being the least and 10 being the worst, people often rate a helix piercing at between a 4 and a 7.

You may get rings, studs, or bars for your Helix piercing. However, you must ensure it fits comfortably where it’s placed. You also may need to start with a stud and wait for the piercing to fully heal before swapping to a hoop.

An Auricle piercing is a variant of the helix piercing. It is located along the outer rim of the ear, above the earlobe. It involves puncturing the cartilage in this area, often adorned with a small hoop or stud.

The Forward Helix piercing is a variant of the Helix piercing. It is located on the upper half of your ear on the side closest to your face. If you imagine the ear as a seashell that spirals in on itself, the helix is the outer rim of the shell.

The jewelry sizes are usually smaller than the standard helix piercings. The first piece of jewelry for your forward helix piercing will be curved studs or barbells used during the healing process.

Hoop earrings add a classy touch to any part of the ear but are only recommended for piercings that have healed completely.

2. Daith Ear Piercing

Getting a Daith piercing is a chic way to add a layer of filigree to your ear. The daith is located in the innermost whorl of your ear’s cartilage.

For those familiar with acupuncture, the daith is believed to contain a pressure point that can be used to manage migraines. Rumor has it that constant pressure on this pressure point may reduce migraines.

However, there is a lack of support for using Daith piercings or Tragus piercings as effective forms of migraine treatment. So far, scientific evidence points to these piercings only providing a placebo effect to minimize migraines.

Generally, the Daith piercing is considered one of the more painful ear piercings. It is rated at 7-8 on a pain scale of 1 to 10.

Compared to other ear piercings, the Daith piercing is one of the longest to heal. Expect more time for your newly-pierced daith to heal than for lobe piercings. While it can take up to 9 months to heal, your ear will eventually feel normal again.

Depending on the person’s style, daith earrings can look like hoops, barbells, or even hearts. Of course, like any piercing, the daith will need time to heal before it can handle more complex earrings.

3. Conch Ear Piercing

Conch piercings are also one of the most popular types of ear piercing. They can stand alone or they can be paired with other piercings for a more complex look.

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.

On a scale from one to ten, Conch piercings can rate around a 7 or an 8. However, the actual pain level will depend on the individual and their pain tolerance.

Conch piercings are usually done with a stud, but you can also use hoops or barbells. This is a versatile ear piercing.

An Orbital Conch piercing blends aspects of the outer conch and double conch. There are two piercing holes but just one piece of jewelry.

Two holes are pierced at the outer portion of your ear with a single cartilage hoop passing through them both. It gives the idea of an orbit, circling your ear.

4. Industrial Cartilage Piercing

An Industrial piercing is two piercings done on the cartilage of your upper ear. While positioning can vary, one piercing is usually in the cartilage closest to your head, and the other is in the middle of your outer ear cartilage.

Industrial piercings are typically done with a bar, and the bar looks like it’s entering one side of your ear and coming out of the other.

Does Industrial piercing hurt? Some say an Industrial piercing is the most painful type of ear piercing. On a scale from 1-10, you may experience pain at around an 8 or 9. However, others report it's more like a 6 or a 7.

While Industrial piercings may seem limited when it comes to jewelry options, there are many different ways you can customize your look. Consider different types of industrial jewelry and the right sizing for your ear.

The most popular type of jewelry for an Industrial piercing is an Industrial bar. You can get a straight bar, a barbell with a zig-zag-like angle in it, or a barbell with a charm in the center.

If your ear is oddly shaped, you may need to rely on your piercer to figure out what your Industrial piercing options are. It could be as simple as getting a longer or shorter piece of jewelry.

Or, if you don’t have a defined ridge for the piercing to enter and exit your ear, this piercing may not be possible for you.

5. Tragus Ear Piercing

Tragus piercings are a trendy and stylish way to showcase your unique personality. A Tragus piercing is a popular piercing option that goes through the small piece of cartilage located in front of your ear canal.

Similar to the Daith piercing, there's some indication that such piercings might help alleviate migraines. The theory is that these piercings could function like acupuncture, stimulating pressure points, and nerves to relieve pain.

