If you’ve ever felt like the world revolves around you, then an orbital piercing is perfect for your next piece of ear candy. Also, might we consider having a chat with your ego? (It’s your turn to get coffee this time.)
But the name of this piercing isn’t the only cool thing about it. (Though, that’s close.)
The orbital piercing also has one of the fastest healing times of any piercing since it’s usually on the earlobe. And since the jewelry doesn’t dangle or stick out, there’s less of a chance that it gets snagged on hair, clothing, or that cheeseburger you’re eating really awkwardly.
If a unique piercing with a short healing time sounds appealing, then you’re in the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about an orbital piercing before you walk into a salon.
What Is an Orbital Piercing?
Orbital piercings are when you pierce two holes into your ear and connecting them with a hoop. It’s most often located on the earlobe, but can also be placed higher up in the middle of your outer ear. This piercing is similar to an industrial piercing, which connects two holes with a bar in your upper cartilage.
Many people prefer to get an orbital piercing on the lower lobe because the tissue is softer and heals faster. If you’re the type of person who gets a FastPass at Disney, pays for pre-boarding, and always does mobile ordering for Starbucks, this is probably a good location for you.
How Much Does an Orbital Piercing Cost?
Orbital piercings range in price depending on where you go. Most places start around $30. You’ll also be paying for the jewelry, which ranges in price as well. Getting 14k gold will be more expensive, while surgical steel can help keep your bill lower. It’s like a weird game of limbo where your budget is the bar and instead of getting eliminated, you just can’t pay rent.
Instead of looking for the biggest save, look for a piercer and a salon that’s clean, professional, and reputable. You don’t need your earring falling apart in two weeks like those “real” Manolo Blahniks.
How Painful Is an Orbital Piercing?
Orbital piercings are one of the less painful piercings because they’re often done on the lower lobe. This tissue is much softer than the cartilage or the nose, so it’s easier to poke a hole into.
However, since your piercer will be putting two holes in your ear (or four if you want to get both ears done), that can add up to a bit of pain. You’re welcome for saving you that mental math. (You can put your fingers down now.)
What’s Good Aftercare?
Like any piercing, make sure you clean it once, if not twice, a day.
Wash your hands before start, then clean your piercing with a saline solution, which can be made with warm water and sea salt. Use a soft cotton ball or Q-tip to clean off any crust on the piercing.
How Long Will My Orbital Piercing Take to Heal?
If you get your orbital piercing done on your lobe, it should take between eight and 10 weeks to heal. If you’re noticing a trend here, you can probably guess that getting this piercing done anywhere else – like your cartilage – may take up to four months.
During the healing process, be mindful of anything that could get stuck in the piercing. Since the jewelry doesn’t really protrude with this look, there’s less of a chance that it’ll snag on clothing or hair. But it doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Afterall, you have tripped on flat ground before.
And, avoid any extra rubbing by using AirPods or Apple buds, rather than the big, over-the-ear headphones. Tiesto has pretty much trademarked that look, anyway.
When Can I Change the Jewelry?
Wait until your piercing is fully healed until you change your jewelry. That means for eight to ten weeks, you’ll need to keep the original jewelry in, even if you’ve decided gold is the new silver.
Once you can swap out the bling, look for earrings that are made of surgical steel or 14k gold, since they’re the most hypoallergenic and can prevent infection. Avoid jewelry with nickel, which it can be an irritant to many people.
As for style, orbital piercings are always going to be a hoop. It’s in the name, after all! But it doesn’t have to be plain. As long as the points entering your ear are smooth, it can also feature a diamond, ball, or chain in the middle. We haven’t figured out how to store snacks in them yet, but we will.
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