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Ear Piercing in Raleigh, NC

Ear piercings start around $75–$80

That's for one piercing with starter jewelry. Your final price depends on the piercing and jewelry you choose.

Ear Piercing
in Raleigh, NC

Justin wearing black gloves while caring for a client's ear piercing at Mad Ethel's Tattoo in Raleigh.

Ear Piercing Fees + Jewelry

Service fees below. Jewelry is priced separately.

One earlobe

$40

Two earlobes (same visit)

$70

Cartilage piercings

$40 each

Industrial

$80

Starter jewelry: around $35–$40 per piece.

Jewelry upgrades cost extra.

Both lobes + starter jewelry: around $140–$150 total.

Ear Piercings We Offer

Know which piercing you want, or just have a photo of one you like? Here's a quick look at the ear piercings we offer and where they go.

Close-up of an ear with labels for upper cartilage, daith, tragus, and lobe piercings.

Earlobe Piercings

First holes, second holes, or adding another to your collection.

Helix Piercing

Along the outer edge near the top of your ear.

Forward Helix Piercing

At the front of the upper edge, closer to your face.

Flat Piercing

On the flatter area near the top of your ear.

Conch Piercing

In the center of your ear.

Tragus Piercing

On the small piece of cartilage just in front of your ear canal.

Rook Piercing

On the raised fold inside the upper part of your ear.

Daith Piercing

On the inner fold just above your ear canal.

Industrial Piercing

Two piercings near the top of your ear connected by one bar.

Don't see the piercing you're looking for? Reach out and we'll let you know if it's something we offer.

Age & ID Requirements

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Your Ears Pierced?

At Mad Ethel's, we pierce ears starting at age 10. The minimum age depends on which piercing you're getting.

10+  Earlobe piercings
15+  Cartilage piercings, excluding industrial
16+  Industrial piercings

What ID Do I Need to Bring?

18 or older? Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, like a driver's license or passport.

Under 18? Bring a parent or legal guardian with their photo ID. You'll also need a birth certificate, passport, driver's permit, or driver's license.

If your last names are different, make sure to bring your birth certificate.

Getting Your Child's Ears Pierced?

If your child is 12 or younger, contact us before visiting so we can help you plan.

Our children's ear-piercing guide covers what to bring, how to prepare, and what to expect.

Jewelry + Ear Styling

Already have a few piercings and want to switch up your jewelry? Or thinking about what to get next?

We can help you find jewelry that works with your existing piercings, your style, and your budget.

Have sensitive ears or had trouble with certain earrings before? Let us know so we can talk through your options.

Curated ear piercings with blue opal jewelry, an industrial bar and coordinated lobe studs at Mad Ethel's Tattoo.

Meet Your Piercer

Justin Koce wearing glasses and gloves while working at Mad Ethel's

Justin Koce

RESIDENT PIERCER

Justin is Mad Ethel's resident piercer and has been piercing since 2014. Whether it's your first piercing or you've had plenty, he'll take the time to answer your questions, help you choose jewelry, and make sure you know what to expect.

Google review     5.0 ★★★★★     Jun 12, 2026

I got two lobe piercings, and my experience was awesome! Justin was funny, knowledgeable, very careful regarding cleanliness, and more than fair price wise!

Chance Morris

Common Questions About Ear Piercings

  • Piercing fees and jewelry are priced separately. See the price card above for service fees and starter-jewelry costs.

  • Saturdays are walk-in only, first come, first served. Tuesday–Friday is by appointment, though walk-ins may be available before 4 PM. Same-day availability isn't guaranteed. Check our piercing policies before visiting.

  • We use sterile, single-use piercing needles. We'll help you choose jewelry that suits your piercing and explain what to expect before getting started.

  • You'll probably feel a quick pinch, but everyone experiences pain differently. Earlobe piercings are generally less intense than cartilage piercings. If you're nervous, let us know. We'll walk you through what to expect before getting started.

  • Tell us about any reactions you've had to earrings or other jewelry. We'll talk through your options before you choose; no material is a guaranteed fit for everyone.

  • Yes. We offer jewelry changes, downsizing, and help with fit or placement by appointment. We may need to see the piercing in person to recommend the next step.

  • Earlobes generally heal faster than cartilage piercings, which can take several months or longer, and healing varies from person to person. Pressure from sleeping or headphones can irritate a healing piercing. Even if your piercing looks healed, it might not be ready for new jewelry; check with your piercer before changing it, and have any necessary jewelry adjustments during healing handled by a professional. Follow your aftercare instructions.

  • We recommend sterile saline wound wash containing 0.9% sodium chloride with no added ingredients. Avoid twisting or rotating your jewelry while it heals. We'll go over aftercare with you before you leave, so you know what to do at home.

Ready to Get Your Ears Pierced?

Questions? Prefer to book by phone? Give us a call.

Visit us in Downtown Raleigh's Glenwood South neighborhood.

215 Glenwood Ave, Suite D
Raleigh, NC 27603

Entrance and free customer parking behind the building.

Tuesday–Friday: By appointment
Saturday: Walk-ins only

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