However, there is a lack of support for using Tragus or Daith piercings as effective forms of migraine treatment.

A Tragus piercing is rated between a 4 or 5 out of 10 on the pain scale. Many people consider the Tragus piercing to be the least painful piercing to receive among ear piercing options.

The three most commonly chosen jewelry types for Tragus ear piercings are studs, hoops, and barbells. Studs are perfect for those who want a dainty aesthetic.

6. Anti Tragus Piercing

The Anti-Tragus piercing goes through the flap of skin above your earlobe and adjacent to the tragus. On a typical 1-10 scale, most people report a pain level of 4-6 for this piercing.

Like many other cartilage piercings, the Anti-Tragus piercing requires a longer healing period than the typical earlobe piercing. The average healing time is 6-12 months, but it can easily take up to two years due to the location of the piercing itself.

Curved barbells are the most popular for the anti-tragus because the curved shape hugs the edge of the ear.

Wearing a ring or hoop-type jewelry in your anti-tragus is a good way to draw attention to the piercing, express your individuality, and add some visual interest and texture to your overall look.

However, hoops can easily become snagged and tug on your ear, so it’s best to wait until your piercing has healed completely before wearing this type of jewelry.

7. Surface Tragus Piercing

The Surface Tragus piercing only goes through the "surface" of the skin on top of or in front of the tragus, leaving two adjacent, visible piercing holes.

Surface Tragus piercings can be slightly riskier than other types of ear piercings, even if you go to a licensed piercer and practice diligent aftercare.

This is because there are a lot of blood vessels around the tragus, and the area experiences a lot of movement from facial muscles.

Even if a Surface Tragus piercing is fully healed, it's rare to maintain this type of piercing for a lifetime. This is because the piercing travels through the skin directly under its surface rather than going from one side to the other, such as an earlobe piercing.

You may hear stories of people who had to remove their Surface Tragus piercing after a year, while others were able to keep their piercing for 15 or more years. With that said, the average length of a successful and healed surface tragus piercing is 5-7 years.

On a traditional pain scale of 1-10, most people who have received a surface tragus piercing rate it at a 3 or 4. It is mildly uncomfortable.

Surface Tragus piercings are usually done with a surface bar. The post of surface bars bends at a 90-degree angle, allowing them to sit flat against the skin. Surface bars snag less often than other jewelry types and create a sleek aesthetic.

8. Rook Ear Piercing

Rook piercings are ear piercings located in the cartilage fold between the inner and outer ear. A Rook-piercing hole will be closer to the forward helix and consist of a single hole.

On a pain scale of 1 to 10, most people rate the pain at a 6. Some will find it more painful than this as the needle penetrates two layers of cartilage during the piercing process.

Any type of body modification jewelry can be worn in the piercing with the most common being CBRs (captive bead rings) and curved barbells.

9. Snug Ear Piercing

If you are looking for a more rarely seen body modification, the Snug ear piercing might be worth considering. Many consider these piercings one of the most painful cartilage mods for the ears, which could explain why they are rare.

A Snug ear piercing is a two-hole cartilage piercing that rests horizontally above your ear's inner ridge (anti-tragus location). Both holes are visible on the front ear surface, parallel with the ear hole.

The Snug ear piercing is considered one of the most painful body piercings. Many people rate the pain level at a 9 out of 10. Even experienced piercing enthusiasts should prepare for a higher level of discomfort.

The top benefit for many is that this is a rare piercing that stands out regarding its uniqueness. Another advantage is the two holes of this piercing allow you to display jewelry that can look like separate jewelry pieces.

Common types of snug piercing jewelry include curved barbells, horseshoe barbells, and rings. However, the latter two types can snag easily on clothing.

Cartilage Piercing Jewelry

1. Cartilage Stud Earrings

Tragus Piercing: Pain, Benefits, Healing Time, Cost, Jewelry, Sizes, Aftercare

Implant grade titanium stud earring heart-shaped flat back 16G $22.9, SHOP NOW.

Earring studs often feature a simple design, are smaller and sit snugly on the cartilage. Another advantage is they are better for healing than jewelry like hoops.

