Different Types Of Ear Piercings

The beginning is a very good place to start, with the old school fave among all the different types of ear piercings. In fact, the classic lobe piercing is where most of us began our journeys. It’s quick. It’s low pain. And done properly, it should heal like a dream in about six to eight weeks.

You might think of these types of ear piercings as a bit basic. But the world is your oyster jewellery-wise. The standard lobe piercing itself isn’t anything out of the ordinary, but you can still create impact when choosing between:

• Studs
• Hoops
• Huggies
• Droppers

And you can double, triple, or even quadruple up on these standard ear piercing types to build a completely curated stacked look.

This ear lobe piercing name is pretty self-explanatory once you know where it goes on your ear. Why so? Well, the high or inner lobe piercing sits just above your regular lobe piercing. Still understated but upgraded. And perfect for stacking.

You’re still in fleshy lobe territory, so the pain level is minimal. The healing time is also quick. And once it’s done, you can show off your different types of ear piercings with:

• Studs
• Hoops
• A cool combo of both

Also, try mixing metals in for an effortlessly edgy look.

This baby runs side-to-side through the earlobe, instead of front to back, explaining how it got its ear lobe piercing name. And it’s a bold twist on the more classic types of ear piercings in the lobe area.

In terms of earrings, a transverse lobe piercing calls for a barbell with balls which are visible on either side of the lobe. This is what gives these very different ear piercing types such a unique, defiant look. But your anatomy plays a role in choosing the right barbells. Here’s why:

• Detached lobes work best with straight barbells
• Attached lobes benefit from curved barbells which follow the ear’s natural shape

It’s considered relatively low on the pain scale, due to the piercing going through the lobe’s fatty tissue. So, it’s accessible, even for piercing newbies. Conversely, healing can take longer because of the larger size of the hole.

All the same, transverse ear piercing types are a brilliant choice when you’re looking for something to add a rebellious touch.

You’ve probably heard the term “the more, the merrier”? Well, why stop at one lobe piercing when you can stack ‘em high?

Stacked types of ear piercings add dimension and style to your lower ear by placing multiple piercings one on top of the other. And the good news is the pain level doesn’t shoot up because you’re dealing with volume.

Better still, having multiple different kinds of ear piercings, including standard, high and transverse lobes, means you can experiment to the max with jewellery sizes, shapes, and metals.

Moving up the ear, we get to the helix. You could say it’s the gateway to cartilage coolness. Helix types of ear piercings are positioned on the upper, outer rim of your ear. And they’re ideal when you want something noticeable without being not too in-your-face.

Pain? You’ll feel the pinch more than piercings on the cushiony lobes, although it’s nothing any self-respecting body mod-er can’t grin and bear. Plus, healing will take longer. But then the fun begins.

Small hoops and studs are a go-to, and don’t forget, you can totally double or triple up on helix ear piercing types for a stacked, sassy aesthetic.

Feeling adventurous? The forward helix fits the bill for many bold ear enthusiasts. While regular helix piercings are next to the outer rim of your ear, the forward helix goes right through the inner rim close to your head.

It’s one of the trickier piercings because of its awkward spot. So, no surprise it’s a bit spicier on the pain scale. But the result is oh-so-worth-it.

Dainty studs or mini hoops complement these rebelliously different types of ear piercings. And if you really want to level up? Go for a double or triple forward helix for attention-grabbing impact.

The little flap of cartilage right outside your ear canal? That’s your tragus. It’s small. But it packs a mighty punch in terms of style.

A tragus piercing can be a bit touchy in terms of healing (especially if you’re attached to your earbuds – ouch!). But once you’ve got there, a cute hoop or stud will make your ear look like it’s ready for a night out in hipster town.

The pain is slightly above average. But the style points? Off the chart!

The anti-tragus sits opposite your tragus. It’s clear how it got its ear lobe piercing name!

Like the transverse lobe (which also offers counterbalance), anti-tragus types of ear piercings are also a bit dependent on your ear’s anatomy. In fact, you might not be able to have this piercing if your anti-tragus is too small. But if you can, it’s a fun addition to your curated ear party.

