The outer helix piercing is located along the cartilage ridge around the ear, from above the earlobe to the top, while the forward helix piercing refers to a piercing toward the front of the ear. Healing cartilage piercings can be challenging, so straight posts are typically used during the healing period. If you plan to wear a ring after healing, it’s important to inform your piercer to adjust the angle or placement.

Multiple helix piercings can be done on the same ear, but not on both ears at once due to the long healing time. Initial jewelry is usually a 16 gauge titanium post, with various decorative ends available. Outer helix and forward helix piercings can also be connected with a barbell to create an industrial piercing. These piercings can be placed in the ear’s “valley” or moved inward, creating a “flat” piercing that is ideal for showcasing decorative jewelry.

The forward helix piercing is located above the tragus, where the helix meets the face. It has gained significant popularity, especially in multiples, such as the “triple forward helix,” which was even featured in #58 of The Point: The Quarterly Journal of the Association of Professional Piercers.
When considering multiple forward helix piercings, it’s best to consult a piercer, as the number of piercings that can fit depends on your ear’s anatomy. Like other cartilage piercings, multiple piercings can be done on the same ear, but not on different ears at the same time due to the long healing process. You’ll need to fully heal one ear before getting piercings on the other.
Suggested initial jewelry is usually a 16 gauge press-fit post, with various decorative ends available, from simple balls to ornate gold and diamonds.

The conch piercing is named after the conch shell due to its location in the cup-shaped area of the ear, adjacent to the ear canal. At the studio, conch piercings are usually started with a 14 gauge straight post. While rings can be worn after healing, they may be uncomfortable for sleeping, so it’s best to heal with a straight post if you plan on switching to a ring later.
Multiple conch piercings can be done on the same ear, but not on different ears at once due to the long healing process. You’ll need to fully heal one ear before getting piercings on the other.
Conch piercings provide a great spot for decorative jewelry, with ornate ends from brands like Neometal and BVLA. If you plan on stretching the conch piercing, it’s more challenging than other piercings, so starting with a larger size may be ideal. Glass color-front plugs are a good choice for larger-gauge initial piercings during the healing process.

The rook piercing is located vertically through the lower leg of the antihelix, above the tragus and behind the forward helix. It was popularized by Erik Dakota in the early 90s and first featured in Body Play magazine in 1992. Erik reportedly named the piercing “rook” after a shortened version of his name.
For initial healing, a curved barbell is typically used, though a ring can be worn after the piercing heals. Neometal’s press-fit curved barbells are a common choice, available with various bead or gemstone options.
Like other cartilage piercings, rook piercings can take six months or longer to heal. Multiple piercings can be done on the same ear at once, but you must fully heal one ear before getting piercings on the other due to the difficulty of healing cartilage piercings, especially if both ears are pierced at the same time.

The tragus piercing goes through the small cartilage nub in front of the ear canal. For initial piercings, a 16 gauge press-fit post is typically used, with the option to switch to a ring after healing. This piercing is prominent, making it a great spot for unique and decorative jewelry, such as gold, diamond, or stone cluster ends.
Healing can take six months to a year. While multiple cartilage piercings can be done on the same ear in one sitting, you cannot pierce both ears at the same time due to the difficulty of healing. For those who wear headphones or use stethoscopes, healing may be more challenging, and downsizing jewelry after the initial healing period can help.

The antitragus piercing is located across from the tragus, above the earlobe, and goes through the protruding piece of cartilage. It’s best suited for those with a well-pronounced but thin “nub.” If the antitragus isn’t prominent, other piercing options might be more suitable.
The initial jewelry is usually a 16-gauge press-fit post, and this placement is ideal for showcasing ornate jewelry. For jewelry ideas, you can check out the selection of press-fit posts and ends in the online store.
If you’re considering an antitragus piercing, it’s recommended to consult with a piercer to determine if your ear is a good fit. Even if it’s not, they can help plan a unique alternative.

The daith piercing, pronounced “doth” (rhyming with “moth”), was introduced by Erik Dakota in the early 90s and first featured in Body Play magazine alongside the rook and industrial piercings. Erik named it after the Hebrew word for “knowledge.” This striking piercing is framed by the rest of the ear and is typically done with a 16 or 14 gauge ring, although curved barbells can also be used. Rings are more common and visible, fitting comfortably in the conch of the ear.
For the best results, it’s important to go to an experienced, professional piercer, as the daith can be tricky to perform. Healing can take six months or longer. As with other cartilage piercings, you cannot get piercings in both ears at the same time. You’ll need to fully heal one ear before getting a piercing on the other, as you need one ear to sleep on and use for daily activities.

The industrial piercing consists of two piercings: an outer helix piercing connected to a forward helix piercing by a straight barbell. It was popularized by Erik Dakota in the early 90s, with the first reference to it appearing in Body Playmagazine in 1992, alongside the daith and rook piercings.
The initial piercing is usually done with a 14 gauge barbell, with a length ranging from 1 1/8” to 1 3/8”, depending on the ear. This piercing requires a defined helix and enough space for the barbell to sit properly, so it’s not suitable for all ears. If you’re interested, it’s best to consult with a piercer to determine if your ear is a good fit or to explore other unique piercing options.
Healing for an industrial piercing takes six months to a year. Like other cartilage piercings, multiple piercings can be done on the same ear at once, but not on both ears simultaneously due to the difficulty of healing. You must wait until the first ear is fully healed before getting piercings on the other ear.