Without a doubt, the hottest jewelry trend right now is ear piercings. We don’t mean one or two, we’re talking fully stacked, beautifully curated ears dripping in diamonds, hoops, and all that sparkles. Literally, getting the perfectly stacked ear is a work of art, which is why the term #curatedear has amassed over 60 thousand tags on Instagram. If you’re thinking you need to join the party asap (literally we’ve spent hours deciding on our next piercings) then we’ve got ALL the info you need to start your ear curation journey.
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We spoke to the Queen of the piercing world, Maria Tash, aka the woman celebs like Beyonce, Zoe Kravitz, Ashley Graham, Rihanna, Blake Lively, and half of Hollywood turn to when it comes to stacking up their ears. Maria has been piercing and designing fine jewelry since 1993, and now has her own Maria Tash piercing and jewelry boutiques all over the world; her expertise on the perfectly curated ear is second to none. Naturally, we had to get her tips and tricks, and she talked us through EVERYTHING you need to know about ear stacking.
If you’re new to piercings, check out Maria’s tips for 10 things you need to know before you get your next piercing.
How to Get the Perfectly Curated Ear
A well-curated ear can be a mix of lobe and cartilage piercings.
How to Mix Different Earring Styles
“The trick for asymmetric styling is to balance three forces: the skin tone, the wearer’s personal aesthetic, and the weight and style of the jewelry that live next to each other. Each piece of jewelry should look balanced within the anatomy in which it lives, and be in balance with the pieces they live next to,” Maria says. So, depending on your unique ear shape you might find that certain jewelry styles look better in different places or that your unique ear anatomy is too small for certain piercings. For example, some people have a tragus or daith that is too small to be pierced.
According to Maria, the right and left ear assemblies don’t need to match, although she says, “They should be related, but the pieces do not have to be purchased in pairs and hence worn identically on both sides. The most common way to mix earrings is to go up the lobe with rings of gradually smaller diameters, or studs that get smaller as you go up the ear. You can, of course, eschew that scheme and go from small to large instead.”
If you prefer to do things a little differently, Maria says, “I like to accent parts of the ear where people have not seen studs or rings, and then add by framing these pieces. For example, on a day to day basis, I do not wear jewelry in my first lobes, and rather accent my upper cartilage. I wear large pieces up there daily, and the rest of the jewelry I wear in other piercings draws the eye up to these larger, upper-ear pieces.”
Should Your Ear Curation Have a Theme?
Source: Maria Tash
“I think the pieces should relate to each other first, and if they tell a story that’s even better, but not necessary. For example, if you have a ring with bezel-set stones, then adding another piece nearby, with a matching setting around the stone, relates the pieces and creates consistency. An example of a theme plus the above would be relating a prong-set lightning bolt to a prong-set star in different planes of skin. In that example, there is both a celestial theme, matching settings, and then the choice of matching colors of metal or not,” Maria explains.
Can You Mix Different Metal Colors in One Ear?
Source: Maria Tash
“Yes, but it needs to be done carefully and not overdone. I think the choice of metal color should first be about what color best compliments the skin tone. This is determined by holding up the metal to the skin, as one would a shirt color, and seeing which color best flatters the wearer. Most people can effectively wear more than one color, and there may be different areas of the ear that are redder than others. Any red undertones are best offset by white or yellow gold jewelry,” Maria tells us.
We love it when the metal colors match, but as you can see with the padlock ear stack example above, when it’s done purposely, it adds a really unique element that elevates the earring curation.
How to Mix Studs and Hoops
“Studs are a nice way to accent rings, or to show a theme that goes from large to small, or highlight different areas of the ear that cannot house a ring,” Maria says.
“A modern way of accenting an ear piercing is to pierce directly above a traditional first, second, or third lobe piercing with a high-stacked lobe placed directly above the original piercing. It calls attention to the original piercing and makes the two look very deliberate,” Maria tells us. We love how this technique can be used to balance an old, miss-placed piercing.
As the earlobe is a quick-healing piercing, Maria suggests starting a stack on the first lobe placement, or unexpectedly above a third or fourth lobe placement. “Many people have first or second lobe piercings that look low or have stretched down. Putting a high lobe piercing directly parallel on top of these piercings makes the original piercing look better,” Maria says.
Maria also explains that, “There are cases where we can insert two stacked lobes above an original piercing, with tiny diamonds, and this look is impressive. I always stress these looks need to be pierced in a way that cannot be simulated by one long piece of jewelry, so it looks different. When pierced truly parallel, the wearer can wear both rings or studs in the stack. The hoops, like orbiting Saturn rings, is an unexpected effect.”
Maria’s Top Tips For a Perfectly Curated Ear
1. Select a piece that you love and layer a story around it.
2. Place custom-fit pieces to enhance your best features.
3. Find the metal color that best resonates with your skin tone.
If you’re thinking about starting your stack, we highly recommend thinking about your overall look and the type of jewelry you’ll want to wear regularly before you get started with your piercings. It’s also not recommended to have more than three piercings at a time, and if you’re piercing cartilage, we recommend doing one ear at a time as you won’t be able to sleep on that side for at least a week. Check out our full guide to everything you need to know before you get your next piercing here.
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Another trick is to take a picture of your ear, print it out, and sketch out possible options before you go for it!
What piercings are you thinking about getting next? Let us know in the comments below.
FAQs
To get the perfect stack every time, go smaller all the way up your lobe - think hoop, huggie, bold stud, simple stud. This can apply to any style. For example, start with a threader, drop earring, huggie, and finish with a stud.
How do you stack ear piercings? ›
To get the perfect stack every time, go smaller all the way up your lobe - think hoop, huggie, bold stud, simple stud. This can apply to any style. For example, start with a threader, drop earring, huggie, and finish with a stud.
How do you curate an ear stack? ›
We recommend organising your ear stack from smallest to largest. Starting with a stud, followed by a tight huggie and topping off with a large hoop or a statement drop earring. Stacking with a range of styles allows you to personalise your look and easily switch it up everyday.
Do you stack both ears? ›
There is no specific rule for getting the symmetrical piercing on both ears. Yes, the lobe piercing tends to match on both sides, but for the other types of piercings it depends entirely on your inner stylist.
How do you make multiple ear piercings look classy? ›
You can try just about anything, from wearing coloured huggies all up your lobes, to sticking to studs in all the holes. You can mix and match, playing with different lengths and sizes, and add in ear cuffs to give the look an edge. You can also experiment with different styles that fit your personal aesthetic.
How do you layer multiple earrings? ›
For layering earrings, we love stacking the largest earrings in the first hole, followed by smaller earrings. In this case, we put the gold hoops in the first hole, followed by the triple huggies, and this turquoise ear cuff.
Should you get 3 ear piercings at once? ›
It is not uncommon to have multiple piercings performed on the same day. We recommend not getting more than four piercings in one session, especially if you're getting them on the same ear. Getting multiple piercings can also cause increased swelling during healing and can prolong healing time.
What are the rules for ear curation? ›
As a rule of thumb, follow the 2:3 ratio. If there are two lobe piercings, then go for three top ear piercings, or vice versa. Keep the largest hoops or longest earrings in the standard lobe piercing. You can then arrange hoops and smaller studs in the upper piercings.
How many piercings can I get at once? ›
You can get multiple piercings at once, but you have to be able to properly care for them. Even though there's really no limit, many piercers recommend no more than four piercings at one time. You can also stagger your piercing sessions weeks apart to make the process easier.
How far apart should ear piercings be spaced? ›
We recommend spacing the second piercing at least ¼” apart from the first piercing to prevent the earring ornament and backs from touching. This will also ensure enough space so that you can wear a variety of different size of earrings.
As discussed, huggies are a type of small hoop earring that hug closely to your earlobe. Hoop earrings can be a variety of sizes but they never measure as close to the ear as huggies do.
What is a stacked lobe piercing? ›
What is a stacked lobe piercing? Typically a stacked lobe is when there are multiple piercings at different heights on your lobes. Sometimes they will be in vertical alignment, but they might also be designed in triangular placements or even constellation positions.
Which ear piercing is most attractive? ›
Answer: Conch ear-piercing is considered to be one of the most attractive of all piercings.
What is the trend in ear piercings in 2023? ›
The key earscaping trends for 2023
The consensus among experts is that forward-helix piercings are also trending, along with 'constellation' piercings (a smattering of delicate studs that create a pattern across the ear) and 'snake bite' piercings – a double set of studs spaced side by side.
What is the most classy ear piercing? ›
Helix Piercing
This is the most popular type of cartilage piercing– stylish and classy with a little bit of edge! A helix piercing is any piercing in the upper cartilage of the ear. Huggie hoops always look great in a helix.
How should I organize my earrings? ›
How to Store Earrings. You definitely want to keep earrings stored in their own compartments, either in a drawer or an organizer that hangs from a hook or closet rod. Dangly earrings are best stored in a way that allows them to hang freely. Keep a stash of extra earring backs close by for emergencies.
Is it OK to wear 2 earrings in one hole? ›
Turns out it's entirely possible to wear two earrings in one piercing! Pull off this fake-out with an ear climber and an earring that doesn't sit on the ear like a hoop or a dangle. Depending on the size of your piercing, you may only be able to do this with a thinner gauge post or ear wire.
