Tragus piercings for men: our complete advice
Thinking about getting your tragus pierced but wondering whether itâs a good choice for a man? Worried about making a fashion faux pas?
Youâre in the right place đÂ
At Solstice, we specialise in piercing jewellery, particularly for cartilage piercings.
Letâs be honest: we mainly write for women. But the whole team is happy to share an article 100% focused on men today, all about the tragus piercing!
Shall we explore it together?
Is a tragus piercing a good choice for a man?
As a reminder, the tragus is the small rounded or triangular flap in front of the ear canal.
Increasingly popular, this piercing is both discreet and distinctive.
Rest assured, this jewellery is for anyone. You can absolutely get a tragus piercing as a man đ
More and more men are getting their lobes, nose and cartilage pierced! Unfortunately, these piercings are not always accepted in every workplace⊠but attitudes are changing.
Paired with earrings and helix jewellery, tragus jewellery can give your style even more character.
And weâre guessing thatâs what caught your eye đ
What does a tragus piercing mean?
A tragus piercing can have a personal meaning for a man, but there is no single meaning shared by everyone.
It can represent a personal achievement and a sense of confidence or courage.
Which side should you wear your piercing on?
Some interpretations associate a piercing on the right with discipline, and one on the left with love, but these are not universal meanings.
In practice, the side doesnât matter: you can wear your tragus piercing on the left or right. Itâs down to your taste! đ€·ââïž
What happens during a piercing appointment?
Will your tragus be your first cartilage piercing? Worried it might hurt?
Take a breath. Weâll explain the process in this section đ
The piercing procedure: what happens, step by step
The piercing process is straightforward:
- You lie down or sit
- The piercer marks the placement of your future jewellery with a pen
- They disinfect your ear
- They pierce the cartilage with a needle and insert the jewellery, often a small post
- They let you leave if everything has gone well
Thatâs the basic process đ
Make sure you choose a reputable piercer. Read the reviews and be prepared to pay a fair price đ
How much does a tragus piercing cost?
In French piercing studios, a tragus piercing often costs around 35 to 60 euros, depending on the city and the studio. Check the price with your chosen piercer before booking.
Whatâs included can vary: ask whether the price covers the procedure, jewellery and any follow-up.
A word of caution: donât try to save money by going to a jewellery shop that uses a piercing gun. This technique can be dangerous for cartilage piercings! đ€
Does it hurt?
Some people describe tragus piercing pain as manageable, or slightly stronger than a lobe piercing, but experiences vary from person to person.
Of course, your sensitivity and how apprehensive you feel on the day may affect your experience. Feeling calm and relaxed may help you cope, but cannot guarantee how the appointment will go.
Feeling a little more reassured? đ
Preparing well may help you manage the discomfort. You could try meditation or bring someone close to you to help you feel more at ease.
And remember to stay hydrated and get a good nightâs sleep beforehand đ
Tragus aftercare and healing
Looking after your piercing is essential. Yes, it takes time and care, but you may feel the result is worth it!
Here are a few tips to support healing and care for your piercing đ
How long does healing take?
Healing time varies from person to person, and cartilage piercings can take time to settle fully.
Of course, this depends on several factors, including how consistently you follow your aftercare routine đ
If youâre keen to change your jewellery, only do so after a professional piercer has checked how it is healing. Our catalogue jewellery is intended for healed piercings.
But how can you tell whether your tragus has healed?
These signs can help you assess how it is doing, although only a professional assessment can confirm whether it is ready for a jewellery change:
- Normal skin colour
- No pain
- No blood or pus
- No swelling
- No more crusting!
Aftercare tips
To help keep your tragus piercing healthy and support the healing process, we suggest:
- Cleaning it daily with a saline solution
- Not touching or playing with your jewellery
- Avoiding knocks and snagging from hair, earphones, clothingâŠ
- Not using chemical products
- Avoiding swimming while it is healing
Give your tragus a little care and attention! đ
Alongside these everyday precautions, this short video discusses using earphones during healing and once the piercing has healed.
What tragus jewellery can men wear?
Choosing jewellery isnât always easy, whether youâre a man or a woman⊠And there are several types of jewellery you can wear in a healed tragus piercing.
Fortunately, a few simple pointers can help you decide whether a piece is right for you đ
Want to know more?
Letâs take a look:
A tragus stud or hoop for a man?
For a healed tragus piercing, here are 2 jewellery options to consider:
- A stud: this small, straight post makes a discreet choice. If you prefer a simple look, choose understated designs such as studs with a small ball or a simple motif.
- A hoop: a classic choice, a hoop can suit a manâs healed tragus piercing. A smooth model with a diameter of 6 mm is one option, provided it fits your anatomy.
When choosing your jewellery colour, follow your own taste! Gold-tone jewellery can create a lovely contrast against darker skin, but thereâs no rule about which colour you should wear.
Your choice mainly depends on the space available and the look you want. This demonstration shows a tragus hoop being replaced with a stud, with pointers on size.
See how a tragus stud or hoop looks alongside your other jewellery in the Solstice Ear Stack Builder.
Build my ear stackWhich materials should you consider for piercing jewellery?
Material matters, but suitability depends on the specific jewellery and whether the piercing has healed:
- Gold, if you like a precious-metal look and are happy with a higher price point
- Titanium, which is a different material from steel. If you are shopping at Solstice, choose a piece that is clearly identified on the product page and remember our catalogue jewellery is intended for healed piercings
- 316L steel, which should be checked product by product rather than chosen on a broad label alone. For background on material terminology, see the APP criteria for initial piercing jewellery.
- Silver, which is best checked carefully product by product before you choose it for a healed piercing
A final word
A tragus piercing can be a great way for a man to express his style, whatever his personality đ
Just remember to care for it and choose your jewellery thoughtfully to create a look that feels like you!
If youâd like to learn more, download your ear piercing guide by clicking below: