CONCH PIERCING GUIDE
what is a conch piercing?
A conch piercing is one of the most impactful placements for adding depth and dimension to your ear. Sitting at the centre of the ear’s cartilage, it seamlessly integrates into any stack, allowing for limitless personalisation to suit your aesthetic.
The name comes from its resemblance to the spiral of a conch shell — the piercing sits in the smooth, rounded cartilage just above where the lobe meets the harder inner ear.
In this guide, we’ll explore the types of conch piercings, pricing, process, healing time, aftercare, and how to style this distinctive placement with confidence.
Inner Conch Piercing
The inner conch sits toward the centre of the ear, near the natural fold of the cartilage. This placement is typically styled with a stud, creating a refined focal point within your stack.
Because this area features thicker cartilage, inner conch piercings tend to require a longer healing period than other piercings — patience and proper aftercare are key to a smooth recovery.
Outer Conch
The outer conch is located along the outer edge of the ear’s cartilage. This placement offers more flexibility in positioning, including both upper and lower variations. It’s ideal for those wanting to incorporate hoops or rings into their styling once healed.
The outer conch generally heals more quickly than the inner conch, making it a popular choice for clients wanting a statement look with slightly less commitment to healing time.
Conch piercing procedure
Your piercer will begin by sterilising the ear with a medical-grade solution before marking your chosen placement. Placement is always confirmed with you prior to piercing to ensure symmetry, balance, and alignment with your desired styling goals.
The piercing is performed using a sterile, single-use 18-gauge needle, never a piercing gun. Needles allow for precision and minimise trauma, reducing both pain and the risk of infection.
Once pierced, your selected jewellery — usually a flat-back stud — will be installed. All Covetear jewellery is engineered for comfort, safety, and style, allowing you to wear it throughout the healing process and well beyond.
And just like that, your new piercing is ready to be admired.
Pain and healing time
Pain Guide: 7/10
Because the conch sits within thicker cartilage, this piercing can feel slightly more intense than others — though the sensation is brief and well tolerated.
Healing time: approximately 3–6 months
What to expect during the healing process:
First 72 hours: Some redness, warmth, swelling, and light bleeding are normal.
Weeks 2–4: Mild pulsing or a clear fluid that dries into a light crust may appear. Avoid touching or twisting the jewellery.
Weeks 5–12: The area may feel comfortable, but the piercing is still healing internally. Avoid friction or sleeping on the piercing. Around this stage, your piercer may recommend downsizing your post to promote better healing.
3 months and beyond: While the piercing may appear healed, it’s important to wait at least 9 months before changing your jewellery to prevent irritation or scarring.
If jewellery is removed without replacement, the piercing can begin to close within hours. Always keep jewellery in place to maintain your piercing.
Aftercare
Conch piercings are relatively easy to maintain when proper aftercare is followed. Consistency is key to achieving a healthy, fully healed result.
At Covetear, we offer unlimited complimentary Aftercare Appointments to guide you through each stage of your healing journey.
Follow these four essential steps:
- Do not touch your piercing unnecessarily. Always wash your hands before handling the area.
- Clean with NeilMed™ Piercing Aftercare Spray. Hold 3–6cm away and spray both the front and back. Use a clean cotton tip to remove any discharge or crusting.
- Pat the area completely dry. Avoid using cotton buds, Q-Tips, or tissues, as fibres can cause irritation and slow healing.
- Clean twice daily for at least 6–8 weeks, then once daily as healing progresses.
Pro tip: When washing your hair, gently rinse your piercing with water before applying aftercare spray to remove any shampoo or conditioner residue that can irritate the area.
is your piercing infected?
Here's what to do - The serious stuff
The success of your healing depends on consistent aftercare and minimal interference. Touching, twisting, or neglecting cleaning can delay healing or lead to complications.
If you experience sudden swelling, excessive bleeding, yellow or green discharge, red streaking, or fever-like symptoms, contact us immediately for professional advice.
Our team is available seven days a week for aftercare support, though if a bacterial infection is suspected, we recommend consulting your doctor promptly.
TIME TO STYLE!
Few piercings make as strong a statement as the conch. Depending on placement, it can be styled with either a minimal stud or an elegant hoop that hugs the ear’s contour.
For a sleek, timeless look, we love the 14K Solid Gold Diamond Petit Solitaire Earring. For something with attitude, the 14K Solid Gold Diamond Bolt Earring adds bold character.
Explore our Conch Piercing Collection for more curated designs to elevate your look.
Unsure on what jewellery to add into your Conch piercing? Well, we have plenty of options that will work wonderfully! Check out our Conch Piercing Collection for our favourites.
Conch Collection
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Petite Clicker Ring
14K Yellow Gold / SingleRegular price From $170.00Regular priceUnit price per -
Petite Clicker Ring
14K White Gold / SingleRegular price From $175.00Regular priceUnit price per -
Classic Piercing Hoop
14K Yellow Gold / SingleRegular price From $490.00Regular priceUnit price per -
Dot Dash Clicker Ring
14K Yellow Gold / SingleRegular price From $285.00Regular priceUnit price per -
Eternite' Clicker Hoop
14K White Gold / Diamond / SingleRegular price From $530.00Regular priceUnit price per
WANT MORE?
Looking to get some more piercings but not sure where to start? Here are our favourite piercing combos for a conch piercing!
piercing and styling appointments
Ready to elevate your ear stack with a conch piercing? Book your appointment at one of our Covetear studios, where our expert piercers will help you achieve your perfect placement.
If you’re unsure which style or placement suits you best, our Deluxe Piercing Experience and Ear Curation Appointments offer personalised, one-on-one styling consultations tailored to your anatomy and aesthetic.