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Your tragus piercing is fully healed
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You want to switch from starter jewellery to a hoop
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You are choosing between 6mm, 7mm and 8mm in 16G or 18G
This guide is for healed tragus piercings only
A tragus piercing goes through cartilage and usually needs time to fully settle before a hoop feels comfortable. Switching too early can cause irritation or delay healing. If your tragus is still sore, swollen, crusting, or producing discharge, it is too early to change jewellery.
Quick answer
For many healed tragus piercings, 6mm is the most balanced starting point.
Choose 7mm if you want a little more room. Choose 8mm if you prefer a less snug, more forgiving fit.
16G is the standard tragus gauge, while 18G is a finer option for healed piercings.
Which tragus hoop size fits best?
Tragus hoop size chart
| Diameter | Look | Best for | Choose this if… |
|---|
| 6mm Best starting point | Snug, balanced | Many healed tragus piercings | You want the most common starting point |
| 7mm | Slightly roomier | Healed tragus with a bit more space | You want a close fit without going too tight |
| 8mm | Relaxed, more visible | Less snug, more forgiving fit | You prefer a little extra room or a less fitted look |
Not sure between two sizes?
Choose the larger one. A hoop that is slightly bigger is usually easier to live with than one that presses into cartilage.
Should you choose 16G or 18G?
Gauge is the thickness of the wire, not the size of the hoop. For tragus hoops, 16G is the standard gauge, while 18G is a finer option for healed piercings.
| Gauge | Thickness | Best for | Notes |
|---|
| 16G Standard tragus gauge | 1.2mm | Standard tragus fit | The most familiar and commonly recommended gauge |
| 18G | 1.0mm | Finer healed-piercing look | Slightly lighter and more delicate in appearance |
If your tragus was originally pierced at 16G, an 18G hoop may still fit once healed, but it can feel lighter and sit differently than what you are used to.
When can you wear a tragus hoop?
A tragus piercing goes through cartilage and usually needs time to fully settle before a hoop feels comfortable. Switching too early can cause irritation or delay healing.
Before changing jewellery, make sure your tragus shows no pain, swelling, crusting, or discharge. If it still feels tender or reactive, wait longer and ask your piercer to confirm healing.
Why does my tragus hoop feel tight?
It feels tight or digs into the tragus
The diameter is too small. Move up one size, for example from 6mm to 7mm or from 7mm to 8mm.
It sits further away than expected
The diameter may be larger than your anatomy needs. That is not always wrong, but if you want a closer fit, try one size smaller.
How do I measure my tragus for a hoop?
If you already own a tragus hoop that fits well, place it flat on a surface and measure straight across the inside opening in millimetres. That measurement is the inner diameter you should order.
If you do not have a hoop to measure, the most reliable approach is to ask your piercer. They can assess your anatomy and recommend the best inner diameter. If you prefer to estimate at home, measure the distance from the piercing hole to the inner edge of the tragus fold — this gives you a rough guide, but anatomy can make it tricky to measure accurately on your own.
Why choose 14K solid gold?
A healed tragus often does best with high-quality materials, especially if you want a hoop you can wear daily. 14K solid gold is a strong choice because it will not peel or flake like plated jewellery.
For many customers, solid gold offers the best balance of beauty, durability, and everyday comfort.
Shop by size
Know your size? Go straight to the right hoop. Available in 6mm to 8mm, in 16G and 18G, in solid 14K yellow gold.
6mm
Best starting point
The most balanced starting point for many healed tragus piercings.
Shop 6mm →
7mm
Slightly roomier
A little more room than 6mm. A close fit without going too tight.
Shop 7mm →
8mm
Most forgiving fit
A less snug, more forgiving fit. Good if you prefer extra room.
Shop 8mm →
6mm to 8mm
sizing
16G & 18G
options
14K solid gold
for long-term wear
Designed for
healed tragus piercings
Made for healed tragus piercings
14K Solid Gold Tragus Hoop
Handmade tragus hoop. 14K solid gold, nickel-free alloy. Available in 16G and 18G. Sizes 6mm to 8mm. Ships from the UK.
Shop tragus hoops →
Frequently asked questions
What size tragus hoop should I buy?
For many healed tragus piercings, 6mm is the most balanced starting point. Choose 7mm if you want a little more room. Choose 8mm if you prefer a less snug, more forgiving fit.
Is 6mm the best tragus hoop size?
For many people, yes. 6mm is the most common and balanced starting point for a healed tragus piercing.
Is 7mm a good tragus hoop size?
Yes. 7mm is a good choice if 6mm feels too snug. It gives you a close fit with a little more breathing room.
Is 8mm too big for a tragus hoop?
Not necessarily. 8mm is a valid option if you prefer a less snug fit, or if smaller sizes feel tight on your anatomy.
What gauge is a tragus hoop?
The most common tragus gauge is 16G. Some healed tragus piercings can also wear 18G.
Is 16G the standard tragus gauge?
Yes. 16G is the most familiar and commonly recommended gauge for tragus piercings and tragus hoops.
Should I choose 16G or 18G for a tragus hoop?
Choose 16G for the standard fit. Choose 18G if you want a finer look and your healed piercing already accommodates it comfortably.
Can I wear a hoop in a healed tragus piercing?
Yes, as long as the piercing is fully healed and no longer painful, swollen, or irritated.
When can I change my tragus to a hoop?
Only once it is fully healed. If you are unsure, ask your piercer before changing jewellery.
How do I measure my tragus for a hoop?
Measure the inside diameter of a hoop that already fits you well, or ask your piercer to assess your anatomy.
Why does my tragus hoop feel tight?
The diameter is probably too small for your anatomy. Moving up one size usually solves the problem.
Is 14K solid gold good for a tragus hoop?
Yes. It is a strong long-term material choice for a healed tragus piercing.
The gold tragus hoop you'll wear every day
14K solid gold. Fine fit. Made for healed tragus piercings. Available in 16G and 18G, from 6mm to 8mm.
Shop tragus hoops →
S
Stepoy
Piercing Jewellery Specialists
We craft handmade 14K solid gold tragus hoops in 16G and 18G, from 6mm to 8mm. Every recommendation in this guide is designed to help customers choose the right size for a healed tragus piercing.
