If you’re looking for a tragus piercing in Staten Island or the NYC area, I offer precise cartilage piercings using high-quality jewelry selected for proper healing and long-term comfort.
I’m Paul, a professional body piercer with over 26 years of experience. Every piercing I perform is done with a focus on placement, jewelry selection, and long-term results.
What Is a Tragus Piercing?
A tragus piercing is placed through the small piece of cartilage that sits just in front of the ear canal.
It’s a compact but eye-catching piercing that works well on its own or as part of a curated ear. Because of its placement, it’s often chosen for a clean, minimal look or as a subtle detail within a larger setup.
See My Work
I’ve performed a wide range of tragus piercings, from simple placements to setups designed to complement curated ears.



If you’d like to see more examples of my work, you can view my full portfolio here:
👉 Portfolio Page
Jewelry Options for Tragus Piercings
Tragus piercings are typically started with small, low-profile jewelry that sits comfortably and allows for proper healing.
Common starter options include:
- Threadless titanium jewelry
- Internally threaded titanium jewelry
- Small gemstone or decorative ends
- Solid gold options when appropriate
Because of the location, keeping jewelry compact and well-fitted is important for both comfort and healing.
Rings are not recommended for initial healing due to movement and pressure in this area. If you’re planning to wear a hoop, it’s best to wait until the piercing is fully healed.
I’m usually advising clients to wait at least 8 months before switching to a hoop to avoid irritation and prolonged healing issues.
I follow safety standards supported by the Association of Professional Piercers to ensure proper placement, jewelry selection, and healing.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Your appointment is handled in a clean, controlled environment. I’ll go over placement with you, mark the area, and make sure everything looks balanced before proceeding.
The tragus is a small area, so precision is especially important. I take the time to ensure proper placement and alignment.
The piercing itself is quick, and I’ll guide you through each step so you feel comfortable throughout.
If you’d like a full breakdown of what to expect, you can read more here👉 What to Expect During a Piercing Appointment
Pain Level & Healing Time
Tragus piercings are generally considered moderate to slightly higher in terms of discomfort due to the density of the cartilage in this area.
Most clients describe it as a quick, strong pinch followed by pressure.
Healing typically takes around 6 to 12 months, as this is a cartilage piercing.
Proper jewelry, downsizing, and aftercare all play a major role in how smoothly the piercing heals.
I break down the full piercing healing process here, including what’s normal and what to watch for.
Aftercare Basics
Tragus piercings require consistent aftercare and attention due to their location.
Basic aftercare includes:
- Cleaning with sterile saline solution
- Avoiding pressure or irritation
- Being mindful with earbuds, headphones, and phone use
- Timely aftercare, when recommended
I’ll go over aftercare in detail during your appointment so you know exactly how to care for your piercing.
For a full aftercare guide, you can read more here:
👉 Aftercare 101: How to Help Heal Your New Piercing
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tragus Piercing
Tragus piercings work well for many people, but anatomy and lifestyle both play a role.
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have enough tissue to support the piercing
- Want a subtle but impactful cartilage piercing
- Are able to adjust habits like earbud use during healing
- Can commit to proper aftercare
I’ll help determine the best placement and jewelry options for your ear.
Book Your Tragus Piercing Appointment
All appointments are scheduled in advance so I can give each client my full attention.
If you’re interested in a tragus piercing or want help choosing the right jewelry, you can text my team or book online.
📟 Text: 347-770-7653
🗓️ Book online: book.ipricku.com
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Recent Blog Posts
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Frequently Asked Questions
Most clients describe it as a quick, sharp pinch followed by pressure. It is brief and very manageable.
Tragus piercings typically take around 6 to 12 months to heal, depending on aftercare and lifestyle.
It is best to avoid putting pressure on the area during healing, including from earbuds and some headphones.
Most tragus piercings should be downsized once swelling goes down, usually within a few weeks.