If you are someone who is going to have helix piercing from any well-known piercer, then before its consideration, you should know all the details about it. So, let me tell you first what is a helix piercing.
What is a Helix Piercing?
It is a common type of ear piercing that is done along the outer upper cartilage part of your ear. That is why it is also known as a cartilage piercing. Its name comes from the structural similarity to DNA Helix. The two and three piercing holes of this type correspond to double and triple helix piercings.
In the ear, there is a lot of space that can be pierced. Besides ear lobes, there are certain places where piercing can be done and looks beautiful. Helix is one of those places. It is also commonly known as cartilage piercing. This piercing is done on the upper ear and has different placements with tremendous jewelry styles, all of which give you a classic look.
While some other famous variations of it include the following:
- Forward Helix Piercing:
This type of piercing is executed directly above the tragus on the ear’s upper cartilage, and it is forward-facing.
- Anti–Helix type of Piercing:
The anti-helix is located on the cartilage fold inside of the outer cartilage of your ear opposite to the forward helix piercing. Its exact location differs which depends on the shape of the ears of an individual.
Fast facts about Helix Piercing
Placement:
The outer cartilage of the ear
Pricing:
$30 – $75
Pain level:
Most people give it a four to seven range out of a total of ten in terms of pain.
Healing Time:
3 to 6 months
Aftercare:
Use a saline solution for washing the piercing or use an antibacterial soap to prevent your wound from infection. Avoid touching and irritating it.
Types of Helix Piercing
Any piercing which is done on the upper part of cartilage is known as helix piercing. But depending upon the position, there are many different further options and kinds available under the category of this type of piercing. Some of them are listed below:
- Standard piercing
- Forward piercing
- Backward piercing
- Double helix piercing
- Triple piercing
Among all these, the two most common types are described below:
- Forward Helix Piercing:
This piercing is done in the area right above the tragus, following the curve of your cartilage around the ear until you reach the side of your face. This piercing with stylish jewelry gives you a classic look.
- Double or Triple Helix Piercing:
The traditional helix style consists of two or three piercings in the upper outer cartilage at the same spot, these are called double or triple helix piercing. They are technically the same but differ in number.
Related Piercings: Tragus Piercing Guide, Types, Cost, Jewelry, Healing & More
How to get this type of Piercing?
When your piercer asks you about the location of the piercing you have a lot of choices for it, as there is a lot of cartilage in the upper ear so you can get your piercing either at the top of the ear or down a bit further.
Mostly the piercer makes a mark on your skin so you can see and make sure about the place where you want piercing. Once you confirm the mark now it’s the time for the piercer to show his skills. The piercer then takes the following steps to make your helix piercing:
- The very first step he takes is to disinfect the surface of the skin where you want the piercing.
- Then he or she will use a thin hollow sterile needle to make the hole.
- Once the needle is pulled through the skin the jewelry you choose will be inserted immediately.
- When all this procedure is done the piercer will give you some aftercare instructions.
- These instructions will help you in healing your wound as quickly as possible.
Know 11 different types of piercings here.
Helix Piercing Jewelry Types
You can use two basic types of jewelry items at this place:
- Stud:
A Stud is a small stylish piece of jewelry that has a thin long backing that is inserted into the hole of a piercing by a piercer. It is locked by a small fixture from the backside. It usually has very stylish patterns on the front side that gives you a cozy look.
- Hoop/Ring:
A hoop also called a ring is also a classic and popular choice for this type of piercing. It is mostly made of some metal in a ring shape but is very flexible and easy to move in the hole. In addition to that, it is very easy to remove by simply pulling apart the two ends.
Jewelry Material Used for a Helix Piercing
Many metals can be used for this purpose. But according to a famous piercer named Zeichner, Stainless steel, gold or Titanium are the best metals to use. That is because they are relatively inert and do not cause reactions on the area of the piercing.
- Stainless steel
It is the most popular metal for this type of piercing because of its occurrence in a variety of colors and shapes. Whatever its color or shape may be, it tends to maintain its high quality. However, people who are allergic to nickels should not wear jewelry made of stainless steel as it contains nickel.
- Gold:
If someone can afford high prices then for him then gold is the best choice for helix piercing jewelry. People who are allergic to nickel can also wear the jewelry easily because it does not contain any traces of nickel. But before buying jewelry be sure that it should be at least 14 Karats gold quality.
- Titanium:
Titanium is also a precious metal. Its qualities are almost the same as that of stainless steel with the difference that titanium does not have nickel. So, it is considered safe for nickel allergic people.
