Ear Piercing: What, Where and How
There are endless locations on the ears that can be pierced. Here’s some ideas and advice.
I’m a sucker for ear piercings. These piercings are the most socially acceptable, but you can still be an individual and make a statement. I think having glittery silver accents on the ears is very aesthetically pleasing and gives the face more depth and intricacy. I prefer these to facial piercings, which actually alter the look of the face. Some people can pull off a bull-like ring threw the nose and others can’t – sadly, this latter group make up the majority. A heap of facial piercings can really impair your chances in a job interview and make people feel uncomfortable around you. Ear piercings, on the other hand, are more likely to be overlooked and you can always cover them with hair.
So where to start?
Image via Wikipedia
- 1 = Helix
- 2 = Industrial
- 3 = Rook
- 4 = Daith
- 5 = Tragus
- 6 = Snug
- 7 = Conch
- 8 = Anti-Tragus
- 9 = Lobe
The traditional ear piercing is in the centre of the lobe and is very common (#9). Most people stop here, but an increasing number of women (not to be sexist) are getting another piercing next to that one, moving up the lobe and outwards. You can continue all the way up the skin of the lobe before you hit cartilage and you can probably fit 3 or 4 earrings here. Lobe piercings are done with a gun and are over quickly, which is part of the attraction. They generally don’t bleed or hurt too much, and they heal quickly.
Upper cartilage piercings (helix – #1) are also common these days. Some people still associate piercing the right ear with homosexuality and the left with hetero, but hardly anyone maintains these standards in modern times. I’ve heard of people getting about 10 piercings in their left ear but none in their left as a gay pride statement, but I wouldn’t let it influence your decision on where to get pierced. Now this is important: CARTILAGE CANNOT BE PIERCED WITH A GUN! A lot of places offer this service, but a gun can shatter the cartilage, so don’t do it!! Cartilage piercings are done with a hollow point needle then the earring is dragged through. This is the only way to do it!
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I am not into piercings, but your article was very informative.
I believe that getting a piercing makes the individual, some do it for spiritual reason, others for the looks, but for whatever reason, always let it be your own decision. (and done with a clear head)
okay i was looking in at getting the industrial piercing and i want to know how it is done… im really interested in it and the rook piercing but i dont know how they are done… you sound like the person to tell me.. i was also wondering if you know how much it hurts for those two piercings when you get them done?!
bailey. i just got my industrial pierced 2 days ago. it really doesn’t hurt. they do it with a hollow needle then pull the bar through. it really doesn’t hurt at all (:
that is so sweet! lol thanx 
i hope i can get it done but i might not be aloud cuz my mom thinks its taky :p got any advice to help me convince her to let me get it? ha ha.
I have a helix and a newly acquired industrial which I love. Make sure you go somewhere reputable with good hygiene standards. If you walk in, don’t like the look of the place you are allowed to walk right back out again. Also look for professional qualifications.
Yep hollow needles are the way to go. Mine was done with two needles one for each hole and the bar pulled through both. No problemo.
Generally if you are having to ask your mum’s permission for having anything more than a basic piercing you are probably too young! Definitely wait until you have finished growing before messing with your cartilage.
i kinda wanna get an industrial….but i wanna c what it would look like on me first…what should i do?
well you could always buy a piece of jewellery designed to fit an industrial piercing and attach it using the kind of glue they use for fake eyelashes – it’d probably stay on for a whole day so you can see what your friends think and how furious your parents will be 
HI,MY NAME IS HELENA.I’M 7 YEARS OLD.DO YOU HAVE A PIERCING.I DO IN MY LIP.ITS A HART
you have a lip piercing at 7 ?
