The mid helix piercing is all the rage in the world of piercings; a gorgeous ear adornment that strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and edginess.
Keep reading if you’re considering elevating your appearance with a mid helix piercing. We’ll unravel what it takes to get a mid helix piercing and explore stunning hoop options for a striking look.
What is a mid helix piercing?
A mid helix piercing sits in the middle of the outer ear rim. It’s the piercing with the blue beaded jewelry in the picture above. It doesn’t sit inside the ear, but in the middle of the rim, slightly below the position of the usual helix piercing.
What’s the difference between the mid helix vs conch piercing?
The conch piercing sits on the inner cup-like section in the ear outside the ear canal. It falls on the same horizontal line as a mid helix piercing but on different vertical lines. The mid helix piercing sits on the ear rim, not the inner cartilage.
Getting a mid helix piercing
If you’re considering getting a mid helix piercing, let’s get you started.
How much does a mid helix piercing cost?
The exact price depends on the studio location and jewelry choice, but a mid helix piercing will cost between $30 to $75. Also, an experienced piercer will likely charge higher than one just starting out. For the safety of your piercing, it’s best to go to an experienced, professional piercer.
How bad does a mid helix piercing hurt?
A mid helix piercing doesn’t hurt much. It depends mainly on individual pain tolerance, but most people with a mid helix piercing rate the pain 5 out of 10. So it’s more painful than a lobe piercing but not as painful as a conch, rook, or daith piercing.
Healing and aftercare
Let’s talk about everything that comes after getting a mid helix piercing.
How long does this piercing take to heal?
A mid helix piercing takes about six to nine months to heal fully. You won’t feel severe pain throughout that time since the initial piercing pain will subside in a few days.
Tips for caring for a mid helix piercing
During the months it takes your piercing to heal, you must care for it. That way, it’ll heal faster and not get infected. Here are some aftercare tips for mid helix piercings:
- Clean your piercing twice daily (morning and evening) using saline solution.
- Keep the piercing site dry, especially after cleaning. A damp piercing site encourages bacteria growth, meaning you can get an infection.
- Keep your hands away from the piercing. Avoid touching, twisting, or playing with it.
- Avoid sleeping on your pierced ear; rest on the other ear if you must sleep on your side.
- Sleep on a clean pillowcase.
- Keep makeup, cream, and other chemical products away from the piercing.
- Keep your hair away from the piercing so it doesn’t get stuck and snag your piercing.
- Avoid swimming with a new mid helix piercing. Chlorine in pool water will irritate the piercing and may lead to an infection.
How to clean a mid helix piercing
Cleaning is the most crucial aftercare tip for mid helix piercings, so let’s take you through it step by step. You’ll need to get a sterile saline solution. Check the product label to confirm the saline solution is made for wound care.
Step 1: Wash your hands thoroughly with an antiseptic soap; you don’t want to bring germs from your hand into the piercing.
Step 2: Soak a non-woven gauze (a cotton swab works, too) in the saline solution, then place it on your mid helix piercing for a few minutes.
Step 3: Clean the piercing thoroughly, paying special attention to the intricate areas between the fold of the ear rim. You should be able to get most crusts off your piercing as you clean. If a crust doesn’t come off, don’t force it. Usually, it’ll fall off itself later.
Step 4: Dry the piercing with a disposable paper towel.
When can you change a mid helix piercing?
You can change a mid helix piercing after it has healed completely, that is, after about nine months. Then, you can wear hoops, helix-to-lobe earrings, or fancy studs on your mid helix. Your piercer may downsize your piercing (change the initial jewelry to a shorter one) after about one month.
💡 Take note: Avoid changing a piercing yourself; only your professional piercer should change it if they deem it fit.
Mid helix piercing hoops to try
We’ve selected some really nice hoops to try after you change your mid helix piercing.
FIBO STEEL stainless steel hoops
These hoops are seamless and very easy to wear. As long as you wear them correctly (get the “click” sound when you close them), you’ll have no issues with them falling off. This is an excellent pair for everyday wear on your mid helix.
PAVOI half hoops
This one’s a pair of dainty half hoops. They don’t close up to form a complete circle, but you slide them into your piercing like the usual hoops. These hoops are small-sized so that you can sleep in them without trouble. Plus, they come at a friendly price.
ORANGELOVE surgical steel hoops
These bestseller hoops have a 4.3-star rating from over 25,000 ratings. Many buyers who have worn them for a long time (one for over a year) are still enjoying them. They’re super great quality and easy to wear.
PAVOI 14K gold plated hoops
This is a pair of gold-plated hoops styled with CZ stones. Past buyers comment that this pair looks more authentic than its price, and the shine lasts longer. However, these hoops are about 15mm, so you may find them too big for a mid helix.
Frequently asked questions
Here are a few more things to know about mid helix piercings.
Are mid helix piercings hard to heal?
Mid helix piercings are harder to heal than earlobe and skin piercings. That’s because it’s on the cartilage, and cartilage piercings are harder to heal. Also, a mid helix piercing heals from outside to inside, so it may appear healed when it really isn’t.
What are the benefits of a mid helix piercing?
A mid helix piercing elevates your look and makes you stand out. Plus, helix piercings are said to relieve allergies and stimulate blood circulation.
Are mid helix piercings safe?
Mid helix piercings have risks. They may get infected, become rejected, or leave a scar like every other piercing. But if you go to a professional, experienced piercer and take proper care, you can get a mid helix piercing safely.
A different type of helix
Helix piercings are vast; there are forward, backward, single, and double helix piercings. But a mid helix piercing sits at a unique spot that is uncommon compared to other helix piercings. Whether adding it to your existing ear piercings or starting with it, a mid helix piercing will take your ear fashion to the next level.
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