How much does an ear piercing cost?

Tempted to get a new ear piercing (maybe your first) but wondering how much it's going to cost? You're right: the price varies depending on a lot of factors!

Whether you're looking to add a subtle touch to your look or go bolder with your new piercing, knowing the prices will help you avoid any nasty surprises!

At HEPIC , we are passionate about the world of ear piercing and we have experts who will be able to guide you.

In this article you will see:

1. Criteria influencing the price
2. Average prices depending on the type of piercing
3. Additional services that can (also) impact the cost
4. And how to save money, without compromising quality!

Here we go!

1. The criteria that influence the price

The professional's experience

A highly qualified professional, with many years of experience and a solid reputation, will justify higher rates… It makes sense: you are paying for their expertise and their know-how to advise you in the best possible way.

Don't always trust the piercers who have the best Instagram ads, but trust the reviews of their services. Remember that piercing is a process that impacts your body... so whenever possible, prioritize quality and safety, even if it means investing a little more.

The selected jewel

The material is the primary factor that increases or decreases the bill. Why? Because it influences healing, durability, and aesthetics.

Surgical steel, often used for initial piercings, is an affordable and good quality option.

If you opt for titanium, known for its lightness, hypoallergenicity, and nickel-free nature, the price will be a little higher. It's recommended by the APP (Association of Professional Piercers) ! And if your heart is set on gold (14 or 18 carats), prepare for a larger budget.

Also, don't forget that the style of the jewelry plays a role: a simple bead will be less expensive than a piece adorned with stones or with a more elaborate design. To give you an idea, here is a small table below:

💍 Material	💶 Average price (€)	✨ Recommended for first piercing?
316L surgical steel	10 - 30	⚠️ If not allergic to nickel
Titanium Grade F-136	20 - 80	✅ Yes, great for healing
14k/18k gold	100 - 500+	✅ Yes, if comfortable budget
Platinum	300+	💎 Ultimate luxury, rare for beginners

The location of the salon (of course!)

As with many services, prices can vary considerably from city to city, and even from neighborhood to neighborhood.

In larger cities, where the cost of living and commercial rents are higher, such as Paris, London, New York, or Tokyo, you can expect higher piercing prices.

Salons located in trendy or touristy areas may also charge higher rates due to high demand and their prime location.

Conversely, salons located in less central areas or smaller towns will often offer more affordable prices.

For example, a helix piercing can cost between €60 and €150 in Paris, but only €30 to €80 in the provinces.

If you are looking for good value for money , aim for:

• Large cities , but outside tourist areas .
• Studios certified with ASTM F-136 titanium for initial healing.
• Piercing days that some salons organize (discounts on services).

2. Different styles and average prices

Lobe: the most accessible solution

The lobe piercing is generally the least expensive, with a price ranging from €10, €20 and €40 . Ideal for a first piercing, it heals quickly and offers a wide variety of jewelry.

Cartilage: specificities and prices

Located on the top of the ear, it costs between €40 and €70 . This price often includes a high-quality piece of jewelry.

Tragus: cost estimate

This discreet but stylish piercing is available for around €50 to €80 . Its placement requires special expertise.

Conch: price and maintenance

Costing between €60 and €90 , the conch cuts through the internal cartilage. Maintenance is essential for optimal healing.

Daith and Rook: Budget Differences

These piercings, located in more complex areas, cost between €70 and €100 . They require greater expertise, which explains their higher price.

Helix and flat: pricing trends

The helix costs around €40-60 , while the more internal flat often reaches €70-90 .

3. Additional services impacting the cost

Post-piercing care

Piercing aftercare is a crucial step for proper healing and avoiding complications. Most salons include a basic aftercare product in their service, but this isn't always the case. Your piercer may offer specific cleansing solutions, soothing serums, or other products to promote healing.

These products come at a cost, but they're an investment in the health of your piercing and optimal results. Don't hesitate to ask your piercer what's included in the price and what aftercare products they recommend.

Jewelry changes

The cost of changing ear piercing jewelry depends mainly on two factors:

1. Service Fee : Some salons charge for the jewelry replacement service, especially if the change requires special skills or specific tools.
2. Cost of new jewelry : The price varies depending on the material (titanium, gold, etc.), design and quality of the jewelry chosen.

