Jump To:
The conch piercing, pronounced "konk" or "konch", is located in that internal, bowl-shaped depression in your ear, formed from cartilage. The conch piercing location looks similar to a conch shell, hence the name. Keep in mind that the shape and size can vary significantly from person to person.
The cost for this piercing will depend on the location, the piercer and the jewelry you choose. Expect a price range of $30 to $100 or more. Good jewelry can prevent allergic reactions and make healing easier. Choose high quality jewelry, like implant grade titanium, for the best results.
The typical gauge size for conch piercings will usually either be a 16 gauge or a 14 gauge. Your piercer will decide the final conch piercing gauge based on what will work best with your anatomy. The initial piercing jewelry is usually a labret stud with a longer post to allow room for swelling.
Pain levels for this piercing varies from person to person, but it's typically a 6/10. Conch piercings will hurt more than a lobe piercing because of the thick cartilage tissue this piercing goes through.
Dermal punches can hurt much more since you are removing tissue to create a large hole. A dermal punch, also known as "biopsy", is the surgical removal of tissue from the body.
There are different variations of the conch piercing. However, the type of conch piercing you're able to get will depend on your unique anatomy. Talk to your piercer about the one you're interested in to see if your anatomy allows it.
The inner conch is the most standard piercing. Located in the most center part of your inner ear. You can enhance your standard choice with a variety of threaded or threadless ends using labrets and barbells. A timeless selection that fits many.
If you're daring, you can opt for punching the conch with a larger gauge size to accommodate plugs and eyelets for a bold look. Dermal punching is also called "biopsy".
For a punched conch, they remove a round piece of tissue with a tool called dermal punch tool, instead of creating a narrow piercing using a needle. Small punches need jewelry to heal, but larger punches do not. Conchs and outer conch piercings are the most common area to get a dermal punch.
This form of piercing is permanent and depending on where you live, some piercers might refuse to do it. Always do your research and find a reputable piercer. Finding the right piercer for this piercing is crucial.
Healing time for this piercing can take up to a year or longer to heal.
If you have any bleeding issues or are using blood thinners, consult with your doctor before getting this piercing. If you bleed excessively when getting this piercing, please seek medical help.
SHOP OUR PLUGS AND EYELET COLLECTION HERE
This type of ear piercing consists of two piercings in the conch area on either both ears or just one ear. With this piercing you can stack clicker rings or studs.
SHOP OUR CONCH STUD JEWELRY COLLECTION HERE
A triple conch piercing consists of three conch piercings next to each other. Just like the double conch piercing, this piercing is perfect for stacking studs or rings.
SHOP OUR CONCH RING COLLECTION HERE
Outer conch piercings are extremely common. It rests on the flat spot in the ridge above the conch and you can place it on the upper or lower conch. The outer conch piercing is extremely anatomy dependent.
Often, the outer conch and the orbital conch are confused for one another. An orbital piercing is when two holes are connected by one piece of jewelry, often a ring. Though you can wear a ring in your outer conch piercing, it does not make it an orbital. However, connecting two piercings in the inner ear with one piece of jewelry is called an orbital.
Wondering how long to change your conch piercing jewelry? Cartilage piercings may take a while to heal. Healing time can vary from person to person, but on average, it can take at least nine months or more. If you get a dermal punch, it can take longer to heal, up to a year or more.
Things to expect after getting a piercing:
As your piercing heals, these symptoms should improve. If they don't or get worse, talk to to your piercer or doctor.
Before touching your piercing, make sure to always wash your hands. Clean the area twice a day with a saline spray or solution.
During this period, don't touch touch the area as this may cause bumps, scratches or scarring.
Avoid putting pressure on the piercing. This means steering clear of earbuds, headphones and tight hats. Consider using a donut or airplane pillow for sleep.
Stay away from bodies of water like pools or beaches as they contain bacteria that can cause infection.
Your piercing might seem like it's healed before it is, but it is important to carry on your cleaning routine until the healing stage is over. If you are unsure if your piercing is healed, consult your piercer.
SHOP OUR AFTERCARE HERE
While earrings for conch piercing might seem like a good idea, the best jewelry for a conch piercing are flatback labrets. Labret studs have a flat back, which make them more comfortable and secure to wear.
Here are some other types of jewelry options for your piercing:
Wait until your piercing is fully healed before changing jewelry to avoid scarring or bumps that could disrupt the healing process. If you're unsure of your conch piercings size, ask your piercer.
Once healed, shop our site, bodyartforms.com, for more unique conch piercing jewelry.
SHOP OUR CONCH JEWELRY COLLECTION HERE
Thinking about switching up your conch jewelry for the first time? You’re in the right place. Changing your jewelry at home can be simple if you take your time and follow the right steps.
This guide will walk you through how to change out your conch piercing jewelry safely and easily.
Before you do anything, check your piercing.
Changing jewelry too early can cause irritation or even infection, so don’t rush it.
Cleanliness is key. Take a few minutes to get ready:
Tip: Doing this in front of a mirror makes things much easier.
