No matter what kind of piercing you have in mind, you probably want to know one thing first: does it hurt? The tragus piercing is more popular than ever, and while ear piercings stay near the top of the list, not every ear piercing means the same level of pain.
The good news is that we have gathered everything you need to know about tragus piercing pain and how to get through it with ease.
Table of Contents
Does a Tragus Piercing Really Hurt?
To put it simply, yes. All piercings hurt. That said, everyone feels pain differently, and if you tend to tolerate pain well, then a tragus piercing probably will not be a big deal for you.
And if you are not particularly good with pain, that does not mean a tragus piercing will be unbearable. The piercing process is done fairly quickly, and you will soon forget the pain once your tragus piercing is fully healed.
How Intense Is the Pain?
The thing to know about a tragus piercing is that the needle goes through cartilage. In general, the thicker or harder the cartilage, the more painful the piercing will be in that area.
The cartilage of your tragus (the little flap at the front of the ear) is very flexible, which makes it one of the less painful spots to pierce. Unlike piercing your earlobes, you will feel more pressure as the needle passes through your tragus. You can expect a pinching sensation as the needle enters the skin, but it should pass quickly and easily, making the pain fast.
The tragus area has fewer nerve endings than other parts of the body, which lowers the pain you feel, and the needle used on this spot will be thin and sharp. The finer the needle, the less it hurts.
You might even hear something like a crackling sound. Do not worry if you hear that. It is just that the tragus is extremely close to your ear canal, so you are more likely to hear the needle passing through the cartilage.
What to Expect at the Piercer
The tragus is many people's first choice when they want to go beyond the classic lobe. That means it might be the first time you get pierced in a piercing studio.
Do not worry. Professionals in reputable studios follow strict hygiene procedures and know how to do your piercing as gently as possible.
- For this piercing, the process is quite simple. The piercer will look at your ear to make sure you have a large enough tragus. Some people do not have enough cartilage to pierce.
- If you are both ready and agree on the placement, they start by disinfecting your tragus.
- After that, the piercer uses a pen to mark the right spot, then pushes a sterile needle through the marked spot and finally puts the jewelry in.
After that, you pick up a few aftercare products and go on your way with a cool new piercing.
How Long Will the Pain Last?
While the needle pain is brief and lasts only a few seconds, you will feel some discomfort during the healing process.
Usually, the tenderness and swelling go away in less than a week. If it lasts longer, you should go back to your piercer to make sure the jewelry is not too tight or that you do not have an infection.
What Factors Can Influence the Pain?
On top of your own personal pain tolerance, here are a few things that can affect the pain you feel when you get a tragus piercing:
Rest
We always advise people to get a full night of sleep the night before. This goes for every piercing. Your body handles pain better when you have let it rest and recharge.
Your health
Anything that harms your health is stressful for your body, and if your body is already stressed, it will not cope well with the added stress of a piercing. Eat healthy and avoid smoking or drinking too much before getting pierced. It really does make a difference.
Alcohol and drugs
Substances tied to drugs and alcohol can change how you perceive pain. Most reputable piercing studios will not serve you if you are visibly under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The piercer's experience
Just as pain tolerance varies from one person to the next, technique can vary too.
Looking for the right jewelry? See our Gemstones Tragus Piercing, a delicate stud made to sit neatly in the tragus.
The more experienced the piercer, the better they can make the experience as comfortable as possible.
How to Cope With the Pain
You can use different methods to ease the pain from a tragus piercing. Here are a few examples:
- Listening to music will help you relax.
- Ask someone to talk to you as a distraction.
- Think about the end result of your piercing.
- Make sure you are well rested and clear-headed (no substances).
- Read up on the tragus piercing process.
- Bring a snack and eat it about an hour before, so you do not feel faint.
- Relax by controlling your breathing and wear comfortable clothes.
Curious how the tragus compares with other spots on the ear? Read our guide on ear piercing pain, and keep your fresh piercing clean with our tips on how to disinfect a piercing.
Conclusion
Tragus piercings really are among the least painful piercings. As with any cartilage piercing, all you have to do is follow good aftercare and avoid touching the area.
Tragus pain can feel worrying while you prepare for your appointment, but remember that once it is done, you will have a new piercing on your ear for the rest of your life.
