The helix is the prominent rim of the outside part of the ear composed of cartilage thus the helix piercing is a perforation on the upper ear cartilage for a person to be able to wear piece jewelry or earrings.
Captive bead ring, labret stud, and barbell are the usual jewelry types used in helix piercing. Captive rings are circular metal jewelry that can be bridged by a bar or a bead. Labret studs are similar to lobe earrings that have straight rods with a flat disk on one side and a gem on the other side.
Barbells, on the other hand, also have a straight rod with beads on both sides. These barbells are available in all sizes and shapes. There are curved barbells, horseshoe-like barbells, partially circular and fully circular barbells. Whichever type of piercing you get, they never fail to bring that subtle and sophisticated look.
Helix Piercing Pain & Procedure
Helix Piercing Pain can vary from person to person and from piercer to piercer. Helix piercing may be less painful because helix is composed of cartilage which does not have any nerve endings, but some people may experience pain while undergoing the procedure because perforating the cartilage needs extra pressure and effort from the expert piercer.
If you do feel pain, it may only last for half a minute to one minute. There may also be a little bleeding from the wound that can go on for about sixty minutes.
Commonly, the Helix Piercing Procedure is done with the use of either a curved needle or and 18 gauge hollow needle. The piercer will mark a dot on your ear so you can decide and see the position. For precautions, a small cork may be placed in your ear opening to avoid any tool to accidentally penetrate the canal.
It is important that the person being pierced maintains a steady head all throughout the procedure and be prepared with the pressure while puncturing the helix as they are needed because the cartilage may be harder compared to a lobe piercing.
Piercing guns must not be used because they can result in an immediate shock in the ear. If your piercer uses a gun for piercing your ear cartilage, ensure to report them as soon as possible because that is illegal and very dangerous.
The damage a piercing gun can cause to your cartilage is scary. It can shatter your cartilage and result to deforming your ear. It can also cause complications because piercing guns cannot be sterilized.
Helix Piercing Models
Helix Piercing Jewelry Inspirations
Helix Piercing Costs
Helix piercing costs from $20 to $50 depending on the shop you choose to get the piercing from. Make sure to choose the best service even if it cost more and check for feedback about the piercing shop. It is important to get the best service for your own safety and benefits.
Helix Aftercare
Helix Piercing Healing can take three to nine months and often times it can take time for healing for up to twelve months maximum. The pain (if you have any) may disappear in around two to four months. It can vary depending on helix piercing aftercare.
If there are signs of rejection or you develop a helix piercing infection, immediately remove the jewelry and seek help from a doctor. Helix piercing infection can develop if you do not clean the area daily and can be characterized by persistent pain, inflammation, redness, and pus.
Helix Cartilage Piercing Aftercare Instructions
Helix Piercing Care has to be done daily but without overdoing it because too much cleaning of the area can irritate the piercing and cause more pain. Two times a day will be good. Whether you have triple helix aftercare, forward helix aftercare, or antihelix aftercare, you should follow the instructions below for a quality aftercare regime.
- Step One
Avoid touching your helix piercing at all times. At the same time, do not let anyone touch it in order to avoid any infection. - Step Two
Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your helix piercing. - Step Three
Avoid helix piercing aftercare twist. - Step Four
If you notice a crust around your helix piercing, then be sure to remove it by using a Q-tip wet with warm water. Once it is removed, you can start cleaning the piercing area. - Step Five
You can make your own helix aftercare solution by combining sea salt and hot water. Wait for it to cool down, then soak a cotton ball on it. Hold the cotton ball against your piercing. You can also use a tissue instead of a cotton ball.
Suggested Aftercare Products For Helix Piercing
The products that you use during aftercare hold the utmost importance. No matter how good your aftercare routine is, if you are using the wrong products, your piercing healing will suffer. We have compiled a shortlist here of our favorite piercing aftercare products along with a review of each here.
Recovery Piercing Aftercare Tea Tree Oil
[amazon fields=”B078892SW5″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Helix Piercing Aftercare Tea Tree Oil”]
Tea tree oil was originally introduced in Australia. It was greatly used during WW2 because it has natural healing properties. This is excellent for helix piercing since it can naturally spread itself deeper into the wound. Recovery Piercing Aftercare Tea Tree Oil is a favorite option for many because it won’t irritate your piercing.