Is wearing two different earrings a trend? ›
The answer is: yes and anytime! The beauty of personal style is that there are no rules. Read on for our take on mismatched earrings and a style guide to elevate any look. Although our Mismatched Heart + Arrow Earrings have two different objects, they look intentional together due to their overall theme.
What are the most painful piercings? ›
Here is how much each type of piercing may hurt in order of most painful to least painful.
- Genital piercing. Your genitals are among the most nerve-dense areas on your body. ...
- Nipple piercing pain level. The nipple is another commonly pierced area that's pretty sensitive. ...
- Nose piercing pain level. ...
- Dermal piercing pain.
“There are no age restrictions on a curated ear,” says Tash. Instead she sees piercing as a celebration of one's self and as something that can be shared with others.
Common Piercings in the Workplace
If you're looking to get a piercing but have concerns about its reception at work, the safest play is to go with the most common workplace piercings. Ear piercings, for example, are acceptable in most workplaces. Lobe piercings are so common that few employers take issue with them.
What side should a girl pierce her ear? ›
When a girl's ears are pierced, the left ear is pierced first. On the other hand, when a boy's ear is pierced, the right ear is pierced first. This is because these specific points coincide with the masculine and feminine halves of a person.
What is the curated ear look? ›
A Curated Ear® is the combination of multiple pieces of jewelry styled in different piercings throughout the ear for a unique look. We think of curating an ear like choosing the perfect outfit; every component works together for a combination that is all the wearer's own.
What is the most painful piercing on the ear? ›
I shouldn't come as much of a surprise that all of the piercings on our list of most painful ear piercings are cartilage piercings. Compared to the soft and fleshy lobes on your ears, the harder cartilage areas take much more force to punch through. This can make for a painful or uncomfortable experience.
Which ear piercing heals fastest? ›
Earlobe Piercing
Earlobe piercings are the most standard, comfortable, and fastest healing type you can get. In fact, over 80% of Americans have their earlobes pierced.
What piercing takes longest to heal? ›
Nose. Nose piercings are notoriously hard healers, as they are a very sensitive area due to the nerves that run though. They take at least 12 weeks before being able to be changed, and even then, may need more time.
What does it mean to pierce your left ear? ›
In the 1980s and 1990s, there was a saying recited by men that helped them decide which ear to pierce. “Left is right, right is wrong.” The meaning behind this phrase is that men who pierce their left ears are heterosexual, and men who pierce their right ears are hom*osexual.
Does the bigger earring go in the first or second hole? ›
The large earring (usually hoops) is worn on the first ear piercing, then stacked up with smaller studs or even a huggie.
Can you get 3 lobe piercings at once? ›
it is possible to get multiple piercings on your earlobe or in the outer cartilage in one sitting. Factors to consider include, current styles, aesthetics, healing time, and space available on your ear.
What are sleeper earrings? ›
What is a sleeper earring? Sleeper earrings, also frequently called starter earrings, are created to be worn by people who have had their ears pierced for the first time. They are named as such because they must be worn around the clock, which includes during sleeping time.
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Can I sleep in huggie earrings? ›
They're extremely thin and hollow, making them comfortable for all-day wear or to even sleep in. Endless huggies are designed to never fall out, so they're especially ideal for those who don't plan to take them off very often.
What is a triple lobe piercing called? ›
Helix Piercing
A double or triple helix (two to three holes in this area) offer a concentrated and layered look. Helix piercings typically hurt more than a lobe piercing but are relatively moderate compared to other non-lobe placements. A helix piercing takes approximately three to six months to fully heal.
What is a floating lobe piercing? ›
Floating Cartilage
"Instead of piercing the edge of the ear for a hoop, these piercings lay on the flat of the ear and are beautiful, delicate, statement piercings for those who want to amplify a look without overpowering any other aesthetic options," Janeese Brooks, the shop's head piercer, explains.
What is the least painful lobe piercing? ›
A helix piercing is probably the least painful of all cartilage piercings. It is placed on the outer upper rim of your ear where the cartilage is the thinnest.
What is a triple piercing? ›
The triple nostril piercing is another variation of the nostril piercing that involves a third hole and piercing. These are not common types of nose piercings but when added, it creates an awesome stylish look. You can pierce 3 holes on the same side or 2 holes on one side and 1 hole in the opposite direction.
What goes well with triple lobe? ›
Tragus + Daith + Triple lobe
If you want an eye-catching design, the combination of a tragus, daith, and triple lobe is sure to do it!
