Tragus Piercing in Nairobi, Kenya

(Pain Threshold, Aftercare, Healing, and Jewelry Guide)

The tragus is the part of the ear that attaches to the side of the face that protrudes into the center of the ear, and partially covers the ear canal.

The tiny piece of cartilage that partially encloses your ear canal is where a tragus piercing is located. The outer ear’s anatomy consists of cartilage and skin. While the fleshy lobe continues to be the primary option for traditionalists seeking piercing, sections of cartilage, such as the tragus, may intrigue individuals interested in something slightly different from or in addition to their already pierced lobe.

Tragus Piercings

Variations of Tragus Piercings

While the term “tragus piercing” typically refers to a specific location on the ear, there are variations and additional ear piercings that involve the tragus area or nearby regions. Here are some types of tragus and tragus-related piercings:

Traditional Tragus Piercing: This is the standard tragus piercing, where the jewelry is inserted through the tragus, the small piece of cartilage that protrudes in front of the ear canal.
Double Tragus Piercing: Two tragus piercings are done on the same ear, often vertically aligned or at a slight angle. This style adds a unique look to the tragus area.
Surface Tragus Piercing: Sometimes referred to as a “surface tragus,” this involves placing a barbell or surface bar horizontally along the flat surface of the tragus, rather than going through the cartilage.
Vertical Tragus Piercing: In a vertical tragus piercing, the jewelry is inserted vertically through the tragus, starting at the top or bottom and exiting at the opposite end. It can create an interesting visual effect.
Anti-Tragus Piercing: The anti-tragus is the small bump of cartilage opposite the tragus, on the outer part of the ear. An anti-tragus piercing involves piercing this area, typically with a small stud or hoop.
Forward Helix Piercing: Although not precisely a tragus piercing, the forward helix is located on the upper part of the ear, just above the tragus. It can be done as a single piercing or in a cluster, often using small studs or rings.
Snug Piercing: The snug piercing goes through the cartilage along the inner ridge of the ear, parallel to the tragus. It’s not part of the tragus itself, but it’s a nearby piercing option.
Rook Piercing: The rook piercing is situated above the tragus, in the fold of cartilage in the middle of the ear. It is not directly related to the tragus but is another popular ear piercing.
Daith Piercing: The daith piercing is located in the innermost fold of cartilage above the ear canal, near the tragus. While it’s not part of the tragus, it’s sometimes considered a companion to tragus piercings.

Each of these piercings has its own unique look and placement, offering various options for ear decoration and personal style. Keep in mind that the suitability of a specific piercing may depend on your ear’s anatomy and the guidance of a professional piercer. It’s essential to consult with an experienced piercer to determine the best piercing type for your preferences and anatomy.

Considerations before getting a Tragus Piercings

Before getting a tragus piercing or any other type of body piercing, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. These considerations will help ensure that you make an informed decision and have a positive piercing experience:

Piercing Studio: Choose a reputable and professional piercing studio or piercer. Look for a place with a clean and sterile environment, and experienced staff. At Rebel Inks Tattoo Removal and Piercings Parlour we have extensive experience and experienced team that is geared to offer you the best services Contact Us Today for further consultation and scheduling
Allergies and Sensitivities: Discuss any known allergies or sensitivities you have with your piercer. This information is crucial in selecting the appropriate jewelry materials, as some people may react to certain metals.
Medical History: Inform your piercer about your medical history, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications that might affect your healing process.
Anatomy Assessment: Every person’s ear anatomy is unique. A professional piercer will assess your tragus’s size, shape, and location to determine the best placement for the piercing.
Pain Tolerance: Consider your pain tolerance. While tragus piercings are generally not extremely painful, there will be some discomfort during the process.
Healing Time: Understand that tragus piercings, like all body piercings, require a healing period. Be prepared for the commitment to proper aftercare and potential healing complications.
Aftercare: Ask your piercer about the specific aftercare instructions you should follow. Proper cleaning and care are essential to prevent infection and ensure a successful healing process.
Jewelry Selection: Discuss your jewelry options with your piercer. At Rebel Inks Tattoo Removal and Piercings Parlor, our piercers will recommend suitable jewelry types, sizes, and materials based on your preferences and anatomy.
Lifestyle Considerations: Consider your daily activities and lifestyle. Activities like contact sports, swimming, or wearing over-ear headphones may need to be adjusted during the healing process.
Long-Term Commitment: Remember that a piercing is a long-term commitment. Even after the initial healing period, you’ll need to continue caring for your piercing and may need to change jewelry periodically.
Infection Risk: Be aware of the risk of infection and other potential complications. Keep an eye out for any signs of infection (e.g., redness, swelling, discharge) and seek prompt medical attention if you suspect an issue.
Piercing Cost: Understand the cost associated with the piercing, including the initial piercing fee and the price of jewelry. High-quality jewelry may be more expensive but is worth the investment.
Personal Style: Choose jewelry that reflects your personal style and preferences, as this is a chance to express yourself through body art.

