Tragus Piercing: Procedure, Healing Time, Cost & More

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase.

If you’re keen on getting a decent piercing, you might be interested in tragus piercing.

Some time ago, tragus piercing was really popular. But while it may not be the most popular choice nowadays, it’s still one of the hottest picks on the card.

Not to mention, one of the ultimate piercing trends.

Would you like to learn more about tragus piercing?

In this post, let’s talk about this technique.

We’ll also cover all the frequently asked questions about it; e.g., where did it originate, does it hurt, how long will it heal.

So let’s get to it.

What is a tragus?

It’s a part of the external ear, along its inner side. It’s a bit thicker compared to the usual spot for ear piercing. So this means more pressure may be needed for the piercing to go through.

Still not sure what’s a tragus?

Picture this.

Imagine there’s a loud noise and you want to cover your ears. But instead putting your entire hand over the shape of your ears, you just use a finger for each ear.

Notice there’s a little flap that’s right by the ear canal?

That’s the tragus.

Example Tragus Piercing

Here’s what you need to know about tragus piercing.

Piercings have become more popular in the last decade or so. Movie personalities and musicians have them. Even cool high school teachers got them dangling in their ears (and noses).

Like tattoos, piercings have become a perceptible part of modern life.

But over the years, some of these piercing trends have revealed to be a fad.

Nose piercings, for one, was a craze that died down. So have expanded earlobe holes.

But there’s one piercing mode, aside from the standard, that’s still going on today.

It’s tragus piercing.

For people who like to get their ears pierced but prefer to get it on an easy-to-hide place, tragus ear piercing is perfect.

It’s a wonderful compromise for urban professionals who are looking to express themselves without getting into trouble with the office rules.

Can anyone get their tragus pierced?

Well, the answer to this question lies in the size of the tragus.

If you’re wondering if you’re a good candidate for this type of piercing, look to your tragus.

Ideally, you should have a viable spot for piercing. So if it’s big enough, then you’re good to go.

However, always seek the advice of a professional piercer. Listen to what he or she says.

When I say professional piercer, I’m not talking about getting your piercings done at the mall.

Treat tragus ear piercing as a medical procedure. Just like any other piercing job, there is a likelihood of infection and other problems involved. So to minimize the happening of those risks, it pays to listen to a professional piercer.

How much does a tragus piercing procedure cost?

In the U.S., it typically runs around $30 to $50.

A highly experienced professional piercer usually commands higher rates.

You might think this rate is steep, considering you’re just getting this tiny part of your ear pierced.

Well, you’re paying not just for the piercing; there’s minimal risk of getting infected or suffering from complications when you go to a professional piercer.

Case in point: the issue of sterility.

A typical mall piercing establishment makes use of piercing guns. Now, I see two issues surrounding the use of this equipment.

First, a piercing gun is nearly impossible to sterilize.

In an environment that requires utmost sterilization, this equipment is a big no-no. Over time, the risk of infection or contamination increases, to the detriment of those who go to them to get piercings.

On the other hand, a professional piercer will use a sharp needle instead of a piercing gun. This needle is sterile and disposed of after its use. So there is little to no risk of infection.

Second, a piercing gun can cause blunt force trauma to your ear as it punches a hole.

Compare it with a razor-sharp needle; it pierces the cartilage or flesh of the ears while keeping the trauma to a minimum.

Tragus piercing pain

Do tragus piercings hurt?

The short answer to this question is no.

While you may feel a certain pressure, it’s not very painful.

Here’s a thing about tragus piercing pain.

In tragus piercing, you are dealing with cartilage, not just flesh. So compared to the standard ear piercing, more pressure will be required to get the piercing to get through.

But this doesn’t mean tragus piercing will be more painful than the traditional ear piercing.

Wondering what sensation you’ll feel in this unique piercing?

Aside from the pressure, you’ll feel a sting of the needle in tragus piercing and nothing more.

This is why I advocate going to a professional piercer since he or she can keep the trauma to a minimum with the use of a sharp needle.

Tragus piercing healing

A tragus piercing healing time may run from six months and a year, depending on several factors.

However, healing an ear cartilage piercing can get tricky. The tragus, in particular, can be susceptible to that.

What prolongs the tragus piercing healing time is the application of any pressure on the affected area.

So it’s best to avoid talking on the phone or using earbuds or earphones on the pierced area. In addition to the pressure put on the tragus, there may also be a risk of infection brought by the germs on those devices.

You might also want to prevent pressure on the pierced tragus by not sleeping on it.

And just like a medical procedure, it’s important to keep your piercings clean. With proper care, you can reduce the risk of infection and make healing quicker.

Make sure you clean the affected region at least twice a day. Focus on the front and back of the pierced area using a sterile saline solution.

You may also want to twist and rotate the accessory as you are cleaning the pierced region. Moving the accessory will prevent buildup formation and can aid in healing.

Maintain this cleaning routine until you get a completely healed tragus piercing.

Should you notice signs of infection, get in touch with your piercer immediately.

What are the signs of tragus piercing infection?

Do you notice redness, discharge, bleeding, or smell coming from the pierced region?

Infections are not uncommon and usually not a big deal.

But if these symptoms persist, contact your piercer as soon as possible.

When you observe any sign of infection, do not attempt to remove the accessory by yourself.

The best thing you can do is wash the affected site with a saline solution.

