Wait, you haven't already started curating your ear? If you've scrolled through Instagram over the last year, you're well cognizant that ear piercings are indeed a thing right now.
But, with the many earrings in the market, things may get a little confusing in choosing the best types of ear piercings.
Maybe you want a regular ear piercing? Or, maybe you want to extend your earlobes with an ear gauge?
Nowadays, people have more than one piercing in each ear. You can find someone with over five earrings.
If you are considering having your ear piercing soon and are not sure which one to choose, our expert guide below will aid you in getting the one you need.
Lobe Piercing
As the name suggests, this piercing is in the earlobe. The piercing is one of the least painful to get since it is in the bottom and fleshy part of the ear. It clocks 2/10 on the pain scale.
The healing time lasts about six weeks, making it the quickest to heal. Once the ear-piercing heals, it becomes very versatile.
You may opt to have an ear gauge. Ear gauging is the process where we slowly stretch the ear piercings to be larger than standard.
The practice dates back centuries but some modifications are now so popular. They come in different ear gauge sizes; the best ear gauges help match a particular culture.
They are also an expression of individuality, aesthetics, and some people love the look.
Helix Piercing
The helix piercing, or the traditional cartilage piercing, sits anywhere along your ear’s outer rim. The piercing is one of the least painful, and we use a small needle. It clocks at 4/10 on the pain scale.
Since we all have different ear cartilages and sleeping styles, the healing time will vary quite a bit. You can decide to change your helix earring at 12 weeks unless your ear is still feeling tender. Most will heal by nine months.
Nowadays, piercing is becoming popular. You should find the best ear piercer to start experimenting with the various helix piercings on the ear.
Tragus Piercing
The versatile tragus piercing looks amazing with various jewelry styles. It resides on the tiny flap that covers the ear canal.
Since it is on the ear cartilage, it clocks between 4-5/10 on the pain scale. Tragus piercings add detail to the ear, especially when you adorn it with a snug hoop or a pretty stud.
You should expect it to take between 6-9 months to heal. You must avoid using earbuds or headphones before completely healing for the process to be fast.
The continuous pressure by the music systems can cause irritations and sometimes makes the earring shift. Also, exposure to bacterial is a real risk to infecting the piercing.
Conch Piercing
The appealing Conch piercing is on the middle part of the ear cartilage. It can be either the inner or outer variety but sometimes covers both.
The name of the earring is from the section of the ear it is on that resembles a conch seashell. Due to its versatility, consider piercing it with a stud to achieve a subtle effect.
Since the piercing is also a cartilage piercing, the pain level is 4/20 on the pain scale. It will also take between 3-9 months to heal completely.
Industrial Piercing
The piercing is a straight barbell that connects two cartilage piercings. It will be a lot more painful and clocks at 6/10 on the pain scale.
The process needs to be perfect on both sides of the ear cartilage for the earring to heal successfully and comfortably. Be very precise with the placement to avoid the bar laying at a wonky angle.
Avoid sleeping with the earring because it gets irritating and swollen with agitation. The piercings take longer to heal since they perforate two cartilage points. They need about nine months to a year before healing completely.
An honest piece of advice for those looking for the best ear piercings is to steer away from industrial piercings. Most people don’t last long with such dual body modifications since they take too long to heal.
Rook Piercing
Rook piercing is an unusual inner-ear piercing in the inner ear cartilage between the conch and forward helix just above the daith. The impressive piercing is an amazing example of how creative ear piercings are nowadays.
The piercing process is tough since it is on the cartilage. You will feel a sharp pain and pressure and a throbbing feel.
Since the rook cartilage is a fold of cartilage, it will hurt more than tragus and helix piercings. It clocks at 6/10 on the pain scale.
The average healing time will be between nine to twelve months. Avoid going to bed with the earring because it can easily irritate and cause sores.
Snug Piercing
The piercing is in the inner ear cartilage below and near the ear’s out rim. The earrings are unique body modifications and the most distinctive you will get in the market.
You will likely use micro jewelry because it is very shallow. The snug is the most uncomfortable in terms of initial piercing and the time it will take to heal.
At the slightest irritation, the earring responds with a noticeable redness and swelling. Also, it stays longer with irritation than other piercings.
The healing time will be between 12 and 18 months, which is very long. Also, it may need more jewelry changes to cater to the swelling and maintain comfort while healing.
So, these are not the best piercings for beginners or faint hearts.
You Now Know Different Types of Ear Piercings
The ear-piercing experience will be safe and simple by heeding to the above guidelines. Now that you know what to expect from different types of ear piercings, choose the best piercing for your need.
Always keep in mind the discomfort and the healing time of each earring you wish to have. Avoid spraying near your healing earring, and do not touch it with dirty hands to prevent infections.
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