After the lobe piercings, the helix piercing is considered the most trending piercing type. This piercing is versatile enough – coming with many types to choose from. This is also known as cartilage piercing and due to its relatively low maintenance location, it has become the most loved and popular piercing option worldwide.
The helix piercing is placed on the upper area of the ear. Wearers can customize it according to their styles and preferences with different jewelry styles. It can be combined with many different types of earrings and jewelry designs.
To learn more about helix piercings, we have conducted research through piercers and dermatologists studies. They have shared everything from piercing types to jewelry options, healing time, cost, and other related aspects. Keep reading this guide, you will get everything you want to know about this piercing type:
Helix Piercing – Meet the experts
Below are some notable names that are serving themselves as the best piercers:
- Starr Ellis at Nine Moons Piercing: Based in New York City, Ellis is the best option for pain-sensitive people. Many celebs appreciate her work.
- Adrian Castillo at 108 Studios: Based in New York City, Adrian is famous for multiple piercings. People looking for multiple piercings at once, 108studio is the ideal option for them.
- Cassi Lopez at So Gold Studios: Based in Williamsburg, Virginia, Cassi is one of the most famous piercers in the United States. She has over a million followers on TikTok. You can contact her through TikTok and her official website for any assistance regarding piercings.
Helix Piercing – Key Facts
- Placement: The outer cartilage of the ear.
- Pain intensity level: Helix tends to be the least painful cartilage. Piercing. The pain intensity level usually measures around 4-5/10.
- Healing time: 3 – 6 months.
- Aftercare: Wash the piercing two times a day with antimicrobial soap or a saline solution. Avoid irritation as it may slow down the healing process.
- Pricing: It usually starts from $25.
What is a Helix Piercing?
Helix piercing is a widely popular piercing type, also known as cartilage piercing as it is located somewhere outer of the cartilage of the ear. Because of its location, it may confuse people with other types of piercings, including conch piercing or auricle piercing.
Your piercers will guide you exactly about the location of helix piercing. However, the piercing location may also depend upon the personal preferences of people. You can also go for an upper or lower helix according to your desired look.
A helix piercing is a popular choice by people who look for an enviable ear stack. It is a unique location that allows wearers to have a stunning variety of jewelry for this piercing.
Types of Helix Piercing
Generally, there are four major types of helix piercings and these include single helix, double helix, triple helix, and forward helix piercings. Wondering what type of helix could be your next piercing? Fret not, as we’ve got you covered here. Check out all the types along with their location and other features, helping you decide the best choice according to your needs:
1. Single helix piercing
Single or standard helix piercing is the common type of helix piercing. The piercing appears at the upper outer cartilage just near the rim of your ear. It gives you a simple but attractive look.
2. Double helix piercing
Double helix piercing refers to having two piercings in the upper outer cartilage of your ear, near each other. The double piercing looks more cute when you wear hoop earrings or double studs.
3. Triple helix piercing
Three piercings in the same spot, the upper outer cartilage of the ear, just above each other, are referred to as triple helix piercings. Wearing the best jewelry in triple helix piercings can add to your overall beauty and look.
4. Forward helix piercing
Forward helix piercing, also known as anti-helix piercing, is located horizontally across from the location of the standard helix piercing. It is similar to the daith piercing but sits slightly higher than the daith piercing. This stunning piercing style looks amazing with studs or small hoops.
How long does it take for the helix piercing to heal completely?
A helix piercing can take anywhere from three months to six months to heal completely. Individual factors like skin type, niceness of after-care, and overall health can influence how long healing lasts. However, it is necessary to take proper care during this period in order to avoid complications and to encourage healing.
Aftercare for a Helix Piercing
No doubt, performing appropriate aftercare following a helix piercing is crucial to speed up the healing process. Following are some general instructions from the practitioners’ recommendations to assist in the entire healing process:
1. Clean Regularly
Cleaning the piercing with saline solution or antiseptic with no alcohol such as witch hazel is recommended. A cotton swab dipped in the solution provides a gentler cleaning of the area around the piercing without excessive rubbing. Sea salt is recommended for cleaning by Laura P. at BodyMod Studio because it helps to speed up the healing process.
2. Avoid Touching
Do not touch or twist the jewelry including the belly rings as it is very unhygienic leading to irritation and infections. If it is necessary for you to touch the area, ensure your hands are properly cleaned. According to Dr. Alex Carter, a dermatologist, the less contact there is with pierced areas, the less the chances of getting infected.
