Transverse Lobe Piercing

A transverse lobe is a twist on the classic lobe piercing. Instead of going front to back, the piercing runs horizontally through the lobe, so both ends of a curved barbell sit visible along the surface of the ear. It's a unique, eye-catching placement, but it's also anatomy dependent, meaning not everyone's lobe is suited to it. A quick consult with one of our piercing specialists will confirm if it's the right fit for you.

PriceFrom NZD $50

Pain level: 4-5 / 10
Method: Needle
Minimum age:: 13 years*
Jewellery type:: Curved barbell View jewellery options
Downsizing:: 6–8 weeks
Fully healed:: minimum 4 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 A Transverse Lobe Piercing?

A transverse lobe piercing sits horizontally through the lobe rather than passing straight through from front to back like a standard lobe piercing. A curved barbell is used so both ends of the jewellery rest visibly on the surface of the lobe, giving it a distinct, structural look you don't get from a classic placement.

Because the piercing channel runs a different path through the tissue, this placement is anatomy dependent. Lobe size, thickness and shape all play a part in whether a transverse lobe is a good fit for you, which is why we always recommend a consult with one of our piercing specialists before booking in.

What To Expect

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

How We Pierce

Your transverse lobe is pierced with a single-use hollow needle, never a piercing gun, by an SK Certified piercing specialist who's nurse-trained and certified in infection prevention. Because this placement depends on the shape and thickness of your lobe, it needs an anatomy consult first so your piercing specialist can confirm you're a suitable candidate. Read more about how we approach every piercing before you book in.

Choosing Your Jewellery

We fit a 16 gauge curved barbell as standard, though a 14 gauge may be used depending on your anatomy. Curved barbells sit comfortably along the transverse path while it heals, keeping both visible ends secure and even. Browse our titanium jewellery range to see the options available on the day.

Step By Step: Your Transverse Lobe Piercing Experience

Your piercing specialist assesses your lobe's shape and thickness, marks out the exact path and checks it with you before anything is pierced.
The piercing is done with a sterile, single use needle. It's typically rated a little higher than a standard lobe piercing at 4 to 5 out of 10.
A 16 gauge curved barbell is fitted straight away, though a 14 gauge may be used depending on your anatomy.
You'll leave with full aftercare guidance, plus a note on average healing times by piercing type so you know what to expect over the coming months.

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE

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Ready to get pierced? Book in at your nearest studio.

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Aftercare

Healing takes time, and that's particularly true here since a transverse lobe passes through more tissue than a standard lobe piercing and takes a minimum of 4 months to fully heal.

Your Daily Routine

Stick to a simple daily routine and keep your aftercare products on hand while your piercing settles.

Clean the piercing with a sterile saline solution twice daily.
Avoid swimming for 6 to 8 weeks while it settles.
Avoid sleeping directly on the piercing while it's healing.
Be mindful of headphones, helmets and hats, since pressure on the placement can disturb healing.

When Can I Change My Jewellery?

Most people can downsize to a shorter bar between 6 to 8 weeks, once the initial swelling has settled, but the piercing itself needs a minimum of 4 months to be fully healed. Read more on why downsizing matters before you swap your jewellery, and check our post-piercing aftercare guide for full guidance before and after your visit.

Pierced: Day one
Downsizing:: 6–8 weeks
Fully healed:: minimum 4 months

Jewellery For Your Transverse Lobe

We pierce with a 16 gauge curved barbell as standard, though a 14 gauge may be used depending on your anatomy. Curved barbells are designed to sit comfortably along the transverse path while healing, keeping both visible ends secure and even.

Starter Jewellery

Your initial piece is a 16 gauge curved barbell, with a 14 gauge sometimes used depending on your anatomy. Browse our curved barbells range to see what's available in studio.

Curved titanium barbell piercing with polished silver finish and round ball ends

Building Your Stack

Once you're fully healed, a transverse lobe pairs well with other lobe jewellery. Explore our hoops and huggies to round out your stack over time.

Not Sure What Metal Suits You?

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

FAQs

What is a transverse lobe piercing?

A transverse lobe runs horizontally through the lobe instead of front to back like a standard lobe piercing. Both ends of the jewellery sit visible along the lobe's surface, which gives it a distinct, layered look compared to a classic placement.

Is a transverse lobe piercing right for everyone?

Not always. Because it passes through more lobe tissue at a different angle, it depends on the size, thickness and shape of your lobe. This is why we recommend a consult with one of our piercing specialists before booking, so they can check your anatomy is suited to the placement.

Does a transverse lobe piercing hurt more than a standard lobe piercing?

It's typically rated a little higher than a standard lobe piercing, around 4 to 5 out of 10, since the needle travels through more lobe tissue horizontally rather than straight through. It's still a quick piercing, just with a slightly stronger sensation than a classic lobe. 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 transverse lobe piercing take to heal?

Full healing usually takes a minimum of 4 months, longer than a standard lobe piercing, because of the extra tissue involved. Everyone heals a little differently, so stick to your aftercare routine and give it the time it needs.

What jewellery is used for a transverse lobe piercing?

We pierce with a 16 gauge curved barbell, though a 14 gauge may be used depending on your individual anatomy. Your piercing specialist will confirm the right fit for you on the day.

Can I get a transverse lobe as part of the two piercings from $80 deal?

Yes, transverse lobe piercings are included in our two piercings from $80 promotion. Speak to your piercing specialist in studio about eligible jewellery options.

How do I look after a transverse lobe piercing while it's healing?

Clean the piercing with a sterile saline solution twice daily, avoid swimming for 6 to 8 weeks and avoid sleeping directly on the piercing. Be mindful of headphones, helmets and hats while it heals, since pressure can disturb the placement.

Can kids get a transverse lobe piercing?

Yes, our minimum age is 13 years with parental consent, or 16 years without. In Western Australia you need to be 18 to get pierced without parental consent.