What’s the Difference? Snug vs. Anti-Tragus Piercing

1. Location on the Ear

    Anti-Tragus:

• Pierces the small flap of cartilage just above your earlobe, beside the tragus.

• Located just across the intertragic notch (the groove between the tragus and anti-tragus).

    Snug:

• Goes through the inner ridge of cartilage that runs parallel to the outer rim of the ear.

• Sits above where a conch piercing would typically be.

2. Anatomy Requirements

    Anti-Tragus:

• Most people have the anatomy for this piercing.

• May not be suitable if the area is especially flat or thick.

    Snug:

• Requires a well-defined cartilage ridge.

• Not every ear has the right shape. An experienced piercer will need to evaluate.

3. Placement

    Anti-Tragus:

• Pierced horizontally, front to back through the flap.

• Should be deep enough for secure jewelry, but not too deep.

    Snug:

• Pierced horizontally through the ridge, side to side.

• Must avoid being too shallow to prevent rejection or migration.

4. Jewelry Options

    Starter Jewelry:

•   Typically a curved barbell for both piercings.

    After Healing:

• May be swapped to a circular ring, depending on comfort and anatomy.

• Always consult your piercer before switching jewelry.

    Note:

• Every ear is different, what works for one person may not work for another.

5. Cleaning & Healing

    Cleaning Routine:

• Spray with sterile saline twice daily.

• Rinse with clean water and pat dry using clean hands and a paper towel.

    Healing Timeline:

• Both piercings take 12–18 months to fully heal.

• Snug piercings are often more sensitive and “fussy” during healing.

    Healing Tips:

• Avoid sleeping on the pierced side.

• Use a travel neck pillow to protect your ear.

• Don’t skip downsizing appointments to adjust jewelry size properly.

    Bottom Line:

• Not ideal for those seeking a quick-healing cartilage piercing.

6. Rejection & Migration

    Both piercings can migrate or reject if:

• Placed incorrectly

• Your anatomy isn’t suitable

• While not as risky as surface piercings, the risk isn’t zero proper placement is key.

Welcome to BodyCandy.com, a small, family-owned business that has been offering high-quality, affordable jewelry since 2002. We take pride in crafting unique pieces that cater to every style, from navel rings to septum rings to faux piercing jewelry, all designed with care and attention to detail. As a close-knit team, we design much of our jewelry in-house, ensuring that each item meets our high standards of craftsmanship and durability. Whether you're looking for something bold, subtle, or custom-made, BodyCandy is dedicated to providing exceptional jewelry that doesn’t break the bank. Thank you for choosing us as your go-to destination for all things jewelry!