Helix Piercings & what you need to know about them
Helix Piercings are often a client’s first introduction to cartilage piercings, for those who consider decoration past the lobes. They have always been popular, from their roots in worldwide traditional practices for hundreds of years, to now with the modern trends in ear styling and ear curations. There are a couple of placements that they are known for, however this guide will be focused on the classic outer Helix Piercing.
On the outer section of the upper ear, from where the earlobe ends, to where the ridge of cartilage typically begins to fold, is where this piercing finds its home.
Helix Anatomy and examples
As you can see, every anatomy is different, one person’s helix always differs from the next. Your ear is your ear and no one else’s! Not everyone has the anatomy for an outer ear piercing. For glasses-wearers, placements often vary, ensuring that the flat-back bar will not hit off the arm of your specs. Always bring your glasses into your ear piercing appointment! The shape and curves of the ear will always determine if you have suitable anatomy for a helix. If you’re not sure, always ask! Our piercers will be happy to advise and suggest a suitable and safe alternative, if needs be.
Piercing Jewellery for your Helix
Now let’s talk about jewellery. One of the reasons that the helix piercing is so popular is due to the vast jewellery options. Some people like to go for a hoop, while others prefer a longer statement cluster, or even a single gem. Whatever your jewellery preference is, it’s important that it suits the anatomy of your ear cartilage. Some pieces feel as though they were made for a person’s ear, especially decorative curves and clusters. With our extensive fine jewellery collection, our expert team will help you find the piece that fits like it was made just for you.
Initial Helix Jewellery
When considering initial jewellery, we do recommend against a snug hoop. This type of jewellery will not allow for the initial swelling that comes with healing piercings and complications will arise. Basically you’ll be in bits (very sore). Which no one wants! Hoops in the helix need to be quite big and thicker gauged in order to have a chance at healing, and even then the healing process will be quite tricky. Heal the piercing with a stud, then once it’s all settled, we would be more than happy to help you choose a hoop / clicker / sleeper / whatever you like to call it, that’s the perfect snug fit! Visit our online jewellery selection for ideas and inspiration!
How sore is a Helix piercing?
Pain-wise? The piercing is a quick pinch. What takes time is choosing jewellery, sterilising everything, marking the placement etc. however, the actual piercing itself lasts less than half a second. And what’s half a second of pain, when you’ll have your stunning helix piercing forever! Worth it.
What is the healing of a helix piercing like?
The healing of a helix piercing averages from 9 to 12 months for fully-healed, happy and healthy piercings. However, each person heals differently. If you do not look after your piercing, or if a tragic hair-dresser related accident occurs, of course it’s going to take longer. If you follow all our aftercare instructions, come back for your check-ups and downsizes, they really are happy to heal away. You can find a full comprehensive guide to healing your fresh piercing (helix or otherwise!), on our Piercing Aftercare page. Read it well, and if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us! We are with you for your full healing journey.
For our Piercing Fees please visit our Piercing Prices page.
To make an appointment for your piercing or checkup, you can head to our Bookings.
Finally, if you’re looking for some Helix Piercing inspiration, feel free to browse below, visit Our Work page, or pop over to our Instagram.
