Tragus Piercing
A tragus piercing sits through the small cartilage hump in front of the ear canal. Subtle but stylish, it's a great option if you want a cartilage piercing that doesn't dominate your ear. We pierce with a 16 gauge flatback post, and you can always add sparkle later with a gem or shaped top. Our SK Certified piercing specialists will help you find the exact placement that suits your ear shape.
- Pain level
- 3 to 4 / 10
- Method
- Needle
- Minimum age:
- 13 years*
- Jewellery type:
- Flatback View jewellery options
- Downsizing:
- 6–8 weeks
- Fully healed:
- minimum 6 months
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, 16 years and over without. Check our ID and consent requirements here. Note: in WA you must be 18 years to get pierced without parental consent.
What Is A Tragus Piercing?
A tragus piercing sits through the small cartilage hump in front of the ear canal, known as the tragus. It's one of the more subtle cartilage placements, which makes it a popular pick for a first cartilage piercing or a quiet addition to a bigger stack.
Because the tragus is small and close to the ear canal, our SK Certified piercing specialists take extra care to confirm the exact placement suits your anatomy before piercing.
What To Expect
Here's how your experience at SkinKandy unfolds from the moment you arrive.
How We Pierce
We pierce every tragus 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 consultation through to aftercare advice. Read more about our approach on our piercing info page.
Choosing Your Jewellery
Every tragus is pierced with a 16 gauge flatback post, chosen to sit comfortably against the small cartilage hump. Browse our tragus collection to see what's available, including options in titanium for sensitive ears.
Step By Step: Your Tragus Piercing Experience
- Your piercing specialist will check the shape and size of your tragus and mark the placement with you.
- We pierce with a single-use sterile needle for a clean, precise channel through the cartilage.
- A 16 gauge flatback post 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.
Nearest studios
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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. Cartilage takes its time, so patience really pays off here.
- Pierced
- Day one
- Downsizing:
- 6–8 weeks
- Fully healed:
- minimum 6 months
Jewellery For Your Tragus Piercing
The right jewellery makes all the difference to comfort while your tragus heals, and to how it looks once it's settled.
Starter Jewellery
We pierce every tragus with a 16 gauge flatback post in 316L surgical steel, chosen to sit comfortably against the ear from day one.
Building Your Stack
Once you're healed, explore our wider range of flatback jewellery and read up on curated ears and the latest trend for inspiration on adding sparkle to your tragus.
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 a tragus piercing?
A tragus piercing sits through the small cartilage hump in front of the ear canal. It's subtle but stylish, and works well on its own or as part of a bigger ear stack.
Does a tragus piercing hurt?
Most people rate it a 3 to 4 out of 10. The tragus is a small piece of cartilage, so you'll feel a quick pinch of pressure rather than sustained pain. 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 tragus piercing take to heal?
Full healing takes a minimum of 6 months. Cartilage heals slower than a lobe, so consistent aftercare really helps. Our aftercare guide has tips for supporting the process.
What jewellery is used for a tragus piercing?
We pierce with a 16 gauge flatback post. Once healed, you can add sparkle with a gem or shaped top to personalise your look.
When can I downsize my tragus piercing?
We recommend downsizing to a shorter post at 6 to 8 weeks once the initial swelling has settled, helping the jewellery sit flush and comfortably.
Can I wear headphones with a healing tragus piercing?
Be mindful of headphones and earbuds while your tragus heals, as pressure or friction on the area can slow healing. Over ear headphones are usually more comfortable than in ear buds. Our piercing info page has more tips for the early weeks.
Can I sleep on my new tragus piercing?
Avoid sleeping directly on it while it heals. Side sleepers may want to adjust their usual position for the first few months.
Can I get a tragus piercing as part of the two piercings from $80 deal?
Yes, the tragus piercing qualifies for our two piercings from $80 deal when paired with another standard piercing and selected surgical steel jewellery.
Build Your Ear Stack
A tragus pairs beautifully with other cartilage placements. Read our ear piercing placements guide for inspiration, or explore some of our most popular combinations below.
