If you're looking for an unusual body modification, the Snug Piercing (anti-helix) may be worth your attention. Let's take a look at this piercing to see if it's for you.
What is a Snug Piercing?
A Snug piercing ( anti-helix ) is a two-hole cartilage piercing that rests horizontally on the inner rim of the ear. Both holes are visible on the front surface of the ear, parallel to the ear hole.
Many consider these piercings to be one of the most painful cartilage piercings , which may explain why they are rare.
Snug piercing vs Conch Piercing
While the Snug ear piercing is located along the ridge of the cartilage, the Conch piercing is located below the ridge, closer to the ear canal. The Conch piercing has one hole visible on the outer surface of the ear, while the Snug piercing has both holes visible.
Pain
Does a Snug Piercing Hurt? Brace yourself: Snug ear piercings are considered one of the most painful body piercings. Many people rate the pain level at a 9 out of 10.
Even experienced piercing enthusiasts should prepare for a higher level of discomfort. For some, the pain goes away quickly, while others feel the discomfort for several days after the piercing.
Snug Piercing Healing Time
How long does a Snug piercing take to heal? Your Snug ear piercing will take at least 4-6 months to heal. The cartilage in this area is thick, so you shouldn't be surprised if it takes longer. Full maturation may not occur until 12 months have passed.
The skin and tissue around the piercing hole will be strong and flexible, with no signs of swelling or discharge.
How much does a Snug piercing cost?
Expect to pay between $40 and $100 for a Snug piercing. Higher costs may reflect the shop's location and the technician's experience performing the piercing.
While it's good to shop around for a good deal, you should look for a clean place with experienced technicians. Ideally, the shop will have separate areas for body piercing, and you can expect the price to be higher.
Benefits
The main benefit for many is that this is a rare piercing that stands out for its uniqueness. Another advantage is that the two holes in this piercing allow for displaying jewelry that can look like separate pieces of jewelry.
What type of ear anatomy is suitable for a Snug piercing?
Another reason a Snug piercing is uncommon is that some people don't have the ear structure to support it. Your anti-helix ridge needs to stick out far enough to hold a piece of jewelry.
Every person's ear is different, so you'll want to talk to a piercing technician before considering this type of cartilage piercing.
Snug piercing for prominent ears?
You can get a Snug piercing for protruding ears. If you have protruding ears, the snug piercing will be an ideal accessory to modify your ears.
Snug Piercing Jewelry
What jewelry do you use for a Snug piercing?
The most common types of snug piercings include curved barbells (banana bars), horseshoe bars (circular barbells), and rings. However, the latter two types can easily get caught on clothing.
1. Banana Barbells
Curved barbells are the most common type of jewelry for snug piercings. They are a popular piece of jewelry to replace or wear as a first choice. They are placed further away from the skin, making them less irritating to the skin than a straight barbell.
They can be short, meaning the balls at the end are above the skin in the piercing holes, giving the illusion of two separate pieces of jewelry. The longer the bar, the more prone curved barbells are to snagging.
2. Rings
Rings are not a popular choice for this type of cartilage piercing. Hoops stick out and can easily get caught on clothing or other materials they come into contact with. That said, they can also draw attention to the piercing site.
3. Horseshoe bars (circular bars)
Horseshoe-shaped bars can create a bolder look than curved bars and rings and may have tips that protrude sharply at both ends.
4. Labrets
The pin uses a straight rod that does not put undue pressure on the edges of the piercing hole walls. It has ample length to accommodate swelling during the inflammation stage.
The disadvantage of piercings is that they are usually quite plain in appearance and the ends stick out far from the piercing holes.
Snug Piercing Jewelry Size
1. Caliber
The Snug ear piercing is likely to be 16G (1.2mm) in size. It is less common to find 14G (1.6mm) jewelry. Smaller sizes, such as 18 gauge (1.0mm) or 20 gauge (0.8mm), are less well-known due to the thick cartilage piercing.
2. Length
Your initial piece of jewelry will be in the 8mm (5/16") to 10mm ( 3/8" ) range to accommodate post-piercing swelling.
Later, you can size down to achieve a tighter fit, using something in the 6mm ( 1/4" ) to 8mm ( 5/16") range , depending on the thickness of the cartilage in that part of your ear.
3. Diameter
Rings are typically between 6mm ( 1/4" ) and 8mm (5/16") in diameter , depending on the amount of cartilage in the area. Larger diameters provide more room for the rings to hang.
