The Ultimate Guide to Helix Piercing: Types, Pain, Cost and Healing Time

A helix piercing is a stylish way to decorate your ear. It is done on the upper part of the ear, where the cartilage is. Many people love helix piercings because they look trendy and come in different styles. You can get a single helix for a simple look or choose a double or triple helix for a bolder style. But before getting one, it’s important to know about the different types, pain level, cost, and healing time.

In this guide, we will explain everything about helix piercings. You will learn about the types, such as standard, forward, and double helix piercings. We will also talk about how much pain to expect, how much it costs, and how long it takes to heal. If you are thinking about getting a helix piercing, this information will help you decide.

What is a Helix Piercing?

A helix piercing is an ear piercing placed on the upper, outer edge of the ear, called the helix. Unlike regular earlobe piercings, which go through soft skin, helix piercings go through the harder cartilage of the ear. People often choose helix piercings because they look stylish and can be worn alone or with multiple piercings for different looks. Small hoops, studs, and simple barbells are common jewelry for helix piercings.

Helix piercings have become popular because they let people show their personal style in many ways. These piercings can be done at different points along the top edge of the ear, like the upper helix, middle helix, or front helix, based on the look someone wants. This flexibility makes helix piercings suitable for beginners and people who already have other piercings. With many jewelry styles available, helix piercings give plenty of choices for personalizing your look.

How Much Does a Helix Piercing Cost?

The cost of a helix piercing typically ranges between $30 to $70, depending on factors like the piercing studio’s reputation, the experience of the piercer, and the type of jewelry chosen. In some upscale piercing studios or major cities, prices might even reach $90 or more. Choosing higher-quality jewelry made from materials such as titanium, gold, or surgical steel usually increases the overall price, but it helps reduce risks of infection or irritation.

It’s important to remember that a lower price might seem attractive, but quality and hygiene should always be your top priorities. Many studios include aftercare products or follow-up check-ups within the piercing price, while others charge extra fees for these services. Always check online reviews, ask about hidden costs, and clarify exactly what’s included before deciding where to get your helix piercing done.

How Long Does a Helix Piercing Take to Heal?

A helix piercing usually takes about 6 to 9 months to heal fully. During the first few weeks, you might notice some swelling, redness, or mild pain, but this typically improves within 2 to 4 weeks. Even if your ear looks healed on the outside after a month or two, the inside of the piercing is still healing, so it’s important to keep caring for it during the entire healing process.

The healing time can vary depending on factors like how carefully you look after your piercing, your overall health, and whether the piercing gets irritated or infected. To speed up healing, keep the area clean, avoid touching or twisting the jewelry, and try not to sleep directly on the pierced ear. If you follow proper aftercare, your helix piercing should heal completely without complications within 9 months, leaving you with a comfortable, healthy piercing.

Does Helix Piercing Hurt?

A helix piercing typically causes mild to moderate pain because it goes through the cartilage, which is tougher than the soft tissue of the earlobe. Most people describe the pain level around 4 or 5 on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is barely noticeable and 10 is very painful. You might feel a sharp pinch at first, followed by some throbbing and tenderness afterward. Although the piercing itself is quick, you could experience soreness and mild swelling in the pierced area for several days.

The actual pain depends greatly on your individual pain tolerance and the skill of your piercer. Using a needle instead of a piercing gun significantly reduces the pain level, making the procedure smoother and less uncomfortable. After the piercing, the initial pain usually fades within hours or days, but the area might stay sensitive for a few weeks. Proper aftercare, such as cleaning gently and avoiding pressure on your ear, can help keep discomfort manageable and prevent infections that could increase pain.

When Can I Change My Helix Piercing?

It’s best to wait at least 3 to 6 months before changing your helix piercing. Helix piercings go through cartilage, which heals more slowly than ear lobe piercings. During this time, your piercing is forming a secure tunnel of healed tissue, and removing or changing jewelry too soon can lead to irritation, infection, or even cause the piercing to close up.

Make sure your piercing is fully healed before changing the jewelry, meaning it no longer feels sore, swollen, or tender. There should also be no discharge or redness around the piercing site. To be safe, you can visit a professional piercer who can check if your piercing has healed completely and help you safely switch your jewelry without complications.

What Gauge Is a Helix Piercing?

The gauge refers to the thickness of the jewelry used in a helix piercing. Typically, a helix piercing uses a 16-gauge or 18-gauge needle, which are the most common sizes. A 16-gauge needle is slightly thicker, measuring about 1.2 mm, and provides more stability, making it a good option for initial piercings. An 18-gauge needle is thinner, around 1.0 mm, offering a more delicate look that’s suitable if you prefer smaller, lighter jewelry.

