Tragus

283 products

Collection: Tragus | Gauge: 16g (1.2mm) | Recommended Length/Diameter: 6mm to 8mm labrets, 8mm rings | Material: ASTM F136 Implant-Grade Titanium

The tragus piercing goes through the small, firm flap of cartilage that sits in front of the ear canal, just above the earlobe. It is a compact placement, so tragus jewellery is all about small, neat pieces that sit flat. Flat-back labret studs with a tiny gem, disc or ball are the standard choice and the most comfortable for earphones and phone calls. Once healed, a snug 8mm hinged ring can hug the tragus for a hoop look. The tragus is thick, dense cartilage that heals slowly, so ASTM F136 implant-grade titanium is the sensible choice from day one: it is nickel-free, hypoallergenic and light, which reduces irritation in a spot that is touched every time you use earphones.

What size is a tragus piercing?

A tragus piercing is 16g (1.2mm) as standard. Labret length is usually 8mm at the time of piercing to allow for swelling, then 6mm once healed, and 5mm on a particularly thin tragus. For a ring, an 8mm inner diameter is the typical fit and gives a snug hoop that sits close to the cartilage. If you are ordering jewellery for an existing piercing, measure what you already wear or ask your piercer for the exact length.

Tragus Jewellery: The Neatest Small-Cartilage Piercing in Implant-Grade Titanium

UK piercers pierce the tragus at 16g (1.2mm), fitting an 8mm labret to allow for swelling and downsizing to 6mm, or sometimes 5mm on a thin tragus, after 6 to 8 weeks. Because the tragus sits at the mouth of the ear canal, the biggest healing problems come from in-ear earphones, earbuds and helmets pressing on the jewellery. Full healing takes 6 to 12 months, and the piercing can feel settled long before it actually is. Avoid hoops until it has healed, keep earbuds out for at least the first month, and clean with sterile saline only. The tragus sits well alongside other inner-ear placements, so it is often paired with a conch stud, a daith ring or a rook barbell in matching titanium.

How much does a tragus piercing hurt?

A tragus piercing is usually rated around 4 to 5 out of 10, which is less than most people expect. The cartilage is thick so there is noticeable pressure and a loud pop as the needle passes through, but there are few nerve endings in the tragus, so the sharpness fades within seconds. Soreness and tenderness for the first week or two are normal, and a well-fitted titanium labret keeps that discomfort to a minimum.

Can I wear earphones with a tragus piercing?

In-ear earphones and earbuds should be avoided for at least the first 4 to 6 weeks after a tragus piercing, and ideally until it has healed. Pressing an earbud against the jewellery pushes the bar sideways and introduces bacteria into the piercing channel, which is a common cause of bumps and prolonged healing. Over-ear headphones that do not touch the tragus are fine. Once healed, a short 6mm flat-back labret sits low enough for most earbuds to fit again.

When can I change my tragus jewellery?

The first change should be the downsize at 6 to 8 weeks, ideally done by your piercer, swapping the long 8mm labret for a 6mm one. After that, leave the piercing alone until it has fully healed, typically 6 to 12 months, before switching to a ring or changing styles regularly. Changing a tragus too early is the main reason it stays sore, so if there is any redness or crusting, wait. Threadless titanium labrets make later changes quick and painless.