Ear piercing chart

This ear piercing chart is a diagram showing the names for each different type of ear piercing, together with their position on the ear. Scroll down for more info on types of ear piercing.

Industrial / scaffold / construction

The classic industrial goes from roughly the upper outer helix (near the head) to the lower helix (toward the back) in a single straight line, like the photo above. However, there are variations where the two holes could be placed differently on the ear cartilage as long as a bar can connect them.

Healing an industrial piercing can be challenging: since two cartilage piercings are linked, they can irritate each other and any movement of the bar affects both sites. Many piercers consider this one of the more advanced ear piercings, and some may even suggest doing the two holes separately (with separate jewellery) until healed, then inserting a bar later.

• Estimated healing time: 9 months to 1 year (sometimes longer)
• Pain level: Moderate. Often rated around 5–6/10. Similar to helix but you get it twice in one sitting.

Lobe and upper lobe

Earlobe piercings are one of the oldest forms of body modification – even ancient mummies have been found with pierced lobes. In many cultures, ear lobe piercing is a rite of passage or a ceremonial tradition. Nowadays, plenty of people go for a double or even triple lobe piercing, creating a lot of opportunities for wearing threader earrings in a range of different ways.

• Estimated healing time: ~6–8 weeks for initial healing. (It’s often advised to wait about 2–3 months before changing jewellery to be safe.)
• Pain level: Very low – often rated around 1–2/10. The earlobe has little resistance, so most people feel only a quick pinch.

Helix

Helix piercings have surged in popularity and are now pretty common – mostly for fashion but some alternative medicine enthusiasts associate the upper ear with certain acupuncture points that help with insomnia and even allergies when stimulated.

• Estimated healing time: About 6 months to 1 year (cartilage piercings heal slowly)
• Pain level: Mild to moderate. 4–5/10.

Daith

The daith piercing is famous because many people get it hoping to relieve migraines. Anecdotally, some have reported fewer headaches after a daith. A dermatologist in one report noted that some studies and reports suggest piercing the daith might modulate pain receptors linked to the trigeminal nerve, potentially affecting migraine.

• Estimated healing time: About 6–9 months on average, and up to 12 months for some. Daith piercings, being cartilage, heal slowly. Many find they can sleep on it after a couple of months.
• Pain level: Moderate to high. Experiences vary: some say roughly 5/10 (a pressure rather than sharp pain).

Forward helix

Another one that has grown in popularity – and triple forward helix piercings have been a bit of a trend.

• Estimated healing time: Around 3–9 months for initial healing (sometimes up to 6–12 months for full healing, as with any cartilage).
• Pain level: Moderate. Around 5–7/10. It tends to hurt slightly more than a standard helix because the tissue is firmer and the angle can be a bit awkward.

Flat piercing (Scapha/Outer Conch)

For this one, it’s popular to get a cluster of 2–3 flat piercings arranged in a pattern (sometimes called a constellation piercing when combined with other ear piercings). The alternative name “outer conch” comes from being outside of the conch (the ear’s inner shell), on the outer part of that cartilage. In acupuncture terms, points in this general area (upper ear cartilage) are sometimes associated with anxiety relief.

• Estimated healing time: Around 6–12 months (average perhaps 6–9 months).
  Pain level: Moderate. Around 6/10 – the cartilage here is flat and fairly thick, so the piercing can cause a sharp pain and then pressure.

Snug (anti-helix)

The term “snug” comes from how the piercing sits snugly in the fold of the ear. People say this is one of the most painful ear piercings due to the thick cartilage and the pressure of the horizontal placement.

• Estimated healing time: around 4–6 months for initial healing in ideal cases but it it can easily take longer (6–12 months is not uncommon if there are complications). Cartilage piercings heal slowly, and the snug, being thick cartilage, often requires extra care for many months. 
  Pain level: High. Often regarded as one of the most painful ear piercings, around 8–9/10 in pain. Many say it’s a quick but strong pain.

Rook

Some refer to it as a “Shen Men piercing” in an acupuncture context, since it’s near the Shen Men point – but the common name is just rook. First popularised in the 1990s by piercer Erik Dakota, who supposedly named it “rook” after his own nickname. A rook piercing often suits a small hoop once healed, but initially you’ll wear a curved barbell for easier healing.

• Estimated healing time: ~6–12 month. (Cartilage is slow to heal; expect at least half a year of careful aftercare. Avoid sleeping on it or snagging it during this period.)
  Pain level: Moderate-to-high. Commonly rated around 6/10, and many find it a sharper pain than a helix or tragus due to the thick fold of cartilage.

Transverse lobe

This piercing goes the width of the lobe, rather than front to back. This does not work for every ear – if your earlobes are very small or thin, a transverse piercing may not be feasible or safe.

• Estimated healing time: Variable, roughly 2 to 6 months, and in some cases up to 10 months for full healing. (It heals more slowly than a standard lobe piercing because of the longer piercing channel and potential for movement.)
• Pain level: Moderate. Often about 5–6/10. The initial piercing might feel similar to a regular lobe piercing (sharp pinch) but drawn out slightly due to the longer piercing path.

Tragus