Ear piercings are all the rage these days. One out of every ten Nigerians has a pierced ear.
Cultural Significance of Ear Piercings
Ear piercings can be traced back to most traditional practices. You can say the same for many other piercings. These piercings stand as a means of identification and connect one to their cultural background.
Some schools of thought do not encourage the idea of ear piercings for some understandable reasons. But today isn’t about them, it’s about you and in this article we will discuss what ear piercing is and the types of ear piercing out there.
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What is Ear Piercing All About?
Ear piercing refers to the practice of creating holes in the earlobe or other parts of the ear to insert jewellery. It is a common form of body modification and has been practised for centuries in various cultures around the world.
Ear piercing is usually performed using a sterilized needle or a piercing gun by trained professionals in piercing studios or beauty salons. These steps are necessary to prevent infection and injuries. They happen…sometimes. Don’t be scared.
The following are types of ear piercings;
Types of Ear Piercings
You might wonder if all ear piercings are the same. No. They differ according to the position of the jewellery and the place that is being pierced.
1. Earlobe Piercing
This is the most common type of ear piercing and involves making a hole in the fleshy bottom part of the earlobe. It is generally considered less painful and heals relatively quickly.
2. Cartilage Piercing
Cartilage piercings are done on the upper part of the ear, such as the helix (outer rim), tragus (small piece of cartilage in front of the ear canal), conch (the inner cup-shaped area), or daith (the innermost fold of the cartilage). Cartilage piercings may take longer to heal and can be more painful than earlobe piercings.
3. Industrial Piercing
This type of piercing involves two holes connected by a single piece of jewellery, usually a barbell, passing through the upper ear cartilage. It creates an industrial or scaffold-like appearance.
4. Rook and Snug Piercing
These piercings are done in the cartilage folds near the inner part of the ear. The rook piercing is placed above the tragus, while the snug piercing is made through the ear’s inner cartilage parallel to the outer rim.
5. Orbital Piercing
An orbital piercing is done by inserting a ring or curved barbell through two holes in the ear, creating the appearance of an orbit around the ear.
6. Transverse Lobe Piercing
This piercing involves making a horizontal hole through the earlobe rather than the traditional vertical piercing. It can be placed at different levels along the lobe.
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20 Ear Piercing Styles to Try Today
Now, let’s get into what you’ve been waiting for. Here are 20 ear piercings to try this year and all others to come. You decide which style you want:
1. Lobe Piercing
The most common type of ear piercing, the lobe piercing, is located at the bottom of the earlobe. It can be done with a stud, hoop, or various earring styles.
2. Helix Piercing
The helix piercing is placed along the upper curve of the ear. It can be a single piercing or multiple piercings, creating a unique pattern.
3. Tragus Piercing
The tragus piercing is positioned on the small flap of cartilage just in front of the ear canal. It can be adorned with studs, rings, or barbells.
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4. Rook Piercing
The rook piercing is situated in the inner ridge of the ear, above the tragus. It involves piercing the thick cartilage and is often adorned with curved barbells or rings.
5. Daith Piercing
The daith piercing is placed through the fold of cartilage above the ear canal. It’s known for its unique placement and can be decorated with hoops or curved barbells.
6. Conch Piercing
The conch piercing is located in the centre of the ear’s cartilage, either in the inner or outer conch area. It can be adorned with studs, hoops, or captive bead rings.
7. Industrial Piercing
Industrial piercing involves two piercings connected by a long straight barbell. It typically goes through the upper ear cartilage, creating a striking and edgy look.
8. Snug Piercing
The snug piercing is placed through the inner cartilage ridge of the ear near the outer rim. It’s a unique and visually appealing piercing that can be customized with various jewellery styles.
9. Orbital Piercing
The orbital piercing consists of two piercings connected by a single hoop, typically positioned around the outer ear cartilage or lobe. It creates a captivating and eye-catching effect.
9. Forward Helix Piercing
The forward helix piercing is placed on the front side of the upper ear cartilage near the head. It can be done with studs, barbells, or hoops for a fashionable and elegant look.
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10. Anti-Tragus Piercing
The anti-tragus piercing is located opposite the tragus, on the outer ridge of the ear. It’s a unique placement that can be adorned with various jewellery styles.
