Helix Piercing: Everything You Need To Know Before Getting One Done

If you've landed on this page chances are you either want to know more about helix piercings or you're thinking about getting a new ear piercing, to add to your earring stack. With different healing times, after care and pain levels, it an be quite a difficult to decide what to choose.

If you're after something subtle and chic, the helix piercing is a nice choice (sitting at the top of your ear rather than the lobe), flashing cheekily when your hair is tucked behind your ear. It's eye catching placement and rapid procedure time makes it one of the more popular ear piercing options, too.

If you’re considering adding a new piercing to your ears, look no further! We have the perfect helix piercing guide filled with tips, tricks, and advice. We had a chat with Saoirse Flynn (UK Manager at Metal Morphosis), who brings 20 years of experience with the company, to gather all the crucial details you need to know.

Helix Piercings At Glance:

Where is it?: The outer cartilage of the ear

Price: £20-£80

Pain Level: 5-6/10

Healing Time: 4-6 months

Best Jewellery: Titanium (ASTM F136 grade) and Solid Gold (14ct and up)

Aftercare: Saline solution

What is a helix piercing?

Let's kick things off by demystifying the helix piercing. Essentially, it's any piercing done on the upper cartilage of your ear. But wait, there's more! Double helix piercings take it up a notch, featuring two piercings stacked on top of each other in the same area. Fancy, right?

And if you're feeling adventurous, the forward helix piercing awaits. Nestled in the curve where your ear meets your head, this piercing is all about making a statement.

Forward helix piercing

If you follow the curve of the top of your ear around until it meets your head, that little nook of your ear is where the forward helix piercing goes through. This is also known as the anti-helix and inner helix piercing.

Triple and double forward helix

A triple helix is when there are two more studs going up from the initial forward helix, creating a line of three studs. If you get a double forward helix piercing, then it’s two studs in total. Either way, multiple piercing is what's often known as an 'ear party', where you add many earrings as a way of accessorising with jewellery.

Is a helix piercing painful?

With all piercings it can be quite difficult to gage how painful it is as we all have different pain tolerances. Our girls at Grazia who have this done averaged the pain a 5.6 out of 10. Fashion Assistant Gavi Weiss said, ' it was pretty painful because I have thick cartilage, I would give it a 7/10, I think it ended up being more painful or on par with my nose piercing. The hardest part is the healing if you're a side sleeper so if you want to get one on both ears, I suggest doing them at different times.'

Saoirse Flynn likened the feeling to a small scratch with a little pressure. She said, 'many piercers will talk you through some breathing techniques to help make the whole process easier. Afterwards the piercing area may feel slightly more sensitive, if you have any concerns or questions about what you’re feeling afterwards it's best to contact your piercer.'

How long does a helix piercing take to heal?

Keeping up with your cleaning is an essential part of the healing process. Don't be so quick to take out the earring out if it hasn't healed. There's plenty of time to add pretty jewels. Flynn said, 'as Helix piercings are on cartilage, it can take a year to 18 months for the piercing to heal, that said most helix piercings settle down in 4- 6 months. It is very important to clean twice a day (morning and night) with sterile saline solution during your initial healing period, and to downsize your jewellery with a piercer to avoid snagging and migration of the piercing channel.'

How long until I can sleep on my helix piercing?

Try to avoid sleeping directly on the pierced ear to prevent putting pressure on the area and potentially disrupting the healing process. Saoirse said if you must must sleep on that side, consider using a travel pillow or a piercing pillow shaped pillow to reduce pressure on the piercing while you sleep.

What jewellery should you get?

Making sure your jewellery is good quality is a crucial part of the healing process, as it reduces complications and risk of allergic reaction. Saoirse Flynn recommends a high quality, high polish titanium labret. 'This is a flat backed piece of jewellery with either a threadless or threaded attachment on the front. The initial bar needs to be slightly longer to allow for some swelling, a normal part of healing, this can (and should) be downsized with your piercer as the swelling decreases and your piercing heals.'

How much does a helix piercing cost?

Prices will vary depending on where you go, how experienced your piercer is, and the jewellery you pick. The typical price is usually between £20 to £40. Be sure to find a qualified piercer to ensure the piercing is done correctly and to avoid infection,never DIY your piercings at home.

Helix piercing aftercare

Clean the piercing twice a day using a clean cotton bud and a sterile saline solution (you can pick it up for just £4 at Superdrug), making sure you remove any dried blood or discharge. Gross. Don’t twist the jewellery as it will only irritate the skin and make it more prone to infection. If you do think it’s infected, go back to the piercer who can best advise you.

How should I clean my helix jewellery?

A simple saline solution and some tender loving care are all it takes to keep your piercing happy and healthy. If you run out to clean your piercing properly, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your piercing.

2. Prepare a saline solution by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt with 8 ounces of warm distilled water. Stir until the salt dissolves completely.

3. Soak a clean cotton ball or pad in the saline solution.

4. Gently dab the soaked cotton ball or pad onto the piercing, making sure to thoroughly cleanse the area.

5. Use a fresh cotton ball or pad for each cleaning to avoid introducing bacteria to the piercing.

6. Repeat this process twice a day, ideally in the morning and before bedtime.

7. Avoid rotating or moving the jewellery unnecessarily, as this can disrupt the healing process.

8. Pat the piercing dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry.

9. Avoid using harsh products such as hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or antibiotic ointments, as they can irritate the piercing and delay healing.

Remember to follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by your piercer and to contact them if you have any concerns or notice signs of infection, such as excessive redness, swelling, or discharge.

What should you avoid?

Flynn recommends after your piercing that you should avoid swimming and saunas for at least the first 4 weeks after being pierced. She added, 'have showers instead of baths - essentially avoid submerging your new piercing in water that has bacteria or chemicals in it. I would also avoid playing or fiddling with your new piercing as bacteria from fingernails can get into the healing wound. Also note that hats can also put pressure on or get bacteria into the piercing, and hair products can clog around it preventing healing.'

What are the potential side effects with a helix piercing?

There should be none, other than changes that commonly occur with new and healing piercings. Flynn said, 'a small amount of swelling around a new piercing is normal, a slight increase in sensitivity as well. If you have any questions or concerns get in contact with your piercer and they can arrange a check up or advise you further.'

What happens if I get a lump on my helix?

Your skin might reject the piercing, this is where you might see swelling, redness or a bump. This can be treated at home following a solid aftercare routine, if there are no signs of improvement after weeks, seek professional advise from the piercer.

If you’re considering a helix piercing, we highly recommend Metal Morphosis. And here’s some exciting news: They’re set to open their third site and flagship store in Covent Garden this Spring, featuring a specialised ear curation and fitting studio!

SHOP NOW: The Best Jewellery For Helix Piercings

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