Choosing the right gauge for your helix piercing is important for healing and comfort. A thicker gauge, like 16, helps reduce the risk of jewelry migration and is often recommended by piercers for first-time helix piercings. If you want something subtle or plan to wear finer jewelry in the future, an 18-gauge might be a better fit. Always consult with your piercer to decide the best gauge for your ear shape, comfort level, and personal style.

How to Pierce Helix?

Piercing your helix, the upper cartilage of your ear, should always be done by a professional piercer in a clean studio. The process involves several steps to ensure safety and precision:

• The piercer cleans your ear with an antiseptic solution to remove bacteria.
• A sterile marker is used to mark the exact spot for the piercing.
• A hollow, sterilized needle designed for cartilage piercings is used to create a clean hole.
• Jewelry, usually a small stud or hoop, is inserted immediately after piercing.

Once your helix is pierced, proper aftercare is essential to prevent infection and ensure smooth healing:

• Clean the piercing twice a day with saline solution or aftercare spray.
• Avoid touching, twisting, or rotating the jewelry to prevent irritation.
• Keep hair products, makeup, and harsh soaps away from the piercing.
• Avoid sleeping on the pierced ear to reduce pressure and discomfort.
• Healing typically takes 3 to 6 months, but some cartilage piercings may take longer.

Following your piercer’s aftercare instructions will help your helix piercing heal properly and minimize complications.

Types of Helix Piercing

1. Forward Helix Piercing

A forward helix piercing is placed on the cartilage area directly above the point where the ear connects to the face, at the frontmost part of the ear. It faces forward, making it a prominent and noticeable type of piercing. This location is perfect for small studs, rings, or delicate jewelry pieces. It enhances the appearance of the ear with a trendy, modern look.

2. Double Helix Piercing

The double helix piercing consists of two piercings vertically aligned along the outer edge of the upper cartilage rim. These piercings are typically positioned closely together to create a visually appealing layered effect. They can feature matching jewelry like studs or small hoops. The double helix piercing is favored for its symmetrical and balanced aesthetic.

3. Hidden or Floating Helix Piercing

A hidden or floating helix piercing is placed subtly inside the rim of the ear cartilage, making it less visible from the front view. This type of piercing creates a unique “floating” appearance when viewed from certain angles, providing an elegant yet understated style. It is ideal for those who prefer discreet jewelry placement. Usually, it features small studs or minimal hoops for subtlety.

4. Mid Helix Piercing

A mid helix piercing is positioned midway up the outer cartilage rim of the ear, between the upper helix and lower lobe areas. This placement offers versatility, as it can easily accommodate studs or hoops. Due to its central location, this piercing provides balance and a refined style to ear jewelry arrangements. It’s popular for a subtle yet distinct look.

5. Triple Helix Piercing

A triple helix piercing involves three separate piercings vertically aligned along the outer cartilage rim of the ear. Usually spaced evenly, these piercings create a striking, detailed appearance. It is commonly adorned with matching jewelry sets, such as small studs or uniform hoops. This style is perfect for those looking for a bold and intricate piercing arrangement.

6. Flat Helix Piercing

The flat helix piercing is placed on the broad, flat cartilage area situated inside the upper ear, away from the outer rim. Unlike traditional rim piercings, it provides a spacious surface ideal for showcasing larger studs or elaborate jewelry designs. This piercing allows creative freedom with various decorative pieces or gem clusters. It adds a contemporary, stylish aesthetic to ear jewelry collections.

Different Types of Helix Piercing Price Chart

Here is a table outlining the costs of different types of helix piercings. It includes each piercing type, its precise location on the ear, and the average price you can expect to pay. This will help you easily compare options and choose the piercing that’s right for you and your budget.

No.	Piercing Type	Location on Ear	Average Price Range
1	Standard Helix Piercing	Upper outer cartilage rim	$30 – $70
2	Forward Helix Piercing	Front area of upper cartilage, closest to the face	$40 – $70
3	Double Helix Piercing	Two vertically aligned piercings on outer cartilage	$60 – $100
4	Hidden or Floating Helix Piercing	Inner side of the upper cartilage rim	$50 – $80
5	Mid Helix Piercing	Middle part of outer cartilage rim	$30 – $60
6	Triple Helix Piercing	Three vertically aligned piercings on outer cartilage	$90 – $140
7	Flat Helix Piercing	Flat cartilage area inside the upper ear	$50 – $90

How to Clean a Helix Piercing

Cleaning your helix piercing regularly is important for quick healing and preventing infections. Follow these simple steps to keep it clean and healthy:

• Wash your hands thoroughly using antibacterial soap before touching your piercing to avoid spreading germs.
• Prepare a saline solution by mixing ¼ teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt in 1 cup of warm water.
• Soak a cotton pad or gauze in the saline solution and gently press it on your helix piercing for 5-10 minutes, twice a day.
• Remove any crust gently after soaking to avoid irritation or infection.
• Pat the piercing dry carefully with a clean disposable paper towel or tissue—never rub it harshly.

