In the market for a new piercing? Looking for something unique? Tragus piercings are growing in popularity, but you won't see one on every other student at ASU.
The tragus is the small piece of skin with underlying cartilage that sticks out over the opening of the inner ear. Because this cartilage is small in surface area, the most common size for piercing is 16 gauge.
There is no "trend" in which ear to pierce; some individuals do both to look symmetrical. The cost of this "hip" piercing ranges from $35-$50 depending on the type of body jewelry.
If the sound of piercing cartilage makes you uneasy, don't be afraid. According to Kyle Jordan from Dreamscapes Tattoo and Piercing in Scottsdale, "getting your tragus pierced is a different kind of pain. There is definitely a snap, but it is nothing that people should be afraid of. Piercings are always uncomfortable at first, but they are quick and easy, unlike tattoos."
Tragus piercings take about three months to heal because of their location and the type of tissue. Activities such as talking on the phone and lying down to sleep slightly interfere with the healing process.
But don't get your heart set on this piercing until you consult a professional. According to Jordan, some individuals are not good candidates for the piercing because their tragus is too small or doesn't stick out far enough from the ear. Regardless of the setbacks, expect to see tragus piercings become a trend in the body jewelry market.
Reach the reporter at callie.parkinson@asu.edu.
