Earrings just like every other jewelry have the power to transform a look, adding an edge to your ensemble with an extra bling. Multiple piercings have become a statement of style in recent times. When we think ear piercings oftentimes, what comes to our minds is the regular and standard lobe piercings but ear piercings cover a variety of types all over the ear.
Ear piercing chart
The ear piercing chart is a chart that shows the different type of ear piercings, their names and their unique location on the ear. Because the ear is made up of cartilage and fleshy tissues, every piercing depending on where the piercing is placed has different healing times and levels of pain.
Types of ear piercing
Lobe piercing
Lobe piercings are the commonest ear piercing type and it is located at the lobule which is the softest and fleshy part of the ear. You can get one or more piercings on this zone and healing time takes between 3-6 months or lesser.
Helix piercing
Helix piercing can also be called a cartilage piercing which is located at the upper outer cartilage of the ear and further along the top edge of the ear. Healing time takes between 6-12 months.
Conch piercing
The conch piercing is one located at the conch which is a cartilage on the inner cup of the ear. Multiple piercings can be gotten here because it’s a versatile area for multiple studs. Healing time takes between 6-12 months.
Tragus piercing
Tragus piercing is one done at the small cartilage that covers the ear canal partially which is a great spot for studs or hoops. Healing time takes between 12-18 months.
Rook piercing
Rook piercing is one done at the inner edge of the highest ridge of the ear. It is a great spot for a hoop and the healing time is between 6-18 months.
Daith piercing
The daith piercing is one done on the ridge of the ear below the rook hugging the cartilage on the inside of the ear. Healing time is between 6-18 months.
High lobe piercing
This is located at a higher spot than the standard lobe piercing. Healing time is between 3-6 months or less.
Industrial piercing
Industrial piercings are straight barbell that connects a cartilage piercing to another on the upper part of the ear. It gives a striking look that heals between 9-12 months.
Snug piercing
A snug piercing is done at the ridge next to the inwards of the helix which is between the inner conch and the helix. Healing time is between 4-6 months.
Anti-tragus piercing
This is opposite the ear canal in the area above the earlobe adjacent to the tragus. It is a great spot for studs and hoops. Healing time is between 6-12 months.
Forward helix piercing
This piercing is above the tragus on a part of the helix at the front of the ear. This spot can take on multiple piercings. Healing time is between 4-6 months.
Flat piercing
This is located at the flat area below the upper rim of the ear. It is not quite a rook or helix. Healing time is between 6-12 months.
Auricle piercing
This piercing is somewhere between a helix and a high lobe but a step outwards from a snug. This piercing is placed between the outer fold of the helix and the earlobe. Healing time is between 3-9 months.
Orbital piercing
Orbital piercing is a hoop that goes through the conch. It is a combination of two piercings that is connected by one hoop common on the lobe or auricle spots but can be placed anywhere on the ear as long as there is room to take two side by side piercing.
Benefits of getting a piercing
Other than enhancing your looks, ear piercings have some health benefits like early piercing in kids which is believed to enhance brain development by activating the right and left hemisphere of the brain which is activated by the meridian points in the ear lobes when pierced. Piercing also stimulates surrounding nerves which is believed to maintain energy flow when earrings are used. Ear piercing also improves immunity since the middle area of the ears influences body immunity levels.
Why do people get ear piercings?
There aren’t very many reasons to get ear piercings except for traditional reasons and as a fashion choice for self-expression but this body art can mean different things to different people. Metallic ear piercings were worn by people in primitive tribes to repel demons and bad spirits from influencing bodies. Sailors choose ear piercings to improve their eyesight and in many societies, ear piercing is a ritual that indicates a transition to puberty and symbolizing the child’s dependence on each parent but one thing is certain that your piercing will sure look great and add charm to your looks regardless of the reasons.
When should you not get a piercing and what ear piercing is fit for you?
There are not so many reasons why you cannot get the ear piercing of your choice. But getting a particular piercing type is totally dependent on your anatomy. If your cartilage does not have the correct folds, then some piercing type will be restrictive to you like the rook piercing. Also, cartilage piercings take time to heal and therefore would require conscious care practices and if you cannot commit to careful conscious care for a longer period, then you should not get any cartilage piercing at all but if you are cool with dealing with longer healing periods and the care routine then you can go for them as they sure offer a pretty payoff. Your choice of ear piercing is mostly dependent on personal preference alongside your unique ear shape as not every piercing will be suitable for your anatomy but a lobe piercing is usually a great place to start as they are generally suitable for all types of anatomy and they are the least painful and the quickest to heal.
Ear piercing care
How much your ear hurts will depend on the location of your piercings. Lobe piercings are the easiest piercings to get as they are less hurtful and heal faster. Cartilage piercings are considered the most painful and takes longer to heal since blood is essential for healing and not too much blood flows through the area. The location of your piercing as well as your body healing process will determine how long your piercing will take to heal.
Whether it is a lobe or cartilage piercing after care is important and besides a sea salt soak, here are a few other care tips
⦁ Do not lie on your piercing. Refrain from sleeping on the side of the ear pierced to avoid mounting pressure on it
⦁ Avoid snagging and pulling of jewelries by hair, clothes or jewelries. Pack up your hair and wear dresses that will not easily snag. This could lead to complications like scarring or piercing rejection.
⦁ Avoid touching your jewelries which can lead to skin irritation and prolonged healing so be careful not to move your jewelries which can introduce bacteria into the piercing site.
⦁ Take care of your body so it can stay healthy to mend itself. Watch what you eat and drink, avoid drinking and smoking, get plenty of rest and stay hydrated.
It is generally recommended not to get more than four piercings in one sitting. A lot in a single sitting can be a strain on your pain tolerance or overwhelm your body making recovery process uncomfortable.
I hope this is helpful to guide you in your next plunge for an ear piercing.