The Glossary January 13, 2026

The Ultimate Guide To Piercings: From Lobe to Piercings to Cartilage and Everything in Between

Jenny Rae

The Ultimate Guide to Ear Piercings

You can never have too many ear piercings – take it from us – and this might just be your excuse to get another. Ear piercings really have become a modern form of self-expression, from a classic lobe piercing to a sculptural conch or helix. If you’ve ever wondered what are the different kinds of ear piercings I can get or how to style, heal and care for them properly, this guide is for you. Consider it your complete introduction to ear piercing types, styling tips and aftercare.

Expressing Yourself Through Ear Piercings

Are you a solid yellow gold or white solid gold lover? Are you a stud or a hoop kind of person? When it comes to ear piercings, there are so many combinations to play with. Our advice is always to build your ear party over time, evolving them with your style, your mood, or even the milestones you want to mark. Whether you’re starting with your first lobe piercing or adding a new cartilage placement to an existing stack, adding piercings give you the ultimate way to express yourself.

What’s Your Ear Piercing Type?

Understanding the different ear piercing types is the first step in creating a curated ear that feels balanced and intentional. Below, we break down some of the most popular placements and how they’re typically styled.

Types of Piercings

Not sure of the piercing placement you want?

Choose from:

LOBE
STACKED LOBE
UPPER LOBE
MID-HELIX
HELIX
INNER HELIX
CONCH
TRAGUS

Lobe Piercings

The classic ear lobe piercing is where most piercing journeys begin, for good reason. Lobes are versatile, easy to style and quicker to heal than cartilage piercings.

Stacked lobe piercings have become a styling go-to. Two or three piercings placed closely together allow you to mix studs, mini hoops and textures for an effortless, layered look. Whether you keep things symmetrical or embrace a more organic feel, lobes are the foundation of any curated ear.

Cartilage Piercings

Cartilage piercings sit higher on the ear and add structure and interest to your stack. Nothing looks better than a 14ct solid gold and diamond stud in this placement, just saying.

Helix Piercing

The helix sits along the outer rim of the ear and is one of our most popular cartilage placements. From a single helix to a double or forward helix piercing, this area is ideal for small gold studs or simple hoops that hug the ear closely. Helix piercings are perfect for those who want to elevate their everyday look.

Conch Piercing

Located in the centre of the ear, the conch piercing is bolder by nature. It works beautifully with statement studs and creates a strong focal point within a curated ear. Conch piercings balance well with delicate outer ear jewellery, making them a favourite for those who love contrast in their styling.

Daith & Rook Piercings

Sitting deeper within the ear, daith piercings and rook piercings add a sculptural feel to your stack. Daith piercings follow the inner curve of the ear, while rook piercings sit slightly higher. These placements are perfect for adding depth and interest to cartilage-heavy styling. Wondering what earrings are best for a daith piercing? Look for smooth, well-fitted jewellery that sits comfortably within the ear’s natural curves. Clean lines and high-quality materials make all the difference.

Tragus Piercing

The tragus is the small piece of cartilage near your ear canal. Styled with a stud, it gives a new way to add detail to your ear stack.

First-Time Piercings: What to Know Before You Book

Getting your ears pierced for the first time is a huge moment. It’s understandable to feel a little nervous or anxious. It's recommended to eat within a few hours and stay well hydrated. Why? Being hydrated and having food in your system really does help keep you feeling comfortable and steady throughout the process. Avoid alcohol before your appointment due to it increasing sensitivity and swelling.

If you’re unsure where to start, lobe piercings are often the go-to for first-timers as they’re versatile, easy to style and typically quicker to heal than cartilage piercings. That said, there’s no correct first piercing – it’s all about what feels right for you.

Styling Tips: Choosing the Right Piercing Jewellery

Now you’ve picked your placement, now it’s time to pick the right jewellery for you. Choose something that’s comfortable, purposeful and feels unique to you.

Material Matters

All of our piercing jewellery at Missoma is handcrafted from 14ct solid gold, meaning its hypoallergenic, extra durable and made to last.

Styling Your Ear Stack

Ear stacks should always feel considered and intentional, balanced in proportion, and curated for your own style.

Ear Piercing Styling Do’s

Start small, then build - Begin with studs in new piercings and allow your ear to heal before layering in bolder styles. Clean silhouettes and lightweight designs set the foundation for an ear stack you’ll never want to be without (and never have to be).
Anchor your look with a statement - When in doubt, let one earring lead. A sculptural conch stud or standout lobe earring creates a focal point, giving the rest of your stack something to work around.
Balance bold with subtle - If one of your earrings feels bold, keep it soft in your surrounding piercings. Pair a statement conch with a delicate helix, or a statement cartilage piercing with pared-back lobe studs.
Play with texture, thoughtfully - Mix up your metals to add depth to your ear stack. We have many 14ct solid gold styles that play with texture for the ultimate finish.
Choose jewellery that follows the ear - For deeper placements like the daith, opt for well-fitted designs that sit comfortably within the ear’s natural curves. Clean lines and high-quality materials make all the difference, both aesthetically and for everyday comfort.

Ear Piercing Styling Don'ts

Don’t rush the process - An ear stack is designed to evolve. Give each piercing time to settle before adding more. Patience really does pay off.
Don’t let pieces compete - Too many statement styles in one ear can lead to stack overwhelm, so if you’re looking for something more balanced it pays to play with sizing.
Don’t ignore proportion - Balance larger pieces with lighter, more minimal styles to keep the look effortless.
Don’t overlook comfort - If a piece doesn’t sit quite right, you won’t want to wear it. For your ear stack, prioritise fit, finish and feel – especially when it comes to cartilage and inner-ear piercings.

The best ear stacks feel personal to you and like they’ve been built over time.

Healing & Aftercare: What to Expect

Healing good = feeling good. When it comes to the process, patience is key. Every ear heals differently, but understanding general timelines helps set realistic expectations.

When Can You Change Your Piercing Jewellery?

We always recommend waiting until your piercing has healed fully before changing your jewellery. While it can be tempting to switch styles early, patience is key for comfort and long-term results.

For lobe piercings, this is usually after 6–8 weeks. Cartilage piercings – including helix, conch and tragus piercings – take significantly longer and should be left untouched for several months. Changing jewellery too soon can cause irritation, swelling or delayed healing.

Estimated Piercing Healing Time

Lobe Piercing: 6–8 weeks
Helix Piercing: 6–12 months
Conch Piercing: 6–9 months
Tragus Piercing: 3–9 months
Daith / Rook: 6–12+ months

Healing times vary depending on placement, lifestyle and aftercare. A reminder that cartilage piercings take longer so good aftercare is crucial.

Aftercare Essentials

Proper aftercare keeps your piercing comfortable and helps avoid irritation. Clean gently using saline solution, avoid unnecessary touching and follow the guidance given by your piercer.

Answering Common Questions

How long does it take for ear piercings to heal?

This really depends on placement. Lobe piercings are known to heal the fastest, while cartilage piercings require more time and care.

How do you get rid of a bump on a piercing?

Piercing bumps are often caused by irritation. Keep it consistent with saline cleaning, avoid twisting jewellery and allow time for healing. If a bump persists or becomes painful, do seek professional advice.