3. Keep it Dry
Do not immerse the piercing in water during the healing process. For example, keep yourself away from swimming pools, hot tubs, and oceans. Avoid letting the direct pressure of the shower onto the piercing when washing. A piercer and tattoo artist Mark Lee recommends the use of shower caps while bathing to cover the affected site from any moisture.
4. Wear Loose Clothing
Prefer loose hats and other accessories so that they do not rub against the piercing. Do not use earphones or ear clips that may disturb this region. For instance, piercer Jenna M says there should be no site-up disregards for the initial few weeks to allow full and optimal recovery of the piercing.
5. Avoid Sleeping on the Piercing
To avoid discomfort and pressure on the healing piercing, try to sleep on the alternate side. If you must rest your head then try a travel pillow so as not to bump the site. Body piercer Samantha T advises her clients to buy piercing pillows for additional safety while sleeping.
6. Monitor for Infection
Be on the lookout for any signs of infection, including an increase in redness, swelling, or discharge. In such cases, a healthcare professional should be consulted. Dr. Emily Johnson, a specialist in infectious diseases explains that an early diagnosis and treatment are vital in order to prevent unwanted problems.
How to change the Helix Piercing?
It is needless to say changing and cleaning helix piercing comes with thorough asepsis and technique to get away with any complications. Thus, here is a little the how-tos:
- Wait for Healing: Do not change the jewelry as soon as the piercing is done, give it up to 3 to 12 months for the healing process to come full circle.
- Wash Hands: Contaminants and bacteria must not be introduced to the piercing area. Clean or wash the hands with clean soap and water before contact with the piercing location.
- Use Clean Tools: Remember to change the piercing to clean jewelry together with wearing clean gloves.
- Gently Remove: Grasp the old piercing jewelry and slowly turn, unscrewing or unhooking the piece without holding it too tightly.
- Insert New Jewelry: Carefully place new jewelry into the piercing particularly. Remember that, for fresh piercings, the materials must be good (recommended wearing titanium or surgical steel)
Performing the above steps makes it easy to change the helix piercing as there is less risk of infection and appropriate management is given.
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Helix Piercing Jewelry: The Types and Material to Use
Choosing the proper jewelry for a helix piercing is of great importance both for comfort and for aesthetics. Here is what can be found in terms of the different types and materials:
Types of Helix Piercing Jewelry
Here are the common Jewelry types used for Helix Piercing:
- Studs: Studs can be described as simple and efficient, this is why they are most of the time the first type of jewel put into the piercing right after it has been done. They seem to be comfortable on the ear’s flat surface.
- Hoops: Hoops give a special touch and class to the helix piercing which would otherwise not be there. They can be plain or embellished with some form of jewelry.
- Cuffs: An ear cuff is a form of jewelry that clips onto or wraps around the cartilage of the ear without a piercing. Wearing cuffs is ideal for those who want to play with fashion but do not wish to deal with extra piercings.
- Barbells: Because of their unique style and charm, most piercing lovers opt for curved or straight barbells for their helix.
Materials to Use
Below are common materials used to create helix piercing:
- Titanium: It is believed that titanium is made of a material that does not consist of any particles which can cause allergy of any form and is hence light in weight, making it the best metal to use for the initial piercings. It can’t be affected by air thus suitable for those with allergy problems.
- Surgical Steel: The other type of jewelry material that most people prefer is surgical stainless steel because it is very cheap and can be used for many types of body jewelry. For safety purposes, check that it is implant grade.
- Gold: Solid gold (be it 14k or more) is an option for people who seek to shine. However, exercising caution while using plated gold is quite necessary as it is tiresome and may cause irritation to the skin when it wears off.
- Bioplast: Bioplast is a soft plastic suitable for medical applications and is elastically safe as well as allows movement during healing to sensitive skin.
- Glass or stone: Though other forms of jewelry like glass and stone are less popular, they can serve interesting aesthetics. Just ensure that they are made of body-safe materials so as not to cause irritation.
When choosing a helix piercing style and fashion, the priority is how comfortable you feel wearing it. As well as thim how safe using it is, considering the need to heal without facing any complications.
