Tragus
piercing
The small cartilage flap in front of the ear canal. A classic placement for delicate flat-backs and considered detail.
Small space, big detail
The tragus is the small, firm cartilage flap that sits in front of the ear canal. Its compact size makes it ideal for delicate, close-fit jewellery — gold flat-backs, tiny gems, and fine detail pieces rather than statement work.
The placement rewards precision. Tragus anatomy varies widely — some are broad and flat, others narrow and deeply angled — and the difference dictates whether we pierce parallel to the face or at a slight forward angle.
We use a 16g needle and a flat-back labret style post. The flat-back sits inside the ear canal and keeps the decorative front flush to the cartilage.
Exactly what to expect
What healing looks like
Localised tenderness
Normal. Keep phones off the pierced side. Saline rinses morning and evening.
Inflammation reduces
Pressure from earbuds is the main irritant — avoid them on the pierced side.
We see you back
Complimentary downsize appointment. A shorter post once swelling has settled.
Remodelling complete
The channel is stable. A small BVLA cluster or solitaire often replaces the starter here.
Nine rules. No exceptions
Cartilage heals slowly because it's avascular — blood doesn't reach the tissue the way it does in a lobe. Following these precisely is the difference between a clean heal and months of trouble.
- 01Saline rinse twice dailySterile saline only. No hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or tea tree oil.
- 02Do not twist or rotateThe jewellery should move only when you downsize it. Rotation tears fresh tissue.
- 03Sleep on the opposite sidePressure during sleep is the leading cause of cartilage bumps. A travel pillow helps.
- 04No pools, oceans, or saunasFor at least six weeks. Water carries bacteria; heat delays healing.
- 05Phones kept cleanA phone against the ear is one of the dirtiest objects to contact a fresh piercing.
- 06Dry with clean tissue onlyPat dry — never rub. Bath towels harbour bacteria and snag on jewellery.
- 07Return for downsize at 2 monthsIncluded free. A long post on a healed piercing is what causes long-term bumps.
- 08No jewellery changes before 6 monthsUnless we do it for you. DIY changes on partially healed cartilage re-start healing.
Tragus work
Book your tragus
All placements are by appointment. Expect a 45-minute slot, start to finish — with full anatomy consult, sterile placement, and aftercare included.
Questions we're asked, often
If your question isn't here, bring it to the consultation. We'd rather answer it in person.
Does it hurt?
Tragus cartilage is firm but thin — a short, sharp sensation rather than sustained pain. Most clients say it's less intense than expected.
Can I wear earbuds?
Not during healing — at least three months off the pierced side. In-ear buds press directly into the fresh placement.
Does a tragus work with glasses?
Perfectly — glasses sit well forward of the tragus and don't interact with the piercing.
Can I get both sides?
Yes, but we prefer to stagger by six to eight weeks so you always have a comfortable side for the phone.
What piece fits best long-term?
Tragus is one of our favourite placements for fine BVLA solitaires. The small scale rewards detail.
Jewellery for your
tragus piercing
The tragus suits small, low-profile flat-back studs — precise and refined. Space is limited here, so anatomy and fit are assessed at consultation before any jewellery is selected.
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