EAR ANATOMY LESSON

Earlobes

Lobe piercings are located on the soft tissue on the lower part of the ear. They’re a perfect first piercing (or second, or third) before you venture into the exquisite realm of cartilage piercings. Lobe piercings are always fun because we can play around with placement and there is room to experiment with a unique design. Whether you’re into matching paired lobes, funky asymmetrical lobes, or stacked lobes, they’re a timeless classic.

Helix

Helix piercings go through the outer cartilage of the ear near the rim, they are usually placed in the top of the ear however they can stack down the curve of the ear to the lobe. The piercing can be done in different locations along the helix, including the upper helix, mid-helix, or lower helix. Helix piercings are a popular go-to in ear curations because of their versatility, you can wear minimal studs and rings, or statement clusters, and chains depending on your style.

Tragus

In many ear curations, tragus piercings are a cute subtle staple that ties the project together by balancing out any piercings on the outer helix cartilage. They are a piercing located in the small protruding cartilage attached to the face, extending over the ear canal. A perfect option if you’re looking to add a touch of glam to your ears!

Conch

Conch piercings are a crowd favourite and always fun to style because there are so many stunning jewellery options available for them! The conch piercing is placed in the inner cartilage of the ear and is initially pierced with a stud. Conches are a centrepiece and take up a substantial part of the ear so if you’re specifically looking to add a statement stud, they are a great option. Alternatively, if you want to add some uniqueness to your look, once it heals you can wear a ring or a chain in them.

Flat

Flat piercings are located in the flat cartilage area in the top centre of your ear between your rook piercing and helix piercings. This piercing is an essential addition to any ear curation, as it is so versatile and allows you to rock either large statement pieces or multiple smaller flat piercings to help balance out your collection. Although you can’t wear rings in them, you can always add chains and decorative hanging charms for some unique flair. With so many jewellery options available, you can create a style that is totally your own!

Daith

Daith piercings rest in the inner cartilage piece of your ear, above the ear canal and below the rook. They are meant for rocking some rad rings, and you can choose to keep it minimal or add some serious bling with this one!

Anti-Tragus

The anti-tragus is a must have for people who want to edge up their piercing collection! It’s located on the ridge of cartilage above your lobes, slightly opposite your tragus piercing. Not everyone can get these bad boys because they’re anatomy dependant, but if you can rock it, it’s a sure way to make your piercing collection stand out. We pierce them with curved barbells to start, but you can always glam it up with a ring once its healed.

Faux Snug

Faux Snugs are actually two piercings! One through the conch area and the other a mid-helix, giving the illusion of one piercing going horizontally through the cartilage hallway down your ear. Real snug piercings are notoriously difficult to heal, so a faux snug is the perfect alternative if you’re looking to spice up your piercing curation.

Rook

Rook piercings are cheekily tucked in the top of the inner ear cartilage next to or behind the forward helix. They are pierced with curved barbells but once healed if you’re looking to add some edge to your jewellery collection, consider accessorizing with a ring or charm.

Forward Helix

The forward helix is located on the outer rim of the ear cartilage, right in front of where your rook piercing would be. You know that spot where your ear naturally curves, where your glasses sit or where you tuck your hair behind your ears? That’s the one! Adding a forward helix can add some edge to your look and its perfect for adding some subtle bling to your jewellery collection. And hey if your anatomy allows for it, we could even double or triple up on the piercings!