Body modifications can be a very interesting and unique way to express creativity and personality. Tragus piercings are a unique ear piercing that is becoming increasingly trendy among people of all kinds of fashion. If this is your first piercing or if you are looking to add to your collection, knowing what a tragus piercing is and how to care for it will be very beneficial.
What is a Tragus Piercing?
A tragus piercing is an ear cartilage piercing that is located at the tragus, the small flap of cartilage that is in front of the ear canal. The cartilage is pierced, and it is typical to use a small stud or a small hoop placed toward the ear, making it a very small, subtle piercing. This is also a very subtle piercing and a great addition to any piercing collection.
Many people confuse it with other piercings, like the helix or daith, but in fact, its positioning makes it unique. The piercing’s proximity to the face draws attention to it without overwhelming the look. For those who like subtle piercings, the snug piercing could be your best friend. Anatomically, the tragus has more soft tissue than the lobe, making the process more precise than with the average piercing.
History and Growth of Popularity
Body piercings, including ear piercings, have been part of history and civilisation for thousands of years for various cultural or religious reasons. While tragus piercings are not documented in the historical record, other cartilage piercings were found in tribal societies in Africa and Asia.
In the present age, a lot of piercings are done for rebellion. The tragus piercing became popular in the 90s with the punk scene, as it allowed for a more subtle rebellion, especially with a lot of ear jewellery. In the 2010s, it became more popular as social media rose, with influencers and celebs rocking piercings. There has been a lot of change in tragus piercings as they have gone from being a more individual choice to being seen everywhere, including at the Oscars and other events.
What drives this trend? For one, it is flexibility. Teens are trying self-discovery, and adults are trying to express themselves professionally. Also, it fits the minimalist, straight-to-the-point, no-flashy-accessories trend. It offers a lot of bang for your buck.
What to expect from the process
First-time visits to a piercing shop may be exciting and nerve-wracking. A lot goes into the process. A professional piercer will start by ensuring it is balanced and avoiding nerves or blood vessels.
They will also sanitize the site before doing the actual piercing. Unlike sterile, single-use guns, piercers will use a hollow, single-use needle. It is a matter of safety and will lessen or eliminate the risk of cartilage shattering or uneven healing. Once you create the hole, you will feel a jolt or pinch, and jewellery will be placed, which will create additional pressure. You will feel some slight pain for no more than a minute, and that will pass. A couple of places will provide numbing cream.
Positive feedback is also good, and be sure to check the gap. You don’t want the site to be infected.
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Helpful Healing Tips that Are Important to Follow
You get your tragus done, now it is time for you to look up aftercare for your new piercing! Patience is key because cartilage takes longer than lobes. Start cleaning the area twice a day for 2 weeks. You can use sea salt or buy a saline spray. Stay away from soaps that are considered “harsh” or contain alcohol, as these will dry out the skin and delay recovery.
Twisting the jewellery is a no. This myth has been circulating for years and can lead to the piercing becoming infected with bacteria. Instead, leave it be. You can sleep on the opposite side of your head to avoid irritation, and consider using headphones to prevent them from snagging on jewellery. Swelling and discharge are signs of an infected piercing. If you notice them after the initial healing period, consider reaching out to a professional for help. If you consistently take care of your piercing, your tragus will be a part of your everyday routine.
How to Pick the Best Jewellery and What the Best Options Are
Your look will be determined by the jewellery you choose. New piercings in your ear should use surgical steel, titanium, or gold for the healing period. These materials are hypoallergenic and less likely to cause allergies. You can choose studs with a flat part that sits against your ear, as this is less likely to cause discomfort and helps prevent your piercing from snagging on your clothing, hair, etc.
Once fully healed, it’s time to have a little fun! Choose some tiny hoops, a few barbells, or some gems to make it personal. Opting for a diamond stud for a little more sparkle makes it more formal for a night on the town, while a ring will be more casual. It’s also important to get the right size; if it’s too big, the piercing will get lost; if it’s too small, it will get lost.
