The Ultimate Guide Tragus Piercing: Pain, Cost, Healing and Sizes
Reading Time: 6 minutes A tragus piercing is a stylish way to decorate your ear by placing jewelry on the small piece of cartilage right in front of your ear canal. Many people like it because it looks unique and can match different styles, from simple to bold. If you’re thinking about getting one, knowing how much it hurts, how long it takes to heal, and what size jewelry fits best will help you make a good decision and keep your piercing healthy.
What is a Tragus Piercing?
A tragus piercing is an ear piercing placed on the small, firm piece of cartilage directly in front of the ear canal, called the tragus. This spot is noticeable and has become popular for its unique and attractive appearance. Jewelry for tragus piercings typically includes small studs, hoops, or barbells, which can be made from materials like titanium, surgical steel, or gold, giving individuals plenty of stylish options.
Tragus piercings add personality to your overall look and can be worn alone or alongside other ear piercings for extra style. They are favored because of their versatility—suitable for both casual everyday looks and elegant occasions. Many people appreciate this piercing for the subtle yet striking accent it provides, allowing them to express individuality and enhance their ear’s appearance.
Does Tragus Piercing Hurt?
Getting a tragus piercing can cause mild to moderate pain, though everyone’s experience is slightly different. Since the tragus is made of thick cartilage, you might feel a sharp pinch or pressure during the piercing. On a pain scale from 1 to 10, most people rate tragus piercing pain around 4 to 6, describing it as manageable and brief.
While some discomfort is common, the actual piercing process is very quick, usually lasting only a few seconds. Afterward, your ear might feel sore or tender, but this usually fades within a few days. Overall, although tragus piercings can cause some temporary pain, many people feel the stylish look they achieve is well worth it.
How Long Does a Tragus Piercing Take to Heal?
A tragus piercing typically takes between 3 to 6 months to fully heal, although some people may need a bit longer depending on their body’s healing response. During the first few weeks, you may notice swelling, redness, or slight tenderness, which gradually decreases as the healing progresses.
Proper aftercare is important to speed up the healing time and prevent complications. Keeping the piercing clean, avoiding touching it unnecessarily, and protecting it from irritation can help your tragus piercing heal smoothly. Even if your piercing feels healed after a few months, cartilage piercings like the tragus can still be sensitive, so continuing gentle care is beneficial until healing is fully complete.
How much is a Tragus Piercing?
The cost of a tragus piercing typically ranges from $30 to $60, although prices can vary based on location, piercing studio reputation, and the jewelry you choose. High-quality jewelry made from materials like titanium or gold usually costs more than basic surgical steel options.
Some piercing studios include jewelry and aftercare products in the price, while others charge separately. It’s always a good idea to research and visit a trusted professional piercer who uses safe and hygienic practices. Paying a little extra for quality service and jewelry helps reduce risks and ensures a better piercing experience overall.
What Gauge is a Tragus Piercing?
A tragus piercing is commonly done using a 16-gauge needle, which is approximately 1.2 millimeters thick. However, it’s also popular to use an 18-gauge needle, slightly thinner at around 1 millimeter. Both 16-gauge and 18-gauge jewelry sizes are widely available and comfortable for tragus piercings.
When choosing jewelry, it’s important to match the gauge of your piercing to ensure a proper fit. If you’re unsure of your piercing gauge, check with your piercer before purchasing new jewelry. Wearing the correct gauge helps avoid irritation, discomfort, and potential healing problems.
How to Pierce the Tragus?
Piercing the tragus is typically done by a professional piercer using sterile equipment. First, the piercer cleans the area thoroughly with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection. They then mark the exact spot on the tragus where the jewelry will go, making sure you’re happy with the placement before starting. Afterward, the piercer uses a sterile hollow needle to carefully pierce through the cartilage, followed by inserting the chosen jewelry.
It’s very important that this procedure is done by a trained professional because the tragus is small and made of thick cartilage, making precision essential. Piercing guns should never be used for tragus piercings, as they can cause unnecessary trauma and increase infection risk. Always choose a reputable piercing studio that follows strict hygiene practices to ensure a safe and successful tragus piercing experience.
What Size is a Tragus Piercing?
| Gauge (Thickness) | Millimeters (mm) | Inches (in) | Commonly Used |
| 20 Gauge | 0.8 mm | 0.032 in | Less common |
| 18 Gauge | 1.0 mm | 0.040 in | Common ✅ |
| 16 Gauge | 1.2 mm | 0.048 in | Most common ✅ |
| 14 Gauge | 1.6 mm | 0.064 in | Less common |
How Do You Remove a Tragus Piercing?
Removing a tragus piercing is usually straightforward, but it should be done gently and carefully. Start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid infection. Next, hold the tragus jewelry firmly from the front, and carefully unscrew or gently pull off the back piece, depending on the type of jewelry you’re wearing. Jewelry such as studs or barbells typically unscrew easily, while hoops may require gently bending them open.
If your jewelry feels stuck or you’re unsure about removing it yourself, it’s safest to visit a professional piercer who can remove it without causing injury or irritation. After removal, clean the piercing site with saline solution to prevent any irritation or infection. Remember, if your tragus piercing is still healing, it’s best to wait until it’s fully healed before removing or changing your jewelry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tragus Piercing
How to Clean Tragus Piercing?
Cleaning your tragus piercing correctly helps it heal faster and prevents infection. The best way to clean it is by using a saline solution. Gently soak a cotton ball or swab in the saline solution and carefully clean around the pierced area at least twice a day. Be sure to remove any dried discharge or crust gently without rotating or twisting the jewelry.
Avoid touching your tragus piercing unnecessarily, and always wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning. Don’t use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh chemicals, as these can irritate the skin and delay healing. Keeping your tragus piercing clean and dry helps ensure it heals properly and stays healthy.
There’s no strong scientific proof that tragus piercings help with migraines, but some people believe it relieves headaches through acupressure points. While individual experiences may vary, medical experts generally don’t recommend tragus piercings specifically for migraine treatment. If migraines are a concern, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.
To unscrew a tragus piercing, wash your hands first, then gently hold the front of the jewelry steady with one hand. Use your other hand to carefully twist and unscrew the back part counterclockwise. If it feels stuck or difficult, a professional piercer can safely remove it for you.
If your tragus piercing is infected, clean it gently with saline solution two to three times daily, and avoid touching it unnecessarily. Applying a warm compress can also help reduce swelling and encourage healing. If the infection worsens or doesn’t improve quickly, seek medical advice promptly.
A surface tragus piercing usually costs between $40 and $80, though the price can vary depending on the studio and the jewelry selected. Because it’s a specialized piercing, choosing a reputable piercer who uses high-quality materials is essential, even if it costs a bit more.
Yes, tragus piercings can close up if jewelry is removed, especially within the first year. Cartilage piercings like the tragus generally close slowly, but leaving jewelry out for an extended time can cause the piercing hole to shrink or close completely. Regularly wearing jewelry helps prevent this.
