Anti-Tragus

The anti-tragus is the small ridge of cartilage opposite the tragus, sitting just above the lobe. It is dense, and there is not much of it — which is why not every ear can take one.

This is a placement where anatomy decides rather than preference. If your anti-tragus is shallow, there is not enough of a ridge to hold jewellery safely, and a good piercer will tell you so instead of taking your money. It is also one of the slower cartilage placements to settle.

Slow. Expect eight to twelve months and do not be alarmed by that — this one genuinely takes longer than the rest.

It sits where a pillow presses, so a travel pillow with the ear through the hole is worth the small indignity.