Ear Lobe Piercing: Types, Aftercare, & Jewelry Styles

Discover different ways to style this classic ear piercing that never goes out of style.

Written by Gracia Odile, MA
Edited by Eshna Das, BA, MSc
Fact-checked by Shreya Mukherjee, MA (English)  • 
Ear Lobe Piercing: Types, Aftercare, & Jewelry Styles
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An ear lobe piercing is one of the oldest forms of body modification that continues to remain popular even today. Initially worn by members of a tribe for magical purposes or by royal families as a status symbol, people today sport it as an outlet for self-expression. This has given rise to a wealth of edgy styles and techniques across the globe. So, if you are new to the world of piercing and need some direction, you have come to the right place.

Ear lobe piercings involve making a hole in the soft, lower part of the lobe with an ear piercing gun or needle. While they are versatile and often considered one of the least painful piercings, they still demand the same level of care and attention as any other piercing. In this article, we will learn about the types of earlobe piercings, how much they hurt, the aftercare process, and more. Scroll down to begin your journey with earlobe piercings!

protip_icon Piercing Guide: Ear Lobe Piercing
  • Placement: Lower fleshy part of the earlobe
  • Best Jewelry: Stud earrings, hoops, danglers, ear cuffs
  • Cost: While it may vary, the starting price usually is $30
  • Pain Level: Low
  • Healing Time: 6 to 8 weeks

Types Of Ear Lobe Piercings

A woman with an ear lobe piercing
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Ear lobe piercings are a classic and versatile piercing choice with plenty of options for personal flair. From subtle accents to bold statements, the type of lobe piercing you get can significantly impact your look. Given below are the popular types of lobe piercings:

  • Standard Lobe Piercing
A woman with a standard lobe piercing
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This is the classic and most common type of ear piercing. It involves piercing the center of the lobe and is often done on each lobe. It is a versatile piercing as it can be dressed up or down with different types of jewelry.

  • Double Lobe Piercing
A woman with double lobe piercings 
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This involves getting two piercings vertically or diagonally on an ear lobe. It adds some edge to your look and allows for more chic jewelry combinations.

  • Triple Lobe Piercing
A woman with triple lobe piercings
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This involves getting three piercings on one earlobe. Its versatile nature allows one to create different arrangements, making it perfect for those who love to experiment with jewelry.

  • Upper Lobe Piercing
A woman with an upper lobe piercing
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This involves piercing the part closer to the ear’s cartilage and is perfect for sporting studs or hoops.

  • Transverse Lobe Piercing

 

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This type of piercing is less common and involves piercing through the earlobe horizontally rather than vertically.

  • Orbital Lobe Piercing

This unique and eye-catching option requires creating two piercings connected by a single ring or barbell to create a circular or orbital-like look.

  • Stacked Lobe Piercing
A woman with stacked lobe piercings
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This involves multiple piercings placed close together vertically, creating a stacked or layered look.

  • Constellation Lobe Piercing

This is a creative way to arrange multiple piercings on your lobe in the form of a constellation. It requires careful planning and placement, allowing for a unique and visually stunning arrangement.

protip_icon Trivia
Warriors from the Samburu clan in Africa undergo ear piercings and wear ivory earplugs to symbolize their transition into manhood and bravery.

From understated studs to daring stretches, ear lobe piercings are versatile. But that still begs the question; do ear lobe piercings actually hurt? Find out in the next section.

Do Ear Lobe Piercings Hurt?

A young girl in pain as she gets her ear lobe pierced with a piercing gun
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Earlobe piercings are generally considered one of the least painful piercing experiences for most people as the earlobe is fleshy and contains fewer nerve endings compared to other areas of the ear. Many describe the sensation as a quick pinch or prick that only lasts for a second. However, it is important to note that pain level varies from person to person.

While the initial piercing discomfort is typically fleeting, it is crucial to follow proper aftercare practices to decrease the risk of infection, pain, and other complications.

Maine Lyn, a piercing enthusiast, shares her third lobe piercing experience in her blog post. She writes, “It’s mostly just a moderate level of discomfort. The worst of it was when the whole jewelry piece (top + post) slipped straight out of my ear when I accidentally pulled too hard on the end (i).”

The discomfort experienced during the piercing process is minimal and short-lived. However, it is important to understand how long they take to heal before going for this experience. Check out the next section to find out.

How Long Do Lobe Piercings Take To Heal?

A woman touching her lobe piercing
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Most people may experience some tenderness, redness, and minor swelling during the initial hearing process. However, they tend to heal within 6 to 8 weeks due to their soft and fleshy nature as compared to other ear piercings. Ensure you follow the aftercare instructions and guidelines given by the piercer for a smooth and trouble-free recovery.

