The part of the middle ear located a bit above the anti-tragus is called the snug. A piercing placed on this part of the ear is therefore dubbed a snug piercing. The piercing goes somewhere along the ridge created by the antihelix and the antihelical fold, therefore sometimes also called an antihelix piercing.
The snug is a very sensitive part of the ear with extremely thick cartilage, making it one of the hardest parts of the ear to pierce. However, there is no question that one of the most unique, striking and interesting ear piercings is the Snug Piercing. Go directly to Snug Piercing Healing and Aftercare here.
Before Getting a Snug Piercing
The outer ear is prone to many bacteria because of its location on the body. There is very little that can be done about that, except ensuring to give your ear a proper cleaning at least twice per day. This should be done without fail at least 5-6 days prior to getting your piercing done.
A common but rarely recognized issue is that of a yeast infection. Yeast can live dormant on the surface of the outer ear for quite some time until triggered. If you have a piercing done with a yeast ear infection, your puncture site will end up becoming severely infected, and the fungus which causes the yeast infection is a very aggressive one. For this reason, also, it is imperative that you clean your ear diligently for the 5-6 days prior to getting your piercing.
If you are one of those persons who get piercings done spontaneously then it is recommended that you ensure the piercer uses a strong solution of sea salt to clean the ear- the salt will dry the fungus cells out. Have them clean your ear and wait at least 15 minutes before doing the piercing. If they cannot use sea salt then ensure they clean the area 2-3 times with an alcohol solution. A good piercer will always ensure this happens properly.
Snug Piercing Pain and Procedure
As mentioned before, the snug is one of the most sensitive parts of the ear and is made of thick cartilage. This means it is not only difficult to pierce but will be more painful than the other parts of the ear with thinner cartilage.
You need to ensure that the person doing the piercing has more than just adequate experience. The area is relatively small and so a minor error could result in the piercing being placed at an awkward angle. This could also result in the piercing being a lot more painful than it needs to be as well as more swelling and cartilage damage leading to longer healing time.
Ensure that a 16 or 18 gauge hollow needle is used to do the piercing and a ring that same size is placed. The 16 and 18 gauge rings are some of the smallest rings on the market and are perfect for this type of piercing.
Snug Piercing Jewelry Examples
Due to the nature and location of the snug piercing, stud earrings are a definite NO. They will be cumbersome to clean and can lead to infections as a result. The best rings to use will be barbells, especially circular or curved barbells.
The smaller in both gauge and overall size of the ring, the better- you do not want something too big which will become a serious bother and lead to unnecessary irritation.
Snug Piercing Images and Examples
So, now that you have an idea of what type of jewelry to buy for your snug piercing, it’s time for some inspiration! Here are some of our favorite snug piercing images:
Snug Piercing Costs
The cost of a snug piercing is always dependent on the type of ring you choose as well as where you get the piercing done. It is a pretty standard type of piercing and so a cost somewhere in the region of $50.00 is expected. If you must pay a little more for someone with far better experiences and a more hygienic environment, then it is recommended that you do so.
A little discomfort is to be expected when you go to get a snug piercing, but all those who have done one will tell you it is worth it. what you must do is ensure you take very good care of your piercing and that the person who is doing it is experienced enough.
Snug Piercing Aftercare
The main problem with snug piercings is a prolonged healing time. They typically take between 4 – 6 months, sometimes longer, to heal even when well cared for. They usually stay swollen and sore during much of the healing time also.
The snug piercing area is a very sensitive part of the ear, That is why it can be extremely painful. If a snug piercing is not done properly, then it can easily get infected. Proper care should be observed at all times.
Snug Aftercare Instructions
If you are planning to get a snug piercing or if you already have one, then be sure to follow these snug ear piercing aftercare instructions properly. Below are the pointers to follow for proper aftercare of your piercing:
- Step One
Wash your hand with anti-microbial soap before handling your piercing. - Step Two
Soak a piece of cotton in a sea salt solution and place the cotton (heavy with liquid) on the piercing. - Step Three
Allow it to soak for at least 7-10 minutes. - Step Four
Place a towel on the shoulder below your ear to prevent the run-off from the soak from wetting your clothes. - Step Five
Place a piece of dry cotton in the entrance of your ear canal to prevent the sea salt solution from draining into your ear. - Step Six
- Clean at least 2 times per day, rotating the ring each time.
- Step Seven
Dry your piercing with a disposable paper towel.
Suggested Aftercare Products For Snug Piercing
One of the most important things you need to do when you get a new snug piercing is to care for it properly. A big part of aftercare is choosing the right products for the job. Using our knowledge and experience, we have put together a list of the best products for you to use below.
Provon Medicated Lotion Soap
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Provon Medicated Lotion Soap is highly recommended by the Association of Professional Piercers, making it an excellent choice due to its great credibility. This germicidal medicated soap is antimicrobial, hence, it can kill or prevent the development of microorganisms.
