A Guide to Tragus Piercings

Tragus piercings are a contemporary choice for those who adore stacking their favourite earrings. Monica Vinader's guide to tragus piercings will tell you everything you need to know, from where they are located, the best earrings to style, and what to expect at your appointment.

Table of Contents:

• What is a Tragus Piercing?
• 4 Types of Tragus Piercing
• Book a Piercing
• 3 On-Trend Tragus Earrings
• How Painful is a Tragus Piercing?
• Tragus Healing Time
• Aftercare
• Inspire Your Next Appointment

What is a Tragus Piercing?

A tragus piercing is a piercing that is located on the small piece of cartilage that covers the ear canal. In this way it is one type of cartilage piercing, opposed to the traditional position for earrings, lobe piercings that are located on the fleshy part of the ear. As the tragus is made of cartilage this area of the ear is tougher, however some people's are smaller than others. If your tragus is too small your piercer may advise against earrings in this location.

4 Different Types of Tragus Piercing

There are 4 different types of tragus piercing, meaning you can find the one that best suits you and your style with ease. Here are the differences between each one:

• Standard Tragus - The typical tragus piercing is just a single hole that you can adorn with your favourite tragus earrings.
• Antitragus - And antitragus piercing is located on the triangular shaped piece of cartilage just above your lobe, ideal for smaller earrings such as huggies.
• Surface Tragus - A surface tragus piercing is done on just the skin in this area and does not pierce the cartilage. This flat type of piercing gives a double effect for earrings.
• Vertical Tragus - A vertical tragus piercing is done lengthways and requires a curved earring that has two ends.

Book a Tragus Piercing with Monica Vinader

Inspired to add a tragus piercing to your stack? Our boutiques offer ear piercing experiences where you can have up to 3 piercings, including a tragus in your 20 minute appointment. Our collection of stacking earrings has the perfect pieces for your new piercing which are expert piercers and helpful sales associates can help you choose.

3 On-Trend Tragus Earrings

As the underside of your tragus piercing sits at the opening of the ear canal, you want to opt for types of earrings that do not have a sharp back. These are our top picks for tragus piercings:

• Huggies - Gold huggie earrings are small hoops that connect through your tragus piercing. With this style you can choose sleek modern design, or luxurious diamond studded earrings.
• Studs - When choosing stud earrings for your tragus, it's essential to ensure they are flat back earrings. We adore adding a pop of colour to the ear with gemstone adorned studs.
• Labret/Flat Back Earrings - Labret earrings are the most common to be used in the tragus piercing. These look like minimalist stud earrings with a flat back which will mean they're always comfy.

How Painful is a Tragus Piercing?

The cartilage in a tragus piercing is thick, which means it can be uncomfortable to pierce. However, with no nerve endings it shouldn't be very painful as the pain comes from the pressure of the piercing which only lasts a matter of moments. In the days following your tragus piercing you may experience a small amount of swelling and soreness but this should subside quickly.

Tragus Healing Time

Compared to lobe piercing, tragus piercing takes longer to heal due to the nature of cartilage. You can expect your piercing to be fully healed within 6 - 12 months. During healing it's important to keep earrings in as the hole can close over very quickly in initial months. If you do change your tragus earrings it could slow down the healing process.

Aftercare & Cleaning Piercings

Caring for your tragus piercing after your appointment is vital for a healthy healing process. You will need an Antibacterial Cleansing Saline Solution, which should be used to clean the tragus piercing twice a day - morning and night - during the full healing period. If your tragus secretes any fluid, do not panic as this is normal, simply use the saline solution and a cotton bud to clean up. For this full time you should also keep the jewellery in.