Most conch piercings start with a flat back stud.
This style doesn’t twist—it pulls apart.
It may feel snug, but that’s normal.
Using a taper makes this process much smoother.
Once the post is in place:
Tip: Slightly bend the pin on threadless tops for a tighter fit.
Switching to a ring? Here’s what to do:
If it’s stuck:
To insert the new ring:
Changing your jewelry gets easier with practice, so don’t stress if it feels tricky at first.
Trying to change your conch piercing jewelry but don't have a taper? No worries! You can still change your jewelry without one. You just need a little patience and the right technique.
Whether you're switching to a new flat back labret stud or trying out a conch clicker ring, we'll walk you through how to change a conch piercing without using a taper.
Before you start, remember that your conch piercing needs to be fully healed before you change the jewelry yourself. Changing your jewelry too early can cause irritation and slow down healing.
Before you start removing your jewelry, take a few minutes to get everything ready. This will make the process easier and help prevent unnecessary irritation.
Quick tip: Even fully healed piercings can shrink when jewelry is removed. Having your replacement jewelry ready helps make the process smoother.
If you're wearing a flat back labret stud, you can usually change it without a taper. The steps will depend on whether your jewelry has a threadless or threaded end.
Start by carefully removing the decorative end of your labret stud.
Once you've removed the end, carefully slide the labret post out of your conch piercing. Take your time and avoid pulling or tugging on the jewelry.
Now, take your new labret post and gently guide it through your piercing.
Most flat back labret studs are inserted from the back of the ear toward the front. Since the back of a conch piercing can be difficult to see, you may need to use a mirror to help line everything up.
Slowly guide the post through the piercing until the flat back rests comfortably against your ear.
Don't force the jewelry through! If you're having trouble finding the opening or the post isn't sliding through easily, stop and try adjusting your angle. If it still won't go through, have a professional piercer help you.
Once the post is in place, it's time to attach your decorative end.
Give the jewelry a gentle check to make sure everything is secure. That's it! You've changed your conch labret jewelry without using a taper.
Want to switch from a stud to a conch clicker ring? You can do that without a taper, too!
Just make sure your conch piercing is fully healed and that your new ring has the correct gauge and diameter. A ring that's too small can put pressure on your cartilage and cause irritation.
Start by removing your current jewelry using the steps above. Be gentle and avoid putting pressure on your piercing.
Open the hinged section of your clicker ring and carefully guide the smooth end of the ring through your conch piercing.
Go slowly and follow the natural angle of your piercing. You shouldn't have to push hard or force the ring through.
Once the ring is in place, carefully close the hinged section until it clicks shut.
Check that the hinge is fully closed and that the ring sits comfortably around your ear.
Helpful tip: If your clicker ring feels tight, pinches your ear, or puts pressure on your piercing, it may be the wrong diameter. Don't try to make a ring fit if it's uncomfortable.
Sometimes changing a conch piercing without a taper can be frustrating. Since conch piercings sit in a curved part of your ear, lining up your jewelry isn't always easy.
If you're having trouble, here are a few things to remember:
Remember, cartilage piercings can become irritated quickly if you're too rough. Being patient is much better than forcing jewelry through and potentially injuring your piercing.
While you can change your conch piercing without a taper, using one can make the process a lot easier.
A piercing insertion taper is a tool that helps guide jewelry through your piercing. It can be especially helpful when changing flat back labret studs because the back of your conch can be difficult to reach.
Just make sure you're using a taper that's compatible with your jewelry's gauge and threading style. An insertion taper should guide your jewelry into place, not stretch your piercing to a larger size.
If you're having trouble changing your jewelry without one, you can find piercing insertion tapers and other jewelry tools on the Bodyartforms website.
SHOP OUR TOOLS HERE
Whether you're changing a flat back labret stud or switching to a clicker ring, the most important thing is to go slowly, be gentle, and never force your jewelry through.
While a taper isn't required, it can make jewelry changes easier, especially if you struggle to line up your jewelry.
And remember, if you're having trouble or your piercing starts to hurt, there's nothing wrong with visiting a professional piercer for help!
If you're not sure if you have the right anatomy for this piercing, ask your piercer. They can inform you if this piercing is right for you.
Conch piercings are cartilage piercings, which are more difficult to heal. This type of piercing will require aftercare that you keep up with. If you're unable to do so, you might want to consider a different piercing.
Cartilage piercings can be a bit confusing with such a small canvas. Let’s break down which piercings are what.
The difference between a daith, a conch piercing and a helix is the location. A daith piercing is a little flap of cartilage right above the ear canal, usually worn with a clicker or captive bead ring. For more information on the daith, check out this blog.
The conch is located in the inner, most center part of your ear.
The helix piercing is located on the uppermost part of cartilage on the edge of the ear. For more information on this piercing, check out this blog.
Have you been contemplating a conch piercing or perhaps already have one? Share your experience with us! We hope you found this guide helpful. Don't forget to connect with us on our socials @Bodyartforms.
