Cartilage piercings are one of the most common piercings done by individuals to express their unique style and fashion sense. It is a type of ear piercing that involves creating a hole in one of the cartilage-filled parts of the ear. It is not like standard lobe piercing that is done on the soft tissue of the ear; in fact, it is done through the thicker area. One of the beautiful things about cartilage piercings is that it allows you to adorn multiple types of earrings in the same place. Let’s explore some of the trendiest types of cartilage piercings and how you can achieve a fashionable look with these piercings.
Types of Cartilage Piercings
Helix Piercing:
The helix piercing is one of the most common types of cartilage piercings. It involves perforating the upper curve of the ear, typically halfway up. The placement options for helix piercings are vast, ranging from single piercings to multiple stacked piercings or even helix “cuff” piercings that encircle the outer rim of the ear.
Tragus Piercing:
The tragus piercing is named after the small, cartilaginous ear flap located just in front of the ear canal. It involves piercing the thicker section of the tragus to accommodate stylish jewellery such as studs or hoops. Tragus piercings can be adorned with delicate gemstones or unique designs to enhance your overall look.
Anti-Tragus Piercing:
The anti-tragus piercing is an attention-grabbing addition to any ear piercing collection, situated opposite the tragus. With its unique placement, it allows for a range of jewellery options, including curved barbells and captive bead rings.
Forward Helix Piercing:
The forward helix piercing is placed at the front part of the ear, near the top and slightly forward from the tragus. This type of cartilage piercing offers a distinctive and stylish appearance, especially when done in multiples or combined with other ear piercings. It’s a versatile option for creating a customised ear stack.
Daith Piercing:
The daith piercing traverses the innermost fold of cartilage in the ear, just above the ear canal. This type of piercing has gained popularity not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its rumoured potential to alleviate migraine pain. Daith piercings can be adorned with an eye-catching jewellery, such as rings or hoop designs, to highlight this unique placement.
Rook Piercing:
The rook piercing is placed in the fold of cartilage located above the tragus towards the inner ear. This piercing offers a unique angle for jewellery placement, such as curved or circular barbells. Its unconventional placement adds a bold and individualistic touch to the ear.
Conch Piercing:
The conch piercing refers to a perforation of the flat cartilage located in the centre of the ear. There are two variations of conch piercings: the inner conch and the outer conch. The inner conch is positioned nearer to the ear canal, while the outer conch is closer to the edge of the ear. Both variations offer an opportunity to showcase a variety of statement jewellery, including studs, hoops, or barbells.
Tips to achieve an eye-catching look with these piercings:
Once you’ve chosen your desired cartilage piercing(s), here are some tips to achieve a stylish look:
Jewellery Selection:
Choose jewellery that complements your style and personality. Opt for unique designs, such as intricately adorned studs, delicate hoops, or trendy ear cuffs. Explore different materials, finishes, and dangling elements to make a fashion statement.
Mixing and Matching:
Cartilage piercings allow for endless possibilities when creating an ear stack—experiment with mixing different types of cartilage piercings or combining hoops with studs. Moreover, you can choose different sizes and placements to achieve a curated look that reflects individuality.
Layered Ear Jewellery:
You can combine different cartilage piercings with other earlobe piercings to achieve a layered ear jewellery look. When layering multiple piercings, aim for symmetry and balance to create a visually pleasing composition. Moreover, explore different jewellery options such as studs, hoops, Huggies, cuffs, or dangle earrings to add variety and personality to your layered jewellery.
Colourful Accents:
Introduce pops of colour into your cartilage piercings with gemstones, enamel accents, or coloured metals. Choose jewellery pieces that match your outfits or add a playful touch to your overall look.
Care and Maintenance:
Follow proper aftercare instructions to ensure the healing process of your cartilage piercings goes smoothly. Avoid changing jewellery too soon and maintain good hygiene to prevent infections or complications that could detract from your stylish appearance.
From helix to tragus, forward to helix to conch, numerous options exist to create a unique and curated ear stack. By carefully selecting jewellery, experimenting with different combinations, and practising proper aftercare, you can achieve a stylish and personalized look that showcases your individuality. Embrace the vast possibilities of cartilage piercings and let your creativity shine through.