The pain level is just above moderate, the same as the tragus. And the best jewellery options for the anti-tragus? Curved barbells or small hoops, following the ear’s curvature.

Next up, the daith. It’s a hoop sitting comfortably on the inner cartilage of your ear, where the outer rim circles back on itself and makes its way inside.

Daith piercings don’t hurt too much, but full healing can be a lengthy process. This is because you’re poking about in a protected spot. But once they’re good to go, daith ear piercing types are risqué and captivating all at once. So, show them off with snug hoops or clickers for a totally boss look.

The conch piercing is where things start getting a bit more serious. It sits smack in the middle of your ear. Daring. Versatile. And with a certain "don't f**k with me" energy.

Moreover, you can choose one (or both if you’re really feeling it) of the two types of ear piercings synonymous with the conch:

• Inner conch – The cartilage right in the middle of your ear (under the flap where the rook goes), which you can dress up with studs
• Outer conch - Prime real estate just above the lobe, for a large hoop wrapping around the outer rim of your ear

Pain level? It hurts. But it won’t kill you. And it’s worth every wince.

Most ear piercing names are derived from the part of the ear they’re worn in. But this obviously isn’t the case with the industrial, which was invented and named by Californian piercing royalty Erik Dakota.

And talk about double trouble! The industrial piercing isn’t for the faint- hearted. So, what’s the lowdown on these badass ear piercing types?

It’s essentially two piercings connected by a straight barbell, usually running diagonally across your ear from the outer rim to just above where it attaches to your head.

Don’t expect all gain without a bit of pain, because you’re looking at double the cartilage action. And yes, it can be a bit temperamental to heal. But this piercing looks absolutely sick once you’re through the iffy stage.

Stick to a sleek barbell. Or get extra creative by experimenting with custom designs to show off your alternative side.

Rook types of ear piercings are a bit more unusual, making them well-suited for risk takers. They go through the inner ridge of the upper ear cartilage. Unique. So cool, ice cubes are breaking into a sweat. And prime when you’re looking for something off the beaten track.

It’s another of the raft of ear piercing names attributed to legendary Californian piercer Erik Dakota, with some people thinking it comes from letters of his name.

As you might expect, it hurts more than some of the other more temperate types of ear piercings, and healing takes time. And it rocks with a curved barbell or neat hoop.

While some ear piercing names are a mystery, this one does what it says on the tin. As its name suggests, the snug piercing nestles into the inner cartilage of your ear, just above the anti-tragus where the flap curves inwards.

This piercing hugs the contours of your ear tightly, so only the tiniest hoops or curved barbells fit in these types of ear piercings.

A word of caution. It’s one of the more painful piercings. But its distinctive fit is totally worth it when you want to send a clear message about setting trends, not following them.

Talking of ear piercing names, orbital piercings are circular delights all about connection. While most different kinds of ear piercings involve a single hole, orbital piercings call for two piercings, usually in the lobe or the helix, which are connected by a single ring.

Think of it as a hybrid of a standard lobe piercing and an industrial, but with a hoop instead of a bar.

It’s low pain and healing is generally smooth. So, it won’t be too long until you’re flaunting an eye-catching ring ‘orbiting’ your ear and earning you major alt style points.

As its ear lobe piercing name suggests, there’s no need for stars in your eyes when you can have them in your ears! So, when you’re feeling celestial, the constellation piercing might just be for you.

This contemporary style involves multiple strategically placed ear piercing types mimicking star patterns. As a result, constellation piercings turn your ear into a work of art, whether you go for a simple, minimalistic look, or a dramatic spread of studs and hoops.

Understandably, pain levels vary depending on placement. As for jewellery options? Not even the sky’s the limit.

There’s no doubt the many types of ear piercings offer endless possibilities for expressing your alt style. Honestly, the sheer variety of creativity you can bring to your ear-scape is mind-blowing!

So, get yourself over to the Stretch It Body Jewellery website if you're itching to add some fresh metal to your ears. We've got everything you need to make it happen.