Your Detailed Guide to Getting a Helix Piercing

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Are you thinking about getting a new piercing? Maybe the helix piercing has caught your attention, but you don’t know much about it. This guide is for you as we share how to get it done, the risks involved, how to care for it, and more.


What is a helix piercing?

helix piercing - Your Detailed Guide to Getting a Helix Piercing

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A helix piercing goes through the upper cartilage of the ear. The different kinds of helix piercings include forward helix, double helix and triple helix, double forward helix, and triple forward helix. They are characterized by their various locations on the ear’s outer rim. 

What does a helix piercing symbolize?

This trendy ear piercing symbolizes boldness and courage. People who adorn the helix piercing are often considered edgy, bold, and daring. 

What does a helix piercing help with?

The location of the helix is known as the allergy point, which, when pierced or stimulated, is said to relieve symptoms of allergies such as a sore throat or congestion. The helix piercing can also possibly help with insomnia. 

The forward helix stimulates a specific acupressure point that helps encourage blood circulation, relieve tense muscles, and prompts the body to release energy for healing. The increase of blood circulation and muscle tone to the face might aid in lessening the appearance of facial wrinkles.


Types of helix piercings 

Let’s discuss the different types of helix piercings below. 

Forward helix

forward helix

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The forward helix piercing goes through a small piece of skin at the very front of the ear close to the side of the face.


Double helix

double helix

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A double helix consists of two piercings done on the ear’s upper cartilage. Usually, one piercing will be right above the other.


Triple helix

triple helix

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A triple helix piercing refers to three piercings done on the upper cartilage of the ear.


Triple forward helix

triple forward helix - Your Detailed Guide to Getting a Helix Piercing

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This piercing consists of three holes in the cartilage of the ear closest to the face. 


Getting a helix piercing

Before getting the helix ear piercing done, you might have some questions concerning the process, pain level, and cost. We’ve answered some of the questions down below.

Is a helix a good first piercing?

No, a helix isn’t a perfect first piercing because it’s located in the cartilage, making it more painful than a lobe piercing. It also takes longer to heal. It’s better to start with a lobe piercing to familiarize yourself with the aftercare process of a piercing. 

Which ear should I get my helix pierced?

We recommend getting your helix piercing on the ear you don’t sleep on. Sleeping on the piercing can cause further swelling and delay the healing process. 

How bad does a helix piercing hurt?

Due to the cartilage being thinner on the upper ear, helix piercings tend to be the least painful cartilage piercing. They rank a 4-5 out of 10 on the pain scale. 

What gauge is a helix piercing?

The most popular gauge for a helix piercing is 16 gauge, although some are done at 14 gauge instead.

What are the risks of getting a helix piercing?

Getting a helix piercing comes with risks like the ones below.

Allergic reactions 

Some piercing jewelry, especially those made from nickel, can cause an allergic reaction.

Skin infections

The piercing may get infected by bacteria leading to swelling, pain, redness, or a pus-like discharge.

Bloodborne diseases

If the piercing equipment is contaminated with infected blood, you can contract various bloodborne diseases, including HIV, tetanus, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

Other skin problems

There’s a possibility of developing scars and overgrowths of scar tissue known as keloids.

How much does a helix piercing cost?

The cost of a helix piercing ranges from $30 to $75. The price depends on the type of helix piercing and piercing studio. A double or triple helix piercing will cost more than a single one. 

Who should not get a helix piercing?

If you’re prone to developing keloids, the helix piercing may not be for you. Keloids result from an overgrowth of scar tissue that develops after a wound.


Healing and aftercare

Taking care of your helix piercing will ensure it heals well without complications such as infection and scarring.

Is a helix piercing hard to heal?

No, a helix piercing is not hard to heal. If you practice correct aftercare, the helix piercing will heal easily.

How long does it take for helix piercing to heal?

It takes a year to fully heal, including primary and secondary healing. Primary healing takes  three months; by then, the piercing is healed enough to cut back on aftercare, switch jewelry, and engage in activities like swimming. You’ll need to continue with aftercare for the next nine months until it heals completely. 

Can your body reject a helix piercing?

Yes, your body can reject a helix piercing. The rejection can occur in the first weeks and months after getting the piercing.

How long until I can sleep on my helix piercing?

It can take four to five months to sleep on the helix piercing.

Can I change my helix piercing after one month?

No, changing your helix piercing within the first month is not advisable. However, if you need to change it urgently because of a reaction to the jewelry or infection, visit your piercer for assistance.

How do you care for a healing helix piercing? 

We’ve outlined some aftercare practices to help your helix piercing heal well.

Clean the piercing

Clean the piercing with a saline soak twice daily.  Hold a saline-soaked cotton ball to the piercing and keep it still for 4 minutes, then gently dab the area dry with a paper towel.

Don’t move the jewelry 

Avoid moving the jewelry too much while cleaning the piercing as it can damage the surrounding skin, leading to bumpy scars. In addition, refrain from sleeping on the jewelry and avoid hats or other headgear that might move the jewelry during healing.

Keep the piercing dry 

Bacteria are drawn to dampness; if you don’t keep your piercing dry, it could become infected. Cartilage bumps, which are challenging to eliminate, could result from cartilage infections.

Use clean pillows 

Pillows generally harbor bacteria, dead skin, and dirt. Change your pillowcase nightly to ensure cleanliness and prevent exposing your piercing to dirt and bacteria.

Avoid touching the piercing

Your hands pick up dirt and bacteria while doing normal daily activities. Constantly touching or twisting the new helix piercing could expose it to harmful bacteria. Wash your hands with soap and water before touching the piercing.


Our favorite helix piercing jewelry

Once you have the go-ahead from your piercer, you’re free to change your jewelry. Below we’ve highlighted our three top picks for helix jewelry from Amazon.

Cubic zirconia hypoallergenic stud earrings

Cubic Zirconia Hypoallergenic Stud Earrings for Women Men Girls Statement Cartilage Fashion Surgical Steel Helix Earrings 5 Pairs…

These earrings are made of high-quality surgical steel that’s hypoallergenic, lead-free, rust-proof, non-fading, and are the perfect earrings for sensitive ears.


Oufer gold-hinged segment earring hoop

OUFER Gold Hinged Segment Earring Hoop 16G Stainless Steel with Cartilage Earrings Clear CZ Paved Tragus Helix Earrings Cartilage Earring Septum Nose Ring Hoop

This one-piece gold plated cartilage hoop is a 20 gauge and most suitable for single and double helix piercings. It’s hypoallergenic and nickel free because it’s made from stainless steel, making it safe for all skin types. In addition, this hoop has a hinge segment design that makes it easier to open and close and won’t easily get damaged, no matter how many times you open and close it. 


Curved Barbell 

bodyjewellery 6pcs 16g Curved Barbell Cartilage Lip Tragus Eyebrow Forward Helix Conch Daith Earring Black Vertical Labret Spike - 10mm

These black curved barbells are made from implant-grade anodized stainless steel. These understated curved barbells are great if you want something lightweight, small, and comfortable.  


A bold and edgy piercing

Now that you know all about the helix piercing, make an appointment with your professional piercer. Remember that a helix piercing can take up to a year to heal fully, so be patient and diligent with the aftercare tips. Before you know it, you’ll wear glamorous studs and hoops in your piercing.

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