Tragus Piercings FAQ’s

How painful is a tragus piercing?

Most cartilage piercings feel like pressure rather than pain. A number of individuals, for instance, who have both tragus and helix piercings wouldn’t claim one was more painful than the other. However, as each person has different pain thresholds, the degree of discomfort you experience will vary.

The tragus piercing is one of the least painful places to get pierced around the ear, despite what some may think. It is made of thick cartilage, which provides considerable protection, and has few nerve endings. It hurts maybe a 6 out of a 10, pain-wise. But it only lasts a brief period of time—just a brief “hot” sensation, and then it’s over!

Tragus Piercing Aftercare and Healing

After getting a tragus piercing, proper aftercare is essential to ensure the piercing heals correctly and to minimize the risk of infection or complications. Here are some steps you should follow for tragus piercing aftercare:

Clean Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your piercing to avoid introducing bacteria.
Saline Solution Soaks: Soak your piercing in a saline solution at least twice a day. To make a saline solution, mix 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt with 8 ounces of warm distilled water. Avoid using table salt as it may contain impurities. Soak a clean cotton ball or gauze pad in the saline solution and hold it against your tragus for 5-10 minutes.
Rinse: After the saline soak, rinse the area with warm water to remove any salt residue. Pat it dry gently with a clean, disposable paper towel or use a sterile gauze pad.
Avoid Over-Cleaning: While cleaning is essential, over-cleaning can be harmful. Stick to the recommended twice-daily routine to avoid irritating the piercing.
Avoid Touching and Twisting: Try to minimize touching the piercing as much as possible. Twisting or turning the jewelry can introduce bacteria and slow down the healing process.
Avoid Swimming: Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water until your piercing is fully healed. Chlorine and bacteria in these environments can increase the risk of infection.
Avoid Makeup and Hair Products: Keep cosmetics, hair products, and hair away from the piercing area to prevent irritation and infection.
Avoid Earphones and Headphones: Refrain from using earphones or headphones that rest on or put pressure on the tragus piercing, as this can lead to irritation and complications.
Use a Clean Pillowcase: Change your pillowcase regularly to ensure it stays clean and doesn’t introduce bacteria to the piercing while you sleep.
Monitor for Infection: Keep an eye on your piercing for signs of infection, such as excessive redness, swelling, pain, or discharge. If you suspect an infection, consult a healthcare professional promptly.
Leave Jewelry In: It’s important to leave the initial jewelry in place for the entire healing period, which can take several months. Changing the jewelry too soon can lead to complications.
Avoid Oral Contact: Refrain from allowing others to touch or make oral contact with the piercing during the healing process.

The healing time for a tragus piercing can vary from person to person but typically takes around 6-12 months. It’s crucial to be patient and follow the aftercare routine diligently to ensure a successful healing process. If you experience any unusual or severe symptoms during the healing period, consult a professional piercer or a healthcare provider for guidance.

What Type of Jewelry Is Used for Tragus Piercing?

Studs are a fantastic alternative for tragus piercings because they are small and straightforward. A ball stud is the best choice for a fresh piercing since it has smooth edges that are less likely to catch on hair and clothing. You can experiment further with your studs when it heals

Barbell: An earring with balls on either end and a bar in the middle is called a barbell. Tragus barbells will be smaller than most. Another excellent alternative for a fresh piercing, this one is simple to insert and keep clean.

Hoops: Tiny hoops are an additional option for the tragus, though we advise against wearing any hoops with unusual shapes or textures until your piercing has fully healed.

What Jewelry Material Is Used for Tragus Piercing?

As many people are sensitive to nickel in even the smallest amounts, stainless steel, a high-quality metal frequently used for piercings, contains some nickel, which is a very common source of irritation and piercing infection.”

Gold: while it may be tempting to choose a metal that is less expensive, higher-quality metals will promote healing and are best for people with sensitive skin. Inexpensive jewelry frequently contains nickel, we advise using 14-karat gold.

Platinum: A gold substitute also endorsed by Rebel Inks Tattoo Kenya, platinum lacks nickel but resembles stainless steel in appearance.

How to Change Out a Tragus Piercing

Avoid removing the piercing until it’s completely healed. Be sure to fully wash your hands with soap and water before changing your tragus piercing (or any other piercing, for that matter), and clean the area frequently to sanitize and “prevent getting any bacteria in the area.” At Rebel Inks Tattoo Kenya, we advise using saline solution to clean the piercing itself.

Depending on the type of earring you have—a stud, hoop, barbell, etc.—the specific methods will vary. When in doubt, the majority of piercing facilities will change an earring for no charge.

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