Outer Conch Piercing

The flat area between the conch and helix is perfect for single or multiple piercings, and it's a great alternative if a helix isn't suitable for your anatomy. We pierce with a 16 gauge flatback post or barbell, with premium tops available in titanium and gold if you want to upgrade later. Our SK Certified piercing specialists will check your ear shape to confirm outer conch placement is right for you.

PriceFrom NZD $50

Pain level: 4 to 5 / 10
Method: Needle
Minimum age:: 13 years*
Jewellery type:: Flatback or barbell View jewellery options
Downsizing:: 6–8 weeks
Fully healed:: minimum 6 months

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Two Piercings From $80

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 years with parental consent or 16 years without parental consent. Check our ID & consent requirements here.

What Is An Outer Conch Piercing?

An outer conch piercing sits on the flat area of cartilage between the conch and the helix. It's a versatile placement that suits a single piece or multiple piercings clustered together, and it gives you plenty of room to design your own look.

If a helix piercing doesn't suit the shape of your ear, an outer conch is a great alternative that delivers a similar visual style while working with your natural anatomy. Our piercing info page covers more on how we approach cartilage placements like this one.

Implant Grade Titanium Internally Threaded Cubic Zirconia Rectangle Dangle Spike Flatback - SkinKandy | Body Jewellery & Piercing

What To Expect

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

How We Pierce

We pierce every outer conch with a single-use hollow needle, never a piercing gun. Our SK Certified piercing specialists are nurse-trained and certified in infection prevention, so your placement is in safe hands from start to finish.

Choosing Your Jewellery

Every outer conch is pierced with a 16 gauge flatback post or barbell. Browse our conch collection to see what's available, with premium tops in titanium to upgrade to once you're healed.

Step By Step: Your Outer Conch Piercing Experience

Your piercing specialist will assess your ear shape and mark the outer conch placement with you.
We pierce with a single-use sterile needle for a clean, precise channel through the cartilage.
A 16 gauge flatback post or barbell is fitted straight away to support your healing piercing.
You'll get full aftercare guidance before you leave, plus advice on when to come back for downsizing.

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE

Find Your Nearest Studio

Ready to book in? Check our age, ID and consent requirements before your visit so you know what to bring.

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Aftercare

Healing takes time, and that's completely normal for a cartilage piercing like this one.

Your Daily Routine

Stick to a simple daily routine and stock up on the right products from our aftercare collection. For the full step by step, read our aftercare guide.

Clean with sterile saline twice daily.
Avoid swimming for 6 to 8 weeks.
Avoid sleeping on the piercing and be mindful of headphones, helmets and hats.

When Can I Change My Jewellery?

We recommend downsizing to a shorter post at 6 to 8 weeks once the initial swelling has settled, and full healing takes a minimum of 6 months in total. Read our guide on why downsizing your piercing matters for more detail.

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

Jewellery For Your Outer Conch Piercing

The right jewellery makes all the difference to comfort while your outer conch heals, and to how it looks once it's settled.

316L surgical steel labret piercing with a polished ball end and flat disc backing

Starter Jewellery

We pierce every outer conch with a 16 gauge flatback post or barbell in 316L surgical steel, chosen to sit comfortably against the ear from day one.

Building Your Stack

Once you're healed, cluster your outer conch with other cartilage placements. Explore our flatback jewellery range for pieces that suit the placement as you build out your stack.

Not Sure What Metal Suits You?

If you're torn between finishes, our guide on silver, rose gold or gold can help, or browse everything by material to compare options.

FAQs

What is an outer conch piercing?

An outer conch piercing sits on the flat area between the conch and helix. It's a versatile placement that suits single or multiple piercings and gives a similar look to a helix for ears where a helix placement isn't suitable.

Does an outer conch piercing hurt?

Most people rate it a 4 to 5 out of 10. You'll feel firm pressure as the needle passes through the cartilage, followed by a dull ache that settles quickly. 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 an outer conch piercing take to heal?

Full healing takes a minimum of 6 months. Cartilage heals slower than a lobe, so consistent aftercare makes a real difference.

What jewellery is used for an outer conch piercing?

We pierce with a 16 gauge flatback post or barbell. Once healed, you can upgrade to a premium top in titanium or gold to personalise your placement.

When can I downsize my outer conch piercing?

We recommend downsizing to a shorter post at 6 to 8 weeks once the initial swelling has settled, helping the jewellery sit closer and more comfortably against the ear. Read more on the average healing time by piercing type.

Is outer conch a good alternative to helix?

Yes. If your anatomy doesn't suit a helix placement, an outer conch offers a similar visual style on the flat cartilage between the conch and helix. Our piercing info page has more on choosing the right placement for you.

Can I sleep on my new outer conch piercing?

Avoid sleeping directly on it while it heals. Side sleepers may want to adjust their position or use a travel pillow with a cut out.

Can I get an outer conch piercing as part of the two piercings from $80 deal?

Yes, the outer conch piercing qualifies for our two piercings from $80 deal when paired with another standard piercing and selected surgical steel jewellery.

Build Your Ear Stack

An outer conch pairs beautifully with other cartilage placements. Read our ear piercing placements guide for inspiration, or explore some of our most popular combinations below.