13 Different Types of Ear Piercings – Ear Piercing Chart



Ear piercings are all the rage these days. Not only are they a great way to add some class and personality to your look, but they also come in many shapes and sizes. There’s no look that a pair of ear piercings can’t go with. Because of this, many people still wear ear piercings to this day, whether it is at formal events or casual get-togethers.

Looking to get a pair of ear piercings for you? Here’s a list and chart of all the different types of ear piercings, as well as how much they’d typically go for. If you’re new to ear piercings and are worried about the pain of wearing one, don’t worry – we’ve also included a pain threshold for each. If you’re confident, you can go for those that are slightly more painful to wear than others, but you shouldn’t force yourself if you don’t want to.

Types of Ear Piercings

Before we dive into the specific types of ear piercings, it’s important to note that you can classify ear piercings into three overarching categories based on where they’re worn. These are outer ear piercings, inner ear piercings, and lobe piercings. Let’s go through each one briefly.

Outer ear piercings are piercings that, as the name states, can be found on a person’s outer ear. Note that the ear lobe is a different part of the ear and is not part of the “outer ear”. Any ear piercing that’s worn on the outer edges of one’s ear is classified as an outer ear piercing.

Inner ear piercings, unlike outer ear piercings, can be found on the inside of the ear. These ear piercings are a lot more hidden than outer ear piercings for this reason, though they can stand out in proper lighting or with the right look. Inner ear piercings can either go from the front to the back of the ear or go through one of the folds found inside.

With that out of the way, let’s get into the different types of ear piercings. Keep in mind that you don’t have to stick to just one type of ear piercing. The great thing about ear piercings is that you can mix and match with different types to achieve a set that’s unique to you.

If you’re new to ear piercings and are worried about the pain of wearing one, don’t worry – we’ve also included a pain threshold for each.

Different Types of Ear Piercings

Ear Piercing Chart

Lobe Piercing

Ah yes, the classic. Lobe piercings are by far the most common type of ear piercing. Many kids and teens wear lobe piercings, as they’re not only the easiest to wear, but also one of the least painful. The ear lobe doesn’t hurt nearly as much as the outer or inner ear, making it a great place for studs and rings.

If you’re new to ear piercings, we recommend getting one or two studs to start off with. You can also go for an earring or two instead if that’s your preference. These types of earrings are common but are great to look at regardless. They’ll also help you get used to the pain you experience when getting your ears pierced, and are great for easing your way into more painful ear piercings, should you plan on getting them in the future.

  • Pain Threshold: 2/5
  • Price: $20-$30

Transverse Lobe Piercing

The earlobe is also a great location for transverse lobe piercing. Transverse piercings don’t pass from the front and out the back of the ear. Instead, you’ll find both ends on one side of the ear, typically in front. The ear lobe lacks the cartilage that keeps the rest of the ear in shape, so getting a transverse piercing here won’t hurt nearly as much.

It is worth noting, however, that transverse lobe piercings aren’t that big. There isn’t much space to work with, and if you want bigger transverse piercings, you’re going to have to pierce either the inner or outer ear as well. These areas do contain cartilage, however, so they will hurt quite a bit.

  • Pain Threshold: 3/5
  • Price: $20-$30

Snug Piercing

This type of earring, as the name suggests, fits snugly just between the inner and outer portions of your ear. While it doesn’t connect to the outermost part of the ear, known as the helix, it can be found just beside it. Its position is by far the most unique, making it a great ear piercing for standing out.

This unique spot doesn’t come without its cost, however. And I’m not talking about the price, either. Snug piercings are by far one of the most painful types of earrings you can get, as you’re piercing through the inner cartilage of your ear. There are less painful ear piercings that involve the cartilage, so go for those if you want to get used to the sensation before tackling this one.

  • Pain Threshold: 4/5
  • Price: $30-$40

Rook Piercing

The rook piercing is named as such because its vertical positioning resembles that of the rook piece found in chess. This resemblance is especially uncanny when using barbell-shaped piercings. The rook piercing rests on the same fold of cartilage that the snug piercing is found in. This “fold” is known as the antihelix, and is the fold that rests beside the helix.

Remember that while both the snug piercing and the rook piercing are found in the antihelix, the rook piercing is found only in the upper area of the ear. Any lower piercings are classified as snug piercings instead.

  • Pain Threshold: 4/5
  • Price: $30-$40

Industrial Piercing

Industrial piercings are great for modern and fiercer looks. These piercings come in many variations, as you find more than one piercing when going for that industrial look. A common type of industrial piercing is one that pierces through both the helix and antihelix of the ear. This clearly showcases the full ear piercing, making it another great standout ear piercing.

  • Pain Threshold: 4/5
  • Price: $30-$40

Conch Piercing

Conch piercings can differ depending on where exactly you’re aiming to pierce them. There are two different conches found in the ear – one exists between the helix and antihelix, and the other can be found between the antihelix and the ear’s canal. Both conch piercings go for similar prices and hurt just as much a snug or rook piercing, if not a little bit less.

  • Pain Threshold: 4/5
  • Price: $30-$40

Tragus Piercing

One of the more iconic spots for ear piercings would be the tragus or that little stud in the inner ear that covers your ear canal. While it does look like the perfect spot for a stud, be warned – unlike the ear lobe, the tragus does contain cartilage. Its cartilage is also harder than parts of the outer ear, making them especially painful to have pierced.

Should you go for a tragus piercing, have it done by a professional. The tragus rests awfully close to the ear canal, and one faulty slip could be dangerous.

  • Pain Threshold: 3/5
  • Price: $30-$40

Daith Piercing

The Daith piercing’s arguably the closest piercing to the ear canal. In fact, it rests just above it, being connected to the innermost part of the ear. It also rests just beside the end of the ear’s helix.

You can have either rings or barbells fitted as Daith piercings.
Resting just beside the tragus, Daith piercings look great when paired with tragus piercings. Combine both ear piercings to really spice up your inner ear.

  • Pain Threshold: 2.5/5
  • Price: $30-$40

Helix Piercing

Helix piercings are piercings that can be found anywhere along your ear’s outer edge, or helix. Because of the helix covering a large part of the ear, any ear piercing found just above the ear lobe to piercings just outside the tragus can be classified as a helix piercing.

  • Pain Threshold: 3/5
  • Price: $30-$40

Forward Helix Piercing

Forward helix piercings are specific helix piercings that can be found just above the tragus. Because they’re placed at the outer ring of the ear, they’re still technically helix piercings. You can have two or more piercings in this spot to have double or triple forward helix piercings, too.

  • Pain Threshold: 3/5
  • Price: $30-$40

Orbital Piercing

Orbital piercings are piercings that, as the name suggests, orbits a certain part of the ear. Two holes are made in the same area, and an earring goes through both ends. The most common spots for these ear piercings are the outer ear and helix.

  • Pain Threshold: 2.5/5
  • Price: $20-$40

Cartilage Piercing

Cartilage piercings refer to all piercings that involve the piercing of the cartilage, or the hard material that keeps your ear in shape. Almost every part of your ear is made up of cartilage, except for the ear lobe. Cartilage piercings are tougher to pierce than ear lobe piercings and are more sensitive to pain, which is why they hurt more when pierced.

  • Pain Threshold: 3/5/5
  • Price: $30-$40

So what is the most painful ear piercing?

Generally, cartilage piercings hurt more than ear lobe piercings. And among cartilage piercings, inner ear piercings hurt more than outer ear piercings, because the inner ear contains tougher cartilage. Because of this, the most painful ear piercings are the Daith and tragus piercings. Snug and rook piercings are also quite painful.