October 12, 2024

Ear Lobe Piercing: Types, Healing, Pain, Cost, Jewelry, Sizes, Aftercare

Earlobe piercings are forms of self-expression that you can have done by a piercing studio or a medical professional. Understanding more about earlobe piercings, jewelry options, and possible complications can help you decide whether this unique look is right for you.

What Is a Standard Lobe Piercing?

Standard earlobe piercings are located in the soft part of the ear, also known as the earlobe. They are one of the oldest forms of body modification and are popular among both sexes.

For many people, getting earlobe piercings is a rite of passage. It is a tradition for some, while others use them as a form of self-expression.

Types of Lobe Piercings and Earlobe Piercing Placement

Earlobe piercings can be placed in various areas along the earlobes, each creating a unique look. Some prefer a classic single piercing, while others enjoy more adventurous placements or couplings.

1. Upper Lobe Piercing

An upper lobe piercing goes through the upper part of your earlobe right before your ear tissue becomes cartilage.

2. Second Lobe Piercing

A second lobe piercing is a type of second lobe piercing. When getting a second lobe piercing, you can follow the line of the earlobe for placement and space the piercings at least 1/4 inch apart.

3. Third Lobe Piercing

A third lobe piercing is a consecutive piercing next to the first two. Although most people prefer a symmetrical alignment, it can be placed further up the ear if desired.

4. Transverse Lobe Piercing

A transverse lobe piercing involves piercing your ear with jewelry that threads through the earlobe from side to side instead of front to back. These piercings usually feature a ball at each end, visible on either side of the earlobe.

5. High Lobe Piercing

A higher lobe piercing is any piercing that goes through the upper part of your earlobe but doesn't go through cartilage. Higher lobe piercings offer an "edgier" look without committing to a cartilage piercing.

6. Orbital Lobe Piercing

An Orbital Lobe piercing combines two ear piercings on the earlobe connected by a single piece of jewelry. A hoop earring achieves this style.

7. Frontal Lobe Piercing

A frontal lobe piercing, or Forward Helix piercing, is done in the front cartilage of your ear right above your tragus. It’s positioned close to your head and usually fitted with a small stud because it’s a small area and requires an experienced piercer due to the placement’s complexity.

8. Vertical Lobe Piercing

A vertical lobe piercing is similar to a transverse lobe piercing. It is a stacked piercing that involves placing a second hole directly about an existing one and angling it towards the center of the ear.

How Long Do Lobe Piercings Take To Heal?

In most cases, earlobe piercings usually take between 6 and 8 weeks to heal. Ear lobe piercings takes less time to heal than cartilage piercings. There are fewer blood vessels in your cartilage than in your ear lobe which is what lengthens the healing time of cartilage piercings.

Lobe Piercing Pain Scale

Do ear lobe piercings hurt? On a scale of one to 10, most people rank their pain between a 2 and a 3.

However, you may experience more or less pain depending on your tolerance. Be sure to go to an experienced piercer, as they can lessen the potential pain by piercing quickly and efficiently.

How Long Should Earlobe Piercings Hurt?

It's normal for new earlobe piercings to be red, swollen and tender for a few days. Most of these symptoms will reside within three to five days with proper care.

How Much Do Lobe Piercings Cost?

You may pay between $20 and $100 for earlobe piercings based on the jewelry and piercing studio. Jewelry can make the price go up quite a bit depending on what you choose.

Ear Lobe Piercing Jewelry Types

A variety of jewelry styles look great with earlobe piercings. Whether you prefer small, dainty studs or larger statement pieces like hoops or barbells, there are many looks to choose from.

1. Ear Lobe Piercing Studs

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

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Earring studs often feature a simple design, are smaller and sit snugly on the earlobe. 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. Hoops

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Hoop earrings loop from the front to the back of the earlobe 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 curved barbell is an option for those who prefer this aesthetic. The standard bar thickness for a lobe piercing is 1.2 mm, while the default length for the bar is 6 mm. The ball and stone sizes are usually 3 mm and 4 mm, respectively.

4. Circular Barbells (Horseshoe 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

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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 1.2 mm, and the length will be 6 mm on average. The ball and stone sizes will also be around 3 mm and 4 mm.

6. Threader Earrings

While studs, hoops and barbells are some of the most popular jewelry styles for lobe piercings, other options are gaining popularity. Threader earrings feature a thin piece of metal that threads through the piercing hole and dangles on both sides of the ear.

7. Jacket Earrings

Jacket earrings are another style with a latch in the front that holds the earring in place. The main design hangs below and behind the earlobe, creating a unique visual effect.

Ear Lobe Piercing Size

1. Lobe Piercing Gauge

For an earring hole, the most common gauge sizes are 20G (0.8 mm), 18G (1mm) and 16G (1.2 mm). Standard earring post gauges are usually 20G and available in a ball-back or a butterfly push-back. Labret flat-back jewelry is also available.

2. Stud or Bar Length

The post length for a standard lobe is between 6 mm and 7 mm, though this may differ depending on your anatomy.

3. Hoop Diameter

For hoop earrings, the inner diameter of the jewelry used in a standard lobe placement will be at least 8 mm. But a large variety of sizes are available based on your preferences.

Materials Recommended for Earlobe Piercings

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.

However, this silver alloy can contain other elements, including nickel. Make sure to buy surgical-grade steel jewelry. These will have ratings: ASTM F-138, ISO 5832-1, ISO 10993-6, ISO 10993-10, or ISO 10993-11.

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.

When Can I Change My Lobe Piercing?

You must wait 6 to 8 weeks before changing your jewelry. If you are still experiencing pain or irritation after eight weeks, consult your piercer for further guidance.

Can I Change My Lobe Piercing After Four Weeks?

No, changing your earrings after four weeks is not a good idea, as the piercings have not had enough time to heal.

When Can I Change My Lobe Piercing to a Hoop?

In most cases, you should not change your lobe piercing to a hoop earring before six weeks. This is how long it will take for the tissue around your lobe to heal and the holes to mend.

When Can I Sleep on My Lobe Piercing?

You should avoid sleeping on your lobe piercings until they are fully healed (at least 6 weeks). Sleeping on your earlobe piercing may add pressure to the area, leading to rejection.

Risks Associated With Earlobe Piercings

Every piercing comes with a risk of complications. The following are a few of the most common risks.

1. Ear Lobe Piercing Infection

Earlobe piercings can become infected if bacteria infiltrate the piercing site. Some symptoms include redness, swelling, pain and discharge.

You can treat most ear-piercing infections at home with a warm compress to manage pain and swelling. However, if the pain worsens, seek medical attention.

2. Swollen Ear Lobe From Piercing

Some swelling is common after receiving an earlobe piercing. However, if it is hot to the touch, you may have an infection or a cyst. Treat it by soaking a cotton ball in a saline wash solution and dab the piercing gently, leaving the earring in so it can drain.

3. Bump in Ear Lobe Piercing

Piercing bumps are common and can occur as your immune system responds to the new piercing. A small bump on the back of the piercing may be a granuloma, which is trapped fluid you can treat by gently compressing with warm water.

Ear Lobe 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.

The best advice is to follow your piercing artist’s care instructions.

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 Ear Lobe 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.

To Conclude

Getting your earlobes pierced is a relatively safe and simple procedure. By understanding what to expect and how to take care of your piercing afterward, you'll reduce your chances of any complications.