The forward helix piercing is quickly gaining popularity as both a single piercing and as multiples. It is both sassy and sweet in that while it is extremely visible, it is also very feminine and can be made quite dainty depending on jewelry choice. Most commonly, people are leaning toward a trio of jeweled barbells of descending sizes in the triple forward helix, often abbreviated as the ‘T.F.H.’
What is a Forward Helix Piercing?
A forward helix piercing is a unique piercing that is located in the top front cartilage of your ears. The outer rim of your ear is called the helix which means that forward helix is the front side of this rim. This is where your ears and face meet. Because of this ideal location, everybody will easily notice your forward helix piercing.
Forward Helix Piercing Inspirations
21 Forward Helix Piercings and Jewellery
Forward Helix Piercing Pain and Procedure
Again, it is best to go to a fully licensed, experienced, and reputable piercing studio. They can provide you with the best, safest, and most professional service. You can also be sure that their environment is highly sterile. If you want, you can even ask for proof. Maybe check their equipment, tools, and jewelry options.
Forward Helix Piercing Procedure
You can also check how they sterilize their equipment and tools. Once you are comfortable with them, you will be asked to sign a consent form and will be allowed to choose your jewelry. Then, you will be taken to a private room where your piercing will be done.
The piercer will set the things out needed for the procedure. If there are tools on the table that were already opened, ask for new tools that you can check the sterile markers on, or leave.
ALL sterile tools should be opened right in front of you. They will also wear sterile gloves. After that, they will sterilize the jewelry and prepare the clean equipment.
You will be asked to sit on a chair and they will clean your forward helix with an alcohol wipe. The piercing process for a forward helix piercing is pretty simple. The piercer will start the process by placing markings on the forward helix.
After the markings are placed on their ideal positions, you will be allowed to see it. You may also express your opinions about it; whether you like it a bit higher, lower or separated.
If you like the position of the marks, the piercer will proceed with the procedure by sanitizing the location. Once the ear is clean, the piercer will generally use a receiving tube (NRT) to brace the tissue for the puncture. Next, the piercer will use a needle to create the perforation on your cartilage. After that, the piercer will place your choice of jewelry in the hole, thread and secure it in by tightening the ball.
If you only chose to get a single forward helix piercing, the process should stop here but if you chose to get a double and triple forward helix piercing, the piercer will sanitize the area again and do the same process in the piercing.
Once the piercing process is completed. the piercer will discuss the best aftercare procedures with you. They would also give you a mirror so that you can check your new piercing. They probably would also recommend a cleaning solution which you can buy from them.
Remember that the piercer should only use a needle to pierce your ear. They should never use a gun to create the perforation because it brings a lot of risks.
Since the forward helix is cartilage, using a gun can result in the shattering of your cartilage which can lead to a collapse and a deformation in the ears. In addition to that, the gun may also cause infection because a gun cannot be sterilized.
What to Expect After Getting Pierced
After the procedure, there are a few normal body reactions that you should not alarm you. You may see swelling and redness on the ears. The swelling of the skin surrounding the cartilage is completely normal but will be slight and short-lived.
Piercers will typically use a slightly longer bar or larger diameter ring as initial jewelry to allow for free movement while cleaning. The redness on your ears is also common but it should be gone in 3-4 days. You may also experience extreme discomfort and itchiness. After the piercing, your ear will be painful and sensitive.
Because of its high sensitivity, you may feel pain even with slight muscle movements like smiling. The itchiness will be more prevalent in the healing phase of your piercing. In addition to that, you may also feel run down after the procedure; you may feel tired and warm.
Forward Helix Piercing Pain
When it comes to pain, it all differs from person to person since we all have different pain thresholds. Forward helix piercing may hurt more than a regular helix piercing. Most piercing enthusiasts would rate forward helix piercing pain from 5-7 with 10 being the most painful.
Forward Helix Piercing Costs
The cost of the piercing would vary depending on your choice of piercing studio and choice of jewelry. The price for an individual forward helix piercing can range anywhere from $30-90, not counting additional charges for jewelry and of course, a tip; and of course, a project of multiple piercings will invariably cost more.