Following the right aftercare practices is key to a smooth and speedy healing process. Scroll down for some simple aftercare tips.

Aftercare Tips For Ear Lobe Piercing

Artist sterilizing their client’s ear lobe piercing
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Proper aftercare is crucial to not only ensure a smooth healing process for your ear lobe piercing but also minimize the chances of infection or complications. Here are some easy earlobe piercing aftercare tips you should follow (1):

  • Wash your hands with soap before touching your fresh piercing.
  • Clean the piercing twice a day with a sterile saline solution or mild soap and warm water.
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals or makeup products near the piercing.
  • Avoid sleeping on your pierced ear to prevent unnecessary pressure or friction.
  • Do not change the initial earrings until the piercing is fully healed.
  • Avoid swimming or soaking in bathtubs and other bodies of water for at least 6 weeks.
protip_icon Quick Tip
Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol-based cleansers as they may irritate the wound further and slow down the healing process.

Following your aftercare practices properly will ensure that your lobe piercing heals properly, allowing you to explore the diverse types of jewelry available. Check out the next section for some jewelry styles to complement your individual style.

Jewelry Styles For Ear Lobe Piercing

A woman with small hoops and jeweled earrings
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Whether you are looking for a simple, everyday style or a more luxurious look, there are numerous choices available as per your preferences and budget. Here are some jewelry styles you can choose from:

  • Earring Stud
A woman with an earring stud
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They are tiny pieces of jewelry with a backing (butterfly back, push back, screw back etc) for secure closure. They are a timeless and versatile jewelry option suitable for daily wear. You can go for ones with small ornaments, gemstones, pearls, diamonds, or charms.

  • Danglers
A woman with dangle earrings
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These earrings allow the ornament or charm to dangle below the earlobe. They are great for special occasions and come in various lengths and styles.

  • Hoop Earrings
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These are circular earrings that close or fasten at the front or back of the earlobe. They are available in various sizes and suitable for different occasions. Hoop earrings add a dynamic and stylish element to lobe piercings, whether they are classic metal hoops, textured designs, or hoops adorned with gems or charms.

  • Ear Cuffs
A woman wearing an ear cuff
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Ear cuffs are more than just non-piercing earrings; they are mini works of art that hug your cartilage around your lobe, adding instant edge and personality to your look.  They are popular piercings among both men and women.

Ear lobe piercings continue to remain popular among men and women even today. From the classic earlobe piercing to the more contemporary and trendy outer cartilage and upper cartilage piercings, the options are never-ending. That is why consulting a professional piercer is crucial for a safe and smooth piercing experience. While the discomfort felt is momentary, it is important to follow the aftercare practices provided by your piercing specialist for a speedy recovery process. Whether you are a piercing enthusiast or a beginner, this guide is designed to help you understand the intricacies of this classic look before you finally opt for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my ear lobe piercing hurt?

It is normal to experience redness and mild soreness during the initial healing time. However, prolonged redness, swelling, and pain may be a sign of an infection, improper aftercare, or an allergic reaction. Therefore, keep an eye on the lobe piercing during the healing process and consult a primary care doctor if irritation and symptoms continue.

What gauge is a lobe piercing?

Most lobe piercings are made with a 20 g needle, meaning the thickness of the jewelry shaft is 0.8mm. However, some people may have thicker piercings depending on their preference.

How many lobe piercings can you get?

You can get up to three piercings in one session. However, this may depend on factors such as the size and individual pain tolerance. Ensure that you consult a piercing specialist to understand the benefits and risks involved before getting multiple lobe piercings.

How fast do ear lobe piercings close?

Small lobe piercings can close within a few hours or days, while larger piercings may take a few weeks or a couple of months.

How much are ear lobe piercings?

Earlobe piercing costs depend on several factors such as the location of the piercing, the experience of the piercing specialist, the type of piercing, and the jewelry style you choose. Do your research, talk to multiple specialists, and visit the piercing studios to ensure they follow safe hygiene practices before finalizing your decision.

Key Takeaways

  • Upper lobe and triple lobe piercings are some of the popular types of ear lobe piercing.
  • Cleaning the piercing twice daily and applying an antibiotic ointment are essential to prevent infection and a speedy healing process.
  • Hoops, studs, and ear cuffs are some of the jewelry choices you can opt for ear lobe piercings.

Each ear piercing has its own distinct pain level and contributes to the unique beauty of body modification. Check out this video for detailed aftercare guidelines, jewelry selection, and pain management before opting for the piercing of your choice.

Personal Experience: Source

StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.

(i) My Ear Piercings Experience
https://mainelynreviews.blogspot.com/2018/01/my-ear-piercing-experiences.html

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. SUGGESTED AFTERCARE FOR BODY PIERCINGS
    https://safepiercing.org/aftercare/
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