There is less pressure placed on the edges of the hole and it allows tissue to fill in the space between the stud and your ear. The downside is that piercing studs are often plain in appearance.

2. Cartilage Hoop Earring (Cartilage Rings)

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Hoop earrings loop from the front to the back of the ear and are shaped like hoops. Although most are round, some come in different shapes, ranging from small to larger sizes.

3. Curved Barbells (Banana Barbells)

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A barbell stud is an option for those who prefer this aesthetic. The standard bar thickness for a cartilage piercing is 16 gauge or 1.2mm, while the default length for the bar is 6mm. The ball and stone sizes are usually 3mm and 4mm, respectively.

4. Horseshoe Barbells (Circular Barbells)

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These circular barbells are sometimes called "horseshoe barbell piercing" because they look like horseshoes. They are available in a very wide variety of designs. However, they heal more slowly than straight barbells.

5. Straight Bars and Barbells

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Straight bars are another barbell option for those looking for something different than a stud or hoop. The bar thickness will be similar to curved barbells at 16 gauge or 1.2mm, and the length will be 6mm on average. The ball and stone sizes will also be around 3mm and 4mm.

Cartilage Piercing Jewelry Sizes

Cartilage piercing gauge: What gauge is a cartilage piercing? The most common gauge size is 16G (1.2mm). 18G (1mm) and 20G (0.8mm) are also available.
Length: The most common length sizes are 1/4"(6mm) and 5/16"(8mm).
Diameter: The most common diameter 5/16"(8mm).But you can always choose a larger hoop based on your preferences.

Recommended Metals for Cartilage Piercing Jewelry

1. Titanium: About $20-$40

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Titanium has a reputation for being the best metal for piercings for many reasons. It is lightweight, hypoallergenic, durable, nickel-free, non-corrosive, and won’t tarnish.

Its non-porous nature reduces places bacteria can hide, promoting healing.

Titanium is also hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely to cause allergic reactions. Titanium is nickel-free.

Its high density-to-strength ratio means your jewelry is very durable.

A lower density also makes Titanium lightweight, a big plus in many user's eyes. Finally, the metal comes in many colors because you can anodize it.

The only real downside to titanium jewelry is that you will pay more for all those positive traits. Shop for implant-grade titanium with designations like ASTM F-136, ASTM F-67, or ISO 5832-3.

2. Solid Gold: About $40-$200

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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. Gold can also be heavy, especially with more pure karat ratings.

3. Surgical Steel: About $5-$30

Even surgical steel can contain small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions in those with skin sensitivities. Choose a different option if you are concerned about irritation or a nickel allergy.

Steel combines iron and carbon, improving its strength and ability to resist fracturing.

One of the pros most people cite for steel jewelry pieces is the lower price point. Steel is also a durable option. These pieces are low maintenance because the steel does not corrode, rust, or tarnish.

Weight is the top complaint for those using steel jewelry pieces. Steel can be less comfortable if worn in piercings for long periods.

4. Niobium: About $20-$60

Niobium is a light grey metal known for its hardness that is like titanium. The metal resists corrosion and tarnishing like others on the list, creating minimal maintenance for you.

It might be the best metal for a piercing if you want titanium-like durability with more malleability. That extra pliability makes it easier for jewelers to shape pieces. Niobium can come in various colors as it is something that you can anodize.

The only real downsides are that it weighs a bit more than titanium and you will likely pay a bit more due to the process involved in manufacturing this metal.

Ear Cartilage Pain When Sleeping on Side?

Ear cartilage pain when sleeping on your side can be caused by pressure and compression from firm pillows, ear conditions like infection, recent piercings, or skin conditions such as eczema.

You should avoid sleeping on your cartilage piercings until they are fully healed (at least 6 months). Sleeping on your cartilage ear piercing may add pressure to the area, leading to infection and rejection.

When Can I Change My Cartilage Piercing?

You must wait at least 6 months before changing your jewelry. If you are still experiencing pain or irritation after 6 months, consult your piercer for further guidance.

Cartilage 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.

How to Clean Cartilage Piercing?

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.