It also includes chloroxylenol which can disinfect the skin. According to its customers, it has a mild liquid formula that is gentle on the skin. This soap can clean and condition your skin, making it soft and subtle.
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Recovery Piercing Aftercare Spray
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Your snug piercing can heal perfectly if you keep it clean all the time. Clean your piercing using Recovery Piercing Aftercare Spray. The best piercing aftercare spray to use is Recovery Piercing Aftercare Spray.
You can buy two sizes. You can keep the larger bottle at home for thorough daily cleansing. You can carry the smaller bottle with you wherever you go. Ideally, it is best to spray your new piercing with an aftercare spray at least 3 to 6 times per day. For your snug piercing, you must spray both holes thoroughly.
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H2Ocean 4oz Piercing Aftercare Spray
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H2Ocean 4oz Piercing Aftercare Spray is made of natural ingredients. Works well on different types of skin. It is pH balanced and includes more than 82 trace elements and minerals. H2Ocean can effectively cleanse your snug piercing and eliminate any dried discharge and lymph secretions. Be sure to use it every three to four hours.
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NeilMed Cleanse Piercing Aftercare
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Neilmed Piercing Aftercare will not give you any burning sensation. It does not contain any preservatives. This sterile saline solution can cleanse piercings as well as minor wounds and scrapes. Feel free to spray it in any position. It’s portable and convenient, so you can bring it while you are on-the-go.
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Snug Ear Piercing Aftercare Tips
- DO NOT play with your piercing. This will increase the chance of infection and lead to longer healing time.
- DO NOT experiment with new rings until your piercing has completely healed.
- DO NOT use creams, ointments or moisturizers on the piercing as your piercing needs room to breathe to heal better.
- Cover with plastic band-aids before bed to prevent the ring from moving unnecessarily. Remove the band-aid and clean the piercing immediately upon waking. You should also change your bed linen regularly or use an old t-shirt around your pillow which you can use for 4 nights (4 different surfaces).
- Avoid touching your piercing area with dirty hands.
- You should not sleep on your piercing.
- Do not wear earbuds or headphones.
- As much as possible change your bedding more often.
- Swimming is prohibited.
The alternative to a Snug: Faux Snug Piercing
A Faux Snug is a helix piercing and a conch piercing placed in such a way that they look just like a snug piercing. While healing two cartilage piercings at the same time isn’t always easy, it tends to be significantly easier than trying to heal a snug piercing. With the faux snug piercing, healing time is typically around only 2-4 months and the healing period tends to be much more comfortable than a standard snug.
Frequently Asked Snug Piercing Questions
Do you still have some lingering questions about snug piercings? There is no need to fret. We have compiled here for you a list of our readers’ most frequently asked questions. We hope this helps in your decision-making process regarding this body modification.
Do snug piercings hurt?
you will need to take into consideration your pain tolerance to answer this question. Since every person is different, we cannot say for certain whether this will hurt you or not. However, many people agree that the snug piercing is one of the more painful piercing options out there.
Where should I get a snug piercing?
The first thing you should look for when you’re thinking about getting a snug piercing is a reputable shop. Make sure this establishment is clean and properly certified to do the work you want to be performed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, either. A good piercer will be more than happy to help you through the entire process.
Are snug piercings easily infected?
Because of the delicate part of the ear in which a snug piercing is located, it is very easily infected. It is essential that anyone who chooses to get this piercing is careful to keep the area clean of any debris. If at any time you are worried about the area, consult your piercer or a health professional for assistance.
How long does a snug piercing take to heal?
How quickly your piercing heals will depend partly on your aftercare routine. If you are diligent in making sure you are caring for the area properly, it will heal much faster. Most people see complete healing within 6-12 months from the piercing process.
When is it okay to change my snug piercing jewelry?
Although it will take up to one year for your piercing to heal completely, you can change your jewelry much sooner than that. In most cases, after three months or so you will be able to change it out.
The one potential downside to a faux snug is that it’s two piercings and two pieces of jewelry, so the cost of the piercings is a bit more than a standard snug piercing.
Let us know in the comments which snug piercing you would prefer!
Hello! My name is Emily and I obsessed with piercings (and tattoos) since I was a little girl of 6 years old. I was fortunate enough to make my passion my work after meeting my amazing husband Jeffrey who owned his own tattoo shop. I just recently finished my internships at some of America’s most famous piercing shops and a dream to start something together was born. After falling in love with each other (and each other’s piercings and tattoos) we decided to expand his tattoo shop and I got to manage my own piercing shop in the same space! I’ve never been so happy being able to share my love for piercings through my shop and this blog I started back in 2013. We love to share models and inspiration, so feel free to email me your suggestions, pictures or if you just want to say hi!