3rd Lobe Piercing

Sitting highest on the lobe, a 3rd lobe piercing is where a stack really starts to take shape. It's the finishing placement for anyone who's already got their first and second lobes done and wants a fuller, more considered look across the bottom of the ear. Because it still sits in soft tissue, it heals in the same straightforward way as your other lobes. Our piercing specialists will map the spacing across all three so everything sits evenly.

PriceFrom NZD $50

Pain level: 2/10
Method: Needle
Minimum age:: 13 years*
Jewellery type:: Flatback, segment ring, or barbell View jewellery options
Downsizing:: 6–8 weeks
Fully healed:: minimum 3 months

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Part of our Two Piercings From $80 deal: get two of your favourite standard piercings for just $80 when pierced with selected surgical steel jewellery. Read more.

Pain is subjective, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee of what you'll feel. Everyone's pain tolerance is different.

* Available: From 13 with parental consent. 16 years+ without parental consent. Check our ID & consent requirements here.

What Is A 3rd Lobe Piercing?

A 3rd lobe piercing sits in the third position on your lobe, usually towards the top of the fleshy area just before the cartilage begins. It's a natural finishing point for a stacked lobe look, sitting above your first and second placements.

Like your other lobe piercings, it's placed in soft tissue with no cartilage involved, so it's a comfortable and quick addition. If you're after a full ear piercing placement plan, your 3rd lobe is often where that stack comes together.

What To Expect

Here's how your experience at SkinKandy unfolds from the moment you arrive.

How We Pierce

Every 3rd lobe is pierced with a single-use hollow needle, never a piercing gun. Our SK Certified piercing specialists are nurse-trained and certified in infection prevention, so you're in safe hands from start to finish.

Choosing Your Jewellery

We pierce with a 16 gauge straight barbell, flatback post or segment ring, with a 14 gauge sometimes used depending on your anatomy. If you're prone to sensitivities, ask about titanium options for a hypoallergenic option while healing.

Step By Step: Your 3rd Lobe Piercing Experience

Your piercing specialist will look at your existing lobe piercings and map out where your 3rd should sit for even spacing.
Once you've agreed on placement, they'll mark the spot and check it with you before going ahead.
The piercing itself is fast: a sterile needle creates the channel, then your chosen jewellery goes straight in.
You'll be given clear guidance on healing, downsizing timelines and anything specific to your anatomy.

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE

Find Your Nearest Studio

Ready to add to your stack? Book in at your nearest studio and bring valid ID.

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Nearest studios

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Aftercare

Healing takes time, and a little patience goes a long way. It's normal for a fresh 3rd lobe to feel tender for the first week or so while it settles in.

Your Daily Routine

Stick to a simple routine and steer clear of anything that irritates the area. Our aftercare range has everything you need to keep it clean while it heals.

Clean your piercing with a sterile saline solution twice daily.
Avoid swimming for 6-8 weeks while it heals.
Avoid sleeping directly on the piercing.
Be mindful of headphones, helmets and hats pressing against it while it's healing.

When Can I Change My Jewellery?

You can generally look at downsizing from 6-8 weeks, with full healing taking a minimum of 3 months. Everyone heals a little differently, so take a look at the average healing time by piercing type if you're curious how your 3rd lobe compares to other placements.

Pierced: Day one
Downsizing:: 6–8 weeks
Fully healed:: minimum 3 months

Jewellery For Your 3rd Lobe

Every piece we stock is made from premium metals and pre-sterilised, so it's ready to support healing from the moment it's fitted.

Starter Jewellery

We pierce 3rd lobes with a 16 gauge straight barbell, flatback post or segment ring, with a 14 gauge sometimes used depending on your anatomy. Browse flatback styles for a flush finish or shop our surgical steel range for a reliable everyday starter piece.

Implant Grade Titanium Guided Internally Threaded Moss Agate Piercing Top - SkinKandy | Body Jewellery & Piercing

Building Your Stack

Once you're healed, check out segment rings for a hinged hoop finish, or mix things up with styles from our hoops and huggies range as your stack grows.

14K Solid Gold Guided Internally Threaded Spider Piercing Top - SkinKandy | Body Jewellery & Piercing

Not Sure What Metal Suits You?

If you're torn between tones, our guide to silver, rose gold or gold can help, and you can always browse shop by material to compare your options side by side.

FAQs

What is a 3rd lobe piercing?

A 3rd lobe piercing sits in the third position on your lobe, usually towards the top of the fleshy part before the ear cartilage begins. It's a popular choice for finishing off a stacked lobe look.

Does a 3rd lobe piercing hurt?

Most people rate it around a 2 out of 10. It sits in the same soft, cartilage-free tissue as your first and second lobes, so the sensation is quick and mild. Pain is subjective, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee of what you'll feel. Everyone's pain tolerance is different.

How long does a 3rd lobe piercing take to heal?

You can generally look at downsizing your jewellery from 6-8 weeks, with full healing taking a minimum of 3 months. Healing speed varies from person to person.

What jewellery works best for a 3rd lobe piercing?

We typically pierce with a 16 gauge straight barbell, flatback post or segment ring, with a 14 gauge sometimes used depending on your anatomy. Your piercing specialist will help you choose based on your placement and healing needs.

Can I get all three lobe piercings done at once?

Yes, many people choose to get their first, second and third lobes pierced in the same visit. Your piercing specialist will help space them evenly so your stack looks balanced as it heals.

How old do I need to be for a 3rd lobe piercing?

You'll need to be at least 13 years old with parental consent, or 16 years and over without. In Western Australia, you must be 18 to get pierced without parental consent. Check our full ID and consent requirements before you book.

Is the 3rd lobe piercing included in the two piercings from $80 deal?

Yes. Your 3rd lobe piercing qualifies for our Two Piercings From $80 offer when paired with another standard piercing and selected surgical steel jewellery.

How do I care for a new 3rd lobe piercing?

Clean it with a sterile saline solution twice daily, avoid swimming for 6-8 weeks and avoid sleeping directly on it. Keep an eye on headphones, helmets and hats while it's healing. Our full aftercare guide covers everything you need to know.