Here are some examples of prices charged in Paris:

• The French Riviera Studio : Changing jewelry is charged at €10 , not including the price of the new jewelry.
• The Ten-Fingered Kid : The price of a piercing includes the session, the titanium fitting jewelry, follow-up and changing the jewelry after healing (price of the new jewelry not included).

In general, the price of a jewelry change ranges from €10 to €30.

4. Comparison: Professional studios vs. low-cost options

Why avoid low-cost solutions?

Low prices often hide risky practices: questionable hygiene, poor-quality materials. Trying to save money on a piercing can lead to medical costs later!

You may find yourself getting pierced in an unsterile environment which will bring you bacterial infections, hepatitis B/C, sometimes even HIV (!) According to a report from the Pasteur Institute , 15 to 20% of post-piercing infections are due to insufficient hygiene conditions!

These cheap options also come with low-end components… Like cheap alloys, which can be a major allergen (consequences: eczema, itching, etc.).

As you can see, what looks cheaper often costs more in the long run , in medical care, stress and pain.

Benefits of a certified salon

In addition to the obvious benefits of a certified salon in terms of hygiene and piercing technique, professional salons will offer you quality hypoallergenic jewelry, such as those made of titanium or 14K gold, ideal for avoiding skin reactions.

For example, reputable brands like Histoire d'Or offer a safe and professional piercing service, with prices for an earlobe piercing starting around €25 , often including a surgical steel jewel.

At specialist salons such as Claire's , prices range from €30 to €50 , with the guarantee of a sterile environment and post-piercing care included.

For a cartilage piercing, some professional studios offer prices ranging from €50 to €80 , depending on the jewelry chosen and the complexity of the pierced area.

Another key advantage of certified salons is personalized advice: experienced professionals will be able to guide you toward the type of piercing and jewelry best suited to your style and ear shape. They can also provide post-surgery follow-up, ensuring worry-free healing.

By choosing a recognized establishment, you are investing not only in the quality of service, but also in your health.

5. Tips for saving money without compromising quality

Opt for bundled offers

To save on the cost of your piercing without sacrificing quality, opting for bundle deals is a great solution. Some stores offer discounted rates when multiple piercings are done during the same session. This not only allows you to reduce the price per piercing, but also limits travel and overall healing time.

For example, again at Histoire d'Or , if you get both lobes pierced in one visit, the price can drop to around €40 for the duo, instead of €25 per lobe separately… Perfect if you want a symmetrical look while keeping your budget in check. In addition, other promotional periods allow access to additional discounts.

At salons like Claire's , you'll sometimes get special offers like "two piercings for the price of one" or discounts of up to 30% off a second piercing done in the same session. These kinds of deals will allow you to explore different styles, like a lobe + cartilage combo, for a total price of around €70 , including jewelry.

Finally, some specialist studios offer packages including several trendy piercings, such as helix , tragus and flat , with a group price of €120 to €150 , a nice little saving compared to individual billing.

Check customer reviews

The feedback will give you a clear idea of ​​the quality of the service, the hygiene of the salon and the professionalism of the piercers.

For specialist salons, check out platforms like Google Reviews or Trustpilot , where high-end studios receive ratings above 4.5/5 for quality services. Some offer complex piercings, such as daith or rook , for prices between €70 and €100 , depending on the jewelry chosen.

Conclusion

Choosing to get your ear pierced is a decision that combines style, personality, and self-care. Always opt for a certified salon, where hygiene and expertise are paramount. For an ear piercing, you'll find prices starting around €25 for a lobe, including jewelry and aftercare.

For those who prefer more complex styles, such as daiths or rooks , prices range from €70 to €100 , which is still a reasonable investment for a secure service. Don't forget to check customer reviews : these are invaluable in assessing the salon's reliability. Also, consider bundled offers (multiple piercings in one session): these often allow you to reduce the bill without compromising the quality of service.

Finally, keep in mind that a good piercing, performed under optimal conditions, is a lasting investment. We believe that well-chosen jewelry and superior service are worth the necessary budget. By combining caution and common sense, you can sport a unique look with complete confidence and security.