Most people should start with a lobe piercing. It is soft tissue, it is low risk, and it usually heals in about six to eight weeks. Cartilage placements take a lot longer than that, which is one of the reasons we only pierce lobes at our Theydon Bois pharmacy.
This guide explains how to choose a placement you will actually look after, what your appointment includes, and how to keep the piercing healing well. You can also see full details and current prices for our ear piercing service in Theydon Bois.
What We See In The Chair
A parent brings their eight year old in for a first lobe piercing and asks, almost every time, whether we also do cartilage, usually because a friend of theirs has a helix stud. We explain that we only pierce lobes here, and why that is the safer choice for a first piercing.
We also see adults who swap their starter studs out around the three week mark because the piercing looks settled on the surface, only to come back with a sore, weeping lobe, because the channel underneath had not finished healing. And every so often we have to turn someone away who wants a tragus or a conch piercing. So it is worth knowing what we offer before you book, not after.
Choosing A Lobe Placement
There is no single best piercing. There is only the one that fits your life and that you will realistically look after. Here are the three lobe placements we offer.
Standard earlobe
This is the classic first piercing. It is soft tissue, it heals the fastest, and it works with almost any earring once it has healed.
Second or stacked lobe
This is a second piercing placed above the first, so you can wear two pieces of jewellery together.
Upper lobe
This sits a little higher than the standard lobe but is still soft tissue. You get a layered look without moving into cartilage.
Things to think about before you choose
Does your usual hairstyle catch on jewellery easily? Do you tend to sleep on one side? Do you wear headphones, a helmet or glasses a lot? Does your school, workplace or sport have rules about visible piercings? Are you happy with one for now, or are you already picturing more later on?
Metal sensitivity is worth a mention too, because nickel is the most common cause of metal allergy. That is why we stock titanium and surgical steel, which suit most people. We talk all of this through with you at your consultation before we help you pick your jewellery.
Why We Only Offer Lobe Piercing
Cartilage placements such as helix, forward helix, flat, conch and tragus can take anywhere from four months to a year to heal, and they run into problems far more often than lobes do.
That makes them a different service from what a pharmacy setting is built for. If you want a cartilage piercing, a specialist body piercing studio is the better choice, and our guide to cartilage piercing for beginners explains what to expect before you go. What we do well is lobe piercing done properly, backed up with real aftercare support from our pharmacy team in Theydon Bois.
What Is Included And What It Costs
Your appointment includes a consultation with a member of our healthcare team, sterile single use equipment, and clear aftercare advice before you leave.
Jewellery choices are surgical steel, titanium, 14K gold and 24K gold plated studs. Earrings start from [£39.99] for surgical steel and titanium, and 14K gold sits at around [£100 to £120]. There is also a piercing charge of [£15 for both ears or £10 for one ear]. You can see the full range on our ear piercing service page.
Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who gives consent before we go ahead. Our premises are also registered with Epping Forest District Council for skin piercing, so you know the setting meets local hygiene standards.
Does It Hurt?
Most people describe a quick, sharp pinch followed by a little warmth, and that is usually it. Lobe piercings are more comfortable than cartilage because the lobe is soft tissue, and staying relaxed really does make a difference. That is why we keep the appointment calm and explain every step as we go, especially with children and first timers.
How Long Does Healing Take?
A standard earlobe usually heals in around six to eight weeks. An upper lobe usually takes around eight to twelve weeks. These figures follow NHS guidance and match what we see in our own clinic.
They are general guides rather than promises, because everyone heals a little differently. A piercing can still be healing underneath even when it looks settled on the outside, and that is exactly why we tell people not to swap their starter jewellery out early.
Aftercare Essentials
Good aftercare is simple, but it has to be consistent. Follow NHS guidance on caring for a new piercing and these points.
- Wash your hands before you touch the area or the earrings.
- Clean the piercing with warm salt water twice a day.
- Do not use alcohol, antiseptic or tea tree oil on the piercing. These dry the skin out and slow healing down, and it is the most common mistake we see.
- Leave your starter earrings in for the full healing period, even if it looks fine sooner.
- Stay out of swimming pools, hot tubs and open water until healing is complete, because that water can carry bacteria into a piercing that is still settling.
- Keep hair products, makeup and perfume away from the area while it settles.
What Is Normal, And What Needs Checking?
Some redness, mild tenderness and a little clear fluid that dries into light crusting is all normal in the early weeks.
Speak to a healthcare professional if you notice pain that keeps getting worse, redness that is spreading, noticeable swelling, unusual discharge, a fever, or if you generally feel unwell. Our pharmacy team in Theydon Bois is happy to take a look, and you can also check the NHS guidance linked above.
Choosing A Professional Service
A piercing should always be done by someone properly trained, using sterile equipment, in a setting registered with the local council for skin piercing. Beyond that, look for a service that talks you through your options, checks the placement suits you, and gives you real aftercare advice rather than a leaflet on your way out.
We offer ear piercing for children and adults at our pharmacy in Theydon Bois, and we see people from across Epping, Epping Forest and the wider Essex area. If you are also looking after your ear health, you can read about our earwax microsuction clinic in Essex.
You can also meet our pharmacy team to find out more about the people carrying out your appointment.
Book Your Ear Piercing In Theydon Bois
Ready to book? Our lobe piercing appointments include your consultation, your jewellery choice and full aftercare advice.
You can book your lobe piercing appointment online today and pick a slot at our Theydon Bois pharmacy this week. We also welcome patients travelling in from Epping, Loughton, Abridge and the surrounding Essex villages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best first ear piercing?
For most people, a standard earlobe piercing is the easiest place to start. It is soft tissue, it heals in around six to eight weeks, and it gives you plenty of jewellery options later on.
Do you pierce cartilage, such as helix, conch or tragus?
No. We only offer lobe piercing at our Theydon Bois pharmacy. Cartilage can take four months to a year to heal, so a specialist body piercing studio is the better choice for those placements.
Do you pierce children’s ears?
Yes, we pierce lobes for children. Anyone under 16 must be with a parent or legal guardian, who gives consent before we start. We will also check the child is comfortable going ahead on the day.
Can men get their ears pierced at your pharmacy?
Yes. Our service is open to adults and children, including men. A single lobe stud tends to be the most popular starting point, and we are happy to talk through the other options with you at your appointment.
How long do I need to keep the starter earrings in?
Keep them in for around six to eight weeks for a standard lobe, and around eight to twelve weeks for an upper lobe. Even if it looks healed sooner, the channel underneath may not be fully healed yet.