Piercings
Tragus Piercing
Where the tragus sits, how much it hurts, healing time, jewelry, and aftercare — from the piercers at Apollo in Santa Monica.
Book a piercingPlacement
Flap in front of the ear canal
Pain level
4–5 / 10
Healing
3–6 months
Jewelry
Flat-back stud or small hoop
Min. age
14+
The basics
What is a tragus piercing?
The tragus is the small, tongue-shaped flap of cartilage that sits in front of your ear canal. A tragus stud is a subtle, front-facing accent that catches the light beautifully and pairs well with lobe and helix work in a curated ear.
How it feels
Does a tragus piercing hurt?
The tragus is small but firm, so you'll feel a quick, solid pressure — most clients rate it 4–5 out of 10, and many describe a faint "pop" as the needle passes. It's over in a second, done with a single-use sterile needle.
Healing
How long does it take to heal?
Plan for 3–6 months, occasionally up to 9. Its position right by the ear canal means earbuds and phone screens are the main irritants to keep away during healing. We downsize once the swelling settles.
Jewelry
Jewelry for a tragus piercing
A flat-back implant-grade titanium labret stud is the standard starter — the flat disc sits comfortably against the inside of the tragus. A small hoop is a popular swap once it's healed. Solid gold and gem ends are available.
Aftercare
Aftercare
Sterile saline twice a day, switch to over-ear headphones or keep earbuds out of that ear, don't sleep on it, and leave the jewelry alone. Full routine on our piercing aftercare guide.
Our standards
Why get pierced at Apollo
Every piercing at our Santa Monica studio is done with a single-use sterile needle — never a piercing gun, which can't be sterilized and crushes cartilage. We install only implant-grade titanium (ASTM F-136), solid 14k/18k gold, or niobium, placed and checked by a Fakir-certified senior piercer. Your fresh jewelry is sized long for swelling, and a downsize follow-up is built into every piercing so it settles cleanly.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Does a tragus piercing hurt?
Most people rate it 4–5 out of 10 — a quick, firm pressure and sometimes a faint pop, because the tragus is small but dense. It's over in a second.
How long does a tragus piercing take to heal?
Usually 3–6 months, up to 9 in some cases. Keeping earbuds out of that ear during healing makes a big difference.
Can I wear earbuds with a tragus piercing?
Not during healing — earbuds press on a fresh tragus and cause irritation. Use over-ear headphones until your piercer confirms it's healed.
What jewelry is best for a fresh tragus?
A flat-back labret stud in implant-grade titanium is the most comfortable starter. You can switch to a small hoop once it's fully healed.
Studio portfolio
Tragus Piercings at Apollo
Real work from our piercing chairs — implant-grade titanium and gold, placed freehand by our Fakir-certified piercers.