Forward Helix Piercing Healing
Healing may differ from person to person too. It may also be difficult to assess if your piercing has already completely healed or not. You may feel no pain in the area but it does not necessarily mean that it has completely healed. Forward helix piercing typically will be healed within 8-12 weeks with proper aftercare, though multiples will, of course, lengthen that time.
Forward Helix Piercing Infection
There are a few red flags that you should be aware of when your piercing is healing. There are symptoms and signals that can indicate if you are having an allergic reaction or an infection. Infections can develop because of an unsanitized procedure or improper cleaning habits.
If you see that the swelling on your ears gets worse even after the 3rd or 4th day of your piercing procedure, it may be an indication that your ears are not alright. If the long thick bar used on your piercing already looks embedded in the swelling, you should seek professional help immediately. If the redness on your ears does not disappear after a week, it can also be an indication of infection.
It can even get worse when you start feeling a hot tingling sensation on the ears. This means that the skin on your forward helix has increased temperature as an allergic reaction from an initial infection.
It would be normal for the ears to secrete yellowish-white lymph but if the ears secrete pus of different colors like brown, yellow, or green, it means that you have developed a really bad infection on your piercing. This pus would often have a really bad odor.
You should be able to smell it even without taking out the jewelry. When you have developed a really bad infection in your ears, chances are that you will also suffer from high fever, chills, nausea, fatigue, and vomiting. You can prevent these situations from happening by doing the correct aftercare as provided by your artist.
If, for ANY reason, you are concerned about infection or general healing of your piercing; do not hesitate to return to your piercer and get the advice you need.
Forward Helix Piercing Aftercare
The cardinal rules of ear piercings aftercare are to gently but thoroughly clean the area with the proper solution (most piercers recommend saline – which you can buy premade, or make your own), avoid introducing contaminants, (i.e. makeup, hairspray, lotion) and of course, do NOT touch the piercing with your hands except while you are cleaning after completely washing your hands with a good antibacterial soap.
Forward Helix Aftercare Instructions
- Step One
- On the first day of your piercing, you should allow it to rest for a few hours before you clean it. You can clean it at night before you go to sleep.
- Step Two
- When cleaning, you should never use a cleaning agent that has been used by another person. You should be able to get one from your piercer.
- Step Three
- Avoid using cream, alcohol, and peroxide. Creams can result in bacterial infection. Creams tend to create build up around the pierced area and eventually become a place for bacteria to develop. Bacteria can lead to infections like perichondritis. Peroxide and rubbing alcohol both eat white blood cells, which is precisely what you need to heal. It will not really allow the piercing to become infected, but it will also not allow it to heal.
- Step Four
- Your piercer will generally set you up, along with aftercare, with a proper expectation as to how long you must wait to change the jewelry. Standard is 6-8 weeks, and should you need to change the jewelry for ANY reason prior to that time, please consult your piercer for assistance.
- Do’s and Dont’s
Aftercare Products for a Forward Helix Piercing
Piercing Care Healing Sea Salts & Botanicals
[amazon fields=”B00NTAH740″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Forward Helix Healing Sea Salt Mixture” image_align=”center”]
This product is great for your new forward helix piercing. Piercing Care only contains natural ingredients. It is enriched with vitamins and minerals. Botanical Oils can help your piercing heal quickly while Aloe Vera and Vitamin E can moisturize and nourish your skin. Since this is concentrated, then you only need a small amount.
[amazon fields=”B00NTAH740″ value=”button”]
H2Ocean Piercing Aftercare Spray
[amazon fields=”B0009F79EQ” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”H2Ocean Piercing Aftercare Spray” image_align=”center”]
After having your forward helix piercing, it is very important that you must take good care of it in order to prevent swelling and infection. Without aftercare, you will suffer health complications and your piercing can be very painful. In order to clean the piercing area, soak it in a saltwater solution. However, if this can cause irritation then you can use H2Ocean Piercing Aftercare Spray.