You can create an earscape by mixing metals or stacking other piercings. It’s up to your personal preference, so don’t forget to prioritise quality over quantity! Invest in a few nice alternatives to the cheap metals that irritate and tarnish your ears.
Potential Risks and How to Mitigate Them
With tragus piercing, as with other piercings, there will always be some risk; some of the most common issues can be avoided. These are aftercare sections, keloids (((raised scars the body can be prone to)), and jewellery migration if your body rejects it. These issues usually happen because the user does not practice proper care and hygiene.
During the healing process, strict care and hygiene must be maintained. Bacteria are usually present and can multiply after the healing process. Because of this, the user is recommended to avoid swimming in oceans and pools during this time. It is also advisable that those on blood thinners, those with diabetes, or those with other unrelated medical conditions consult a medical professional.
Doing so makes potential issues minor and more frequent. It also does not affect your hearing. It should not be an issue if the piercing is done correctly.
What’s Normal When Healing a Tragus Piercing
It is expected that a tragus piercing will heal in 3 to 6 months, with full healing potentially taking a year. In the first week, swelling, pain, and tenderness will happen, potentially warranting the use of an ice pack. In the second week, pain and discomfort subside, but be sure not to change the jewellery too soon.
Healing milestones note a reduction of crust in the first month. By the end of the third month, the jewellery will feel secure. Stress, smoking, and poor diet can also negatively affect healing time, so prioritizing better health can help. Tissue repair can also be accelerated by incorporating certain vitamins.
Change will be small and will accumulate, so take images of your healing progression to track it. When your piercing is finally healed, it will be an incredible and seamless addition to your style.
How a Tragus Piercing Can Improve Your Style
A tragus piercing will add a great deal of versatility to your style. For bohemian, festival-like styles, use layered necklaces and feather earrings. In a corporate job, the subtle stud gives a polished, respectful feel while remaining professional and allowing self-expression.
If you want to shake it up, go for an asymmetric vibe: one side pierced with a tragus piercing, the other bare. Gold hoops look great against dark hair, but you can also use one to complement your conch and rook piercings. When you want a full look, you can add a tragus piercing.
Changing your jewellery with the seasons is a fun way to express yourself. Pastels for spring, and bolder colours for winter! The best way to rock this with a lot of confidence is to really transform your outfits.
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Celebrities Loving The Tragus Piercing Trend
Celebrities have been all over the tragus piercing trend. Scarlett Johansen has a really understated piercing, and the jewellery she’s wearing adds a very classy, beautiful twist to all the outfits. Kravits, on the other hand, takes the complete opposite approach, and hers is all about a really cool, casual look.
Rihanna is known for her bold fashion choices, and this piercing is usually included, along with that extra sparkle, which she mixes with diamond jewellery. Even men have been wearing this piercing, with Harry Styles showing that it is not a gendered thing. It really shows how small accessories can define a specific look and inspire so many others.
Options If Tragus Piercing Isn’t for You
Alternatives such as a clip-on or a magnet could work if you want to try something similar without the commitment of getting a daith piercing. A daith piercing is similar to a tragus piercing because it is located on the inner ear fold and, according to some, can help relieve migraines.
If you want something that is not on the ear, nose, or lip, a nose or lip piercing can help draw attention to the middle of the face. If you want to try something really unique and fancy for a specific occasion, take the dip to try a sticker or face paint. Regardless of whatever you end up doing, you should try something that really speaks to you to show your body art.
Should You Get a Tragus Piercing?
To begin, tragus piercings are not a typical piercing; they have a rich history that involves both care and creativity. Piercings themselves are a form of self-expression that is always evolving, and if this excites you, look for a good piercer, then get started on the healing process. If this has you feeling more on the fence, you could start smaller and see if your friends getting their piercings influences your decision.
Getting a tragus piercing shows people the power of small things and the big changes they can help create. If it is something you are interested in, trust your gut to avoid regret.
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