Ear piercing types are important to take knowledge of when you decide to have a unique or artsy type of ear piercing. Ear piercing has become so rampant nowadays and different types of ear piercings are slowly rising. Choosing a design is fun but you have to keep in mind that it is also vital to know if these designs are done well by an experienced piercer. You have to know if the use of a piercing gun is necessary on a cartilage, if it’s safe to have plenty of ear piercings at the same time and other crucial information.
Back in the old days, one piercing on each ear of a woman is acceptable and men don’t have ear piercings at all. Having more than one ear piercing for women or men having piercings on their ears is considered radical. However, ear piercing is also considered by many as an art. Ear piercing types are inspired by different cultures like the ones in Africa and the South Pacific.
Different Ear Piercing Types
Knowing the various ear piercing types is helpful since it will give you some ideas on where the earrings will be placed, whether it is safe or not, and you can gauge if you can take the risk. Below are some of the common ear piercing types:
• Earlobe piercing– Earlobe piercing is the most common ear piercing type. The earlobe is found on the bottom part of the outermost lining of the ears. This is the least painful to pierce and the most quick to heal because the lower lobe is made up of a soft type of tissue so the pain felt is not intense. It heals quickly because the earlobes have lots of blood supply which assists in the healing process of the pierced ears. Earlobe piercing heals within 4 to 6 weeks.
• Helix Piercings – Helix piercing is next to earlobe piercing with regards to popularity. The helix is found on the top most or the rim part of the cartilage of the ear. The jewelry usually employed in helix piercings are studs, hoops or cuffs. Since helix piercing is done on a cartilage which is a hard tissue, healing usually takes a long time. Estimated time is between 6 and 8 months.
• Industrial ear piercing – This type of ear piercing has now become so famous but it poses a great risk for infection if not well taken cared of. An industrial ear piercing makes use of a barbell-type jewelry that’s used to pierce 2 holes in the ear. One hole is placed on the upper cartilage of the ear and the other one on the lower cartilage. It could take up to 12 months for this type of piercing to completely heal.
• Conch piercings – Conch piercings can either be on the inner conch or outer conch. The inner conch is found on the center part of your ear near the ear canal. A huge loop type of earring is usually used to pierce this. Outer conch on the other hand is found on the outer rim of the ear, adjacent to the ear canal as well, but just a bit farther. This type of piercing heals quickly within 8-10 weeks time.
• Daith piercings – Daith piercing is found on the innermost cartilage of the ear nearest to the ear canal. Micro jewelry and ball closure earrings are the best types of jewelry for this ear piercing type. This type of piercing will heal quickly within 6-8 weeks.
• Tragus piercing – This is a type of piercing found on the small cartilage just in front of the opening of the ear canal. One should know that this type of cartilage is pretty thick and so extreme pain will be felt upon piercing. It will take up to 16 weeks for it to heal.
• Rook piercing – Rook piercing is found on the upper part cartilage of the ear just right above the tragus. This type of piercing is difficult to do and if there is not much space, the piercer usually advices other ear piercing types. Some people don’t even have this kind of fold in their ears. This type of piercing is also extremely painful and may take a year for it to fully mend.
• Dermal punches – This type of ear piercing is most popular with men than with women. It is located on the flat part of the ear’s cartilage or on the earlobe. This involves punching a big hole on a cartilage where a big round piece of jewelry is placed. The healing period greatly depends on the location where the piercing was done. If it is on the inner cartilage, it heals longer.
• Transverse piercing – This type of piercing is also termed as horizontal piercing. This is found on the earlobe and is pierced horizontally along the length of the earlobe. The best earring to use with this type of piercing is the barbell. It would typically take a short time, 6-10 weeks, for this to heal.
Aftercare for the All Ear Piercing Types
Aftercare is really important to all ear piercing types to prevent infection and closure of the piercing. The following are some tips.
• Clean the pierced area with a saline solution (water + salt) using a clean cloth and pat gently on the piercing two times a day. Make sure to wash your hands before doing this.
• Ascertain that the jewelry to be placed on the piercing does not rust or is not made of plastic. These kinds of materials usually cause infection to the ears or delays healing.
• Avoid changing your earring right away. It is best to use the same earring until the piercing is totally healed.
• Take multivitamins and vitamin B with zinc to promote faster healing and to boost your immunity that would help fight off possible infections.
• When you sleep, make sure that the pierced ear doesn’t touch the pillow. If you like to move around while you sleep, make sure to change your pillowcase regularly.
Ear piercings can be used to express your personality and individuality. They are considered an art. You may be tempted to have all ear piercing types at the same time, but it is best to do it one at a time to prevent complications from arising.