[amazon fields=”B0009F79EQ” value=”button”]
Recovery Piercing Aftercare Purified Saline Spray
[amazon fields=”B004VJ8KBW” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Purified Saline Spray for Forward Helix Piercings” image_align=”center”]
This natural saline spray works well for both external and internal use. It can heal and protect your forward helix piercing. At the same time, it can provide you with a soothing feeling and take away the pain. It is very important to clean your piercing twice a day, in the morning and in the evening.
[amazon fields=”B004VJ8KBW” value=”button”]
H2Ocean – Blue Green Liquid Soap
[amazon fields=”B002R2E10O” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Blue Green Liquid Soap for Piercing Aftercare” image_align=”center”]
You should wash your hands with antibacterial soap before cleaning your piercing. H2Ocean – Blue Green Liquid Soap is not only antibacterial but it is also antimicrobial. A vegan-friendly soap that is rich in Aloe Vera and free from any fragrance.
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Tips For Taking Care of Your Forward Helix Piercing
Do
- Perform daily cleaning for the first three weeks of the piercing
- If you have long hair, try to clip it up so it will not bring dirt in the piercing. Clipping it would also let you avoid irritation and snagging.
-
Consult your piercer first with any questions or concerns, NOT your friends.Use ONLY the solutions or cleaning supplies approved and recommended by your artist.
- Listen to professional advice.
Don’t
- Go swimming while the wound is healing
- Share personal hygienic products like cleaning agents and towels
- Touch the piercing
- Use bleaching products on the piercing
- Remove the new piercing for cleaning, rest, activities or any other reason.
Forward Helix Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled a list of our readers most frequently asked forward helix piercing questions for you. We hope this is inclusive of all the questions you may still have in mind.
Does it hurt to get a triple forward helix?
Any cartilage piercing is going to hurt pretty badly. This is because the area being pierced is so thick and hard. However, the pain is over in just a moment and the end result is well worth it!
Is a triple helix piercing likely to get infected?
As with any piercing, you have a risk for infection if you don’t take care of the area. Make sure you are following good aftercare and daily cleaning regimen and you will be just fine! If you have a concern, bring it to a medical professional or the piercing shop that gave you the modification.
When can I change my triple forward helix jewelry?
You should leave the area alone for about eight weeks. Once that amount of time has passed, you can change the jewelry. You should still treat the area as a freshly pierced site, with strict cleaning and taking care of it. This is the best way to avoid irritation.
Finding a Piercing Shop for your Helix
Being such a popular choice right now, many piercing shops will be offering this choice, some even at a discount. That said, inevitably, some of these shops will not have artists properly equipped with either the tools, jewelry or experience to bring this project to fruition safely.
When selecting a shop, make sure to look through portfolios (which should contain not only fresh but also well-healed piercings), ensure that the shop is sanitary and reputable, and above all; make sure you feel comfortable.
This piercing done incorrectly can lead to a plethora of unsightly problems including rejection, heavy visible scarring, keloids, and even cauliflower ear. Take the time to find an experienced piercer.
The price should be the absolute last concern you have, do not be tempted to put yourself at unnecessary risk to save money; it will come out in the wash after treatment for a piercing gone wrong that the cheap place on the corner cost you way more than you bargained for.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this informational guide on Forward Helix piercings. If you’re left with any additional questions, contact your local piercer, contact us or comment below!
Hello! My name is Emily and I obsessed with piercings (and tattoos) since I was a little girl of 6 years old. I was fortunate enough to make my passion my work after meeting my amazing husband Jeffrey who owned his own tattoo shop. I just recently finished my internships at some of America’s most famous piercing shops and a dream to start something together was born. After falling in love with each other (and each other’s piercings and tattoos) we decided to expand his tattoo shop and I got to manage my own piercing shop in the same space! I’ve never been so happy being able to share my love for piercings through my shop and this blog I started back in 2013. We love to share models and inspiration, so feel free to email me your suggestions, pictures or if you just want to say hi!