Cartilage piercings are so hot right now - fact. Ever since Blondie brought ear piercings and punk back on the scene in the 80s, we've been misguidedly jabbing at our ears with safety-pins and apple cores and obsessing over the perfect ear constellation.
But, now that we're older, wiser and obviously way more sensible, we've got some questions about the right way to get a cartilage piercing that we'd like answered. So, we went directly to A-list ear piercer Brian Keith Thompson from Body Electric Tattoo to get expert advice, straight from the guy who pierced Beyoncé.
'Next, look at their portfolio or ask for their Instagram. Check their stuff out and see if you like it. If they don't have pictures of their work, they're probably not showing it for a reason.
Medical Complications Of Cartilage And Ear Piercing
'And do your research. People spend more time searching for the best place to get a taco than they do finding a decent studio to get a piercing. You're spending money on this, so make it good. Chances are, if it's really cheap, the place is no good and you'll just have to spend money on getting it done again.'
'Cartilage should always be pierced with a needle. A piercing gun isn't designed for cartilage, only soft tissue and even then I wouldn't recommend it. Piercing cartilage with a gun can create hardcore hypertrophic scarring and even blow it up.
'People have this stigma about needles but they're actually way less painful because they're designed to pierce skin, whereas a gun just delivers blunt force to push an earring through.'
Why Needle Piercing Is Always Better Than The Piercing Gun
'That's totally up to you, but at the moment I'm really into daith piercings. The rook is also a favourite and it's not too difficult to heal.
'If you're going for a conch piercing, start with a stud (hoops can put pressure on the hole when it's new and be super irritating) and make sure the post on the earring isn't too long at the back. Some piercers leave studs so long they're like an antenna which catch on everything. The ideal is to ask for a 1/4 inch long stud.
'I'm all about multiple piercings as well. If you've got the time and commitment, two piercings in the upper lobe look great with a mix of studs and hoops.'
Don't Jump The Gun When It Comes To Getting A Cartilage Piercings
'I only carry gold in different colours, platinum and titanium. Titanium and gold are hypoallergenic so perfect for piercing with. Gold's actually so antibacterial that if you put it in a petri dish with bacteria, the bacteria migrates away from it. So if you've got sensitive skin, gold is ideal.
'Most of the time if an ear piercing is flaring up, 9 out of 10 times it's not an infection (they're actually really rare) it's an allergic reaction to the nickel in the jewry.'
'My advice is not to focus on the pain because it's so short-lived (piercings don't take long at all) and it's mostly mental. It's your brain trying to take care of your body but everyone can manage it.
Needle Vs Gun?
'Even I get butterflies before having a new piercing but it's normal to be nervous, just try and enjoy the adrenaline rush. It's a break outside of the norm which is exciting!'
'Everyone reacts to piercings differently so don't be surprised if your friend's new piercing looks less red than yours, or their's swells and yours doesn't. It's a hole in your ear so it will be irritating, you just have to be good to it.
'Clean it with soap and water twice a day. Absolutely NO alcohol or peroxide-based products. You've just put a hole in your ear, adding harsh chemicals to something your body is trying to heal is only going to make it worse!
Your Guide To Cartilage Ear Piercings: 10 Types To Know
'Even if it looks good, it's still healing. Cartilage heals from the outside in, making a tunnel all the way through your ear which takes time.
'Don't take your earring out until the piercing has healed and even then swap in another earring or it's like to heal up again pretty quickly.
'Longevity is everything. The longer you have a piercing, the longer you can leave it without wearing an earring. So a five-month-old piercing I wouldn't leave longer than a few hours, whereas a five-year-old one can be left for five weeks if you wanted.'
Helix Piercing: Everything You Need To Know
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Helix Piercings: Guide & Images
Just A Super Useful Guide To Treating Sunburn Just A Super Useful Guide To Tweakments Just A Super Useful Guide To Polyglutamic Acid Just A Super Useful Guide To Parabens In SkincareOf the wide range of body modifications and piercings out there, cartilage piercings — basically, piercings anywhere else on the ear but the actual earlobe — are some of the most common procedures outside of basic earlobe piercings. They are a unique experience in comparison to having an earlobe pierced — and they look super cool, too: Just ask stars like Ashley Graham, Keke Palmer, Rihanna, and even Beyoncé, who’ve all rocked the trend.
“Most commonly when people talk about cartilage piercings, they're referring to helix piercings on the outer rim of the ear, ” Charlotte Collins, a piercing expert with Astrid & Miyu, tells . “These are higher up than the lobe and take a little longer to heal but are very versatile when it comes to placement.” There’s also the tragus, daith, and conch locations, she says, just to name a few options on the cartilage.
Of course, it’s only once you close Pinterest, and go to make your piercing appointment, that the fear of the unknown will start to creep in. You might be wondering what to expect when you get a cartilage piercing. Or, more specifically, will it hurt? And if so, for how long? Rest assured that your questions are valid — and necessary. Researching any kind of body modification in advance (including tattoos) is a critical part of the process, and it’s in this initial stage that you'll be able to decide whether you simply admire cartilage piercings on others, or if you're really committed to investing in one for yourself.
Your Ultimate Guide To The Helix Piercing
For many people, tattoos and piercings become an itch that must be scratched, and getting a cartilage piercing is a great first step into the piercing world. Sure, earlobe piercings are where most of us start (remember Claire’s?), but an industrial or helix piercing is, well, kind of a big deal: It can seem daunting and maybe a bit intimidating. But once you've crossed that line, the leap to other piercings is much less scary. And after a few piercings, the pain of a tattoo doesn't seem half as bad.
Nevertheless, it’s important to note that just like no two people will experience getting a tattoo in the same exact way, no two people will experience getting a cartilage piercing the same way. What’s super painful to someone might not be that bad for another person, for instance. So, should you get a cartilage piercing? In any case, there are a handful of universal truths about the cartilage piercing process that can help you decide. Read on for everything you need to know about the process, according to piercing experts.
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Everything You Need To Know About Ear Piercings
It’s only natural to feel nervous as you head into a piercing studio, but there’s plenty you can do to calm your fears. The first is making sure you’re going to a professional piercer. As Collins says, “It’s extremely important to do your research prior to getting a piercing as you want to make sure you’re in the hands of someone reputable who can give you the best possible experience before, during, and after your appointment.”
One way to confirm their expertise is by asking whether they use a needle or a gun. Needle-piercing is significantly healthier and safer than piercing with guns, and piercing guns are not designed to pierce through cartilage, Lisa Bubbers, the co-founder and CMO at Studs, a New York-based piercing studio, tells .
Using a needle is a common practice nowadays, anyway. In fact, piercing guns are not designed to pierce through cartilage, and the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) banned them because they pose sanitation concerns and cause tissue damage. If your piercer uses a gun, change direction and find someone else.
You Will Be Shocked At The Dangers Of Ear Piercings And Tattoos
“Your piercer is there to help make sure you feel comfortable and informed, so never feel bad for asking questions, ” says Collins. Ask about the process, what they’re doing, and what kind of jewelry they’re about to put in
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