How to change Helix Piercing jewelry?
The jewelry worn in this type of piercing can easily be changed after it’s fully healed. Probably, you can switch out the jewelry after almost every three to six months.
However, a popular piercer named Valentini suggests that you should consult your piercer first while making a change in the jewelry item. That is necessary to avoid anything going wrong. In addition, your piercer can guide you on the best ways to change out the jewelry so you can feel confident while doing it next time on your own.
For studs, you have to simply remove the backing and for rings slightly separates the flexible metal ring to slide it out from the hole. Following a similar procedure, you can place the new one in the same manner.
You may also be interested in A complete Guide to Nose Piercing, Types, Cost, Healing Time & More
Aftercare
Aftercare for a helix piercing is very important to follow. The following are some easy aftercare steps for it:
- Wash your piercing twice a day with saline solution
- Don’t touch it with your hands as it may irritate you.
- Limit the use of accessories like beanies or headphones to avoid friction
- Try to lay d own on the opposite side from the ear that you are pierced.
- Don’t use low-quality jewelry while your wound is not healed yet as it may cause infection
Tips for Helix Piercing Healing and Cleaning
- Don’t touch it at all except for cleaning purposes
- Wash your hands with soap before touching your piercing for any reason.
- Avoid using healing creams or cleaners which are not suggested by your piercer
- Use aftercare products available in the market
- Clean the wound twice a day by using a clean cotton bud
- Use a sterile saline solution while removing dried blood or discharge
- Avoid twisting jewelry
- If it’s infected go back to your piercer for further consultancy
Side Effects of piercing
- Infection
When aftercare is not followed properly, infections often happen very quickly. Some of these infections may include the following:
- Redness
- Itching
- Green or yellow pus
- Swelling
- Tenderness and many more
If you have any of these symptoms go to your piercer or a healthcare doctor immediately. That is because if left untreated at the starting moments, the infection may become severe like:
- Scarring:
When the wound is too irritated a scar is formed and it can leave some marks around the piercing site
- Keloids:
These are raised scars that are formed when the skin has healed around the wound, causing extra tissue to grow. They can grow in different sizes but are generally not painful.
Pros and Cons of a Helix Piercing
As with all other things, there are pros and cons to it. So, you should have a look at them before going for piercing:
Pros
- Less painful as compared to other piercings. The main reason is its location, the outer ear which has not many nerves.
- Versatile: If you want stylish, cool looks then the helix is best for you. It gives you a fantastic, fashionable, and hot look when combines with other piercing types.
- Easy Aftercare: As there are fewer nerves here this position will likely have fewer infections. It is also very easy to clean the outer ear in comparison to a nose or lips piercing.
Cons
Healing time: Apart from its advantages, its main disadvantage is that it is somehow a time taking process. Commonly it takes up to 6 months for healing and during this time period, you should avoid changing jewelry.
Body rejection: There are some chances that your body rejects the piercing and starts creating irregular bumps or infections. To avoid this condition, always select stainless steel or titanium jewelry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.no.1: How long does the Helix piercing take to heal?
Ans: The average healing time of it is about 6 to 9 months. But you should wait at least 2 months before changing out the jewelry as the change can cause infection.
Q.no.2: How much does this piercing hurt?
Ans: People who wish to have a piercing on the helix always want to know about the pain they have to suffer. However, the helix one is less painful as compared to other cartilage piercings. Usually, it is about 5 out of 10 on the pain scale.
Q.no.3: How much does a helix piercing cost?
Ans: This piercing is not too costly and it is highly affordable for all without any distinction. Mostly this piercing can be done from $20 to $55. Besides the standard rate, it also depends upon the piercer you hire for your work. The specialist obviously charges more as compared to others.
Q.no.4: What to do before getting a piercing on the helix?
Ans: You should have your aftercare supplies before going to the piercer. It can prevent you from infections and save your healing time also. In addition to that, you should have a saline solution and some cotton balls specially made for cleaning the piercing
Q.no.5: How do you take care of a helix piercing?
Ans: There are many steps you have to follow for taking care of it, some of them are given below:
- Keep the area around the piercing clean to avoid infections.
- Use a saline solution for cleaning.
- Don’t touch the piercing with your hand. Use a cotton ball for this purpose.
- Don’t twist the jewelry until the wound is healed.
- Don’t change the jewelry until you are sure about the healing of your piercing.
Q.no.6: What happens if your body rejects it?
If you feel any infection, the piercing takes too much time for healing or your piercing is moving then go to your piercer or any healthcare doctor immediately to find the solution to your problem as soon as possible.
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