Double Cartilage Piercing [50 Ideas]: Pain Level, Healing Time, Cost, Experience

Looking for an elevated variation on earlobe piercing? The double cartilage piercing might be your next piercing experience!

Read on to find all you need to know about double cartilage piercings, including cost, pain level, healing time and procedure overview. Aftercare product recommendations and an extensive photo gallery will help you make this piercing all your own.

What is a Double Cartilage Piercing?

Double cartilage piercings can technically be placed anywhere on your ear cartilage, but arrangement on the upper ear cartilage is the most common area. This is an ideal location because the upper ear tends to have the most space while also being the most visible.

Read more about general cartilage piercings.

Should You get a Double Cartilage Piercing?

Every piercing comes with unique risks and rewards. Check out the pros & cons below to see if the double cartilage piercing is right for you:

Pros:

The piercing process is quick for a result you’ll be eager to show off.
Many different jewelry types can be worn in double cartilage piercings, so this piercing is ideal for someone who wants variety.

Cons:

Cartilage piercings are known for being more painful than earlobe piercings.
Infection is a concern with any piercing. However, proper aftercare will drastically reduce this risk.

Piercing Procedure

The first & most important step to getting pierced is finding a reputable piercer. Once you arrive at the shop, your piercer will go over the procedure with you and have you fill out some paperwork. After setup, your piercer will thoroughly clean the area to be pierced and mark the locations with a surgical pen. Make sure you like these locations before moving forward!

As soon as you’re ready, your piercer will secure your ear cartilage with a clamp to hold it in place. Your ear will then be punctured with a hollow needle, and the needle will be replaced with your chosen jewelry. The process will be repeated for the second hole to finish the procedure. Before leaving, your piercer will talk to you about how to care for your healing piercing. Make sure to ask any lingering questions before you leave the shop.

Check out the video below to see the procedure in real time:

How Much do Double Cartilage Piercings Hurt?

5 out of 10

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This piercing ranks at a 5/10 on the pain scale because it punctures the cartilage twice. While pain level always depends on your pain tolerance, cartilage piercings will always hurt more because they perforate thicker tissue.

Your ear will most likely be swollen and tender for a few days after the procedure. Using cold compresses and taking anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help make this process more pleasant.

Read more about the most & least painful piercings.

Healing and Aftercare

Double cartilage piercings can take up to 4 months to completely heal.

Proper aftercare is crucial to safely healing your piercing. Follow the tips below to minimize your risk of infection:

Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing.
Sleep on your opposite side or back to avoid putting pressure on your new piercing.
Do not remove your jewelry until your piercing has completely healed. Early jewelry removal can cause complete piercing closure.
Keep high-touch objects like your pillowcase and phone clean, and be careful when changing clothes.
Clean your piercing twice per day as described below.

Read more about proper aftercare technique.

How to Clean Your Piercing

You’ll need some saline solution to get started. Pick some up from your piercing shop or make some at home by dissolving 1/4 teaspoon sea salt in 8 oz of warm water. Pour some solution on a clean pad or towel and hold it on your piercing for a few minutes. This soothes your piercing and helps loosen up any debris that might be stuck. Gently clean the ends of your jewelry and dispose of the pad. Repeat this procedure once in the morning & once at night for a consistently clean piercing.

Recommended Aftercare Products

Sea salt

This piercing sea salt is ideal for making your own saline solution at home.

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Piercing aftercare spray

Saline spray is a great on-the-go option. Throw it in your bag and clean your piercing anywhere!

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Best Jewelry

Double cartilage piercings offer a wide array of jewelry to choose from. While you’ll most likely get studs as initial jewelry, you are free to explore the possibilities after healing. Always insist on stainless steel or titanium jewelry to avoid allergic reactions.

Many jewelry types accent the double cartilage piercing in different ways. Studs with gemmed or designer ends add cute & flashy flair. Hoops, rings and clickers provide an edgy look to your piercing. Fitted spiral jewelry is a unique option for linking your piercings together.