Avoid common mistakes while cleaning:

• Do not use harsh chemicals like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antiseptic ointments, as they can irritate the piercing.
• Avoid rotating or twisting the jewelry, since this can disrupt healing and increase swelling or pain.
• Be consistent with your cleaning routine to support faster recovery and minimize complications.

How to Take Out a Helix Piercing?

Taking out a helix piercing at home is easy if done correctly and gently. Follow these simple steps to safely remove your piercing jewelry:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water to remove any germs.
• Clean the pierced area gently with saline solution or warm water to loosen any dried crust or buildup.
• Hold the front part of the jewelry steady with one hand, and use your other hand to carefully unscrew or remove the backing by turning it counterclockwise. If your jewelry has a ball, twist the ball gently until it loosens.
• Carefully slide the jewelry out of the piercing hole, moving slowly to avoid discomfort or injury. Avoid pulling or forcing it.
• After removal, clean the piercing hole again with saline solution or mild soap and water to prevent infection.
• Avoid touching or irritating the area unnecessarily, allowing it to heal comfortably.

If the jewelry feels stuck or you’re unsure about removal, it’s safest to visit a professional piercer for assistance.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Put a Normal Earring in My Helix Piercing?

While you can physically insert a normal earring into your helix piercing, it is not recommended. Helix piercings require jewelry with a longer post or a curved design to accommodate swelling and healing. Using standard earrings meant for lobes may cause irritation, infection, or improper healing.

2. When Can I Change My Helix Piercing to a Hoop?

It is best to wait at least 6 to 9 months before switching to a hoop in your helix piercing. The healing process varies from person to person, so make sure there is no pain, swelling, or discharge before making the change. Switching too early can cause irritation and prolong healing.

3. Why Is My Helix Piercing Swollen?

Swelling in a helix piercing is common during the initial healing stage but can also result from irritation, infection, or an allergic reaction. Factors like touching the piercing with dirty hands, sleeping on it, or wearing inappropriate jewelry can contribute to swelling. If the swelling persists, worsens, or is accompanied by pain and pus, seek professional advice.

4. How to Unscrew a Helix Piercing?

To unscrew a helix piercing, wash your hands first and gently hold the jewelry. Most helix piercings have a threaded ball that unscrews counterclockwise (lefty-loosey). If it’s too tight, use latex gloves for better grip or seek professional help to avoid injury.

5. Will My Helix Piercing Close Overnight?

A fully healed helix piercing is unlikely to close overnight, but fresh piercings can shrink or close quickly. The cartilage takes longer to heal than lobe piercings, and if removed too soon, it may start closing within hours. If you need to remove the jewelry temporarily, use a retainer to keep it open.

6. When Can I Sleep on My Helix Piercing?

Avoid sleeping on your helix piercing for at least 6 months to prevent irritation and pressure that can delay healing. Using a travel pillow or a donut-shaped pillow can help keep pressure off the piercing while sleeping. Once fully healed, you can sleep on it, but using flat-back jewelry is more comfortable.

7. How Much Are Double Helix Piercings?

The cost of double helix piercings varies depending on the studio, jewelry choice, and location. On average, it can range from $60 to $100 per piercing, excluding jewelry. High-quality jewelry like titanium or gold may increase the total cost but is recommended for better healing.

8. How to Take Care of a Helix Piercing?

Clean your helix piercing twice a day using a saline solution to prevent infection and promote healing. Avoid touching, twisting, or changing the jewelry too soon, and keep hair and products like hairspray away from the area. Sleeping on a clean pillowcase and avoiding pressure will also aid the healing process.

9. When to Downsize a Helix Piercing?

It is recommended to downsize your helix piercing jewelry after 6 to 8 weeks to prevent snagging and irritation. The initial jewelry is usually longer to accommodate swelling, and once the swelling subsides, switching to a shorter post helps with comfort and healing. A professional piercer can help you choose the right size.