Should both ear piercings match? ›
“There are no set rules, as there are so many different ear shapes and anatomy variations,” says Nicole. “However, for the best result you should aim to create a balance with enough spacing, as well as mirroring other piercings on the ear.
What is the least attractive piercing? ›
The most attractive spot for a piercing is the belly button. The least attractive is a tie between the nose and the nether regions.
What piercing do guys like the most? ›
The most popular piercings for men include nipple piercings, eyebrow piercings, ear cartilage piercings, tongue piercings, nose piercings, lip piercings, and genital piercings, in that order.
A snug piercing, also known as the anti-helix, is a horizontal piercing through the inner ridge of your cartilage. Because it's one of the most painful piercing types, it's one of the rarest ear piercings.
What is Lizzo's new piercing? ›
Lizzo herself gets a second hole in her ear lobe towards the end of the video. "I was scared," she says via voiceover, but then proclaims that it didn't hurt at all. But it looks like Lizzo may have added another piercing to her collection during the party aside from her lobe.
What is the anxiety ear piercing? ›
A daith piercing is located in the innermost fold of your ear. Some people believe that this piercing can help ease anxiety-related migraines and other symptoms. Although the evidence is primarily anecdotal, there's some research around the piercing's proposed mechanism of action.
What is the hardest piercing to heal? ›
Cartilage piercings take longer to heal than earlobe piercings. The average healing time is 8 months, but it can take up to 12 months for some people. The healing process is slow because cartilage doesn't have a good blood supply. This means that it's harder for the body to fight off infection and promote healing.
What is the most popular piercing in the world? ›
The highly favoured and most traditional piercing occurs on the ear lobe. This often becomes the first piercing that a person gets. The best part about lobe piercings is that you can add to them and have multiple earrings in the bottom part of your ear.
Can I get my 2nd and 3rd ear piercing at the same time? ›
You can get multiple piercings at once, but you have to be able to properly care for them. Even though there's really no limit, many piercers recommend no more than four piercings at one time. You can also stagger your piercing sessions weeks apart to make the process easier.
How do double piercings work? ›
What is a Double Ear Piercing? A double ear piercing is two consecutive single piercings placed adjacent to each other on the lower part of the earlobe. Often, double ear piercings are done one at a time—that is, a single ear piercing is done and then the second is done much later.
How long does it take for a stacked lobe piercing to heal? ›
Any piercing in the lobe region, including higher lobe piercings, will take between 8 to 12 weeks to heal.
What is the one earring rule? ›
Pre-Y2K (and beyond), it's been socially understood that wearing one earring on the right ear means someone is gay; the left, straight.
What is a third piercing called? ›
First, second and third earlobe piercings are considered standard lobe piercings. These can be referred to simply as your seconds or your thirds.
Leave the earrings in your ears for six weeks or more, even at night. Always wash your hands before touching newly pierced ears. Gently wash your piercings with a mild, fragrance-free soap and water at least once a day.
How many piercings does the average person have? ›
The mean number of piercings per pierced participant was 2.1 (range 1-16; SD ± 2.0). In particular, 54.6% of the 406 pierced freshmen confirmed they had only one, 24% two, 11.7% more than three, 9.6% three. There were no significant sex differences in the average number of piercings per person (p = 0.79).
Are you too old for multiple ear piercings? ›
I've had my ear pierced again, and it's throbbing. Technically, it's a re-piercing; as a teenager, I had three holes in my left lobe but two of them have been defunct for decades.
What is the most painful piercing? ›
Here is how much each type of piercing may hurt in order of most painful to least painful.
- Genital piercing. Your genitals are among the most nerve-dense areas on your body. ...
- Nipple piercing pain level. The nipple is another commonly pierced area that's pretty sensitive. ...
- Nose piercing pain level. ...
- Dermal piercing pain.
I shouldn't come as much of a surprise that all of the piercings on our list of most painful ear piercings are cartilage piercings. Compared to the soft and fleshy lobes on your ears, the harder cartilage areas take much more force to punch through. This can make for a painful or uncomfortable experience.
What not to eat after ear piercing? ›
Don't eat spicy, salty or acidy foods or liquids while you are healing. Avoid hot drinks such as hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. Eat cold foods and drinks as they lessen swelling. Be extra careful when eating crunchy foods.
Which piercing heals the fastest? ›
Tongue piercings have the fastest healing duration of all piercings at only two weeks before you can downsize the bar. Lower lip piercings have a minimum of 6-8 weeks, while upper lip piercings (such as madonna or monroe piercings) take around 8 weeks.
What is the fastest healing ear piercing? ›
Earlobe Piercing
Earlobe piercings are the most standard, comfortable, and fastest healing type you can get.
Source: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images
Source: Maria Tash
Source: Maria Tash
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