Ear Piercing Chart

EAR PIERCING IDENTIFICATION CHART

EAR PIERCING TYPES

Below is a guide to every ear piercing type shown in the chart above, including a brief description, typical healing time, and starting price at Fattys.

Lobe Piercing

The most common and classic ear piercing, placed through the soft tissue at the bottom of the ear. Lobe piercings are one of the least painful ear piercings and heal relatively quickly. Great for first-time piercings and available for minors age 6 and up with a parent or guardian present.
Healing Time: 3-4 months or longer | Starting at: $40 single / $80 pair
Minor Piercing (Age 6+): $50 single / $100 pair

Second Lobe Piercing

Placed just above the standard lobe piercing, the second lobe is another easy piercing that adds a layered, stacked look to the lower ear. It pairs well with studs, hoops, or dangling jewelry.
Healing Time: 3-4 months or longer | Starting at: $40
Minor Piercing (Age 6+): $50

Helix Piercing

A helix piercing goes through the upper outer cartilage rim of the ear. It is one of the most popular cartilage piercings and can be placed anywhere along the outer edge. Multiple helix piercings in a row create a stacked or constellation look. Also sometimes called a hidden helix when placed on the inner rim.
Healing Time: 6-9 months or longer | Starting at: $40
Minor Piercing (Age 13+): $60

Forward Helix Piercing

Located on the upper cartilage closest to the face, where the ear curves forward. Forward helix piercings sit at the front of the ear and are often done in pairs or triples for a stacked effect. They work beautifully with small flatback studs or threadless ends.
Healing Time: 6-9 months or longer | Starting at: $60
Minor Piercing (Age 16+): $80

Flat Piercing

A flat piercing goes through the flat area of cartilage between the outer rim and the inner ear. This large, relatively open space gives you flexibility with placement and jewelry choices. Flat piercings are popular for curated ear projects and constellation piercings.
Healing Time: 6-9 months or longer | Starting at: $60
Minor Piercing (Age 13+): $60

Tragus Piercing

The tragus is the small, thick piece of cartilage that partially covers the ear canal. Tragus piercings are a popular choice for a subtle yet stylish look. They are typically fitted with a small flatback labret stud.
Healing Time: 6-9 months or longer | Starting at: $60
Minor Piercing (Age 13+): $80

Anti Tragus Piercing

Located on the small curved piece of cartilage directly opposite the tragus, just above the earlobe. The anti tragus piercing is less common than the tragus and adds a unique element to any ear setup. It is usually fitted with a small curved barbell or flatback stud.
Healing Time: 6-9 months or longer | Starting at: $60
Minor Piercing (Age 16+): $80

Conch Piercing

Named after the conch shell, this piercing goes through the large cup-shaped area of cartilage in the center of the ear. An inner conch piercing sits in the middle of the ear, while an outer conch is closer to the outer edge. Conch piercings can be worn with studs or large hoops that wrap around the outer rim.
Healing Time: 6-9 months or longer | Starting at: $60
Minor Piercing (Age 13+): $80

Rook Piercing

The rook piercing passes through the thick fold of cartilage in the upper inner ear, between the outer and inner conch. It sits in a protected position and is typically fitted with a curved barbell. Rook piercings add depth and interest to a curated ear.
Healing Time: 6-9 months or longer | Starting at: $60
Minor Piercing (Age 13+): $80

Daith Piercing

A daith piercing goes through the innermost cartilage fold of the ear, just above the ear canal. It is one of the more distinctive ear piercings and is typically fitted with a circular barbell, captive bead ring, or heart-shaped ring. The daith sits nestled inside the ear for a tucked-in look.
Healing Time: 6-9 months or longer | Starting at: $60
Adults Only (18+)

Snug Piercing

The snug piercing passes through the inner cartilage ridge (antihelix) that runs along the middle of the outer ear, roughly parallel to the outer rim. It is one of the more anatomy-dependent piercings, as not everyone has a pronounced enough ridge. Snug piercings are typically fitted with a small curved barbell.
Healing Time: 9-12 months or longer | Starting at: $60
Adults Only (18+)

Industrial Piercing

An industrial piercing connects two separate holes in the upper ear cartilage with a single straight barbell, usually spanning from the forward helix to the outer helix. It is one of the most bold and recognizable ear piercings. Proper anatomy is required, as both entry and exit points must align correctly.
Healing Time: 9-12 months or longer | Starting at: $80
Adults Only (18+)

Orbital Piercing

An orbital piercing consists of two holes connected by a single piece of ring jewelry, creating a floating hoop effect through the ear. It can be placed in various locations on the ear but is most commonly seen on the helix or lobe area. The defining feature is the ring passing through two piercings.
Healing Time: 6-9 months or longer | Starting at: $80
Adults Only (18+)

EAR PIERCING PRICING AT A GLANCE

Piercing	Adult Price	Minor Price	Min Age	Healing Time
Lobe (Single)	$40	$50	6+	3-4 Months or Longer
Lobes (Pair)	$80	$100	6+	3-4 Months or Longer
Second Lobe	$40	$50	6+	3-4 Months or Longer
Helix / Hidden Helix	$40	$60	13+	6-9 Months or Longer
Forward Helix	$60	$80	16+	6-9 Months or Longer
Flat	$60	$60	13+	6-9 Months or Longer
Tragus	$60	$80	13+	6-9 Months or Longer
Anti Tragus	$60	$80	16+	6-9 Months or Longer
Conch	$60	$80	13+	6-9 Months or Longer
Rook	$60	$80	13+	6-9 Months or Longer
Daith	$60	N/A	18+	6-9 Months or Longer
Snug	$60	N/A	18+	9-12 Months or Longer
Industrial	$80	N/A	18+	9-12 Months or Longer
Orbital	$80	N/A	18+	6-9 Months or Longer

For complete pricing including jewelry costs for all piercing types (ear, facial, oral, torso, surface, and more), visit our full piercing pricing page. For aftercare instructions, see our piercing aftercare guide.

BOOKING AN EAR PIERCING

All ear piercings shown in this chart are available at our three locations:

• Dupont Circle — 1333 Connecticut Ave NW, 3rd Floor, Washington DC 20036
• H Street — 516 H Street NE, 2nd Floor, Washington DC 20002
• Silver Spring — 8638 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring MD 20910

Book your ear piercing appointment online

Minor ear piercings (under 18) are available starting at age 6 for lobe piercings and age 13+ for most cartilage piercings. A parent or legal guardian must be present with valid ID. See our age and ID requirements for full details.