Conch Piercings 101: What to Know Before You Pierce

Conch piercings—a type of cartilage piercing named after the large spiral shape that ears resemble—have a particular appeal. Perhaps it's how they delicately adorn the ear in a bold yet wearable way, or it could be the fact that they're highly customizable; Pair them with a curated ear or wear one solo.

But while a conch piercing is both Insta-worthy and gorgeous, it can also be quite, dare we say it, intimidating—even for piercing enthusiasts. To allay our worries and get some answers on pain, cost, aftercare, and what the process actually entails, we called on piercer Rhianna Jones and board-certified dermatologist Susan Bard, MD Ahead, with their help, we break down everything you need to know before getting a conch piercing.

What Is a Conch Piercing?

A conch piercing is located in the center part of the ear—aka the area with the most room—and because of its placement, it's one of the most customizable ear piercings you can get. When asking for this type of piercing, bear in mind that depending on the shape of your ear, you can get an inner or outer conch piercing. The inner conch piercing is when a hole is punctured right through the middle of the ear to make way for a stud. Then there's the outer conch piercing, which allows a ring to go around the outer edge of the ear's cartilage (hello, hoop earrings).

According to Jones, a conch piercing works for many ears and all styles. "In my many years of piercing, I have not come across one that wasn't suitable," she says. "Working with the anatomy of each ear, the placement can achieve a subtle look or be a statement piece, depending on the style and desires of the client."

Cost

Cartilage piercing starts at $35 at Maria Tash in New York; however, the total cost could be upwards of $80, including jewelry. The price of a conch piercing can vary depending on where you get pierced and what type of jewelry you choose.

Jewelry Materials Used for Conch Piercings

• Implant-grade stainless steel: This is one of the safest metals for a brand-new piercing, as it's hypoallergenic and specifically designed to be worn in the body. In general, avoid cheap materials that may cause a reaction.
• Implant-grade titanium: Another implant-grade metal. If you're very sensitive to nickel, titanium may not be the best choice, as it contains trace amounts.
• Low-karat gold or platinum: Fine metals like gold and platinum are also a pretty safe choice. Remember, it's worth it to pay more for something quality–avoid cheap gold or gold plating, which can flake off and cause infection.
  

Types of Jewelry Used for Conch Piercings

• Conch studs or bars: Studs and bars are great picks for new inner conch piercings, as they are small and comfortable (plus they're easy to change when the time comes). Jones uses a bar for the initial piercing, but once healed, she notes it "can be fitted with jewelry of either a bar or ring style, dependent on the placement and anatomy of the client."
• Hoops: Small hoops are another popular pick for conches (especially outer conches) as they come in all different variations. They aren't used as an initial piercing, though, as they cause excessive movement and irritation.
  

Pain and Healing Time

Conch piercings can be more painful than piercings on the lobe because they are located on the cartilage of the ear, which has thicker flesh.

It's tough to say exactly how much a conch piercing will hurt because we all have different pain tolerances, and Jones maintains that any piercing is painful to a degree. But while it does vary from person to person, "on the whole, it is pretty much the same as other ear parts and not that bad," says Jones. Phew.

As for the healing process, "it can take anywhere from three to nine months," explains Jones. "This varies due to how well the aftercare is followed and the client's general health." Generally speaking, cartilage piercings take longer to heal than lobe piercings, which typically take two to four months to heal, according to Maria Tash in New York. The best way to ensure any piercing heals, of course, is proper aftercare (more on that below).

Aftercare

Jones recommends cleaning the piercing twice a day with a sterile saline solution and avoiding manipulating or fiddling with it, despite how excited you are to sport your new ice. Of course, ensuring clean practice during the actual piercing is key. "Make sure it is done in the most sterile fashion possible and kept clean and infection-free," advises Bard.

If you're a side sleeper, you'll have to avoid sleeping on the side of the piercing until it's fully healed. Both experts agree: Sleeping on the piercing can cause irritation and delay the healing process. "My advice to anyone interested in getting a new piercing is to research your piercer before choosing where to go, and always follow the aftercare advice they give," says Jones. Most experts will advise using an antimicrobial soap on the piercing area once or twice a day (and thoroughly drying the area after a cleaning).

If you notice blood, swelling that doesn't get better, or pus, it's best to see a doctor to check for infection. "Anytime you pierce the cartilage, you [risk] inflaming or infecting it," says Bard. "There's a greater likelihood of prolonged wound healing, pain, and keloid formation." For this reason, it's crucial to practice proper aftercare post-piercing.

Risks of a Conch Piercing

• Infection and inflammation: All piercings come with a risk of infection, but there are several things to keep in mind with this style. Bard notes that if you're an earbud wearer, you may be more prone to infection with a conch piercing. (Side note: You should avoid wearing earbuds as it's healing.) Also, if you've had previous issues with cartilage piercings or work in a dirty environment that can predispose the ear to infection, she recommends you avoid the piercing altogether.
• Keloid: In rare cases, piercings can result in excess scar tissue and the formation of something called a keloid. These can be genetic, so find out if anyone in your family has dealt with one before you get pierced. As always, be diligent about your aftercare regimen to minimize the chance of infection or scarring.
  

How to Change Out a Conch Piercing

It's important not to mess with your new piercing until it's totally healed in six to nine months. The first time you go to change the jewelry, consider returning to the professional who did your piercing in the first place. This will ensure the piercing is fully healed and ready to be swapped and prevent further damage. Plus, your piercer can give you pointers to follow at home based on your earring style.