You should also follow the piercer’s aftercare instructions.

Three main types of tragus piercings

There are a hundred and one ways to pierce this ear tissue. Some piercers go from outside to inside while others go the other direction.

However, it all boils down to three main types of tragus piercings.

The first type is called the vertical tragus piercing.

As the name implies, the piercing on the tragus is done vertically. This is the usually resorted variation.

The second type is surface tragus piercing.

Technically, it’s not considered an ear-piercing. This one is done on the front of the tragus. It’s quite a unique variation, which isn’t highly recommended to piercing newbies.

Lastly, the double tragus piercing.

It’s a piercing combo involving two or more accessories. The most common style is piercing along the edges of the tragus, creating a pattern of vertical lines across the tragus.

Should you get a tragus piercing?

Are you up for a piercing?

If you ever wanted to have your ears pierced but apprehensive you might violate office rules, you might be interested in getting a tragus piercing.

Not sure if you should go for it?

Here are the pros and cons of this type of ear piercing.

Let’s get to the pros first.

Are you looking for an ear-piercing option that’s not apparent at first sight?

Then a tragus ear piercing is a delightful choice. It’s not evident from the first time people look at you. It may take a couple of glances before it catches their eye.

However, the charming accessory may give off a shine, revealing it to the unsuspecting.

Indeed, a tragus ear piercing can make you cool interesting, if not mysterious. It’s a great reflection of your personality and an awesome way to express yourself.

If you’re looking for something unusual, a tragus piercing is a cool yet subtle intimation of your individuality.

On the other hand, here are the cons of tragus ear piercing.

Not everyone can get this type of piercing.

If your tragus appears to be thin or unable to support your desired accessory, then tragus piercing may not be for you.

As an alternative, you can opt for a surface tragus piercing instead if it’s impossible to pierce this ear cartilage.

A tragus ear piercing is susceptible to infection and requires utmost after-care, especially that it’s closely located to your face.

Tragus Piercing Video

Did you know there are healing effects of tragus piercing?

Well-entrenched are the benefits of acupuncture in modern medical books.

But have you heard about the therapeutic effects of tragus ear piercing?

While it’s true that piercing can cause pain or discomfort. But pressing down on a specific spot can stimulate a response.

It so happens that many of these pressure points and similar spots are highly concentrated in our ears.

Would you believe tragus ear piercing offer relief from migraine?

Experts also suggest that this type of piercing option can also influence the ability to control our appetite. A wonderful discovery, isn’t it?

How is tragus ear piercing done?

This is the usual procedure followed by professional piercers.

First, they make sure the needles and other instruments are sterilized.

At the same time, you will be instructed to lie down on your back. The piercer will conduct a final ear inspection before proceeding with the piercing procedure.

Prior to the perforation, the piercer will position a cork into the ear canal. This is to catch the pointed end of the needle so as not to cause damage to the inner ear.

With the cartilage thicker than the usual spot for ear piercing, the piercer will need to exert more pressure to have the needle go through the tragus quickly.

Once the hole is successfully made, the accessory will be accurately inserted through.

Take note of the after-care instructions of the piercer. Especially regarding the cleaning of the pierced region.

You should also keep the accessory on at all times. Only with a completely healed tragus piercing can you change your accessory.

Woman Getting A Tragus Piercing 

Here’s what you need to know about tragus piercing after-care.

Immediately after the procedure, you may notice a bit of bleeding and some swelling. This can run for about three days.

After that, it should normalize, achieving the initial healing stage. Around this time, you should keep an eye for infections. Pay attention to sores, bumps, or infected ear canal.

If something should persist, contact your piercer as soon as possible.

The ideal healing period is usually between six months and a year. That is if everything goes right.

For a quick recovery, keep in mind these after-care tips.

Avoid touching the ear accessory. The germs on your hands can transfer to the item, which can contribute to a higher risk of infection.

You should also avoid sleeping on the side of the pierced ear. If you had both ears pierced, then you’ll have to sleep completely on your back.

Be meticulous in choosing your accessories. Your body may reject certain jewelry or metals. So if something’s wrong, remove it. Seek help from your piercer when doing so.

Although ideally, you shouldn’t remove any accessory until you get a completely healed tragus piercing.

In all cases, clean the pierced area at least twice a day.

What to use when cleaning your tragus piercing.

I recommend using the H2Ocean Piercing Aftercare Spray.

H2Ocean Piercing Aftercare Spray, Sea Salt Keloid & Bump Treatment, Wound Care Spray 4oz

• FIRST EVER PIERCING AFTERCARE - Our natural sea salt saline tattoo and piercing healing spray was the first piercing aftercare product ever created, this patented formula...
• FAST ACTING - This natural sea salt saline spray calms tissues, and reduces pain and inflammation allowing piercings and other wounds to heal extremely fast.
• NATURAL ENZYMES - Contains an enzyme called lysozyme, which is found in your own tears and saliva that helps your body to speed up the healing process.

Check Price on Amazon

This product contains sea salt and 82 minerals and elements. It will cleanse your piercings, which, in turn, can shorten the healing time.

Because it uses natural minerals and enzymes, H2Ocean Piercing Aftercare Spray matches our body’s saline system. It’s safe to use.

To apply, simply spray on the piercing and let it dry. The recommended use is three to six times a day, but you can use it as often as needed for keloids, infections, and irritations.

Would you get your tragus pierced?