11. Transverse Lobe Piercing
The transverse lobe piercing goes horizontally through the earlobe rather than vertically like a traditional lobe piercing. It creates a distinctive and edgy look.
Flat Piercing
The flat piercing is positioned on the flat area of the upper ear cartilage, parallel to the side of the head. It can be adorned with studs, barbells, or rings.
13. Vertical Lobe Piercing
The vertical lobe piercing is placed vertically through the earlobe, creating a different orientation compared to a standard lobe piercing. It allows for unique earring arrangements and creative styling.
14. Triple Forward Helix Piercing
The triple forward helix piercing involves three separate piercings along the front side of the upper ear cartilage. It forms a row of studs or hoops, adding dimension and visual interest.
15. High Lobe Piercing
The high lobe piercing is positioned higher up on the earlobe, closer to the fold. It offers a distinctive placement for earrings and can be combined with other lobe piercings for an intricate look.
16. Scaffold Piercing
Also known as an industrial bar piercing, the scaffold piercing involves two piercings connected by a straight barbell, typically placed horizontally along the upper ear cartilage. It creates a bold and dramatic effect.
17. Conch Orbital Piercing
The conch orbital piercing combines a conch piercing with an orbital piercing. It features a hoop or circular barbell that goes through the conch and connects with another piercing.
18. Forward Pinna Piercing
The forward pinna piercing is on the flat area above the tragus. It offers a unique and stylish placement that can be adorned with various earring styles.
19. Snug Rook Piercing
The snug rook piercing combines the snug piercing with the rook piercing.
It involves two piercings close to each other, creating a distinctive and intricate look.
There you have it. 20 Ear Piercing types you should try today. If you’ve read this article, it would be a waste of my writing skills if you didn’t get an ear piercing for more personal touches. Let’s look at 10 Ear Piercings styles that are just for men.
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10 Ear Piercing Styles For Men
Don’t forget that ear piercings are unisex. This section is for the guys. You will find that the examples listed here are variations that any sex can try:
1. Triple Helix Piercing
The triple helix piercing consists of three separate piercings along the upper ear cartilage, creating a row of studs or hoops that adds an element of complexity and style.
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2. Triple Conch Piercing
The triple conch piercing involves three separate piercings placed in the inner or outer conch area. It allows for unique earring arrangements and creative combinations.
3. Vertical Tragus Piercing
The vertical tragus piercing is placed vertically through the tragus, creating a unique and visually striking orientation for jewellery.
4. Triple Forward Pinna Piercing
The triple forward pinna piercing includes three separate piercings on the flat area just above the tragus. It offers a modern and fashionable look.
5. Double Helix Piercing
The double helix piercing consists of two separate piercings along the upper ear cartilage, creating a stylish and balanced composition of jewellery.
6. High Lobe Orbital Piercing
The high lobe orbital piercing combines a high lobe piercing with an orbital piercing. It features a hoop or circular barbell that goes through the high lobe and connects with another piercing.
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7. Double Tragus Piercing
The double tragus piercing involves two separate piercings through the tragus, offering a symmetrical and visually appealing arrangement for jewellery.
8. Quadruple Helix Piercing
The quadruple helix piercing includes four separate piercings along the upper ear cartilage, forming a pattern of studs or hoops that adds intricacy and visual interest.
9. Triple Transverse Lobe Piercing
The triple transverse lobe piercing combines three horizontal piercings across the earlobe. It creates a unique and stylish arrangement for earrings.
10. Double Conch Orbital Piercing
The double conch orbital piercing combines two conch piercings with an orbital piercing. It features two hoops or circular barbells that go through the conch and connect.
This brings me to the next topic.
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Ear Piercing Infections
Ear piercing infections can occur if proper care and hygiene practices are not followed during healing. Common signs and symptoms of an infected ear piercing may include:
- Increased pain or tenderness at the piercing site
- Redness, swelling, or inflammation around the piercing
- Heat or warmth around the piercing area
- Pus or discharge coming from the piercing
- Foul odour
- Persistent itching or discomfort
- Development of a bump or keloid around the piercing
- Lymph node enlargement near the ear.
