A Complete Guide to Cartilage Piercings

While many people use cartilage piercing to refer to a common piercing style like an industrial or a snug, the term is actually a category of piercing rather than a specific one. Your ear consists of cartilage covered by skin, and any piercing that goes through that cartilage is, well, a cartilage piercing. There are about 10 different kinds of cartilage piercings, each with its own unique placement and look.

Whether you want a classic industrial piercing or are looking to try something more daring like a tragus piercing, here’s what you need to know about cartilage piercings.

Helix

The helix is one of the more common types of cartilage piercing and may be what you think of when piercing style is mentioned. A helix piercing is placed on the upper ear and can be done as a stud or a ring. In terms of pain, Michael Johnson, a professional piercer at A Wicked Sensation says "the soreness afterward typically aches for about a week after the piercing is done.” Expect to pay around $35-$50 for a cartilage piercing but keep in mind that the price depends on several factors: your piercer’s experience, the shop’s standards, the jewelry, and more.

Pain level: 5/10

Forward Helix

While also pierced on the upper ear, a forward helix is placed in a more forward position above the tragus or the small bit of cartilage in front of the ear canal. Forward helix piercings are trickier than typical helix piercings due to having to be lined up correctly with your ear specifically. It’s a good idea to find a very experienced piercer for this style to ensure it turns out exactly as you want.

Expect a helix piercing to cost anywhere from $30-$100, and you may even have to pay an additional fee for the jewelry since it has to fit your ear. 

Pain level: 5/10

Tragus

Your tragus is the small flap of cartilage directly in front of your ear canal. This spot is a more uncommon choice, but it’s a unique spot if you want a bit of an unexpected piercing.

A tragus is a tricky piercing to perform, though; the process has to be shifted depending on the size and shape of your tragus since it has to work with your ear specifically. Therefore, it’s imperative to find an experienced piercer if you’re interested in a tragus piercing. “The tragus piercing is of the more complex piercings when it comes to the method of the piercing,” says Tylar Burson, a Texas-based professional piercer. “What makes it difficult is getting the correct angle with the needle and the correct depth. There are also methods we take to ensure we don’t pierce any other area around the tragus since it is in a compact area.”

However, says Johnson, “the popping sound of the cartilage in front of your ear canal tends to make people feel queasy.” Pricewise, a tragus piercing will probably be around $40-$60, though it may be more depending on the studio, piercer, and the piercing itself.

Pain level: 4-6/10

Industrial

Industrial piercings tend to be a fairly popular choice for cartilage piercings. However, industrials are technically two piercings in one; it consists of a barbell connecting a helix piercing and a forward helix piercing. These piercings tend to have a reputation for being edgy since they’re obvious and have a clunkier look.

Since an industrial are two piercings, “It can range anywhere between $40-$120, depending on the piercer and what metal they provide for the piercing,” says Burson. Many piercers will include the cost of the jewelry in the price, but be sure to ask your piercer before committing. The pain of this one is only moderate but it’s common to feel a bit more pain residually after the actual piercing is finished.

Pain level: 5/10

Daith

Daith piercings go through the small flap of cartilage directly above the ear canal, close to the middle of the ear. While these piercings look cool, they're also rumored to help with migraines (though this has yet to be proven from a medical perspective). Since these piercings align with acupuncture points, getting one is like constant pressure on that point, and some people have found migraine relief from it. Another unique aspect of daiths is that, unlike most piercings, a ring—rather than a stud—is suggested during the healing process.

“I’ve gotten very mixed reactions as well from clients—some saying it was the easiest piercing they’ve gotten and some saying it was the most difficult," says Burson. In terms of price, you’ll most likely pay between $35-$60 for a daith piercing.

Pain level: 2/10

Conch

There are two parts to the conch, making two different kinds of piercings: an inner conch and an outer conch. Both are pierced through the middle shell of the ear, the thickest piece of cartilage on that part of the body. An inner conch piercing goes through the upper part of the middle shell, close to the ear canal. An outer conch, on the other hand, goes through the lower part. The piercing’s name comes from the middle shell, which looks like a conch seashell.

According to Amanda Robone, a piercer at Clear Vision Tattoo, you should expect a cost starting at around $70 for a conch piercing, as you have to factor in a needle fee and cost of jewelry. “It's pricier than the mall, obviously, but it's a night and day difference as far as jewelry quality, healing time, and customer service,” says Robone. “You definitely get what you pay for!”

Pain level: 4/10

Anti-Tragus

An anti-tragus piercing sits on the outer edge of the tragus, above the earlobe, rather than the part closest to your head. This is another piercing that is somewhat fitted to your anatomy, as it requires your anti-tragus to be fairly prominent. If it’s not, it will be trickier to pierce, and some piercers may even decline to perform the process if they don’t think they can work with the shape of your ear.

Anti-tragus pain is a bit more intense, often because it’s an unknown feeling, and it’s tricky to pierce. In terms of price, expect a baseline of around $45-$60, though some piercers may charge more, considering an anti-tragus piercing requires a bit more effort.

Pain level: 6/10

Rook

Rook piercings are vertical piercings that are placed on the cartilage directly above the forward helix. The most important thing to know about rook piercings is that they are generally referred to as one of the most painful ear piercings available, but it’s often not that bad.

It’s also challenging to pierce in general, so an extremely experienced piercer is recommended for this type of piercing. Expect to pay a bit more because of the experience necessary. A rook piercing will most likely run you around $35-$50, though it also matters on elements like the studio, piercer, and more.

Pain level: 5/10

Snug

The snug piercing is a horizontal piercing that goes through the inner rim of the cartilage above the anti-tragus. The piercing earns its name from being in a small area that seems to hug the folds of your ears—almost like it's snuggling it. However, only small jewelry like curved barbells (most common) or a small hoop will work for this piercing because of its tight placement, which also happens to be one of the most painful piercings.

Expect a cost of between $45-$70.

Pain level: 8/10

Orbital

The orbital is another less common choice of cartilage piercing (the most popular placement is in the lobes, with a helix piercing being the second most popular), though it offers a unique look for those who want something a bit different. This type of piercing is similar to an industrial piercing, as it connects two different piercings. However, an orbital is pierced with a ring rather than a barbell. This gives the piercing the illusion that it’s floating and orbiting the ear, hence its name.

A cartilage orbital is considered to be less painful. In terms of price, though, you should expect a much higher number: $60-$80.

Pain level: 4/10

Piercing Aftercare

With any piercing, you should always carefully clean the area with soap and water to avoid infection. If your piercing site is red, hot to the touch, or has a green or yellow discharge, it could be infected. Clean your ears with sterile saline or gentle soap and water twice a day, then apply an antibiotic ointment or rubbing alcohol to the piercing.

It is also important to leave your piercing jewelry in for at least six to eight weeks, if not longer depending on the area of the new piercing. This will allow the piercing to heal completely before changing the jewelry. Take care not to sleep on the piercing and avoid touching it.