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Benefits of Tea Tree Oil
- It can help in effectively disinfecting and healing your piercing.
- Tea tree oil can be used on any type of skin, however, it is best if you can try a small amount first.
- It can help in reducing any bumps on your helix piercing.
Provon Antimicrobial Lotion Soap
[amazon fields=”B000HM5LHI” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Provon Antimicrobial Lotion Soap”]
It is very important that you must take good care of your helix piercing. Avoid touching the piercing at all times especially if you haven’t washed your hands. In case you really want to touch your piercing then be sure to wash your hands with warm water and Provon Antimicrobial Lotion Soap for two minutes. This is a mild soap that can also be used for helix cartilage piercing aftercare. You will surely love its pleasant scent.
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H2Ocean Piercing Aftercare Spray
[amazon fields=”B0009F79EQ” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”H2Ocean Helix Piercing Aftercare Spray”]
H2Ocean Piercing Aftercare Spray can relieve your pain and soreness. At the same time, it can decrease the healing period of your piercing. It is made of all-natural ingredients do it is safe to use even if you have sensitive skin.
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Dr. Piercing Aftercare Product
[amazon fields=”B000KM1656″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Dr. Helix Piercing Aftercare Swabs”]
In cleansing your helix piercing, soak a cotton swab such as Dr. Piercing Aftercare Product. Be sure to soak it with a sea salt solution. This can soothe and protect your piercing. It can help in shortening the healing period of your helix piercing.
[amazon fields=”B000KM1656″ value=”button”]
Taking Care of your Helix Piercing
- Use Tea tree oil if possible in cleaning your ears
- Never allow anyone to touch the piercing because it can result in inflammation and infection.
- Do not twist and turn the jewelry or you may irritate the ear.
- Avoid spraying perfumes or putting makeup in the area.
- Before cleaning the ears, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap for two to three minutes.
- When cleaning the area, use warm water, cotton, and piercing liquid.
- During the day, avoid pressures like sleeping on the ears, swimming and wearing ear cuffs.
- Avoid taking out crusts formed from a lymphatic fluid.
- Wear the jewelry loosely to avoid further inflammation.
- Never wear fake jewelry because they can also cause infection.
Helix Piercing Frequently Asked Questions
Getting a helix piercing is not something you should just decide overnight. There are many considerations you will need to make. With these considerations comes the need to research. Here are some of our readers’ most frequently asked helix piercing questions to help you along the way:
How painful are helix piercings?
Any cartilage piercing is going to be more sensitive than any other area. The answer to this question depends wholly on your own pain tolerance and sensitivity. Overall, though, helix piercings are regarded as one of the more painful piercing options available.
How long to helix piercings take to heal?
If you want to heal your helix piercing quickly and easily, make sure you follow a strict aftercare regimen. As long as you pay close attention to keeping the area sterile, you should see a good result. Most people find their helix piercing fully healed within three to six months.
Can you sleep on a helix piercing?
It is recommended that you avoid sleeping on your helix piercing as much as possible. If you were to snag the jewelry on an item of bedding, it could irritate your piercing. These types of incidents might cause piercing bumps or other infections, delaying the healing process.
Are helix piercings dangerous?
Cartilage piercings, in particular, are extremely prone to infection. If you don’t take care of the piercing, an infection can get bad fast. If you hope to avoid the dangers of helix piercings, make sure you are taking proper care. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, such as drainage or excessive swelling, see your piercing professional or a doctor right away to rule out a serious problem.
Getting your Helix Piercing
Like any other body modification procedure, getting a helix piercing needs a lot of thought and courage. The great tip is to know the details of what you are getting into and do great research about it. Whether you want to impress friends or just want a new look, always seek the best when it comes to providing a quality piercing.
We hope all the Helix Piercing Jewelry Inspiration and Tips here helped you decide on which style to get. If you are interested in reading about other types of piercing or want more piercing choices, you can check out Anti Eyebrow Piercing, Cartilage Piercing, and Septum Piercing.
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!