From their most primitive forms, humans have always adorned their bodies with art. Whether using pigments or other organic materials, body plants artful forms of body hair, or simply making markings on our bodies, body adornment has always been a prelude to body art. Notably, body art has always meant something. Body art has had its deep, earnest forms of individualistic expression from the beginning. It has always conveyed the layer upon layer of lived experience. Moreover, the conch piercing is a unique and elegant form of this body art. Hearing its name evokes the image of the shell-like structure of the ear, wherein a piercing in the conch would be so placed as to mimic the ear’s natural shape and as if the ear itself were an “art canvas.”
Defining the Conch Piercing
The conch piercing goes through the ear’s concha, the part that is somewhat hollow. There are two kinds of conch piercings: the inner conch and the outer conch. The inner conch piercing goes directly through the centre of the ear’s cartilage. The outer conch piercing goes through the ear’s flat cartilage before reaching the person’s head. The conch piercing can be done with so many kinds of jewellery that it has become a favourite among piercing aficionados. Of course, there is also the matter of combining piercings well for a pleasing aesthetic, and the conch fits nicely into that equation.
The Way to Achieve a Conch Piercing
Knowing what to expect can significantly help with apprehension surrounding a conch piercing. The piercing begins with a sit-down consultation in which you communicate your desires and any reservations you might have. The piercer then moves on to the preliminary tasks that get us one step closer to the actual piercing. This involves cleaning the area around the conch to be pierced and marking it to ensure the jewellery is positioned exactly as it should be. The final act of this set happens with a fast and smooth push of a hollow needle that leaves behind the pierced conch of the ear.
Anticipating Pain and Relief
Experiences with pain are exceedingly relative, of course, and most people think of pain within the familiar comforts of tolerable and intolerable. Anything in the latter category provokes anxiety because humans have an abiding interest in their health, and sensations deemed unhealthy can only be expected to signal the presence of a disease or some other malady. But there’s also another, often heavier, way of thinking about pain that can make it particularly hard to take. After all, if overcoming pain is about surviving the worst that nature has to throw at us, what does that say for the nature of the provocation itself and our lot in having to endure it?
Post-Piercing Care: Ensuring Your New Adornment Is Free from Infection
After you’ve had your piercing done, the aftercare is entirely on you—you don’t want to be the reason for a piercing that has so much potential to go south. You genuinely wish for a smooth healing journey that culminates in your piercing looking it’s absolute best. The first thing you must do is cleanse, cleanse; your piercing must be cleaned twice daily with either a sterile saline solution or a cleanser that is safe for piercings and thoroughly free of harmful ingredients. You are instructed not to touch your piercing even if your hands are freshly washed and not until at least the third week post-piercing.
Conch Piercings: Jewelry Selection
Conch piercings are beautiful and versatile; the vast array of jewellery options makes these piercings pop. Based on my research for this piece, most professional piercers recommend starting with high-quality materials (think titanium or surgical steel) that will not irritate your skin, especially if you are prone to allergies. After some healing time, you can venture into the decorative realm. Gold hoops, gemstone studs, and more intricate designs complement the conch and allow for some unique and personal stylings.
What Makes Pushing Metal Through Skin So Appealing?
The body holds deep significance, yet our shells seem like dreadful creative obstacles. Cultural and historical meanings enrich the appeal of what’s been done to the body, from beadwork to tattoo, from branding to piercing. Most societies imbue the human form with textures and tones, miles deep, anything but nakedness. What we choose to do to our bodies, guided by the even slippery notion of “taste,” can be understood, if only tenuously, as a kind of rite in the making.
Possible Hazards and How to Avoid Them
Conch piercings, like any other type of body piercing, can carry some risk. The most common complications include infections, keloids, and piercings that don’t heal well. The issues above can be mainly avoided by doing three crucial things: having the piercing done by a skilled person in a clean environment, following aftercare protocols to the letter, and using safe and comfortable jewellery. It’s also helpful, of course, to seek medical attention right away if anything seems off.
Conch Piercing Fashion
Piercings can take any person’s look to the next level and can be an effortless way to add personality to your style. Conch piercings pair beautifully with two nearby types of ear piercings, the helix and lobe, and can form an eye-catching arrangement. You can play with the style of your conch piercing and elevate it to the next level by, for instance, matching the colour of your jewellery to your outfit. Or, mix metals and create a modern look. Whether an outfit is minimalist or maximalist, a conch piercing can complement various fashion aesthetics.
Conclusion
More than just an adornment, a conch piercing is a body art uniquely yours. It’s an expression of something more profound—your individuality and style. This piercing has depth and meaning that goes beyond its immediate appearance. Understanding a conch piercing more fully means understanding its profound aesthetic statement and the patience and care it requires. Once you fully embrace those factors, you’re left with a severe body art form reflecting your elegant individuality.
