What is a tragus piercing?
A tragus piercing involves puncturing the small piece of cartilage that sits just inside the ear canal.
The tragus is commonly chosen by people looking for an alternative to traditional lobe and helix piercings, allowing them to showcase their unique style.
Before you decide to get your tragus pierced, it is important to note that not all ear anatomies are suitable for this piercing. While most people can get their tragus pierced without any issues, for some people it will be too small or not prominent enough to have jewelry placed in it.
So it is best to consult your piercer before deciding to get pierced in this area.
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Do tragus piercings hurt?
Let's not lie to ourselves, piercing cartilage is not pleasant. And the tragus is no exception to the rule.
Luckily, the tragus is generally one of the least painful cartilage piercings, so you may feel some discomfort when getting the piercing done rather than actual pain. Try to imagine a strong pinch for a second, that's all.
It is important to keep in mind that a professional piercing salon using sharp needles (usually called “Blade” or “American needle”) and sterilized will also help to make your piercing as painless as possible. Using a catheter is of course possible, but it will be a little less sharp than a good piercing needle, and therefore, slightly more painful.
What is the difference between a piercing done with a blade and a catheter?
Of course, pain is completely subjective, it will always be felt differently from one person to another. Don't hesitate to consult our guide to the basics of ear piercing, in particular the section on " How to prepare before getting pierced "
Never trust a salon that uses piercing guns for tragus piercings or cartilage piercings in general. Piercing guns are impossible to sterilize properly and can cause serious damage to your cartilage.
"Pain is relative, but in general, tragus cartilage piercings feel more like pressure than pain."
How much does a tragus piercing cost?
For a tragus piercing, expect to pay between €30 and €70 approximately. Note that this is the price of the piercing. If your piercer lets you choose your piercing jewelry, the cost of which is often added to the total price, so don't be surprised when you go to the checkout.
Aftercare for a tragus piercing
Cartilage piercings, such as tragus piercings, typically have longer healing times than lobe piercings and require very careful care to ensure proper healing.
Cleaning and hygiene
Maintaining proper cleaning and hygiene practices is essential to promote healing and prevent infection. Clean the piercing twice daily using a saline solution or pH-neutral antibacterial soap. Avoid touching the piercing with unwashed hands and refrain from using alcohol-based products.
Avoid irritation and trauma
To avoid complications, it is crucial to protect your piercing from irritations such as hairsprays, shampoos (especially blue and repigmenting shampoos), dyes and excessive humidity. Be careful when using headphones or talking on the phone, as these activities can cause trauma to the piercing site.
Our 10 tips for healing your piercing properly
Healing time and potential complications
The healing time for a tragus piercing typically ranges from 6 to 12 months. However, again, these times can vary from individual to individual.
During the healing process, you may experience slight swelling, redness, or tenderness. It is important to monitor the piercing for signs of infection, such as excessive pain, pus, or prolonged redness, and seek professional advice if necessary.
Signs of an Infected Tragus Piercing
It's unlikely that you'll get an infection if you follow the aftercare tips mentioned above, but it's still important to know the signs of any potential dangers in case a problem does arise.
During the first week after your piercing, it is common to experience swelling, redness, irritation, or a clear or white discharge. If these symptoms persist or seem excessive, it is best to consult your piercer as a precaution.
If you develop a fever or the skin around your piercing becomes warm to the touch, it is best not to wait and contact your piercer immediately.
When to change your tragus piercing?
In order not to unnecessarily prolong the healing time of your tragus piercing, it is important to wait long enough after piercing before changing your jewelry.
Generally, allow between 4 and 6 weeks, minimum , before changing your tragus jewelry.
