Top 7 Ear Piercing Styles We Offer at Platinum Tattoos & Piercings

Thinking about getting a new ear piercing in San Antonio? Whether it’s your first or your fifth, knowing your options helps you make the best choice. Here are the top 7 ear piercing styles our licensed piercers offer — perfect for trendsetters, minimalists, and everyone in between.

1. Standard Lobe Piercing

The classic! Lobe piercings are the most common and least painful. Great for kids, first-timers, or those looking to add a second or third hole.

  • Healing Time: 6–8 weeks

  • Pain Level: Minimal

  • Jewelry Options: Studs, hoops, flat backs

  • Popular Sizes: 18g, 20g

  • Aftercare: Clean twice daily with NeilMed Piercing Aftercare and avoid touching

  • More info →

2. Helix Piercing

Placed along the upper cartilage of the ear, helix piercings give a stylish edge to any look. Can be done as singles or stacks.

  • Healing Time: 3–6 months

  • Pain Level: Moderate

  • Jewelry Options: Hoops, curved barbells, flat backs

  • Popular Sizes: 16g, 18g

  • Aftercare: Rinse gently with NeilMed Piercing Spray and avoid pressure on the ear

  • More info →

Why choose it: Trendy and perfect for layered ear aesthetics.

3. Forward Helix Piercing

This piercing goes on the front part of your upper ear — right where your cartilage starts.

  • Healing Time: 3–6 months

  • Pain Level: Moderate

  • Jewelry Options: Studs, flat backs

  • Popular Sizes: 16g, 18g

  • Aftercare: Spray with NeilMed, avoid snagging hair/jewelry

  • More info →

Why choose it: Unique placement that still feels subtle and chic.

4. Tragus Piercing

A small piercing on the thick flap of cartilage right in front of the ear canal.

  • Healing Time: 3–6 months

  • Pain Level: Moderate to High

  • Jewelry Options: Studs, labrets

  • Popular Sizes: 16g

  • Aftercare: Spray 2x daily with NeilMed, avoid pressure or earbuds

  • More info →

Why choose it: Subtle, but stands out. Works great with minimalist jewelry.

Anti tragus piercings near me, Platinum Tattoos & Piercings. San Antonio, TX78238

5. Conch Piercing

Located in the middle cartilage of the ear.

  • Healing Time: 6–9 months

  • Pain Level: Moderate

  • Jewelry Options: Hoops, labrets

  • Popular Sizes: 14g, 16g

  • Aftercare: Clean daily, avoid sleeping on the side

  • More info →

Why choose it: Makes a dramatic visual impact. Great for bold jewelry lovers.

6. Daith Piercing

This curved cartilage piercing sits just above the ear canal.

  • Healing Time: 6–9 months

  • Pain Level: High

  • Jewelry Options: Curved barbells, hoops

  • Popular Sizes: 16g

  • Aftercare: Rinse with NeilMed, avoid inserting/removing jewelry early

  • More info →

Why choose it: Mysterious and bold, with a cult-like following.

Heads up: If you work in a job that requires headphones or headsets, this might not be the best choice — we recommend avoiding daith, conch, rook, or anti-tragus piercings in those cases.

7. Industrial Piercing

Two piercings connected by a single barbell across the upper ear.

  • Healing Time: 6–12 months

  • Pain Level: High

  • Jewelry Options: Straight barbell

  • Popular Sizes: 14g

  • Aftercare: Frequent saline soaks, avoid trauma or snagging

  • More info →

Why choose it: For the fearless. Makes a strong style statement.

High-Quality Jewelry Brands We Carry:

For more info, visit our full ear piercings page.

Ear Piercing Don’ts & Healing Tips:

  • Don’t sleep on your fresh piercing — it can shift the angle or burrow into your ear. Sleep on a donut pillow or travel neck pillow to protect it.

  • Don’t twist or play with your piercing — it disrupts healing and introduces bacteria.

  • Don’t get certain piercings if your job requires over-ear headphones or headsets — this includes daith, conch, rook, and anti-tragus piercings. Your healing ear deserves space to breathe.

  • ✅ Always follow our aftercare guide and use NeilMed Piercing Spray for safe and simple cleaning.

Platinum Tattoos & Body Piercings

5545 NW Loop 410
San Antonio, TX 78238

Store Hours:
Mon-Thurs 12pm-11pm
Fri – Sat 12pm -12am
Sunday 12pm-7pm

Platinum Body Piercings - North Star Mall

Store Hours:
Mon-Thurs 11am-8pm
Fri – Sat 11am – 9pm
Sun 12pm-6pm