If you suspect that your ear piercing is infected, it is important to take prompt action. Here’s what you can do:
How to Treat An Infected Ear Piercing
1. Clean the area
Gently clean the infected piercing twice a day using a saline solution or a specialized piercing aftercare solution recommended by your piercer. Avoid using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other harsh cleaning agents, as they can further irritate the piercing.
2. Avoid touching
Refrain from touching the infected piercing with dirty hands to prevent the spread of bacteria.
3. Avoid removing the jewellery
Removing the jewellery can cause the piercing hole to close, trapping the infection inside. Unless advised by a healthcare professional, keeping the jewellery in place during the healing process is generally best.
4. Consult a professional
If the infection worsens or persists, or you develop systemic symptoms like fever, seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can evaluate the infection and provide appropriate treatment, which may involve antibiotics.
This goes to show that ear piercings are not an entirely safe process. The good news is any infection can be prevented if you follow the following processes;
Safety Measures to Take Before Getting an Ear Piercing
1. Choose a reputable piercer
Ensure your piercing is done by a professional who follows proper sterilization techniques and uses sterile equipment.
2. Clean hands and equipment
Ensure that the piercer and their staff wear clean gloves and use sterilized instruments during the procedure.
3. Follow aftercare instructions
Carefully follow the aftercare instructions provided by your piercer, including cleaning routines and avoiding certain activities or products.
4. Avoid swimming and excessive moisture
Refrain from swimming in pools, hot tubs, or bodies of water during the initial healing period. Excessive moisture can increase the risk of infection.
The healing process may differ, and complications can arise. If you have any concerns or questions, ensure to consult a healthcare professional or your piercer for proper guidance and advice.
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Let’s Wrap This Up
Ear piercings are adornments that can be aesthetically pleasing when done right. So if you’re looking to get your ears pierced, look through our list of stylish ear piercings and select the one that will be perfect for you.
If there are any questions, post them below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does ear piercing take to heal
The healing time for an ear piercing can vary depending on several factors, including the type of piercing and individual healing abilities. Here are some general guidelines for healing times:
1. Earlobe Piercing
Earlobe piercings take about 6 to 8 weeks to heal completely. However, it’s important to continue proper aftercare for a few more weeks to fully stabilise the piercing.
2. Cartilage Piercing
Cartilage piercings typically take longer to heal compared to earlobe piercings. Healing time can range from 4 months to 1 year. The specific location of the cartilage piercing can also affect the healing time.
3. Multiple Piercings
If you have multiple piercings in different areas of the ear, each piercing may have its healing timeline. It’s important to care for each piercing individually and monitor their healing progress.
2. What Types of Ear Piercing is safe
1. Standard Lobe Piercing
This is the most common and safest ear piercing. The earlobe consists of soft, fleshy tissue, making it easier to pierce and heal relatively quickly.
2. Upper Lobe Piercing
Similar to standard lobe piercings, upper lobe piercings are also considered safe. They involve piercing the upper part of the earlobe and can be done alongside or stacked with standard lobe piercings.
3. Helix Piercing
Helix piercings on the outer rim of the upper ear cartilage can be safe if performed by a professional using proper techniques and sterile equipment.
4. Earlobe Piercing with Needle
If you go for additional earlobe piercings or multiple piercings in the earlobe, ensure they are done with a needle by a professional piercer. Needles are generally considered safer than piercing guns for earlobes.
3. What is the Most Painful Ear Piercing?
1. Industrial Piercing
Industrial piercings involve piercing through the upper ear cartilage in two separate locations and connecting them with a single piece of jewellery. This piercing can be more painful due to the thicker cartilage and the fact that two piercings are done in close proximity.
2. Daith Piercing
The daith piercing is located in the innermost fold of the cartilage, just above the ear canal. It passes through a thick section of cartilage, which can make it more uncomfortable or painful during the piercing process.
3. Conch Piercing
Conch piercings can be done in the inner or outer part of the ear’s cup-shaped area. The thickness of the cartilage and the location can make this piercing more painful compared to earlobe piercings.
4. Rook Piercing
The rook piercing is placed in the cartilage fold above the tragus, and it can be more painful due to the thickness of the cartilage in that area.
Conclusion
Ear piercings, just like every other bodily piercing, are a form of bodily adornment. When one hears of ear piercings, the normal thought would be that this article is just for women. Well, think again.