Note: As advised by Dr. Sarah Thompson (certified dermatologist), Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD and others, stainless steel and titanium due to their comfort and hypoallergenic properties are considered the ideal materials to be used for helix piercing.
Are there any side effects of Helix piercing?
Infection and scarring would definitely be the most hazardous complications of negligence in handling the site of the piercing,’ says Dr. Zeichner.
As with any body modification, helix piercings have side effects that can be a little uncomfortable, especially when they are ignored, treated carelessly, or never paid attention to at all. Here are some of the side effects and complications that may arise while getting helix piercings done:
1. Infection
Infections are undoubtedly the most common complication of helix piercings, especially when proper aftercare measures are not observed. Symptoms may consist of and are not limited to, an increase in redness, swelling, increased pain or increased discharge.
2. Jewelry may cause an Allergy
Anyone suffering from certain metal allergies faces a problem with a piercing as the jewelry used may at times contain the allergic material. Peeling rashes, swelling, and redness near the piercing are among the common physical symptoms.
3. Keloids
Keloids are protruding scars that may develop at the piercing area, especially in people who are prone to scarring. They will require some medical intervention when they become troublesome.
4. Cartilage Bumps
At times small tiny bumps may develop around the piercing site as the piercing may have achieved irritation or the piercing is not healed successfully. These are often manageable with adequate care and hygiene.
5. Nerve Damage
In a few reported occurrences and under extreme conditions, nerve damage is a possibility when the cartilage is pierced in some instances. This may result in pain, numbness, or an alteration to certain sensations within the ear.
Doctor’s Opinion: As Dr. Sarah Johnson, a dermatologist, explained appropriate aftercare and high-quality jewelry take away the risk factors associated with the helix piercings.
Having an understanding of these side effects along with following aftercare instructions given by professionals, a person can lower the risk of complications and be able to enjoy wearing a helix piercing.
How much does a helix piercing cost on average?
When it comes to cost, the average cost of helix cartilage piercing is about $30 to $100 with various factors affecting prices such as the piercer’s experience and the type of piercing jewelry among others.
There is also an extra charge for high-quality jewelry or aftercare products. Before proceeding with the piercing, it is wise to look around piercing studios and ask for their prices and possible extra charges.
Conclusion
To sum up, helix piercings are an interesting fashion and style for self-expression. Considerable knowledge is crucial to navigate through the healing process of healing piercings. Besides this, jewelry options, materials, and following the aftercare routines are essential to experience a safe, joyful, and successful piercing.
To avoid risks, such as infection or scarring, it is necessary to take professional advice as well as to follow all their instructions to the letter. Taking care of and using the piercing with quality allows you to wear your helix piercing for a few years without issues.
Helix Piercing – FAQs
Does a helix piercing hurt more than a lobe piercing?
Helix piercings tend to be on the painful side when compared to a lobe piercing, as more cartilage tissue is being pierced as opposed to soft tissue from your lobe. Nevertheless, not everyone perceives pain the same way and most people will be able to tolerate the invading discomfort.
How long until I can sleep on my helix piercing?
It is recommended not to sleep on the helix piercing for the first 3 to 6 months depending on the case as the piercing is still healing. This reduces the chance of irritation or pressure on the pierced area.
Can I wear headphones with a helix piercing?
Headphones that push against the ear should be avoided for the initial weeks after a helix so as not to irritate the piercing site. Avoid wearing headphones or opt for the over-ear ones during the time of healing.
What’s the best age to get a helix piercing?
There is no specific age as to when you can have a helix piercing; however, most studios permit helix piercings for clients aged sixteen years and above as long as parental allowance is granted. It also becomes the reason for the individual to perform the aftercare on his or her own.
How do I know if my piercing is infected?
Common infection symptoms include but are not limited to redness, swelling, pain, warmth around the pierced region, and increased discharge, which especially occurs in green or yellow discoloration. Whenever you experience such symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
How many days after a helix piercing can I swim?
It is advisable to keep away from swimming for 3 to 6 months as it can help you avoid the risks of infection and irritation.
Does a helix piercing help with any medical condition?
Some people think that these piercings will help with migraines or tension. However, no scientific proof supports this statement.
Who should avoid getting Helix Piercing?
People suffering from keloids, skin illnesses, or sensitivity to metals should speak to a physician before getting a helix piercing. As well as this, pregnant women and people with low immunity must also consult healthcare professionals before getting it.
