Conch Piercing [50 Ideas]: Pain Level, Healing Time, Cost, Experience

Considering a new ear piercing? Looking for something edgy and exciting? A conch piercing might be for you!

Urban Body Jewelry

This article will give you an idea of what to expect in terms of relative pain, piercing procedure and healing time for a conch piercing. Below you will find photos of conch piercings with different jewelry so you can decide how to make it your own. Since aftercare is central to healing any piercing, this article will also help prepare you for what to expect from healing a conch piercing.

What is a Conch Piercing?

Conch piercings are located on the rounded cartilage in the inner part of the ear. This part of cartilage is often compared to a conch seashell, hence the name. There are two variations of conch piercings: the outer and inner conch.

The outer conch piercing is located on the upper part of the cartilage. Hoops are a chic option for this piercing since they loop around the outside of the ear.

The inner conch piercing is located on the lower cartilage at the base of the ear. Studs are often used in this piercing to keep it both comfortable and stylish.

There are several variations to conch piercings. Some dedicated piercing enthusiasts have a double or triple conch piercing. A popular variation of the double conch is a conch orbital piercing. Unlike a normal orbital piercing, the conch orbital is oriented up and down instead of sideways, and the pattern makes an “orbit” around the lower ridge of the ear.

Conch piercing image

Piercee.com Ad

conch piercing pretty double conch piercing triple conch piercing

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Conch piercings are perfect for anyone with short or tied-up hair. This makes them easier to spot and more potential compliments coming your way!
Conch piercings allow you to experiment with different jewelry depending on your mood. If you prefer minimalism, one simple inner conch piercing is a perfect choice. If you like to live on the wild side, double or triple conch piercings might be your best bet.

Cons:

The location of the conch piercings requires some finesse to clean and maintain. However, these concerns are drastically reduced if you go to a reputable piercer and maintain your aftercare regimen.
Conch piercings, like most cartilage piercings, risk permanent damage to the surrounding cartilage. You will probably still have a hole in your cartilage even after removing your conch piercing for good. Think about if this is a concern for you before making the decision to get pierced!

conch ear piercing

Procedure

A reputable piercer will go over the entire procedure with you beforehand and make sure you understand everything. You’ll pick out your size & jewelry and make sure everything is sorted out. Don’t hesitate to ask questions at this step!
After getting setup, your piercer will clean your ear to eliminate bacteria going forward.
Your piercer will use a surgical marker to pinpoint where they will pierce you. Make sure the piercing is in the right place in the mirror and confirm this with your piercer. You won’t be able to change it later!
Breathe out while the needle goes through your ear. Since cartilage is thicker than normal skin, it may be more painful than an earlobe piercing. Some slight bleeding and swelling are normal immediately after getting pierced.
The jewelry you picked out earlier is now switched out with the needle. Some discomfort is to be expected, but your piercer will be quick about it.
After cleaning your piercing to ensure everything is secure, you will receive instructions & a pamphlet for how to care for your piercing. Keep up with this aftercare routine for a happy and healthy piercing!

For more information on the conch piercing procedure, watch the detailed video here.

How Much Does a Conch Piercing Hurt?

6 out of 10

[powerkit_progressbar value=”60″ height=”20″ color=”primary” display_value=”true” striped=”true” animated=”true”]

Shop Piercing Jewelry

The approximate pain level of a piercing usually depends on the type and size of the piercing you want. Single-hole conch piercings are rated at a 6/10 on the pain scale. Despite being one of the most painful piercings, it’s a quick procedure that will look great afterwards. This rating is also dependent on your relative pain tolerance, so it might be different for you. Try to stay calm and take deep breaths and you’ll have a rad new piercing to show off!

It’s normal to have some ear pain and swelling for a few hours after getting pierced. However, you need to contact your piercer if these issues extend for more than a day after getting pierced. Prolonged swelling and pain could lead to unwanted side effects, so it’s better to deal with these things early on.

Healing and Aftercare

Conch piercings can take anywhere from 6 to 10 months to heal completely. Cartilage piercings are known for taking longer than piercings through normal skin.

This healing time depends on how closely you follow your aftercare regimen. The risks are higher if you slack on piercing aftercare or if something has gone wrong during the procedure. Ear bumps or infected piercings are not as common, but they can happen if you don’t take aftercare seriously. Some tips to avoid piercing issues are as follows:

Do not change your conch jewelry until the primary healing phase is complete. This initial phase might take up to six months, so make sure you love your initial jewelry!
Avoid pulling and rotating your jewelry. Be sure not to touch your piercing with clothes, phones or dirty hands.
Keep your piercing dry. Gently pat it with a clean towel after taking a shower.
Clean your piercing at least two times per day. The best way to do it is before bed and in the morning after waking up.

Image gallery

how much is a conch piercing - up to 75 usd

inner conch piercing price - up to 75 usd

orbital conch piercing hoop image — orbital cartilage piercing

double inner conch piercing pain scale - 6 of 10

triple inner conch piercing stud jewelry

Recommended Aftercare Products

Sea salt for saline washes

Urban Body Jewelry

This product is great for DIY saline solution. Saline solution is gentle on piercings and will ensure the area stays clean for maximum healing.

[powerkit_button size=”lg” style=”secondary” block=”true” url=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NTAH740/ref=as_li_ss_tl?th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=newpiercings-20&linkId=c803244438447805b50d928e393c41cd” target=”_blank” nofollow=”false”]
Buy Now on Amazon
[/powerkit_button]

Piercing aftercare spray

Piercing spray is a great option for anyone on-the-go. It’s easy to use and available at most piercing shops.

[powerkit_button size=”lg” style=”secondary” block=”true” url=”https://www.amazon.com/H2Ocean-Piercing-Aftercare-Spray-Fluid/dp/B007M1ZQM2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=newpiercings-20&linkId=0853f84b69e9fadfc4cbd13242ed4719″ target=”_blank” nofollow=”false”]
Buy Now on Amazon
[/powerkit_button]

Best way to clean your piercing

The best cleaning option is a saline solution. Get a gallon jug of distilled water and mix four tablespoons of sea salt (not table salt) into it. Now you have a quick & easy piercing cleaner!

Apply some of your saline wash onto a clean pad or towel. If you notice crusted debris on your piercing, hold the pad onto the piercing to loosen these debris. Gently clean the area while making sure not to move your jewelry around. This routine twice per day will keep your piercing healthy.

Read more about your new piercing aftercare routine here.

Best Jewelry

There is a wide variety of jewelry options for conch piercings depending on your desired look. However, the best initial jewelry is a stud so that there is minimal movement. Initial jewelry can always be replaced after the healing period.

Outer conch piercings look stylish when decorated with a ring or conch piercing hoop.

For inner or double conch piercings, you can experiment with any variety of jewelry including cute barbells, captive rings or studs.

For a unisex option, consider using black studs. Black jewelry keeps things simple while providing an edgy look.

How to change your jewelry

How Much Does a Conch Piercing Cost?

In the US, conch piercing ranges between $45 to $75.
In the UK, conch piercing ranges between £30 – £60.
In Europe, conch piercing ranges between €25 to €55.

Experience Videos

Urban Body Jewelry

Christina Andrusenko

My name is Christina. I’m passioned about piercing. I have 2 piercings for 17 years: Earlobe and Madonna. I used to have 3rd one before – nose piercing.

It pisses me off when I can’t find proven information about piercing type I interested in. That is why Piercee was created.