Recommended Materials for Snug Piercings
1. Titanium piercing jewelry
Implant grade titanium Snug piercing jewelry is highly recommended . They are lightweight, nickel free, and tarnish resistant . They are often recommended for those who are allergic to brass, nickel, and other common metals in jewelry.
2. 14 karat and 18 karat gold
14- or 18-karat gold ear piercing jewelry can offer a sophisticated look. However, it can be more expensive and could tarnish over time. Also consider whether you have allergies, such as an allergy to gold.
3. Surgical grade stainless steel
If you opt for stainless steel, you should go for surgical grade steel. It usually contributes to a smooth healing process and is extremely durable.
However, even surgical grade steel contains small amounts of nickel, which could cause allergic reactions in people with skin sensitivities. Talk to your piercer about all material options to determine which is best for you and your skin.
Risks
1. Swelling
Swelling is a natural part of the healing process. Because this is a piercing in thick cartilage, the healing phase known as inflammation could last a week or more.
Swelling in your ear piercing should peak within two days, but if it gets worse or lasts for two weeks or longer, it may be a sign of something more serious.
Following aftercare instructions, including compresses and cleansing, will help reduce swelling.
2. Infection
The thick cartilage of a Snug ear piercing takes longer to heal, making it more prone to infection. Bacteria is to blame and over 30% of cartilage piercings become infected .
Warm compresses, saline washes, and ointments or oral antibiotics will be used to help clear the infection.
3. Rejection
Because the healing time is longer, your body may reject your Snug ear piercing if you don't take care of it. The material of the jewelry can be an issue if you're allergic to it. Lastly, your genetics may fight against the piercing.
To reduce the chances of rejection, follow aftercare instructions, use implant-grade titanium or solid gold , or remove the piercing as a last resort.
Aftercare
- Avoid sleeping on your pierced ear.
- Be careful not to contaminate the piercing.
- Avoid touching it or applying makeup too close to it.
- Avoid getting into water that may be dirty.
- Clean your piercing twice a day using a special saline solution for cleaning wounds or soap and water to prevent infection.
- Avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation .
- And of course, be sure to avoid getting it caught on clothing or towels.
- Wear loose clothing. Avoid wearing tight clothing or clothing that may rub against the piercing, as this can cause irritation and delay the healing process.
- Use hypoallergenic jewelry, such as implant-grade titanium and 14- or 18-karat gold. Surgical-grade steel may contain small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions.
- Don't move your piercing unless you're cleaning it. Pulling on a piercing early in healing is painful, but it can also interfere with healing or damage the piercing itself.
- Wait until your piercing heals before changing your jewelry.
- Watch for possible signs of infection and see your piercer or doctor if it becomes infected.
You should make sure that you have your piercing done by an experienced and trusted person who uses proper cleaning and sterilization procedures. You will also want to choose high-quality jewelry that you are not allergic to. After you get your piercing, be sure to follow all of your piercer's instructions.
Snug Piercing Cleaning
It is recommended to use store-bought sterile saline solution , rather than homemade saline solution, to clean piercings. Homemade saline solution may be too salty for delicate piercing areas, causing dryness and delaying healing.
Using a mild, fragrance-free soap and water to clean the piercing site is also an option.
If you prefer a homemade salt solution, you can start by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt with one cup of distilled or boiled water (for at least 20 minutes) . You may choose to use less of the salt mixture, such as 1/4 to 1/8 teaspoon , if you want a milder solution that is less likely to burn or sting. Stir the solution until it dissolves.
If you notice signs of infection, you can also use antiseptic solutions , such as betadine, isopropyl alcohol, or diluted hydrogen peroxide. However, avoid using these for daily cleaning, as they can damage cells .
Then proceed with the following steps to clean your piercing:
- Soak Dampen a cotton ball, paper towel, or non-terrycloth cloth with the solution. Avoid fabrics that can snag and pull on the jewelry or leave fibers. Gently soak the piercing and wipe it clean. Do not remove the jewelry!
- If you have a sterile saline wound wash that you can buy in stores, spray it on while it is healing.
- Be sure to clean the piercing of any discharge or crusty material.
- Take a clean gauze or cotton swabs and pat the area dry.
Your piercer should give you detailed instructions on how to keep your piercing clean once it is in place.
How many weeks should you soak a Snug piercing in salt?
You will need to soak your Snug ear piercing in a salt bath for at least 6 weeks. Do this two to three times a day for the first two weeks after getting your piercing.
After this, do a salt bath once a day for at least four weeks. Since the cartilage is so thick in this area of the ear, you may need to extend these times if healing is slow.
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