I Spoke to the Piercing Experts, and It’s These 13 Everyone is Asking For

“In case you’re uncertain about the earring design or type of piercing you’d like, feel free to book a consultation prior to your appointment or ask any questions on the day itself,” says Svetlana Hristova, Head of Piercing at Lark & Berry. “A brief conversation with your piercer before the procedure can work wonders, particularly if you’re feeling nervous.”

It’s also the ideal time to assess your ear anatomy, and what piercings you might want to consider in the future too. “The next step is to go to a reputable piercer and ask them whether the piercings you want will work with your ear anatomy. Let them know what future piercings you’re planning so that they can pierce with that in mind,” says Laura Bond, founder of Laura Bond. “If you’ve only got your lobes pierced then starting with a second or third lobe can be a good way to ease into the curated ear trend. Flat piercings and tragus piercings are also very cute and can take less time to heal than the helix or conch,” she says.

As for the day itself, there are things you can do to make the experience as seamless and pain-free as possible. “Taking pain relief can help alleviate discomfort to a certain extent, but be aware that some painkillers may thin the blood and cause bleeding during the piercing process,” says Hristova, and ensure you disclose any medications or health conditions on the consent form before your piercing. “It’s essential not to get pierced on an empty stomach or after consuming alcohol,” she says. “Fill out the consent form attentively, providing accurate and thoughtful responses to all questions.”

To prevent infections or irritations, she also recommends avoiding getting pierced before embarking on a long journey by train or aeroplane. “Keep in mind that being in good health when getting pierced is crucial for a swift and problem-free healing process,” she says. “Refrain from getting a piercing if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have recently undergone other procedures such as surgery or getting a tattoo in the same area.”

You will want to diligently follow your practitioner’s aftercare advice on the day to help your piercing heal well and avoid any issues. “The healing phase is just as crucial for achieving optimal results as the piercing procedure itself,” says Hristova. “Begin using the aftercare lotion on the same day as your appointment, and we recommend doing so twice daily (morning and evening) for at least four weeks. Lobe piercings tend to heal more quickly than cartilage piercings, but there’s no such thing as over-cleaning.”
 
As well as keeping the area clean, you’ll want to avoid touching your new piercing unnecessarily. “It’s important to note that excessive touching or cleaning the piercing with unwashed hands can sometimes cause issues. To ensure a smooth recovery, avoid swimming pools for two weeks, although sea water is acceptable,” says Hristova. You’ll also want to avoid saunas and steam rooms for around four weeks.

And don’t forget, you should avoid changing the jewellery in your piercing until it has fully healed. “This can compromise the health of your piercing and can lead to an infection,” says Jabbar. By following  these steps, you’ll be on your way to a successful healing process.

Ahead, you’ll find our experts sharing everything you need to know about the different types of ear piercings.

Name of piercing: Standard Lobes 
Where on the ear: The most fleshy part and the bottom of the ear
Healing time: 2-4 months on average 
Pain scale: 2/10
Cost: Piercing fees range from £25-£30 per piercing

The piercing technique: As for the piercing technique, a needle is the best way to go. “Using a needle rather than a gun is important when piercing ears because it is much safer and more precise,” says Bond. “Needles are designed specifically for piercing and provide more accuracy, less trauma to the tissue, and a better healing environment due to their sharpness and small size. Guns, on the other hand can cause trauma to the tissue and increase the risk of infection.”

What earrings suit this area? “Lobes = versatility!” says Jabbar. “The great thing about standard lobe piercings is you can literally wear anything in them. I love to see a chunky hoop in the first lobe, and Matilde’s Lua hoops would be a great start to any stack,” she says.