Build Your Curated Ear by Ear Shape: Helix, High Lobe, Hidden Helix & Conch

A curated ear isn’t just about collecting piercings, it’s about designing a balanced, stylish look tailored to your anatomy. Everyone’s ears are shaped slightly differently, and choosing piercings that suit your ear shape helps you achieve both comfort and aesthetics.

In this guide, we’ll break down popular placements like helix, high lobe, hidden helix, and conch, along with practical healing timelines and stacking roadmaps to help you plan your perfect ear over 6–12 months.

Step One: Know Your Ear Anatomy

Before diving into piercings, check your anatomy. Not every piercing suits every ear, and working with your natural shape ensures comfort and longevity.

Flat ears: More surface area for flat piercings and multiple helix placements.

Defined cartilage ridges: Perfect for hidden helix and daith piercings.

Thicker lobes: Ideal for high-lobe stacks and plug-friendly looks.

Deep conch bowl: Best suited for statement conch piercings with studs or hoops.

Our stacking bundles make it easy to build a cohesive look based on your anatomy.

Helix Piercings: The Foundation of a Curated Ear

The helix piercing is a staple, placed along the upper cartilage of the ear. It’s versatile, can be doubled or tripled, and is often the starting point for a curated ear.

Healing

6-12 months.

Best Jewellery

Flat-back studs or small hoops to reduce irritation.

Styling Tip

Start with a simple stud during healing, then upgrade to gemstone hoops or decorative labrets once fully healed.

Explore our helix piercing collection for both subtle and statement jewellery.

High-Lobe Piercings: Elevated Style

High-lobe piercings sit above the traditional lobe but below the cartilage line, making them a versatile bridge between lobes and helix.

Healing

6–8 weeks (quicker than cartilage).

Best Jewellery

Flat-backs, studs, and small huggies.

Stacking Tip

Pair a high lobe with one or two lower lobes and a helix for a graduated “ladder” effect.

Hidden Helix: Subtle Sophistication

The hidden helix sits tucked under the upper fold of the ear, offering a discreet yet intriguing placement. It works especially well for ears with a defined fold.

Healing

6–12 months (similar to standard helix).

Best Jewellery

Tiny gemstone studs or minimalist labrets for a peek-a-boo effect.

Pro Tip

Because of its tucked placement, hidden helix piercings can be trickier to heal—stick to threadless or internally threaded jewellery to minimise irritation.

Shop our labret tops, perfect for hidden helix piercings.

Conch Piercings: The Statement Centrepiece

A conch piercing sits in the bowl of the ear and can be styled with either a stud or a hoop that hugs the ear. It’s bold, balanced, and often becomes the centrepiece of a curated ear.

Healing

9–12 months.

Best Jewellery

Statement studs for the inner conch or large hoops for the outer conch.

Stacking Tip

Anchor your ear with a conch, then layer helix and high-lobe piercings around it for symmetry.

Discover our conch jewellery range for both studs and hoops.

Building Your Ear: 6- & 12-Month Roadmaps

Please note the below are to be used as a guide. Always allow time for healing, and consult a professional piercer for advice if unsure. 

6-Month Starter Stack

Month 1: High-lobe + helix (heals faster, builds the foundation).

Month 3: Add a second lobe or daith for balance.

Month 6: Start planning your conch once the first placements feel stable.

12-Month Advanced Stack

Months 1–3: Helix + high lobe.

Months 4–6: Add hidden helix for depth.

Months 7–9: Anchor with a conch piercing.

Months 10–12: Style with a daith or multiple helix placements for a complete curated look.

Build Your Stack with Custom Plugs Piercing Jewellery

Your curated ear should reflect your style and your anatomy. From the classic helix to the subtle hidden helix or bold conch, each placement adds personality and balance. By planning your piercings with healing timelines in mind, you’ll enjoy the journey without overwhelming your ear.

At Custom Plugs, we offer high-quality helix, conch, daith, and stacking bundles - so you can create a curated ear that’s stylish, comfortable, and uniquely yours.