PIERCING GLOSSARY - 11 COMMON EAR PIERCING TYPES

For such a small body part, there are loads of different options for ear piercings! Our glossary below explains all their names (so you can ask your piercing for exactly what you want) and the types of earrings they are typically pierced with.

1. Lobe Piercing - pierced with a labret or hoop

2. Upper Lobe Piercing - pierced with a labret or hoop

3. Conch - pierced with a labret

4. Helix - pierced with a labret or hoop

5. Outer Conch - pierced with a labret

6. Tragus - pierced with a labret

7. Daith - pierced with a hoop

8. Rook - pierced with a labret or hoop

9. Forward Helix - pierced with a labret

WHICH EAR PIERCINGS HURT THE LEAST

Lobe piercings are typically the least painful on the ear because it's fleshy as opposed to cartilage, which is why they also have the quickest healing time (usually 6 - 12 weeks). As one of the thickest pieces of cartilage, piercings to the tragus are often considered the most painful.

However, pain is completely unique and different people find different piercings more painful than others. We recommend that you choose the piercing that you really want rather than which is said to hurt the least.

WHAT EARRINGS TO CHOOSE FOR A NEW PIERCING?

When you get a new piercing, you can choose what style the piercing is done with... studs, hoops or even dangles. Our recommendation is to start small, opt for a quality metal and remember that you've got to keep your piercing jewellery in for a few weeks, so choose something you love!