Earlobes are the most widely-received ear piercings worldwide, and it’s easy to see why. They’re simple, fashionable, versatile and universally common for both men and women. The process has been around for centuries, and you can find thousands of designs to match virtually any style.

Earlobe piercings have become so common that many parents will often get their children’s ears pierced when they are young, even before they can talk. Many people have multiple piercings in their lobes. However, before getting anyone’s ears pierced, even your own, it’s important that you understand the process, aftercare, and guidelines for earlobe piercing.

How Do They Pierce Earlobes?

Earlobe piercing is best when done with needle, although some places choose to use a piercing gun. Ear piercing guns are not the best method. While piercing guns are extremely common, if not properly sanitized and maintained, they can become a host for bacteria and cause serious infections. They also offer little accuracy, and without careful implementation can cause damage to the ear during the procedure. In general places who choose to pierce with a gun are not as educated on the best practices and placements to work with your anatomy.

Piercing at home also isn’t recommended. Always make sure a professional piercer is performing your ear piercing, rather than a fashion store employee or family member. Improper piercings are a leading cause of serious infection and other problems related to ear and body jewelry.

The procedure should be done by a trained professional in a clean environment, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

How Much Does Ear Piercing Cost?

Earlobe piercings are rather simple, and one of the easiest piercings to complete. The price can depend on what earrings you choose, and how many times you get pierced. Some people choose to get multiple lobe piercings at once.

Does Ear Lobe Piercing Hurt?

All piercings hurt, but lobe piercings are on the lighter side. Many people claim that piercings done with a needle hurt less than those done with a gun. This area contains no cartilage, so it’s like getting briefly jabbed. From there, the pain should be rather ignorable.

If your piercing begins to ache, swell, or cause serious irritation, it might be a sign that something is wrong. Lobe piercings shouldn’t cause you serious discomfort, so be sure to take a look if you’re really bothered. Infections and allergic reactions can cause you to experience pain, and you should take care of those issues quickly.

How Do I Care For Ear Lobe Piercings?

Like all piercings, ear lobe piercings require aftercare to avoid infection. These areas should be cleaned twice a day, and you should avoid using soaps or other irritants on the area. A saline solution is the only thing you need to clean ear lobe piercings.

You can also make your own cleaning solution using sea salt and clean water. Use a q-tip to gently clean the area, and hold a soaked cotton ball to the piercing zone for a few minutes every morning and night.

At Chronic Ink we recommend NeliMed Nelicleanse piercing aftercare. It is an isotonic, drug-free, preservative-free solution for cleaning your piercing during the healing period with no burning or stinging to irritate the pierced area.

Always wash your hands before doing this, and avoid touching the area as much as possible.

What Kind of Ear Piercing Jewelry Can I Wear?

There are quite a few different types of jewelry you can wear in your ear lobes. As with any piercing, you should not change jewelry until your fresh piercings are fully healed and your piercer says it’s safe to do so. Otherwise, you might damage or irritate the area, which prolongs the healing time.

However, once your earlobes are fully healed, you can begin experimenting with what earrings you wear. From simple studs to statement pieces, there are many different kinds of earrings, including:

• Studs. These can vary from simple metal shapes to sparkling gemstones.
• Rings. Again, some people opt for gold rings, or wider ones embedded with gemstones.
• Hoops. These can range in size from large to small.
• Spikes. If you want an edgier look, these might fit your style.
• Dangling earrings. As the name implies, these dangle from your ears and might come in different designs or shapes.
• Drop earrings. These can vary in length, but feature a long thread that dangles below your ear. They might have a gemstone ‘drop’ at the bottom, or a small charm.
• Chandelier earrings. These are dangling earrings, but more ornate. They resemble chandeliers, and might jingle as you turn your head.

These are just a few of your options when you get your ear lobes pierced. If you’re nervous about the procedure, or have any questions our professional pierces would be glad to help.