A beginner’s guide to Tragus Piercings

What’s the latest piece of real estate to add to your ear piercing portfolio? The Tragus Piercing! Located on the small, cartilage-covered flap in front of the ear canal, a Tragus Piercing can be a subtle addition to your jewellery collection or a bold statement. Whether you’re a piercing enthusiast or a first-timer, we’re here to share the A to Z of the Tragus Piercing experience.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of Tragus Piercings, the costs involved, and the steps of the piercing process. We'll also dive into the SkinKandy jewellery options for your new piercing. Whether you're curious about the pain level, wondering how to care for your new piercing, or looking for some style tips, we’ve got the answers.

Types of Tragus Piercings

At SkinKandy, we offer two different types of Tragus Piercings. Let’s explore them:

Tragus Piercing

The small, yet central flap of skin is the perfect spot to host a piercing that is both sophisticated and a little edgy. Whether adorned with a tiny stud, classic hoop or edgy horseshoe, this little piercing punches above its weight.

Anti-Tragus Piercing

The Anti-Tragus is the Tragus’ cool downstairs neighbour. Situated on the inner edge of the upper earlobe, this piercing is perfect for those who want a piercing that’s out of the ordinary. Up your ear game and show your adventurous side with a sparkling stud. You won’t regret it!

The basics

So you’ve probably got some questions. Well, we’ve got the answers. Let’s find out more about the Tragus Piercing.

What age can you get a Tragus Piercing?

Younger than 13? You’ll have to wait to get your piercing. If you're 13 years of age and have parental consent, you can book in today. From 16 years old you can drop by any time and get your Tragus Piercing. Those in WA will have to wait a little longer though, as they have to be 18 years or older to get a piercing without parental consent.

How much does a Tragus Piercing cost?

At SkinKandy our Tragus Ear Piercings start at just $45 and includes surgical steel jewellery. Keen to get more than one? Then ask about our 2 for $80 combo deal. A Tragus plus an Anti-Tragus Piercing? Sounds like a marriage made in heaven to us! Find out more by checking out our Piercing Menu.

How is a Tragus Piercing performed?

At SkinKandy, we generally use a 16-gauge flatback post for a standard Tragus Piercing. You can then downsize to slightly shorter sterile jewellery after about six to eight weeks and then move on to a ring after 12 weeks. For the Anti-Tragus we generally use a 14-gauge straight or curved barbell. But the size will depend on your anatomy and the look you’re going for.

Does a Tragus Piercing hurt?

The tragus is a thick piece of cartilage, and clients often describe a quick, sharp pinch as the needle goes through. This initial pain only lasts a few seconds though. You might experience a little throbbing or soreness for a few hours after the piercing. But this all depends on your pain tolerance. If you’re at all nervous, chat to our piercers and they can talk you through what to expect.

Can a Tragus Piercing help with migraines?

You may have heard of people getting a Tragus Piercing for migraines. So, does it work? The idea is that ear cartilage piercings, like a Tragus or Daith Piercing, works a bit like acupuncture and help in the treatment and prevention of migraines. While some migraine sufferers swear it works, right now there’s just not the science to back it up.

How long does a Tragus Piercing take to heal?

A Tragus Piercing typically takes up to six months to heal completely. In the first four to eight weeks you might see some redness and tenderness around the piercing but this is completely normal. After three months the piercing will be much less tender and you can chat to your piercer about changing your jewellery. An infected Tragus Piercing can happen, though we find this is rare, especially if you’re doing the proper aftercare.

Talk to me about aftercare

Your piercer will chat to you about aftercare and give you our aftercare guide. They can also set you up with our recommended aftercare spray. Use this morning and night. Proper aftercare will prevent infection and get your piercing healing nicely. There’s no need to wash your Tragus Piercing - just let the water wash over it when you have a shower, and carefully dry it (you don’t want to accidentally bump it). Try not to touch or play with your new piercing and if you’re at all worried about it healing, chat to your piercer. 

Tragus Piercing jewellery

Once your piercing is completely healed you can then start experimenting with jewellery. Before you do that it’s important to understand the types of materials suited to your new piercing. Stainless steel and surgical steel are common types, while gold is a good option for those with sensitive skin. Platinum is also a safe option for sensitive skin types.

Okay let’s explore some jewellery options:

• Flatback Studs
  Flatback Studs feature a flat disc that sits flush against the ear, making them ideal for everyday wear. They’re comfortable and practical, as the back doesn’t impose into your ear canal, but they also come in a range of designs. Perfect!
• Barbells 
  Barbells are straight posts with decorative ends, offering an edgy look that’s easy to customise with different beads or charms.
• Hinged Segment Rings 
  Hinged segment rings provide a polished appearance. The hinged opening makes for easy insertion and a secure, snug fit. We have a large range of these rings at SkinKandy.
• Horseshoe rings
  Horseshoe rings, or circular barbells, have a U-shape with beads on each end. They create a playful look that offers a bit more movement.

It’s Tragus time!

Tragus Piercings are a fantastic way to up your ear game. Whether you’re drawn to the minimalist elegance of a small stud or the eye-catching sparkle of a hoop or horeshoe, this piercing offers versatility. So, are you ready to rock the tragus look? Embrace your style, follow the care tips and start your new piercing adventure by heading to our online booking form today!