May 20, 2024

The Piercing Journal: Cartilage

Meet Shari

Going on 9 years of experience in the industry, Shari is our resident piercer. She's professional, friendly, and always happy to share her expertise.

In this Piercing Journal, we wanted to ask Shari about the somewhat confusing cartilage piercing, and all her top tips for caring for your first one.

What part of the ear is cartilage?

Usually, everything on your ear is cartilage, except for your lobes. However, depending on ear anatomy your cartilage may be lower on your ear. We can always talk you through your personal ear anatomy in-store!

What cartilage piercing do you recommend for first-timers?

A helix is always a good starting point for your first cartilage piercing. It’s timeless. Even though it’s commonly seen as single piercing, there’s always room to change it up with helix piercings. You can have a double or triple helix, or position it high, mid, or low on your cartilage.

Do cartilage piercings take longer to heal than lobes? How much longer?

Yes... but they’re worth the wait. Majority cartilage piercings are fully healed from 6 months onward. However, it does vary based on placement, the individual, and the type of piercing, here's a rough guide:

Upper Lobe | 4+ months

Conch | 6-12 months

Daith | 6-12 months

Helix | 6-12 months

Flat | 6-12 months

Tragus | 6-12 months

Feel free to visit us in store during piercing days (Tues-Sat). Walk ins are always welcome, yet subject to availability. We are here to help with change overs, ear styling, sterile downsizes and of course piercings. You can book you piercing appointment here, and browse our Piercing Collection too.

What jewellery can I get pierced with for cartilage?

Flatback/Labret

Flatback, or labret, earrings are the recommended style of jewellery for cartilage piercings. As they most secure (threaded) and comfortable for the healing process. They are also the perfect width for a healing piercing, allowing for easy changeovers once healed.

Flat backs are earrings with a threaded post and an interchangeable tops. The threaded post ends with a flat disc, making it flush to the skin and super comfortable.

Flat backs can also be downsized, meaning you start with a 10mm post, and as your piercing heals and the swelling subsides, we can shorten the post. This helps with healing, comfort, and any snagging on hair/clothes.

Most of our studs can be made as a flatback, or you can always get your By Baby butterfly back earrings converted to a flat back here in our workshop.

Huggies?

Unfortunately, we don’t pierce with huggies. They don't allow your piercing to heal properly and are a risk for infection for a fresh piercing.

You can wear them in your piercing once fully healed, however, this is always dependent on everyone's ear anatomy!

Segment Rings?

Segment rings are a smooth polished ring with a durable hinge, and are available in a range of sizes for different piercing placements. These pieces are available in-store only, so feel free to come in store to have them assessed for your personal ear anatomy.

Do cartilage piercings hurt more than lobe piercings?

They do… sorry! All piercings can hurt (depending on your pain tolerance), but it’s worth it. If you're prone to feeling pain, you can always numb the desired area before your appointment (make sure you follow the instructions of your product and to let us know before your piercing).

Is there any reason I shouldn’t get a cartilage piercing?

Yes, there's a couple reasons. But most of the time you should be sweet!

There's all the basics, like if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or six months post-partum, if you are taking medication or preparing/recovering from surgery. These apply for any piercing.

If you are unwell, and have cold or flu symptoms, we'll have to wait until you are better to pierce you.

There's also the question of personal ear anatomy, I will always be able to assess your ear during your appointment or you can visit us in-store to see if you're cartilage is safe to be pierced with.

Don't forget to think about your lifestyle, if you're always wearing headphones or helmets or similar, a cartilage piercing will be prone to pressure and getting knocked. This will prolong the healing time of your piercing, and may in extreme cases cause it to never fully heal.

Always feel free to call, text, email or visit us in store to ask any questions and consult with us before your procedure - we want to make your piercing dreams come true...