Perfect Piercing: A Guide To Getting Your Ears Pierced

So, you’ve had your eyes on a pair of statement earrings but the idea of getting your ears pierced is too daunting? We’ve got you. Our ear piercing guide has all you need to know, from the types of piercings to essential aftercare. Plus, some on-trend styling tips. Read on to calm your nerves.

08 AUGUST 2022 | H. SAMUEL EDITOR

We're calling it, the curated ear movement is one of the biggest piercing trends - ever. An art form that consists of multiple, all-over ear piercings in different formations, it allows you to create a look that's unique to you and your style. Whether you're into layered lobe piercings, stacked hoops, or edgy orbitals, you can't really go wrong when it comes to your individual ear party. Everything from ultra-stacked looks to soft minimalist vibes is on-trend, so start designing yours today, with a little help from your best friend for style (ICYMI, we're talking about us).

If you've got this far dear reader, then your statement stack is within reach. The thought of getting your ears pierced might be scary, but we're here to answer all your questions and concerns. So all you have to do is think about your freshly pierced ears. From pearl drop earrings, statement studs and chunky gold hoops, earrings easily complete every fit and can take you from casual to dressy in seconds. Plus, they're perfect for showing off your unique style. But, as with most decisions, there are things to consider before getting your ears pierced. But don't worry, we’ve got all you need to know right here. Keep scrolling.

Popular Types of Ear Piercings

It turns out that there are a huge number of placements for ear piercings, and with the ear party trend on the rise, we now offer lobe and outer cartilage piercings (at selected stores) so you can add to your stack in style. If you’re pondering a new piercing and aren’t sure where to start, then worry not—we've done the hard work for you. To start designing you're very own Instagrammable ear party, keep scrolling to discover all the different types of ear piercings, and our tips for aftercare so all you need to do is focus on showing them off.

Starting with those available from selected H. Samuel piercing stores:

Lobe Piercing

A standard lobe piercing is located on the earlobe and is one of the most common types of piercings. Being one of the most traditional places to pierce, the lobe is often the first choice for beginners. You can get your standard, lower and upper lobe pierced, and it's a great way to get the started with the stacked look.

Plus, as the lobe is incredibly versatile, once it’s healed you can experiment with lots of different styles. Try front-and-back earrings to add extra jewels to your single-lobe piercing.

Helix Piercing

Again, another pretty standard piercing—and the go-to ear piercing of choice for anyone coming of age in the early noughties. Helix piercings go through the upper cartilage of your ear and can be worn with a stud or a hoop. In fact, our in-store piercers tell us it’s one of the most popular ear piercings to get done at the moment, thanks to its effortless coolness and the fact that it ranks low down on the pain scale, making it a favourite with piercing newbies. If you want to get major ear envy, try an ear cuff secured from the helix piercing and trails down the edge of your ear for a real statement piece.

Moving on to piercings not offered at H. Samuel piercing stores:

Tragus Piercing

If the bit of your ear that joins the front of your ear to your head wasn’t a place you thought about getting pierced – think again. Edgy and stylish – tragus piercings sit on the area of cartilage that partially covers your ear canal and because that area has very few nerve endings, it means a lot less pain. Dainty studs or tiny hoops look super chic in tragus piercings but remember to only switch up the styles of your piercings once they’ve healed. Proving that piercings can be dainty, try putting a beautiful petit stud in your tragus piercing while stacking your lobes up with stylish hoops.

Daith Piercing

It's been said, the daith piercing is actually celebrated as a cure for migraines. Whether or not that’s true, this inner-ear piercing is undoubtedly stylish. Located on the cartilage that bridges from the inner to the outer ear, this piercing looks best with a hoop that can hug the inner cartilage. Our expert says that 'the daith is such a lovely piercing to get as it has that slightly edgy but dainty vibe to it, you can either wear it with a plain hoop or slightly more detailed hoops. It also heals extremely well due to the fact it is on the inside of the ear.' But how much do daith piercings hurt? You’re likely to feel more pain or slight discomfort than if you were to get your lobe or helix pierced, with it being thicker to pierce. Try opting for gold hoop symmetry—and match your daith piercing to your tragus piercing.

Ear Piercing Aftercare

Aftercare is vital to avoiding an infected ear piercing, which is why it’s important to make sure you’re aware of how to clean a new ear piercing and how to take the best care of it. Our top ear piercing care tips are:

  • Always wash your hands before touching your piercing
  • Keep a close eye on any swelling and redness as this may be a sign of infection
  • Gently clean the piercing at least 3-4 times a day
  • Avoid contact with cosmetic products and chlorine

So, how long does it take for a piercing to heal? Healing times vary depending on the area that is pierced, on the whole, standard piercings can take up to six to eight weeks, but it can be as long as 12 for a cartilage piercing. Remember, the healing process can be different for everyone, but as long as you are consistent with the aftercare, your piercing should continue to feel better over time.

For more ear piercing FAQs, check out our tips on how to care for newly pierced ears.

How to Style Earrings

Once your piercing has nicely healed, you can ditch the plain ball studs and experiment with your style. Earring trends are always on the move, this season, try mixing and matching different shapes and designs or go all out bold, with colourful enamel earrings and gemstone drop earrings. Oh, and let's not forget hoops - from chunky gold hoops, dainty silver rope hoop earrings, crystal infinity huggies and more, the choice is yours. You simply can't go wrong with a pair of everyday hoop earrings.

Perfect Piercing at H.Samuel

Multiple piercings are well and truly a regular thing now, but sometimes knowing the best combinations and layering ideas can still feel a little complicated. We offer lobe and cartilage ear piercing services in selected stores and our Perfect Piercing experts are on hand with hints, tips, hacks and stacks that can be tailored to you.

Still unsure? Come with us to get our ears pierced at H. Samuel to see what it's like to get your ears pierced in-store. Explore our earing piercing services for further guidance or you can book an appointment online or in-store to speak to a member of our style team.