Piercing Types Guide
Every ear is different, and so is every placement. Browse our piercing guide to explore each placement, expected healing time, jewellery recommendations and what each piercing is best suited for.
Lobe Piercing
Location:
The soft lower part of the ear
Pain Level:
Very minimal
Healing Time:
6–8 weeks
The foundation of your curation. Lobe piercings heal quickly because soft tissue responds fast. Super versatile. Works with anything from minimal studs to statement pieces. Stack them, layer them, live in them.
Best Jewelry:
Studs, huggies
Great for:
First piercings, building your ear, everyday wear
Helix Piercing
Location:
Upper outer cartilage of the ear
Pain Level:
Moderate
Healing Time:
6-12 months
Sits along the ear's outer rim. Huggies look stunning here and sit beautifully against the cartilage. If your anatomy allows, a minimal stud works too.
Best Jewelry:
Huggies, small-diameter studs
Good to know:
Cartilage needs gentle care and patience. Sleep carefully where possible.
Forward Helix Piercing
Location:
Front upper cartilage, where the ear meets the face
Pain Level:
Moderate
Healing Time:
6-12 months
Subtle but striking. Many people choose one, two or three in a row for a considered look. Small-diameter studs that graduate in size create a beautiful cascading effect. Pairs beautifully with a standard helix or conch.
Best Jewelry:
Small-diameter studs
Style tip:
Space them carefully for dimension
Flat Piercing
Location:
The flat cartilage area between the helix and tragus
Pain Level:
Moderate to high
Healing Time:
6–12 months
Sits on the front-facing cartilage where it catches light and reads beautifully from every angle. A bold choice that transforms how your ear feels. Works alone as a statement or layered with helix or conch for complete balance.
Best Jewelry:
Small-diameter studs, huggies, flat studs
Perfect for:
The girl who wants her ear to feel finished.
Conch Piercing
Location:
Center cartilage of the ear (the inner "bowl")
Pain Level:
Moderate to high
Healing Time:
6-12 months
Sits in the deepest part of the ear. Works with a stud for a clean look or a hoop for something bolder. This is where statement pieces shine.
Best Jewelry:
Bold studs, huggies
Why people love it:
It's the anchor that makes everything else feel intentional.
Tragus Piercing
Location:
Small cartilage flap in front of the ear canal
Pain Level:
Moderate
Healing Time:
6–12 months
Subtle and edgy. Small-diameter studs read perfectly here and add dimension to any stack without competing.
Best Jewelry:
Small-diameter studs
Heads up:
Avoid AirPods during early healing.
Daith Piercing
Location:
Inner cartilage fold above the ear canal
Pain Level:
Moderate to high
Healing Time:
6–12 months
Eye-catching and unique. Often worn with a daith clicker and sits snugly inside the ear so it's less likely to snag on hair or clothing.
Best Jewelry:
Clicker rings
Fun fact:
Some people report it helps with migraine relief. Results vary.
Rook Piercing
Location:
Upper inner cartilage ridge
Pain Level:
Moderate to high
Healing Time:
9–12 months
Sits in a raised fold of cartilage for a distinctive, tucked-in look. Less common, which makes it a real standout choice for building ear depth.
Best Jewelry:
Huggies, curved barbells, flat studs
Perfect for:
Adding a layer of intrigue to your curation.