The Ultimate Piercing Guide Auckland: Healing Times & Jewellery for Every Ear Placement
Looking to get a new piercing in Auckland or exploring your options for a curated ear? Whether you're just starting out or adding the finishing touch, this comprehensive piercing guide Auckland covers the most popular ear piercing placements, healing times, and recommended jewellery types - so you can make an informed and stylish choice.
At Platinum Point, a safe and professional Auckland piercing studio, we’re proud to offer APP-approved jewellery and sterile techniques that put your health and aesthetic first.
Lobe Piercing
A piercing through the soft lobe tissue.
Healing Time: 6–8 weeks
Jewellery for Fresh Piercing: Threadless stud with flat-back labret
Jewellery for Healed Piercing: Hoops, chains, drops, charms, studs
Upper Lobe & Stacked Lobe
A piercing in the soft lobe tissue other than a first lobe piercing. Can be placed anywhere up to the cartilage.
Healing Time: 8–12 weeks
Jewellery for Fresh Piercing: Flat-back stud
Jewellery for Healed Piercing: Dainty hoops, accent studs, layering chains
Helix (Outer Cartilage)
A piercing through the outer ear cartilage, done with a flat back labret and needs to be downsized after 4 weeks.
Healing Time: 6–12 months
Jewellery for Fresh Piercing: Threadless flat-back post
Jewellery for Healed Piercing: Seam rings, clusters, cuffs
Forward Helix
A piercing through the inner edge of the ear cartilage. Very important to downsize after 4 weeks.
Healing Time: 6–12 months
Jewellery for Fresh Piercing: Tiny threadless stud
Jewellery for Healed Piercing: Chains, minimalist gems, ball ends
Often worn as singles or triples, forward helix piercings are delicate and versatile. Because of the cartilage thickness, professional placement is key for long-term comfort.
Tragus
A piercing through the small cartilage flap over the ear canal. A technical piercing that needs to be done by a professional to execute appropriately.
Healing Time: 6–12 months
Jewellery for Fresh Piercing: Flat-back stud
Jewellery for Healed Piercing: Rings, charms, curved ends
A subtle but eye-catching placement, the tragus adds balance to any curated ear. Due to its location, careful jewellery sizing helps avoid friction with earbuds or headphones.
Anti-Tragus
Healing Time: 6–12 months
Jewellery for Fresh Piercing: Flat-back labret
Jewellery for Healed Piercing: Curved barbells, small hoops
Less common but highly impactful, the anti-tragus sits opposite the tragus and requires experienced placement for comfort and healing.
Conch
A piercing in the inner ear cartilage. Comfortable to heal as the jewellery is tucked away.
Healing Time: 6–12 months
Jewellery for Fresh Piercing: Flat-back stud
Jewellery for Healed Piercing: Large hoops, ornate studs
The conch allows for bold statements or minimalist sparkle depending on your jewellery selection — healed piercings often look great with a hoop that circles the outer ear.
Daith
A piercing through the ridge of cartilage where the helix meets the conch. Lots of beautiful jewellery options.
Healing Time: 6–12 months
Jewellery for Fresh Piercing: Circular Barbell, Captive Bead Ring
Jewellery for Healed Piercing: Clickers, heart rings, gem-set designs
This piercing sits snugly in the ear's fold and can provide a beautiful accent or a bold centrepiece.
Rook
The rook is placed vertically through the inner ridge above the daith, offering a unique layered look — especially when paired with a snug or helix piercing.
Healing Time: 6–12 months
Jewellery for Fresh Piercing: Curved barbell
Jewellery for Healed Piercing: Hinged rings, delicate curved gems
Industrial
Healing Time: 9–12 months
Jewellery for Fresh Piercing: Long industrial barbell
Jewellery for Healed Piercing: Themed barbells, linked bars, chains
An industrial connects two helix points with a single long bar, creating a striking and edgy look. This piercing requires a well-planned anatomy fit and aftercare attention.
Orbital
Healing Time: 6–12 months
Jewellery for Fresh Piercing: Two flat-back studs, captive bead ring, circular barbell
Jewellery for Healed Piercing: Captive bead or seamless ring through both holes
An orbital links two piercings with one ring, usually in the lobe or helix area. The alignment and size are critical — making it essential to visit a professional Auckland piercing studio.
Aftercare Tips for All Ear Piercings
Use sterile saline spray (avoid alcohol or hydrogen peroxide)
Avoid pressure, including sleeping on the pierced side
Keep hair and hands away from healing areas
Come in for regular check-ups and downsizing if needed
Choosing the Right Studio in Auckland
At Platinum Point, we offer more than just safe piercings - we provide jewellery shopping appointments to ensure the perfect fit for your unique anatomy and style. No “one-size-fits-all” options like chain piercing stores. We use APP-approved jewellery and sterilize items in our STATIM cassette autoclave during your appointment, guaranteeing safety at every step.
Book Your Ear Piercing in Auckland with Confidence
Explore the perfect piercing for your ear with Auckland’s trusted professionals. Visit Platinum Point to book your safe, stylish piercing today.