What is a conch piercing?
A conch piercing is situated on the conch, the middle part of your ear cartilage resembling the shape of a conch shell. It offers various styles and has become increasingly popular in recent years, emerging as a leading trend in piercings.
What are the types of conch piercings?
Within the world of conch piercings, there are two primary placement options: inner and outer conch, each with a few variations.
Inner conch piercing
The inner conch is located in the middle of the conch, closer to the daith (the fold of cartilage above the entrance of the ear canal), and typically adorned with a stud. Due to its location, it’s important to note that this type of piercing usually takes longer to heal.
Outer conch piercing
The outer conch, more commonly chosen, is done on the outer edge of the ear’s cartilage and can be placed in various locations, including the upper and lower conch. This piercing offers more jewelry options such as hoops and tends to heal faster than the inner conch piercing
Double conch piercing
As the name suggests, a double conch involves two piercings at the conch. These piercings can be stacked on top of each other or horizontally aligned. Planning the location of each piercing beforehand is advisable to ensure proper spacing for desired jewelry and facilitate better healing.
Vertical Conch Piercing
The vertical conch piercing traverses the conch cartilage vertically, offering a chance for a sleek and refined look. While it’s not as common as some other piercings, its distinctive vertically oriented jewelry makes it stand out. Typically, a barbell or vertical bar is employed for this piercing style.
Jewelry Materials Used for Conch Piercings
- Implant-grade stainless steel: Regarded as one of the safest metals for fresh piercings, implant-grade stainless steel is hypoallergenic and specifically crafted for body wear. It’s advisable to steer clear of cheap materials that could trigger a reaction.
- Implant-grade titanium: Another metal suitable for implants, titanium contains trace amounts of nickel, so it might not be ideal for those highly sensitive to nickel.
- Low-karat gold or platinum: Fine metals like gold and platinum are considered safe choices. Investing in quality jewelry is crucial to avoid complications, as cheap gold or gold plating can flake off and lead to infections.
What are the benefits of getting a conch?
A conch piercing offers a unique way to express individuality and enhance one’s appearance. Unlike some other cartilage piercings, it suits most ears and styles, making it a versatile option. With a variety of stunning conch piercing jewelry available, it’s easy to accessorize and showcase personal style.
Cost
The cost of a conch piercing varies depending on the piercing studio and the type of jewelry chosen. Generally, expect to pay around $30-50 for the piercing procedure itself, excluding the price of the jewelry. It’s essential to avoid piercers who use piercing guns for cartilage piercings, as they harbor more bacteria than needles, increasing the risk of infection and prolonging healing time.
Pain and healing time
How bad does getting a conch piercing hurt?
The perception of pain varies from person to person due to differences in pain tolerance. However, it’s commonly agreed upon that the conch piercing registers around a 7/10 on the pain scale. This is because the piercing penetrates a thicker section of the ear’s cartilage. The level of discomfort can also be influenced by the method used for piercing. If a needle is employed, the pain level is typically comparable to other cartilage piercings like the helix, tragus, or daith. However, opting for a dermal punch, which accommodates larger gauge earrings, may result in increased discomfort. But what exactly is a dermal punch? It’s a perforation technique where the piercer removes a portion of tissue from the ear’s cartilage to allow for the insertion of thicker jewelry.
How long does a conch take to heal?
Conch piercings done with a needle typically heal fully within 6 to 9 months. In contrast, those performed with a dermal punch may require a year or more to complete the healing process. However, it’s essential to note that individual healing times vary depending on factors such as personal physiology and adherence to proper aftercare practices.
When can i change my conch piercing jewelry?
We understand the excitement of wanting to swap out your piercing jewelry for something new and adorable. However, patience is key! It’s recommended to refrain from changing your conch jewelry for at least six months. Allowing the piercing to heal properly before switching out jewelry is crucial to prevent damage and promote optimal healing. It’s also essential to avoid fiddling with the jewelry to maintain cleanliness and prevent infections.
Aftercare
What’s the best way to clean your conch?
Maintaining cleanliness and dryness in the piercing area is crucial for the healing process and to prevent infection, much like any other cartilage piercing. Speedy healing can be promoted by gently cleaning around the piercing with a saline solution using a cotton ball, in accordance with your piercer’s aftercare instructions. Additionally:
- Avoid using soap, as it can be drying and irritating.
- When washing your hair, take care to avoid getting any soap or shampoo on your piercing.
What should i do if my conch gets infected?
Failure to clean the area properly can lead to infections, which may manifest through symptoms such as severe redness, piercing bumps, swelling, pain, and discharge. While mild bleeding, discomfort, itching, or soreness for a few weeks are normal, if you experience severe discomfort or signs of infection, consult your piercer immediately for appropriate treatment.
What if my conch doesn’t heal?
In some instances, a conch piercing may fail to heal properly due to inadequate aftercare or improper hygiene. If you encounter issues with your conch piercing, seek advice from your doctor. They may recommend a treatment plan, which could include antibiotics or wound care.
What kind of earring is used for conch piercings?
Studs are the most popular choice of earring for conch piercings. However, opting for a conch piercing hoop can add a unique touch to your ear ensemble. It’s essential to select lightweight and small jewelry pieces to prevent irritation, as heavy or large earrings may harm the piercing.
How to change out conch piercing jewelry?
Changing your jewelry is a straightforward process, but precautions must be taken to prevent infection. Before changing your conch jewelry, clean the area with a saline solution to remove any accumulated wax, dirt, or bacteria. Use sterile tweezers to remove the old jewelry carefully, ensuring not to damage the piercing. Then, insert the new jewelry securely, especially if it’s a stud, by screwing it tightly.
What size should be my conch earring?
When selecting jewelry for your new piercing, consider the earring’s thickness and size (inner diameter or length). Most conch jewelry has a 16-gauge thickness for both inner and outer conch piercings. The diameter of a conch hoop or the length of a stud may vary based on the piercing’s placement and your ear’s shape.
What material should be my conch jewelry?
Gold offers a luxurious option for those seeking something special yet durable, with a lower risk of infection. Titanium is a suitable alternative for individuals with metal allergies.