Use this page in two ways: browse by body area if you are still figuring out the name, or jump straight to the quick chart if you already know the piercing and want standard specs.
Start with the most common placements, healing ranges, and starter jewelry before you buy anything.
See the common types →Gauge, healing, jewelry fit, and studio help can change based on anatomy and placement.
Ask Helix →Cartilage, surface, and intimate placements heal differently and need different expectations.
Go to aftercare →Start with the right first jewelry for the placement, then double-check materials and size before you order.
See starter jewelry by piercing type →Choose a body area to orient yourself quickly. Each section points you to the best next content path, and you can still use Helix for anatomy-specific questions.
These piercing types are highly anatomy-dependent and best discussed privately with an experienced professional piercer familiar with anatomy-based placements.
These are the placements most people search first because they are common, visible, and have the clearest starter jewelry standards.
One of the most popular cartilage piercings, but slower to heal than most people expect.
Read the full guide →Common but easy to irritate if the jewelry moves too much or the hoop goes in too early.
Read the full guide →Popular, discreet for work in many cases, and often easier than cartilage to heal if it is placed correctly.
Read the full guide →Longer healing timeline, more pressure issues, and sizing that depends heavily on anatomy.
Read the full guide →Visible facial placement with a longer healing window and more migration/rejection risk than most standard piercings.
Read the full guide →Small placement, slow cartilage healing, and easy to irritate with pressure from earbuds, phones, and sleeping on that side.
Read the full guide →Striking cartilage placement that looks great with a stud first and a hoop later, but only when the timing and diameter are right.
Read the full guide →Inner-ear cartilage placement that uses a ring from the start and heals better when daily pressure stays low.
Read the full guide →Tight inner-ear fold with bigger swelling swings, slower calming, and a stronger need for correct curved barbell fit.
Read the full guide →Common lower-lip piercing with different fit needs depending on placement and swelling.
Ask Helix →Standard specs for the most popular piercing types. All sizes are starting recommendations: your piercer will confirm based on your anatomy.
| Piercing | Gauge | Heal Time | Pain | Starter Jewelry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Lobe | 18G or 20G | 6–8 weeks | 2–3/10 | Flat-back labret or stud |
| Helix | 16G | 6–12 months | 4–5/10 | Flat-back labret 8–10mm |
| Tragus | 16G or 18G | 6–12 months | 4–5/10 | Flat-back labret 6–8mm |
| Daith | 16G | 6–12 months | 5/10 | Curved barbell or clicker ring |
| Rook | 16G | 12–18 months | 6/10 | Curved barbell 8–10mm |
| Conch | 16G or 14G | 6–12 months | 4–5/10 | Flat-back labret 8–10mm |
| Industrial | 14G | 6–12 months | 7/10 | Industrial barbell 32–38mm |
| Nostril | 18G or 20G | 4–6 months | 4/10 | Nostril screw or L-shape |
| Septum | 16G | 6–8 months | 5–6/10 | Circular barbell 8–10mm |
| Labret | 16G or 14G | 3–6 months | 4/10 | Flat-back labret 8–10mm |
| Medusa / Philtrum | 16G | 3–6 months | 4–5/10 | Flat-back labret 8–10mm |
| Tongue | 14G | 4–6 weeks | 4/10 | Straight barbell 16–19mm |
| Navel | 14G | 9–12 months | 4–5/10 | Curved barbell 10mm |
| Nipple | 14G | 9–12 months | 6–7/10 | Straight barbell 14–16mm |
| Eyebrow | 16G or 14G | 6–9 months | 4/10 | Curved barbell 8–10mm |
Ask Helix your gauge, anatomy, and what you want to buy: get specific product links, not just a size.
Ask Helix Now →Once you know the name and standard fit, the next important questions are material, healing, aftercare, and whether your anatomy changes the usual recommendation.