Helix piercing: What you should know

The days of a singular ear piercing are becoming things of the past. These days, there are different kinds of trendy ear piercings out there. Helix piercing is one of the most popular among them. So, if you are tired of walking around with only one piercing on your ear or no piercing at all, then try a helix piercing.

Before you undergo the procedure, you must learn everything you can about this specific piercing. If you are wondering where to start, do not worry. This article will tell you everything you need to know, from what helix piercing is to how it is done and more.

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What is helix piercing?

A helix piercing is any piercing that is done to the upper cartilage of the ear. A standard helix piercing is located in the outer upper cartilage of the ear. However, there are other types of this piercing, including forward, double or even triple helix piercings.

The forward helix piercing is done on the forward part of the upper ear. To do this, just follow the curve of your cartilage around the ear until you reach the side of your face.

The double, triple or even quadruple helix piercing consists of multiple helix piercings along the ear. Some piercers combine multiple helix piercings with auricle, upper lobe and forward helix piercings to create a long chain of jewellery that goes through the length of the ear.

In addition, the upper cartilage of the ear can be pierced once or multiple times in a single placement.

Does helix piercing hurt? Well, the upper cartilage is usually so thin that piercing it is easy and quick. So, you should not feel more than a slight pinch on your ear during the procedure. However, you may feel some throbbing and see swelling and slight bleeding a few days after piercing which is normal.

If you experience excess pain and bleeding, you should consult a doctor.

Helix piercing pros and cons

Like everything else, this piercing has its pros and cons which are discussed below:

Pros

Helix piercing does not take long to pierce

As previously stated, the upper part of the ear cartilage is very soft and thin. So, the whole procedure does not take long, usually about 10-20 minutes and you are done. Professional piercers use a needle or piercing gun to put a new piercing in place.

There is a large variety of options to choose from

There are different types of helix piercing. In addition, the jewellery is not left out as you get to choose from a large collection. From studs to hoops and materials like silver, gold and rose gold to gemstone, you can make your piercings to suit your personality perfectly. Helix piercing leaves a lot of room for self-expression and creativity.

They do not require special attention after healing

Once your helix piercing is completely healed, it does not require too much aftercare. A simple rinse with water from time to time is enough.

Cons

Takes a long time to heal

Helix piercing may be a simple and fast procedure but the healing time is quite long. It takes between 4 to 12 months to fully heal, unlike lobe piercing which can take between three to six months to heal.

Sleeping may be a painful experience

If your piercing is still in the healing process, sleep may be far from you. This is because your body is still getting used to the piercing. Luckily, the pain is usually tolerable and you should be able to sleep well after about one or two weeks.

You may develop allergies

Helix piercing is simple and almost painless, but it does come with some serious risks. For instance, your body might have an allergic reaction to the type of metal of the earrings you are using or the equipment used to make the piercing. However, this can be prevented if you use high-quality jewellery and sanitise the piercing equipment thoroughly before use.

Helix piercing healing time

Helix piercing has a wide range of healing times. The average healing time is usually between 3 to 12 months. Complications can arise during healing.

So, take note of the following aftercare rules:

Be extra careful not to move jewellery too much when you clean. Moving the jewellery can cause damage to the surrounding skin, which can lead to bumpy scars. Therefore, carefully hold a saline-soaked cotton ball to your piercing and keep it still for three to five minutes of the soak. Then dab the area dry with a paper towel.
Keep the pierced area dry to avoid infections.
Do not sleep on the jewellery that was used for your helix piercing.
Stay away from hats or other headgear that might touch or move the jewellery during healing.
Use clean pillows to sleep or rest during healing time.

Helix piercing jewellery

With helix piercing, a large variety of options are at your disposal. For instance, a small simple stud is a subtle way to show off your personality. Small gemstones add a sparkly flair to the top of your ear, without being too loud.

Captive bead rings are great for a helix piercing. You can combine hoops and beads to bring out the best of both worlds. Classic metal beads or colourful bead options like opals, Baltic amber, or even pearls will give you everything you need.

Helix hoop earrings are among the most popular Helix jewellery. They are great for a seamless, simple look, especially if you have done multiple piercings. Hoops complement other jewellery without overshadowing them.

Curved and circular barbells are popular among those who have multiple piercings on their ears. Ear cuffs are unique as they wrap around the ear, similar to hoop earrings. However, they are thicker and more intricate than the hoop earrings.

Finally, Cartilage shields are larger pieces of jewellery that tend to be the centre of attention on your ear piercings. They dangle from the side of the ear, shielding a large portion of your cartilage.