Helix Piercing – Everything You Need to Know
- Dein Piercing
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
The helix piercing has been one of the most popular ear piercings for years – and for good reason. With its many placement options and the wide variety of jewelry we offer, it’s easy to create a look that’s uniquely yours.
What exactly is a Helix Piercing?
The "helix" is the outer rim of cartilage that curves around the upper part of your ear. Any piercing along this ridge is considered a helix piercing. While the classic version sits in the upper third of the ear, there are also styles like the forward helix, double helix, or mid helix piercing. The days of calling it simply an "upper ear piercing" are long gone.
What Jewelry can you wear in a Helix Piercing?
From delicate studs to eye-catching rings – anything is possible. It’s all about your personal style. For the initial piercing, however, we recommend a stud over a ring, as it supports better healing.
Initial jewelry should be made from implant-grade titanium or nickel-free gold (14K or 18K – that’s 585 or 750 gold). Whether you prefer white, rose, or yellow gold, we’ve got you covered. Want to explore your options? Check out our helix jewelry here!
How Helix Jewelry works
Helix jewelry typically consists of two parts: a decorative front and a flat back (a labret post), which is much more comfortable than traditional earring butterfly backs. Sometimes the back may feature a small ball instead of a flat disc.
Placement Options
Your ear anatomy is unique – and so are the possibilities for your helix piercing. Whether you want a single stud at the top or a ring in the middle, there are countless variations. Even two helix piercings at once? No problem.
If you’re unsure whether your idea is feasible, consult a professional piercer. Show reference photos, but keep in mind that no two ears are alike, so placement will always be tailored to you.
Getting your Helix pierced - What to expect
One of the most common questions is: Does a helix piercing hurt? The good news: it’s definitely not the most painful spot you could choose. Most people find it far less painful than expected – even less than getting blood drawn.
The actual piercing only takes a second. Here's the typical process:
Clean and disinfect the area
Mark the spot (after discussing it with you)
Confirm the placement in the mirror
Piercing with a sterile needle (never with a gun!)
Insert the jewelry
Admire your new look!
Healing and Aftercare for a Helix Piercing
Since a helix piercing goes through cartilage, it takes longer to heal than soft tissue. That’s because cartilage doesn’t have its own blood supply and depends on surrounding tissue. Expect around 6 - 9 months for standard healing.
However, healing can take up to 12 months, especially if you’re rough on your hair or often sleep on that side. Many people think their piercing is healed when it’s only "surface healed." That’s why proper aftercare is still important, even when it looks fine.
We recommend:
Changing your pillowcase weekly for the first month
Wear your hair in a ponytail
Switching to a shorter post - also known as 'Downsizing' - after 6–8 weeks (initial studs are longer to allow for swelling, but shouldn’t be worn too long)
Don't book an appointment at a hairdresser for the first few days after getting your helix pierced
What is normal after getting a Helix Piercing?
You’ll hear many horror stories about helix piercings that never heal. But most piercings actually heal well. Some bodies simply reject certain piercings – even if you do everything right.
During healing, the following symptoms are normal:
Redness around the hole
Slight swelling
Minor bleeding in the first few days
Mild pressure pain
Itching
Clear discharge
Crusting near the jewelry
When a Helix Piercing doesn't heal - possible reasons
If your piercing isn’t healing and you’ve tried everything, there’s no universal solution – especially without seeing it in person. But here are things to evaluate:
1. Is the Jewelry Suitable?
Your initial jewelry should:
Be slightly longer to accommodate swelling
Be nickel-free
Fit your ear shape (not too large or high)
However, too-long jewelry can cause irritation once swelling subsides. Have your piercer assess the fit after 6–8 weeks.
2. Are You Using the Right Aftercare Products?
Avoid Octenisept and alcohol-based disinfectants. We recommend saline-based solutions like Neilmed Aftercare or Cleany Skin.
Don’t over-clean – once or twice a day is enough. Also, avoid applying healing ointments.
3. Is Your Lifestyle Causing Problems?
Even with great care, a piercing won’t heal if you constantly disturb it – e.g., wearing a helmet, swimming cap, or getting hit during sports. Not every piercing suits every lifestyle, so talk to your piercer before deciding.
4. Was the Angle Correct?
Ask a friend to take a side-view photo of your ear. The piercing should be at a 90-degree angle to the tissue – not slanted. If it’s poorly angled, removing and redoing it might be the only solution.
5. Hands Off!
This is worth repeating: Don’t touch your piercing unnecessarily! Let your jewelry sit undisturbed, especially in the first weeks. Avoid twisting, spinning, or tugging. Pro tip: wear your hair up for the first few days to keep it from catching.
Conclusion: Your personalized Helix Piercing
A helix piercing is more than just a trend – it’s a statement that can reflect your unique style. With the right placement, jewelry, and aftercare, it will be a beautiful and lasting addition to your look.
If you have more questions, browse our blog or visit us in-store for a personalized consultation!
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