What is a conch piercing?
The conch piercing is located in the central part of the ear cartilage, which resembles the shape of a conch shell.
A conch, that's it.
There are different types of conch piercings, such as the inner conch piercing and the outer conch piercing. It is done with a labret-type bar.
If you want to know the symbolism and meaning of the different ear piercings, you can read our article dedicated to the meaning of ear piercings.
Types of conch piercing
Inner conch piercing
The inner conch piercing is located in the middle of the ear cartilage, closer to the daith (the cartilage fold above the entrance of the ear canal). This type of piercing is generally done with a bar and can take longer to heal due to its location.
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This location is extremely rare, the "classic" conch will be the outer conch. |
Outer conch piercing
The outer conch piercing is the most common type of conch piercing. It is done on the outer edge of the ear cartilage, and can be done in different places, such as the upper conch and the lower conch. This type of piercing allows more jewelry possibilities, such as rings, and generally heals faster than the inner conch piercing.
@STUDS / INSTAGRAM / BYRDIE
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It is the most common conch, it is more comfortable, heals faster and offers more customization possibilities in terms of jewelry. |
Double conch piercing
The double conch piercing consists of two conch piercings done one above the other or horizontally. This creates an interesting layering effect and offers even more style options.
Credits: ASSOLARI
To learn more about another cartilage piercing often associated with the conch, you can check out our daith piercing guide .
Orbital conch piercing
The orbital conch piercing is a rarer piercing that requires two holes. One hole is done at the outer conch and another at the outer ear cartilage (where helix piercings are generally done). A ring is then inserted into the two holes, thus creating the effect that the jewelry orbits around the ear cartilage.
Josh Allgood / TWITTER
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This piercing is extremely rare. Few piercers do it and you need a very particular morphology. In addition, it is particularly painful and difficult to heal. |
More inspiration and information on all ear piercings with our dedicated guide.
Does the Conch piercing hurt?
In short: the pain of a conch piercing is moderate for cartilage and the discomfort caused only lasts a few days.
The conch piercing goes through a fairly dense area of cartilage, which explains why it is often perceived as more sensitive than a helix or lobe, but less intense than a daith. The pain is generally brief: a marked pressure, followed by a quick peak that immediately subsides. Many people compare this sensation to a strong but very short pinch.
The level of discomfort depends mainly on your morphology and the technique used. When the cartilage is thick or the area is a little hollow, the piercer may have to adjust the needle's trajectory precisely, which slightly increases the sensation. Once the piercing is done, local heat, tension or a pulse in the ear are normal reactions during the first few days.
A clean piercing, done in one go, combined with a well-sized ASTM F-136 titanium jewelry, clearly reduces the pain and allows the area to stabilize faster. Generally, most clients describe the conch piercing as an intense but very manageable moment, which only lasts a few seconds.
Healing time for a conch piercing
The healing of a conch piercing is generally longer than that of a lobe, and lasts on average between 3 and 9 months depending on the care provided. The healing time of a conch piercing depends on various factors, such as the piercing method used, the aftercare, and the person's overall health. It is important to follow the post-piercing care instructions given by your piercer to promote fast and complication-free healing.
What care for a conch piercing
Aftercare after a conch piercing is essential to promote proper healing and prevent the issues you might encounter. Here are some tips to take care of your conch piercing:
- Gently clean your piercing with a sterile saline solution twice a day. Avoid using soap or irritating products.
- Avoid touching or handling your piercing with dirty hands.
- Avoid sleeping on the side of the piercing during the healing period.
- Avoid wearing headphones or audio headsets during the healing period.
- Avoid changing your jewelry before the piercing is completely healed.
- Consult a professional if you notice signs of infection, such as redness, pain, swelling or abnormal discharge.
Downsizing: when and why to adjust the jewelry size
Downsizing (or “size reduction”) consists of replacing the initial jewelry with a more suitable piece once the conch has deflated. It is a common step, especially when the first placement was done with a slightly longer labret to leave some margin.
Why is downsizing important?
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Comfort: a jewelry that is too long moves more, catches more easily and can become annoying.
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Better healing: less movement = less irritation and “bumps” related to friction.
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Aesthetics: the jewelry sits better, more neatly, especially on the cartilage.
When to do a downsizing?
There is no universal date: it depends on your anatomy, the initial inflammation and your lifestyle. In practice, downsizing is considered when the swelling has gone down and the jewelry has too much “play”. This can happen after a few weeks, but sometimes later if the piercing has been irritated or if healing is slower.
Signs that your jewelry has become too long
- The post sticks out clearly (you constantly see “too much length”).
- The jewelry moves a lot when you sleep, style your hair or put on a helmet/headphones.
- You often catch the jewelry (hair, towel, mask, clothing).
- You have recurring irritations even though the care is correct.
How to do a downsizing safely?
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The safest: do it in a studio, with sterile equipment and suitable jewelry.
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Avoid “at home” changes if the piercing is not stable: risk of irritation, micro-lesions and infection.
- If you change it anyway: clean hands, clean environment, quality jewelry (ideally ASTM F-136 titanium), and above all never force it.
Downsizing and switching to a ring: they are not the same thing
Downsizing often concerns the post length (labret) to gain stability during healing. The switch to a ring, on the other hand, is generally done when the piercing is well stabilized: a ring can exert more stress on the cartilage if put in too early.
To remember: if your jewelry “catches” and moves a lot once the swelling has gone down, it is often the right time to consider a downsizing. In case of doubt, going to a studio remains the simplest and safest solution.
Irritations and common problems with a Conch piercing
Like all cartilage piercings, the conch can react to certain daily friction or movements. Irritations are generally benign, but they can slow down healing if the area is too stressed.
The most frequent causes of irritation are:
- pressure exerted by sleeping on the piercing
- headphones that press directly on the area
- hair, caps or scarves that pull on the jewelry
- jewelry change done too early
- a jewelry that is too long or too short, creating permanent micro-movement.
A slight redness, sensitivity to the touch or occasional swelling are frequent reactions during healing. They generally disappear in a few days when the area is left to rest and cleaned according to your piercer's recommendations.
If the irritation persists, worsens, or if you have the slightest doubt, it is advisable to go back to your piercer to get their opinion. In the majority of cases, a few simple adjustments (change of length, repositioning of the jewelry or care tips) are enough for the situation to improve.
