Tragus Earrings

Your initial piercing jewelry for a tragus will probably be a piercing stud with a flat back. The two most common closing mechanisms for this type of earring are the internally threaded screw and the push pin. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about how to change out your piercing jewelry so you can start expressing your personal style as soon as your piercing is healed. 

Internally threaded screw:

To remove a threaded screw earring, hold the back piece as you gently twist the front piece to unscrew it. These earrings involve a couple of small pieces, so be careful not to lose the front piece. 

To insert this type of earring, put the post through the back of your tragus and gently twist the front piece to tighten and secure your jewelry.

Push pin:

To remove a push pin from your tragus, gently pull both ends of the earring in opposite directions, twisting the front of the earring as you pull. 

To insert a push pin earring, place the post into your piercing from the back of the tragus, and fasten it by pushing the top of the earring onto the post. The post is bent on purpose– that’s what keeps this earring together! 

Tragus piercings, like all ear cartilage piercings, are typically pierced with a 16 gauge needle, which is 1.2mm thick.

To make sure your earrings work correctly, the studs should have a post length of 5 or 6mm for a snug fit, and 7 or 8mm for a looser fit. If you're going for a hoop, choose a standard tragus hoop earring with a diameter of 6mm to 8mm.

By far, cartilage studs are the most popular kind of earrings for the tragus. A simple cartilage stud earring with a tiny gemstone is both understated and eye-catching. 

Don’t limit yourself, though! Teeny tiny hoops are another stunning option. Piercings allow you to express your individuality, so don’t be afraid to get creative.