The anatomy of the ear is surprisingly complex, but intrepid ear piercers are most intrigued by the idea of a conch piercing. “We’ve definitely seen an increase in people getting conch piercings for their curated ear,” says piercer Laura Bond.
Conch piercings allow for big, bold pieces if you want to make a statement, adds Astrid & Miyu piercer Charlotte Collins. “They can accommodate a large statement piece, or small and dainty ones that catch the light beautifully.”
Celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, Zoë Kravitz and Rihanna all rock stunning conch piercings, in case you need any more convincing.
In this article:
→ Where is a conch piercing located?
→ Is it better to get a conch piercing with a stud or hoop?
→ Are conch piercings painful?
→ How long do conch piercings take to heal?
→ Aftercare and risks
→ The most flattering conch piercings
→ Step by step: How to change out a conch piercing
Where is a conch piercing located?
Named after the seashell due to its shape, the conch is the curved cup of cartilage that sits inside the lower part of the ear, next to the ear canal.
You can actually pierce two parts of it: the inner conch (a stud right through the middle of the ear, usually parallel to the daith) and the outer conch, AKA the contraconch (closer to the curved cartilage of your outer ear, making it perfectly-positioned for a hoop).
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Is it better to get a conch piercing with a stud or hoop?
“Conch piercings require a labret stud to begin with,” explains Charlotte. “The outer conch can then be changed to a ring once healed.” Bring on the stack!
"Using a hoop for a conch piercing isn’t impossible," adds Svetlana Hristova, a piercer at Lark & Berry. “But the hoop will push against the cartilage after it swells up and inhibit healing.”
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It's also important not to skimp on jewellery quality. “Your conch piercing will never heal if it’s pierced with low-grade material,” Emma Whitethorn from Ouija Piercings in Derby, tells GLAMOUR. “Don’t be scared to ask what your piercer uses - implant-grade titanium is the best because it's strong, light, and resistant to body fluids, meaning it’s biocompatible."
Another reason titanium is a favourite is that it is hypoallergenic and doesn't contain nickel, which some people can be sensitive to. Implant-grade stainless steel is considered safe, but Whitethorn points out that it is an alloy, so is likely to have some nickel in it.
Fine metals like gold and platinum are also a safe bet, but invest in solid gold rather than gold plating, which can flake off and cause infection.
The bottom line? Consult a professional to determine the best materials for your specific needs and preferences.
Are conch piercings painful?
During the piercing process, you may feel a sharp, intense but quick pinching sensation as the needle passes through the cartilage. Afterwards you may experience tenderness and swelling in the pierced area.
“People have different levels of pain tolerance and all ears are unique," says Svetlana, but generally-speaking, they are considered to be moderately painful (and more painful than earlobe piercings) due to the thickness of the cartilage being pierced.
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How long do conch piercings take to heal?
Conch piercings fall under the category of cartilage piercings, which will take longer to heal compared to the lobe.
Typically conch piercings can take anywhere between six to twelve months to fully heal. This timeframe varies from person to person and is dependent on other external factors like the piercing technique and the specific location of the piercing.
During the initial healing period (typically lasting four to eight weeks), it's important to follow proper aftercare guidelines to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.
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Aftercare and risks
These days, piercers use sterile, single-use needles rather than the traditional piercing guns. “Piercing guns can’t be cleaned, let alone sterilised,” warns Emma. “They cause trauma to the piercing site and can cause permanent scarring, especially when used for cartilage piercings such as the conch.”
Of course, all piercings can become inflamed or infected but good aftercare is key to avoiding this. “Most people don’t take care of their piercings until there’s a problem, then they care a lot,” says Laura. She has this advice:
- Gently clean your conch piercing twice a day while it heals, using a saline solution made up of one teaspoon of salt and eight teaspoons of water (you can also buy it ready-made in most chemists).
- “No sleeping on it, and if you must touch it, wash your hands first,” she tells GLAMOUR.
- “If your piercing becomes infected, soak it with saline solution and see your piercer or seek medical advice if there’s no improvement.”
Hypertrophic scarring is common in cartilage piercings and remains within the borders of the original wound, eventually shrinking. “Crusty bits are a normal part of healing,” adds Emma, “but if the piercing site is swollen and throbbing, with a green or dark yellow discharge, return to your piercer or seek medical advice asap.”
A less common reaction to piercing is keloid scarring: an abnormal, raised scar that is tricky to treat, and can spread beyond the original wound. It’s thought to be genetic, so check for any keloid history in your family before having your first piercing.
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The most flattering conch piercings
“The perfect style for the conch is a delicate stud or a crescent that follows the natural curve of the inner part of the ear," Svetlana tells GLAMOUR.
“Another cool option is the snake bite, which contains two small vertical studs close together, creating the illusion of a snake bite,” she notes.
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When we ask Laura the same question, she answers, “I love inner conch piercings, or even multiple conch piercings to show off as many dainty studs as possible. But hoops also look beautiful and make a statement. Like any ear style, it’s all down to personal choice.”
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Step by step: How to change out a conch piercing
How you change your conch piercing is extremely important to prevent infection and irritation. First thing to remember is to make sure the piercing is fully healed before attempting to change the jewellery (six to twelve months although this may vary from person to person).
Ideally, the first time you change your conch earring, visit the professional who pierced it for you in the first place. They will also be able to best advice on how to change it from home depending on your current earring style.
However, if this is not an option here are some tips for the safest way out:
- Ensure piercing is fully healed: As mentioned above, whatever you do, make sure the piercing is fully healed (six to twelve months) before inserting a new earring.
- Select your new earring: Consider the size and make sure the material used is safe (surgical stainless steel, titanium and gold are all good options).
- Sanitise the earring: Soak it in saline solution or use a special piercing cleansing solution.
- Clean your hands and the piercing: Make sure your hands have been thoroughly washed with soap and water before touching the piercing. Cleanse the conch piercing area too, using a saline solution or mild, fragrant-free soap, making sure you're rid of any dirt or bacteria.
- Loosen the existing jewellery and remove it: If your current jewellery is a captive bead ring or a barbell, you may need to loosen the bead or unscrew the ball to free the jewellery from the piercing. Use clean hands or a pair of sterilised, latex-free gloves to manipulate the jewellery.
- Gently slide out the old jewellery: Avoid using unnecessary force. If you encounter discomfort stop and seek assistance from a professional piercer.
- Insert the new jewellery and secure it: Carefully insert the new jewellery following the natural path of the piercing into the hole without causing unnecessary pressure or trauma. Use a small amount of water-based lubricant to help with insertion.
- Clean and care for new piercing: Cleanse the area with saline solution or mild soap as directed by your piercer. After changing the jewellery be sure to continue to follow proper aftercare, to keep it clean and promote healing.
