Conch Piercing - Fascinating History and Modern Styles
Hanging out on your conch - that part of your ear cartilage that resembles a conch shell - the conch piercing is available in various styles. Nestled in the cartilage of your ear, this piercing allows for individualistic accents and a touch of flair. It's akin to renovating your ear and far from run-of-the-mill. The piercing catches the viewer's attention, gleaming under light and receiving nods of admiration whilst simultaneously mirroring the elegant curve.
An Ancient Custom with Modern Spin
Body piercings, including those in the ear, have a history spanning countless generations.
Historically, ancient tribes and civilisations were big fans of body modifications. Ear piercings, especially, held deep cultural and spiritual meanings. Although the precise roots of the conch piercing remain shrouded in mystery, it is undeniable that this style of body modification boasts a heritage steeped in tradition.
In the 21st century, the conch piercing has become incredibly trendy, beloved by both body art enthusiasts and the fashion-conscious. Celebrities flaunting their conch piercings and the resulting media attention have put this piercing in the spotlight.
Yet, it's more than just copying a celebrity's fashion choices. For many people, the conch piercing is all about self-expression. It's a way to rebel against convention and challenge traditional notions of beauty in a playful way.
There is a wide range of conch piercing jewellery to choose from, including delicate studs that barely draw attention or elaborate rings that scream "look at me". The possibilities are endless, enabling individuals to personalise their piercings and show off their unique style and confidence.
Outer Conch Piercing
The outer conch piercing is more common than its counterpart. It can be found on the outer edge of your ear's cartilage and can be placed in various positions, including the upper and lower conch.
One of the benefits of the outer conch piercing is the freedom it provides when selecting jewellery - perhaps a hoop is more your style? Moreover, it typically heals faster compared to the inner conch piercing.
Double Conch
As the name suggests, a double conch implies having two piercings in the conch region. You have the choice to stack them vertically or go for a horizontal arrangement.
If you're contemplating a double conch piercing, it's advisable to determine where you want the piercings before going ahead. That way, you can ensure there is sufficient space for your desired jewellery and facilitate a smoother healing process.
Cost of Conch Piercing
The cost of a conch piercing can fluctuate based on the place where you have it performed and the style of jewellery you select. On average, you can expect to pay approximately £20-£40 for the piercing alone, excluding the cost of the jewellery.
Mind Your Cartilage
Never let anyone use a piercing gun on your cartilage. Those things are riddled with more germs than you can shake a stick at, which increases the risk of infection and extends the healing process.
Pain and Healing Time
Now, everyone has their own pain threshold, right? But most people consider the conch piercing to be a solid 7/10 on the pain scale due to the thick ear cartilage it goes through.
The level of pain can also vary depending on the technique used. If your piercer chooses a needle, the pain is similar to other cartilage piercings like the helix, tragus, or daith. But if you opt for a dermal punch - where a portion of your ear cartilage is removed to accommodate larger jewellery - brace yourself for some proper sting.
When it comes to healing, conch piercings done with a needle typically take 6 to 9 months to fully heal. However, if you opt for the dermal punch, you might be facing a healing process lasting a year or even more. Just remember that healing time can vary significantly from person to person, depending on how well they take care of their ear cartilage.