Conch Piercing FAQ - Info by APP Certified Piercers in NYC

Ear with Conch piercing wearing gold conch ring cuff with a gradient of diamonds across three separate bands from black to grey to clear.

Clementine Piercing offers conch piercings in NYC. Johnny Pearce, one of the worlds top rated and most trusted piercing professionals, holds tenure at Clementine Piercing in NYC—making it an excellent option for trusted piercing services.

  • Look for professional, APP-certified piercing studios with:
    • Experienced piercers familiar with technical piercings
    • Strict hygiene and sterilization protocols
    • Positive client reviews and portfolio examples
  • Please feel free to use trusted resources like the “Find a Professional Piercer” search function on the Association of Professional Piercers website.

    • For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    A conch piercing is a cartilage piercing located in the central part of the ear, within the concha, the large curved area near the ear canal.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    The conch piercing is located in the inner or outer concha of the ear, depending on whether it's an inner or outer conch piercing.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    Yes, conch piercings can be moderately painful due to the thickness of the cartilage, but pain varies by individual.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    Most people describe the pain as a sharp pinch followed by a dull ache during healing.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    Healing typically takes between 6-12 months, depending on aftercare and individual healing factors.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    They require consistent aftercare, but they are not inherently harder to heal than other cartilage piercings.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    The standard gauge is usually 16g or 14g, though some piercers may use 18g.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    Initial jewelry is typically a labret stud, with bar lengths ranging from 6mm to 10mm depending on swelling. Hoops should only be worn after full healing.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    Hoops are not recommended for initial healing due to movement and irritation; a stud is the preferred starter jewelry.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    It is best to wait at least 6-12 months before switching to a hoop to avoid irritation.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    Downsizing from the longer initial post to a shorter bar is typically recommended after 6-8 weeks to prevent irritation.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

  • Avoid any touching, twisting, or playing with the piercing site or jewelry.
  • Gently rinse with water while you shower. Use sterile saline solution/wound wash spray as needed.
  • Avoid harsh soaps, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antiseptics.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

    • For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    Reduce swelling with saline soaks, avoid sleeping on the piercing, and ensure proper jewelry fit.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    Only remove jewelry when fully healed; if difficult, seek professional assistance.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    It is best to avoid sleeping on it during healing to prevent irritation.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    Using earbuds during healing can cause irritation; over-ear headphones are recommended.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    The cost of a conch piercing ranges from $40-$100 for the piercing service fees before adding on the cost of your jewelry. All of which will vary, depending on the studio, jewelry material (e.g. solid gold, implant-grade titanium) as well as piercer expertise.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    Implant-grade titanium or gold studs are recommended for initial healing.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    A flat-back stud used as the initial jewelry for healing.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    A hoop-style jewelry option for healed conch piercings.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    A piercing placed on the outer edge of the concha, closer to the helix.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    Two conch piercings placed in the same area, either inner or outer.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    A conch piercing connected by a single hoop that passes through two holes.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    The inner conch is pierced in the center of the concha, while the outer conch is closer to the ear’s edge.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    Healing takes approximately 6-12 months.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    Persistent redness, swelling, pain, and discharge may indicate infection and should be assessed by a professional.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    No, hoops are best worn after full healing.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    Common bumps can result from irritation; cleaning with saline and avoiding pressure can help reduce them.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    Yes, conch piercings can be stretched once fully healed, typically using tapers or gradual jewelry changes.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    Healing varies by individual, but both conch and rook piercings require careful aftercare and patience.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    Standard sizes range from 10mm to 12mm, but proper fit depends on individual anatomy.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

  • The area is prepped thoroughly via alcohol or povidone iodine.
  • A professional piercer marks the appropriate entry and exit points with a single-use sterile surgical marker.
  • The area is pierced using a sterile, single-use, disposable needle, sometimes braced by a NRT or other various instruments.
  • The piercer will then install sterile, implant-certified titanium or solid gold barbell through the newly created piercing channel and threads on the bead.
  • Extreme precision is required.

    • For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    Pain is moderate due to cartilage thickness but varies by individual.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    It is recommended to wait 6-12 months before changing jewelry.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    Hold the front and twist off the back, or visit a piercer if difficult.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    Wait until healed before using earbuds, and opt for over-ear headphones during healing.

    For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

    Ear with multiple piercings and gold jewelry, with a distinct focus on a conch piercing with a sideways trefoil and two gold chains that wrap around the ear.