Everything you need to know about tragus piercings

A tragus piercing is a popular cartilage piercing that can act as the focal point of an ear party.

This guide contains information about tragus piercings including the jewellery you can wear and pain levels as well as aftercare tips and healing times.

What is a tragus piercing?

This gorgeous, subtle placement goes through the small cartilage flap that partially covers the ear canal.

How painful is a tragus piercing?

We would rate it a 5/10 on the pain scale but this can vary from person to person. 

What jewellery can you wear in a tragus piercing?

Due to its small surface area, we would recommend wearing a dainty stud or clicker hoop earring in the tragus for maximum comfort once healed.

You will initially be pierced with a longer labret stud to allow space for swelling before sizing down for a snugger fit when healed.

Book a piercing

Jewellery for healed tragus piercings

1 4
View all

What is the aftercare for a tragus piercing?

To ensure your tragus piercing heals well, we would recommend the following tips:

  • Gently clean your new piercing twice daily with a sterile saline solution - we love PierceMed piercing mist. Moisture can lead to bacteria so make sure you dry the area afterwards - the cool setting on a hairdryer works well.
  • Whilst your tragus is healing we would recommend using over head head-phones to avoid causing friction or irritation to your new piercing that can be caused from using ear buds.
  • Take extra care when removing clothes and styling hair to avoid snagging the jewellery.
  • Sleep on the opposite side of your piercing or use a donut travel pillow.
  • Avoid swimming in lakes, pools or hot tubs for 2-3 weeks while the piercing is still fresh.
  • Visit your piercer for a routine check up consultation around 6 weeks after. They'll check if you need to downsize the post of your stud - downsizing can help the healing process once the initial swelling has subsided.
  • And lastly, leave it alone as much as possible and let the natural healing process occur.

How long does a tragus piercing take to heal?

A tragus piercing can take anywhere between 6-18 months to fully heal but this varies from person to person.

Laura says:

"I love tragus piercings so much that I have both of mine pierced.

I mix it up with dainty studs or dainty solid gold hoops.

I think they’re a really effective way to change the whole look of your curated ear."

Shop Laura Bond bestsellers

A few of our favourite reviews

Read all our reviews