Ear piercings are one of the oldest and most universal forms of body art.
Dating back over 5,000 years, ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Persians used ear adornments to signify status, spirituality, and identity.
Fast forward to today, and over 83% of people in the U.S. have at least one ear piercing, making it a widely embraced and evolving statement of personal style.
If you’re thinking about getting your ears pierced or you’re looking to upgrade your style, this blog is your golden ticket.
Why Get an Ear Piercing?
People choose to get their ears pierced for different reasons, including fashion, self-expression, cultural or religious traditions, and sometimes for health reasons.
Some individuals simply enjoy the look of earrings, while others use ear piercings as a way to express their individuality or conform to social norms within their culture.
Whether you're here to glow softly or stun loudly, the right piercing can enhance your natural vibe and turn heads everywhere.
Types of Ear Piercings (And Where They’re Placed)
Lobe Piercing (Traditional)
The classic. This is the most common ear piercing, perfect for beginners and jewelry lovers. It is quick to heal (usually 6–8 weeks) and the pain level is low, making it the ideal entry into your ear-piercing journey.
Style Tip: Start with timeless studs, then graduate to hoops or huggies for that curated ear look.
Upper Lobe / Multi-Lobe Piercing
Double or triple the style. Upper lobe piercings sit slightly above your main lobe piercing and allow for endless styling combinations. The healing time is 6 to 8 weeks and the pain level is also low.
To style, you can mix metals or play with gradients in size for a layered statement.
Helix Piercing (Cartilage)
Located along the outer upper ear cartilage, the helix is a top pick for trendsetters.
The healing time is 8 to 12 weeks, and the pain level is moderate.
They give off that “I’m not trying too hard, but I came to slay” vibe and are often adorned with minimalist hoops, cuffs, or diamonds.
Auricle Piercing
This is also called a mid-helix piercing. It is positioned between the lobe and upper cartilage on the outer ear rim. It is often styled with both studs and hoops. The pain level is moderate and it takes between 13 to 26 weeks to heal.
When stacking, style it with the helix or upper lobe piercings for a seamless ear story.
Tragus Piercing
This small but bold piercing sits on the little flap before your ear canal. The pain level is medium to high, and the healing time is 13 to 26 weeks. It is styled best with tiny studs or flat-back earrings.
Conch Piercing
Found in the inner ear, conch piercings make a bold statement and look stunning with a captive ring or stud. The pain level is high, and healing takes up to 26 to 39 weeks. It’s best worn with a hoop that wraps the ear’s inner shell.
Industrial Piercing
This piercing is not for the faint of heart and its pain level is very high. It’s two cartilage piercings connected with a single straight barbell across the top of the ear. The healing time is 39 to 52 weeks.
Spider Bite
This is a double piercing placed close together on the lower lobe, usually on one side to give a stylish “bite” effect. The pain level is low to moderate, and healing takes 6 to 8 weeks. You can style it by mixing symmetrical earrings or mismatched studs.
Best Earrings for New Piercings
When choosing your first pair for a new piercing, opt for quality over trend. Here's what to consider:
- Material: Choose hypoallergenic metals like titanium, 14k gold, or surgical stainless steel to avoid inflammations, irritation or ear infections
- Design: Opt for flat-backs or studs. This way you can minimise irritation.
- Secure Fit: For stability, use screw-backs or butterfly locks. It will ensure the earrings stay in place and ensure safe healing
At Egovin Jewelry, we offer hypoallergenic, piercing-friendly earrings and offer free delivery on all orders within the U.S. Shop now.
Aftercare: Healing Like a Queen
New piercings need love and care to heal beautifully. Here’s your healing cheat code:
- Clean twice daily with saline or our recommended aftercare solution
- Avoid touching your piercings with unwashed hands
- Don’t twist unnecessarily, let it breathe
- Stay away from pools, makeup, or hairspray near the area until fully healed
Signs of a healthy piercing are minimal swelling, light tenderness, and a steady healing pace.
If you notice redness, discharge, or pain after 24 hours, consult a professional.
When Can I Change My Earrings?
Hold off on switching out your earrings until the healing window is complete:
- Lobe: 6–8 weeks
- Cartilage/Auricle/Helix: 8–12 weeks
- Conch/Tragus/Industrial: 3–6 months
Patience pays off; don’t rush the glow-up.
Planning Multiple Piercings? Mind the Gap
For multiple piercings, spacing is everything.
A good rule is spacing 6–8mm between lobe piercings, and 8–10mm for cartilage.
Your professional piercer will measure your ear and suggest ideal placements.
How to Choose a Good Piercing Professional
Piercing is an art and science. Here’s what to look for:
- Certified and experienced professionals
- Sterile, single-use equipment
- Clear explanation of the procedure and aftercare
- A clean, well-lit studio with glowing reviews
Don’t settle. Your ears deserve the best.
Own Your Piercing Style
Getting pierced is just the beginning.
Curating your ear with our fine jewelry is where the magic happens. You can build ear stacks or opt for simple gold hoop earrings.
Whatever your preference, we’ve got you.