Collection: .Snug + Anti-tragus Piercing
All our jewellery is manufactured from High Polish Implant Grade Titanium (Ti-6AL-4V-ELI ASTM F136).
Age Restrictions – Obsidian Body Piercing
🔩✨ Things to Consider Before Getting a Snug or Anti-Tragus Piercing
Two bold cartilage piercings — both gorgeous, but not for everyone.
If you’re exploring unique ear piercings, the snug and anti-tragus piercings might have caught your eye. These two edgy cartilage piercings are eye-catching, customisable, and perfect for people who want something a little different from standard lobes or helixes.
But before you commit to either, it’s important to know what sets them apart — and what to consider before getting pierced.
🌀 First, What’s the Difference?
👉 Snug Piercing
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Located on the inner ridge of cartilage that runs parallel to the outer rim of the ear
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Pierced horizontally, from the front to back
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Visible on both sides of the ridge
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Known for its bold appearance and challenging anatomy
👉 Anti-Tragus Piercing
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Sits just above your earlobe, across from the tragus
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Pierces the small, raised cartilage fold
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More subtle than the snug but still distinctive
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Can complement other lower ear piercings beautifully
🧬 1. Anatomy is Everything
Not everyone has the anatomy to support a snug or anti-tragus piercing.
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For the snug, the inner ridge must be prominent and thick enough to support the jewellery
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For the anti-tragus, you need a defined cartilage bump above the earlobe
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Some ears simply don’t have enough tissue — and that’s okay!
A professional piercer will assess your ear and let you know if either (or both) are possible for you.
🩹 2. Healing Is Long & Requires Patience
Both snug and anti-tragus piercings go through thicker cartilage, which means:
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Healing time is 6–12 months (sometimes longer)
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They are more prone to swelling, pressure, and irritation
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You must avoid sleeping on the pierced side for a long time
Cartilage heals slowly, and because these piercings are in high-friction, high-movement areas, they require consistent care.
🛌 3. Sleeping on It? Not for a While
You’ll want to avoid sleeping on the side with a new snug or anti-tragus piercing for several months.
Why?
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Pressure = irritation
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Irritation = longer healing
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Longer healing = higher risk of bumps, swelling, and migration
💤 Pro tip: Use a travel pillow or donut-shaped pillow to sleep while keeping pressure off the piercing.
💎 4. Jewellery Options Are More Limited (at First)
During healing, you’ll be pierced with:
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A curved barbell for snug and most anti-tragus piercings
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Implant-grade materials (like titanium) for safety
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A longer bar to allow for swelling
Later, once healed, you can explore:
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Shorter barbells for a snug fit
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Gem ends or decorative tops
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Seam rings (in healed anti-tragus only)
Avoid hoops in a healing snug — they increase pressure and risk of irritation.
⚠️ 5. They’re Prone to Irritation & Bumps
Both piercings are known to be fussy healers. Expect:
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Occasional redness or tenderness
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Possible formation of hypertrophic bumps (non-dangerous, but annoying)
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Sensitivity to movement, headphones, hats, or hair getting caught
But don’t worry — with good care, most bumps can be treated or avoided altogether.
🧼 6. Aftercare: Gentle, Consistent, and Long-Term
Both piercings need:
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Twice-daily saline cleanses (spray or soak)
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No touching, twisting, or sleeping on the piercing
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Clean hair, pillowcases, and hands
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No makeup, sunscreen, or products near the area
Avoid:
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Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antiseptic creams (they dry out cartilage)
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Swimming pools and hot tubs during early healing
Healing cartilage is a long game — so think months, not weeks.
🖤 Final Thoughts
Both the snug and anti-tragus are bold, expressive piercings for those who want something truly unique. They’re not the easiest to heal — and not every ear is a candidate — but when done properly, they heal beautifully and make a stunning statement.
Thinking about a snug or anti-tragus piercing?
Book a consultation — we’ll check your anatomy, walk you through jewellery options, and help you decide which one (if any!) suits your ear best.
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Initial Piercing - Assorted colours/plain or crystal curved barbells
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Obsidian Body Piercing Gift Card
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- from £10.00 GBP
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