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.
Author: Jay-Cee Canales
June 12 2025
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
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
Why choose it: Trendy and perfect for layered ear aesthetics.
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
Why choose it: Unique placement that still feels subtle and chic.
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
Why choose it: Subtle, but stands out. Works great with minimalist jewelry.
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
Why choose it: Makes a dramatic visual impact. Great for bold jewelry lovers.
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
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.
Two piercings connected by a single barbell across the upper ear.
Healing Time: 6–12 months
aPain Level: High
Jewelry Options: Straight barbell
Popular Sizes: 14g
Aftercare: Frequent saline soaks, avoid trauma or snagging
Why choose it: For the fearless. Makes a strong style statement.
Plus many more curated for comfort, healing, and aesthetics.
For more info, visit our full ear piercings page.
❌ 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.
5545 NW Loop 410 Suite 103b
San Antonio, TX 78238
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