Considering a helix piercing? We’ve got you covered with some essential info. This particular type of cartilage piercing is located on the upper outer rim of the ear, and it’s quickly become a favorite for ear piercing enthusiasts. It looks absolutely stunning on its own, but it’s also frequently paired with other piercings as part of a combo or constellation.
Whether you’re hoping to get your first cartilage piercing or you want to add to your already well-decorated earscape, helix piercings are always a great option. We’re here to provide the basics, including the helix piercing location, the healing process, aftercare tips, compatible jewelry types, and more. We’re also answering plenty of FAQs to help you decide whether or not this piercing is right for you.
As always, it’s important to remind you that everyone’s body is different, and certain piercing types aren’t for everyone. Lastly, we want to drive home the point that we’re here to provide the basics, but we encourage speaking to a professional piercer for additional information before getting pierced.
Table of Contents
Other Types of Helix Piercings
Piercing & Jewelry FAQs:
- How long do helix piercings take to heal?
- Does getting a helix piercing hurt?
- How much do helix piercings cost?
- How do I clean my helix piercing?
- How do you give yourself a helix piercing?
- Why shouldn’t I get a helix piercing?
- What if my piercing gets infected?
- What’s the most common type of helix jewelry?
- When can I change my helix jewelry?
- How much does helix piercing jewelry cost?
- How to care for body jewelry?
- What are the most common types of jewelry material?
Helix Piercing Quick Facts
Placement
The helix piercing is typically positioned along the upper outer rim of the ear. For more information, continue reading below.
Healing Time
Like most cartilage piercings, helix piercings typically take six months to a year or longer to heal fully.
Pricing
A helix piercing typically costs between $30 and $100, but this price point varies depending on the studio you choose.
Gauge
Ear jewelry can come in a variety of gauge sizes, but helix jewelry typically ranges from 18G-14G.
What is a Helix Piercing?
Helix Piercing Location:
The standard helix piercing is typically positioned on the upper outer rim of the ear, along the curved cartilage area that follows the ear’s natural contour. The exact placement within the upper cartilage area can vary slightly, but it should sit directly across from the forward helix piercing and above the auricle piercing.
Helix Piercing Process:
Your piercer will thoroughly disinfect the piercing site. Then, they will typically perform the piercing with a hollow 16-gauge or 18-gauge piercing needle.
Helix Piercing Healing Time:
About six months to a year.
Recommended Jewelry:
Other Types of Helix Piercings
What is a Double Helix Piercing?
The double helix piercing is located in the same spot as a standard helix piercing. The only difference is that it features two piercing sites instead of one.
What is a Forward Helix Piercing?
Forward helix piercings (or anti-helix piercings) sit directly across from the standard helix piercing, right above the ear canal and tragus. To learn more, read our in-depth guide!
What is a Mid-Helix Piercing?
Auricle piercings (or mid-helix piercings) sit directly under the standard helix piercing, more toward the middle of the outer ear cartilage. To learn more, read our in-depth guide!
Helix Piercings FAQs (Pain, Aftercare, & More)
How long do helix piercings take to heal?
Most cartilage piercings typically take somewhere between six months to a year (or longer) to completely heal. Your healing process timeline can depend on a few different factors. It’s essential to take proper care of your piercing during this time to ensure you don’t experience an infection or other body complications, which can derail the healing process.
How do I care for my new piercing?
Caring for your new helix piercing is essential to ensure it heals properly and looks its best. Clean the piercing twice a day using a saline solution or piercing aftercare spray (such as H2Ocean piercing aftercare). Try not to touch or twist the jewelry, as this can introduce bacteria and slow down the healing process. It’s important to keep the area dry, so try to avoid submerging the piercing in water from pools, hot tubs, or lakes. With consistent care, your helix piercing should heal between six months and a year. If you notice any unusual redness, swelling, or discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out to your piercer for guidance. For more tips, read How to Care for Your Body Jewelry & Body Piercings.
How much do helix piercings hurt?
Ear cartilage piercing pain depends on your pain tolerance. Before getting any type of body piercing, contact your doctor or a piercing professional about pain management. If you’re experiencing high pain levels, signs of infection, or signs of an allergic reaction after getting pierced, please contact a doctor.
How much does a helix piercing cost?
It really depends on where you live and the piercing shop you go to. Typically, without factoring in the cost of jewelry, a helix piercing can cost between $30-$100. Make sure you do the proper research before choosing a piercing studio. You’ll want to find a place with a great reputation.
How do you give yourself a helix piercing?
All body modifications must be performed by professionals. While you may find piercing kits online, we urge you to make a piercing appointment at a studio with a great reputation.
Why shouldn’t I get a helix piercing?
Still on the fence? There are many things to consider when getting a new piercing. If you’re not quite sure yet, don’t force it. Not every piercing is for everyone, and that’s okay! Try to learn as much as possible before deciding whether a helix piercing is right for you.
What if my piercing gets infected?
Infections can happen if bacteria enter the piercing site, often due to improper aftercare or touching the jewelry with unwashed hands. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmth, discharge (especially yellow or green), and tenderness. Strictly following your piercer’s aftercare instructions is the best way to avoid infection, and remember, hands off your new piercing! If you notice these symptoms, don’t panic; it happens. Carefully clean the area with saline solution and avoid touching or irritating the piercing further. If your symptoms worsen or persist, contact a doctor for treatment.
Helix Piercings FAQs (Jewelry)
What’s the most common type of helix jewelry?
Your piercer will know what works best for you, but these are generally the most common types of jewelry used for helix piercings.
- Cartilage studs are a great everyday choice. We recommend flatback studs for an extra comfortable fit!
- Cartilage hoops are dainty little hoops that are a great option for fully healed helix piercings.
How long should I wait to change my helix jewelry?
You must wait until your new body piercing is completely healed. Your piercer can provide feedback on when your healing process is complete. Once you’re healed, Spencer’s has plenty of helix jewelry styles to choose from!
How much does helix piercing jewelry cost?
Helix jewelry pricing can vary depending mainly on the materials used. For instance, pieces composed of titanium or surgical steel will be more affordable than pieces made of platinum. At Spencer’s, our jewelry is mostly made of 316L surgical steel or titanium, combining style and quality at a great price.
How to care for body jewelry?
Practicing regular jewelry maintenance during and after the healing process is a must. To clean your jewelry, wash it with antibacterial soap and warm water. Be gentle so you don’t hurt the jewelry, but thorough so you know it’s fresh and safe to use. Do not use harsh, alcohol-based chemicals. Cleaning your jewelry is important to avoid infections. If you don’t keep up with maintenance, the build-up can accumulate on your jewelry, causing it to chip and tarnish. For more tips, read How to Care for Your Body Jewelry & Body Piercings.
What are the most common types of jewelry material?
Your piercer will know what works best for you, but these are generally the most common materials used in helix piercings.
- Stainless steel is an affordable and durable option for your tragus jewelry.
-
Titanium jewelry can be more expensive, but it’s completely hypoallergenic, making it the perfect option for sensitive skin.
Now that you’ve read our guide to getting a helix earring let’s go shopping! Whether you’re looking for ear lobe jewelry, helix jewelry, or any other kind of body jewelry, Spencer’s has it all.
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