A tragus piercing sits in the small flap of cartilage in front of the ear canal. It is close to the face, catches the eye without taking up much space, and suits both a simple ear and one full of piercings. Here is the whole guide: where the tragus is, the difference between tragus, anti-tragus and surface tragus, how much it hurts, whether it is dangerous and how to choose the right tragus jewellery.
Where does a tragus piercing sit?
The tragus is the small, firm flap of cartilage that partly covers the ear canal from the front. You can feel it if you put a finger in front of your ear and press inwards. The piercing goes through the flap, so the jewellery shows from the front and the back sits towards the ear canal.
Tragus, anti-tragus and surface tragus
- Tragus is the classic placement in the flap in front of the ear canal.
- Anti-tragus sits on the opposite side of the ear canal, in the small ridge of cartilage just above the earlobe. It needs a clear ridge, so not every ear is suitable.
- Surface tragus is not in the ear but in the skin of the cheek just in front of the tragus. It is a surface piercing with a longer healing time and a higher risk of the body rejecting the jewellery.
How much does a tragus piercing cost?
The price at a professional piercing studio depends on the studio and the initial jewellery you choose, which is usually included. Once it has healed, you will find tragus jewellery from €5 at BY CARA.
How much does a tragus piercing hurt?
The cartilage in the tragus is thick and firm, so most people feel a clear pressure and often a small crunch as the needle goes through. The piercing itself lasts a moment. Many find the sound worse than the pain, because it happens so close to the ear canal.
How long does a tragus stay swollen?
A tragus is usually swollen and tender for the first few days to a couple of weeks. Full healing takes 6-9 months and sometimes longer, because cartilage heals slowly. What helps:
- Skip in-ear earphones on that side while the piercing heals. Earbuds press directly on the jewellery behind the tragus. Over-ear headphones that do not touch the piercing are usually fine.
- Clean with saline 1-2 times a day, and mind your phone when you make calls. Use the other side or the speaker.
- Sleep on the opposite side, and keep hair, hair products and make-up away from the hole.
- Get a shorter labret fitted once the swelling has gone down, so the jewellery does not catch on things.
Is a tragus piercing dangerous?
A tragus done by a professional piercer with a sterile needle is a common and safe piercing. The risks are the same as for other cartilage piercings: irritation, small bumps and, in rare cases, infection. Never have a tragus pierced with a gun, as it can damage the cartilage. If the piercing stays red, warm and swollen, contact your piercer or doctor.
Tragus jewellery: labret or ring?
- Flat-back labret is the most popular choice. It sits calmly against the ear and gets in the way least in everyday life. The most common lengths are 6 and 8 mm.
- Tragus ring or a small hoop gives a bolder look. Choose a snug diameter, usually 6-8 mm, and only switch to a ring once the piercing is fully healed.
The standard thickness for tragus is 1.2 mm. If you are unsure about the length, measure the jewellery you are wearing now. All tragus jewellery at BY CARA is made of titanium and surgical steel with a silver-tone finish, 18K gold plating or PVD coating. It is nickel-free, lead-free and waterproof, and made for healed piercings.
Questions and answers about tragus piercings
How much does a tragus piercing hurt?
Most people feel a clear pressure because the cartilage is firm, but the piercing itself is over in a moment. The experience is individual.
How long does a tragus stay swollen?
Usually for the first few days to a couple of weeks. The healing itself takes 6-9 months, sometimes longer.
Can you wear headphones with a tragus piercing?
Avoid in-ear earphones on that side while the piercing heals, because they press on the jewellery. Over-ear headphones that do not touch the piercing are usually fine. Once healed, most people can use earbuds again.
Is a tragus piercing dangerous?
No, not when it is done by a professional piercer with a sterile needle. The risks are irritation and, in rare cases, infection, as with other cartilage piercings. Never use a piercing gun on cartilage.
Which jewellery fits a tragus piercing?
Most common is a flat-back labret in 1.2 mm with a length of 6 or 8 mm. A small 6-8 mm ring fits once the piercing is fully healed. Tragus jewellery at BY CARA starts from €5.
What is the difference between tragus and anti-tragus?
The tragus is the flap in front of the ear canal. The anti-tragus sits on the opposite side, in the cartilage ridge just above the earlobe.
This guide is for general guidance. If your piercing is red, warm and tender for a longer period, contact your piercing studio or your doctor.
