Piercing pain and healing time vary greatly from person to person. Generally, lobes hurt the least and can take about 6 to 10 weeks to heal. Cartilage piercings typicaly hurt much more and can take 3 to 18 months to heal.

All of our piercings are performed using a single-use, sterilized needle. This method causes less tissue trauma, promotes faster healing, and ensures a more hygienic piercing process overall.

Kelly Bello jewelry is sold individually unless otherwise specified. To order a pair, simply add two of the items to your cart.

The piercing itself takes less than half a second. Pain is subjective—some people report feeling no pain at all, while others find it less uncomfortable than getting a shot. Rest assured, we do everything possible to make your piercing experience quick, smooth, and as pleasant as possible.

Here’s a general breakdown of healing times and pain levels for different types of piercings:

1. Lobe Piercing

• Healing Time: 6-8 weeks
• Pain Level: 2/10 (Minimal discomfort)
• Description: The classic lobe piercing is quick to heal and involves minimal pain, making it one of the most popular choices for first-time piercings.

2. Helix Piercing (Outer Rim of the Ear)

• Healing Time: 6-12 months
• Pain Level: 4/10 (Moderate)
• Description: A helix piercing involves cartilage, which takes longer to heal. Expect a slightly higher pain level compared to lobe piercings, with potential swelling and soreness during the healing period.

3. Tragus Piercing (Small Cartilage in Front of the Ear Canal)

• Healing Time: 3-6 months
• Pain Level: 5/10 (Moderate to High)
• Description: Tragus piercings are known for their higher pain level, as they go through thicker cartilage. Healing time varies, but it generally takes a bit longer than a helix piercing.

4. Daith Piercing (Cartilage Fold Above the Ear Canal)

• Healing Time: 6-12 months
• Pain Level: 5/10 (Moderate)
• Description: The daith piercing passes through the inner cartilage and may involve more pain due to the thickness of the tissue. It also takes longer to heal and may experience some tenderness during the process.

5. Conch Piercing (Center of the Ear’s Cartilage)

• Healing Time: 6-9 months
• Pain Level: 6/10 (Moderate to High)
• Description: The conch piercing goes through thick cartilage, which can result in a slightly more painful experience. It may take several months to fully heal due to the cartilage thickness.

6. Industrial Piercing (Two Holes Connected by a Bar)

• Healing Time: 9-12 months
• Pain Level: 7/10 (High)
• Description: One of the more painful piercings, the industrial involves two separate holes in the cartilage connected by a bar. This piercing takes a long time to heal and requires careful aftercare to prevent irritation.

7. Rook Piercing (Upper Cartilage, Above the Daith)

• Healing Time: 6-12 months
• Pain Level: 6/10 (Moderate to High)
• Description: The rook piercing, while stunning, can be a bit more painful than other cartilage piercings due to its location in the upper cartilage. Healing time is similar to other cartilage piercings, and it may require extra care.

8. Snug Piercing (Middle Cartilage)

• Healing Time: 6-12 months
• Pain Level: 6/10 (Moderate to High)
• Description: The snug piercing is done through the thick part of the ear’s middle cartilage. Like other cartilage piercings, it can be somewhat painful, and healing can take longer compared to lobe piercings.

9. Anti-Tragus Piercing (Small Cartilage Opposite the Tragus)

• Healing Time: 3-6 months
• Pain Level: 4/10 (Moderate)
• Description: The anti-tragus is less common but is popular for its unique placement. The pain level is moderate, and healing time is generally quicker than other cartilage piercings.

10. Surface Piercing (Anywhere on the Ear Surface)

• Healing Time: 6-12 months
• Pain Level: 5/10 (Moderate)
• Description: Surface piercings, while less common on the ear, involve the skin and require more care to avoid rejection. Pain and healing time can vary based on placement.

Please note that every body is unique, and while we take every precaution to ensure a safe and successful piercing, there is always the possibility that your body may react differently. In some cases, the body may reject a piercing due to factors such as skin type, anatomy, or healing conditions. If you experience excessive irritation, swelling, or signs of rejection, we recommend removing the piercing immediately and consulting with a professional piercer or healthcare provider. Healing times and outcomes can vary, and we are here to guide you through the process with proper aftercare instructions.

We recommend a maximum of four piercings per session, although this may vary depending on the placement and your anatomy. Your piercer may adjust this recommendation based on their professional judgment.

Clean your piercing until it is fully healed, which can take several months depending on your piercing. However everyone is different so your healing time may be different. Apply our piercer’s approved NeilMed sterile saline solution to clean your new piercing at least twice daily in the morning and evening. Do this no more than twice a day. Many things can cause irritation including moisture. Dry well afterward using a clean paper towel or using the cold setting on a hairdryer.

Be careful not to aggravate your new piercing when washing and styling your hair, changing clothing, and sleeping on your fresh piercing.

Do not remove your jewelry during its healing time as it will begin to close immediately.

Make sure all soaps or shampoos are clear of your ear when showering.

Expect build-up of dried matter on the piercing, use warm water on a paper towel (or a warm, gentle shower setting) to reduce the matter.

Avoid wearing any type of hats.

Avoid swimming or submerging your new piercing in any pool of water during the healing process.

Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands.

Clean regularly with saline solution or an aftercare product recommended by your piercer.

Be patient: Healing times vary depending on the piercing type and your body’s healing ability.

Avoid irritation: Keep hair, hats, and phones away from the piercing site to reduce the risk of infection or trauma.

Always follow the advice of your piercer for optimal healing and reach out to a professional if you experience any issues during the healing process.

Please note that every body is unique, and while we take every precaution to ensure a safe and successful piercing, there is always the possibility that your body may react differently. In some cases, the body may reject a piercing due to factors such as skin type, anatomy, or healing conditions. If you experience excessive irritation, swelling, or signs of rejection, we recommend removing the piercing immediately and consulting with a professional piercer or healthcare provider. Healing times and outcomes can vary, and we are here to guide you through the process with proper aftercare instructions.

DO NOT touch your piercing.

DO NOT rotate, move, or twist your jewelry

DO NOT sleep on your new piercing.

DO NOT clean your piercing with chemicals such as alcohol, Neosporin, or bactine As these products are not designed for piercings.

DO NOT pick or pull at the dried matter surrounding your piercing as it is attached to the healing tissue.

DO rinse your piercing with your piercer’s approved saline.

DO wash your hands thoroughly when cleaning your piercing. A piercing is an open wound, so dirty hands or fingernails can cause infection.

DO use a travel pillow with your ear in the middle of the hole to avoid irritation while you sleep.

DO stay hydrated.

DO Schedule a checkup 4-8 weeks after your initial piercing date with your piercer.

We suggest scheduling a complimentary checkup four weeks after your piercing to ensure it's healing as it should.

Have any more questions? Contact us here for to schedule a styling appointment or here for anything else we might be able to assist with.