Ear Piercing Types and Names

A quick reference to every common ear piercing: where it sits, how much it tends to hurt, how long it takes to heal, and what jewelry fits. Want to see them together? Try the ear piercing planner.

Ear piercing chart

#	Piercing	Area	Pain*	Healing	Common gauge	Typical jewelry
1	Standard Lobe	Lobe	1-2/10	6-8 weeks	20g-18g (0.8-1.0 mm)	Studs, small hoops
2	Second Lobe	Lobe	1-2/10	6-8 weeks	20g-18g (0.8-1.0 mm)	Studs, huggies
3	Third Lobe	Lobe	2-3/10	6-10 weeks	20g-18g (0.8-1.0 mm)	Tiny studs
4	Upper Lobe	Lobe	2-3/10	2-3 months	18g-16g (1.0-1.2 mm)	Flat-back studs
5	Helix	Cartilage	4-5/10	6-12 months	16g (1.2 mm)	Flat-back labret, hoop after healing
6	Forward Helix	Cartilage	5/10	6-12 months	16g (1.2 mm)	Small flat-back studs
7	Flat	Cartilage	4-5/10	6-12 months	16g (1.2 mm)	Flat-back labret with decorative top
8	Rook	Cartilage	6-7/10	6-12 months	16g (1.2 mm)	Curved barbell
9	Daith	Cartilage	5-6/10	6-12 months	16g (1.2 mm)	Clicker ring, captive ring
10	Tragus	Cartilage	4-5/10	6-12 months	16g (1.2 mm)	Flat-back labret
11	Conch	Cartilage	5-6/10	6-12 months	16g-14g (1.2-1.6 mm)	Flat-back stud (inner), large hoop (outer)
12	Snug	Cartilage	7/10	6-12+ months	16g (1.2 mm)	Curved barbell
13	Anti-Tragus	Cartilage	5-6/10	6-12 months	16g (1.2 mm)	Curved barbell, small ring
14	Auricle	Cartilage	4-5/10	6-12 months	16g (1.2 mm)	Hoop, flat-back stud

*Pain is a commonly reported range on a 1–10 scale and varies by person. Healing ranges follow guidance from the Association of Professional Piercers: earlobes about 6–8 weeks, ear cartilage about 6 months to 1 year.

1. Standard Lobe piercing

The classic first piercing. Soft tissue, quick healing.

Pain: 1-2/10 · Healing: 6-8 weeks · Gauge: 20g-18g (0.8-1.0 mm) · Jewelry: Studs, small hoops

2. Second Lobe piercing

Placed above the first lobe hole. Popular for stacked looks.

Pain: 1-2/10 · Healing: 6-8 weeks · Gauge: 20g-18g (0.8-1.0 mm) · Jewelry: Studs, huggies

3. Third Lobe piercing

Completes a lobe trio. Space depends on lobe size.

Pain: 2-3/10 · Healing: 6-10 weeks · Gauge: 20g-18g (0.8-1.0 mm) · Jewelry: Tiny studs

4. Upper Lobe piercing

Where the lobe meets cartilage. Slightly firmer tissue.

Pain: 2-3/10 · Healing: 2-3 months · Gauge: 18g-16g (1.0-1.2 mm) · Jewelry: Flat-back studs

5. Helix piercing

Outer upper rim. One of the most popular cartilage piercings.

Pain: 4-5/10 · Healing: 6-12 months · Gauge: 16g (1.2 mm) · Jewelry: Flat-back labret, hoop after healing

6. Forward Helix piercing

Front of the upper rim, just above where the ear meets the face.

Pain: 5/10 · Healing: 6-12 months · Gauge: 16g (1.2 mm) · Jewelry: Small flat-back studs

7. Flat piercing

The flat area inside the upper rim. Great for statement studs.

Pain: 4-5/10 · Healing: 6-12 months · Gauge: 16g (1.2 mm) · Jewelry: Flat-back labret with decorative top

8. Rook piercing

Through the inner fold above the daith. Anatomy dependent.

Pain: 6-7/10 · Healing: 6-12 months · Gauge: 16g (1.2 mm) · Jewelry: Curved barbell

9. Daith piercing

Innermost fold of cartilage above the ear canal.

Pain: 5-6/10 · Healing: 6-12 months · Gauge: 16g (1.2 mm) · Jewelry: Clicker ring, captive ring

10. Tragus piercing

The small flap in front of the ear canal.

Pain: 4-5/10 · Healing: 6-12 months · Gauge: 16g (1.2 mm) · Jewelry: Flat-back labret

11. Conch piercing

The bowl of the ear. Inner conch suits studs.

Pain: 5-6/10 · Healing: 6-12 months · Gauge: 16g-14g (1.2-1.6 mm) · Jewelry: Flat-back stud (inner), large hoop (outer)

12. Snug piercing

Inner ridge of the antihelix. Thick cartilage, harder healing.

Pain: 7/10 · Healing: 6-12+ months · Gauge: 16g (1.2 mm) · Jewelry: Curved barbell

13. Anti-Tragus piercing

The small bump opposite the tragus, above the lobe.

Pain: 5-6/10 · Healing: 6-12 months · Gauge: 16g (1.2 mm) · Jewelry: Curved barbell, small ring

14. Auricle piercing

Outer rim between the helix and the lobe.

Pain: 4-5/10 · Healing: 6-12 months · Gauge: 16g (1.2 mm) · Jewelry: Hoop, flat-back stud

Lobe vs. cartilage piercings

Lobe piercings go through soft tissue, so they usually hurt less and heal faster. Cartilage piercings (everything on the upper and inner ear) go through firmer tissue, take months to heal, and are more sensitive to sleeping on them or snagging. Many people start with lobes and add cartilage later.

Planning a curated ear

Spread healing out: getting several cartilage piercings at once means a long healing period with no side to sleep on. Keep metals consistent for a clean look, and leave space between holes so jewelry doesn't crowd. Use the free planner to test combinations before your appointment.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Placement depends on your anatomy — always consult a professional piercer and follow their aftercare instructions.