EYERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DECORATING THE HELIX

From the understated tragus to the bold conch and from the adaptable helix to the hidden rook, helix piercings offer a canvas for personal expression with a diverse range of jewelry options available.

This guide will focus on helix piercings, providing insights into their uniqueness, the healing process, maintenance tips, and advice on selecting the perfect jewelry to match your individual style.

Diana Everyday Studs

$ 82.00

BEZEL SET STUD EARRINGS for women-Swarovski crystal circle stud earrings

Lili Bezel Set Stud Earrings

$ 92.00

Gabrielle Crystal Stud Earrings

$ 92.00

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a helix piercing?

A helix piercing is placed on the ear's upper cartilage. It is one of the most popular ear piercings.

There are several variations of the helix piercing, including the forward helix, which is done on the front part of the cartilage, and the double or triple helix, which involves two or three piercings vertically aligned along the upper ear cartilage.

Do helix piercings hurt?

Helix piercings are typically considered to be on the less painful side compared to other ear piercings. Most people describe the pain as a quick, sharp pinch, often rating it around a 4 or 5 out of 10 on the pain scale.

How long does a helix piercing take to heal?

In general, the healing time for a helix piercing ranges from 6 to 9 months, but it can sometimes take up to a year for the piercing to completely heal. Regular cleaning with a saline solution is crucial for proper healing. Additionally, it's important to avoid sleeping on the pierced ear to prevent irritation and facilitate a smoother healing process.

How much does a helix piercing cost?

The cost of a helix piercing can vary depending on several factors but typically ranges from $30 to $100.

When can I change my helix piercing?

It's generally advised to wait between 6 months to a year before changing the jewelry in a helix piercing. Although some sources suggest a shorter period of 3-6 months, taking a more cautious approach and waiting longer can ensure the piercing heals fully and remains healthy.

Which earrings work for a helix piercing?

Helix piercings can be adorned with various earring styles, such as small hoops, studs, barbells, and huggie earrings, each offering a unique aesthetic.

More Ways to Style the Cartilage

White Swarovski crystal ear cuff set-designer ear cuffs for non pierced ears

Livie Crystal Ear Cuff Set

$ 68.00

Adjustable Swarovski Crystal Ear Lobe Cuff Earrings that go around the ear- earring cuffs for unpierced ears

Diana Ear Lobe Cuff Earrings

$ 62.00

EAR CUFF SET for women-cool cuff earrings

Évangeline Ear Cuff Set

$ 98.00

How to clean a helix piercing?

Here are the steps for properly cleaning a helix piercing:

Wash your hands thoroughly: Before touching your ear piercing, ensure your hands are clean. Use antibacterial soap and warm water, and scrub under your nails.
Prepare a saline solution: Saline solution is gentle and effective for cleaning piercings. You can purchase a sterile solution from a pharmacy or make your own. To make a homemade saline solution:
- Mix 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt with 8 ounces of distilled water.
- Boil the water for one minute to sterilize it, then let it cool completely before applying it to your piercing.
Clean the piercing: Use one of the following methods:
- Soaking: Immerse your earlobe, including the piercing, in a cup of saline solution for 3-5 minutes to help loosen any crusty discharge.
- Spraying: Alternatively, spray a sterile saline solution directly on the piercing.
Avoid certain materials and products:
- Do not use cotton swabs, as they can leave fibers behind and irritate the piercing.
- Avoid harsh soaps, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol, as these can dry out the skin and hinder healing.
Gently dry the area: After cleaning, pat the area dry with a clean, lint-free paper towel or gauze. Avoid rubbing the area to prevent irritation.
Leave the jewelry in place: Keep the original jewelry in and avoid rotating or removing your earrings during cleaning.
Frequency: Clean your helix piercing once or twice daily until fully healed, which can take anywhere from 6 to 9 months or up to a year.

Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth healing process for your helix piercing.

How to take care of your helix piercing?

General Care Tips for a Helix Piercing:

Hands Off: Only touch your helix piercing when cleaning it to reduce the risk of introducing bacteria.
Sleeping Position: To facilitate healing, avoid sleeping on the side with the pierced ear.
Avoid Hair Products: Keep hair care products such as shampoo and conditioner away from the piercing to prevent irritation.
Beware of Water Sources: Until your helix piercing is fully healed, steer clear of environments like swimming pools and hot tubs, which may contain bacteria.
Keep Jewelry In Place: During the healing process, do not remove or rotate your earrings.

Following these guidelines will help ensure that your helix piercing heals well and remains healthy.

Will my helix piercing close overnight?

It's quite rare for a helix piercing to close completely overnight. However, removing the jewelry can cause varying degrees of shrinkage depending on how long you've had the piercing. Here's what you might expect:

New Piercings (under 6 months): These are the most prone to closing. If you leave the jewelry out overnight, the piercing may shrink significantly, making reinserting your earrings difficult or painful.
Partially Healed Piercings (6 months to a year): While these ear piercings may not close completely after just one night without jewelry, they can still tighten up and become narrower.
Fully Healed Piercings (over a year old): These are less likely to close completely, though they may still experience slight shrinkage. Many individuals with fully healed piercings are able to leave their earrings out for longer periods without the holes closing entirely.