Helix Piercing Handbook : Everything About This Trendy and Versatile Ear Piercing Option

A helix piercing is a type of ear piercing that involves piercing the upper or outer cartilage of the ear. It is one of the most popular and versatile piercings, as it can be customized with different placements, jewelry styles, and combinations. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about helix piercings, including what they are, how they are done, how to care for them, and what kind of jewelry you can wear with them.

What is a helix piercing?

A helix piercing is also known as a cartilage piercing, as it is done on the hard tissue that forms the shape of the ear. The term helix refers to the curved ridge that runs along the outer edge of the ear. There are several variations of helix piercings, depending on where they are located on the ear. Some of the common types of helix piercings are:

• Standard helix: This is the most common type of helix piercing, where the piercing is made on the upper part of the helix, near the top of the ear.
• Forward helix: This is where the piercing is made on the front part of the helix, close to the face and above the tragus (the small flap of cartilage that covers the ear canal).
• Double or triple helix: This is where two or three piercings are made along the helix, either in a row or in a cluster.
• Flat helix: This is where the piercing is made on the flat part of the inner ear, behind the helix.
• Anti-helix or snug: This is where the piercing is made on the inner part of the ear, opposite to the helix. The anti-helix is also called the snug because it hugs the curve of the ear.

How is a helix piercing done?

A helix piercing is done by a professional piercer using a sterile needle and jewelry. The piercer will first mark the spot where you want your piercing with a pen or a marker. Then, they will clean your ear with an antiseptic solution and clamp it with a forceps to hold it steady. Next, they will push a hollow needle through your cartilage and insert your chosen jewelry into it. Finally, they will clean your piercing again and give you some aftercare instructions.

The whole process usually takes about 10 minutes per piercing. You may feel some pain or pressure when the needle goes through your cartilage, but it should be tolerable and brief. The pain level may vary depending on your individual pain threshold and the skill of your piercer.

How much does a helix piercing cost?

The cost of a helix piercing may vary depending on several factors, such as:

• The location and reputation of your piercing studio
• The type and number of piercings you want
• The material and quality of your jewelry
• The experience and skill of your piercer

On average, you can expect to pay between $30 to $75 for a single helix piercing, including jewelry and service fee. However, some studios may charge more or less depending on their policies and promotions. You may also get discounts if you get multiple piercings at once or if you bring a friend.

How to care for a helix piercing?

A helix piercing requires proper care and attention to heal well and avoid infection and scarring. A helix piercing usually takes about three to six months to heal completely, but it may vary depending on your body and how well you follow your aftercare regimen. Here are some tips on how to care for your helix piercing:

• Clean your piercing twice a day with a saline solution or an antimicrobial soap. You can use a cotton ball or swab to gently wipe away any crust or discharge around your jewelry. Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh chemicals as they can irritate your skin and delay healing.
• Avoid touching, twisting, or playing with your jewelry as much as possible. This can introduce bacteria and cause infection or irritation. Only touch your jewelry when cleaning it with clean hands.
• Avoid sleeping on your pierced ear or putting pressure on it. This can cause swelling, pain, or migration (when your jewelry moves out of place). You can use a travel pillow or a donut-shaped pillow to keep your ear off your bed.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting hats, helmets, headphones, or anything that can rub against your piercing. This can cause friction and irritation that can lead to infection or scarring.
• Avoid swimming in pools, lakes, oceans, or hot tubs until your piercing is fully healed. These water sources can contain bacteria and chemicals that can harm your piercing. 

What kind of jewelry can you wear with a helix piercing?

One of the best things about helix piercings is that you can wear a wide variety of jewelry types with them. You can choose from different shapes, sizes, colors, and materials to suit your style and mood. Some of the common types of jewelry used for helix piercings are:

• Hoops: Hoops are circular or semi-circular rings that wrap around your helix. They can be simple or embellished with beads, charms, or gems. Hoops are easy to put on and take off, and they come in different diameters and thicknesses. Hoops can also be worn in multiple helix piercings to create a stacked or spiral effect.
• Studs: Studs are small pieces of jewelry that have a post that goes through your piercing and a decorative top that sits on your ear. Studs can have various designs, such as stars, flowers, hearts, or geometric shapes. Studs are discreet and elegant, and they can be mixed and matched with other earrings.
• Barbells: Barbells are straight or curved rods that have a ball or a gem on each end. Barbells can be worn horizontally or vertically on your helix, depending on the angle of your piercing. Barbells can also be used for double or triple helix piercings to create a line or a cluster effect.
• Labrets: Labrets are similar to studs, but they have a flat back instead of a ball. Labrets are more comfortable to wear than studs, as they do not poke or irritate the back of your ear. Labrets can also have various tops, such as spikes, cones, or disks.
• Cuffs: Cuffs are pieces of jewelry that clip onto your helix without piercing it. Cuffs can be used to add some extra flair to your ear without committing to another hole. Cuffs can also be worn in combination with other piercings to create a unique look.

What material should you choose for your helix piercing jewelry?

The material of your helix piercing jewelry is important for both aesthetic and health reasons. You want to choose a material that is durable, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean. Some of the common materials used for helix piercing jewelry are:

• Surgical steel: Surgical steel is one of the most popular materials for helix piercing jewelry, as it is strong, shiny, and affordable. Surgical steel is also resistant to corrosion and infection, making it ideal for new piercings. However, some people may be allergic to nickel, which is present in some grades of surgical steel. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to opt for implant-grade surgical steel, which has a lower nickel content.
• Titanium: Titanium is another excellent material for helix piercing jewelry, as it is lightweight, durable, and biocompatible. Titanium is also hypoallergenic and does not contain any nickel or other metals that may cause irritation. Titanium can also be anodized to create different colors and finishes.
• Gold: Gold is a classic and luxurious material for helix piercing jewelry, as it is shiny, elegant, and valuable. Gold can also be alloyed with other metals to create different colors and karats. However, gold is not recommended for new piercings, as it is softer than other metals and may scratch or bend easily. Gold may also contain traces of nickel or copper that may cause allergic reactions. If you want to wear gold in your helix piercing, you should choose at least 14k gold or higher, which has a higher purity and quality.
• Silver: Silver is another beautiful and affordable material for helix piercing jewelry, as it has a bright and cool tone that complements any skin color. Silver can also be oxidized to create a vintage or antique look. However, silver is not suitable for new piercings, as it can tarnish or stain your skin over time. Silver may also contain nickel or other metals that may cause irritation or infection. If you want to wear silver in your helix piercing, you should choose sterling silver or higher, which has at least 92.5% pure silver content.
• Bioplast: Bioplast is a synthetic material that is flexible, biocompatible, and hypoallergenic. Bioplast is ideal for new piercings, as it can reduce swelling, pain.

Some examples of silver helix piercing jewelry are:

• Infinite Hoop: This is a simple and sleek hoop that has no seam or closure. It is easy to put on and take off, and it comes in different gauges and diameters. It is made of sterling silver and has a smooth and shiny finish.
• Feather Cartilage Hoop: This is a delicate and feminine hoop that has a feather charm with an opal stone. It is made of sterling silver or 14k gold filled and has a hinge closure. It can be worn on the helix or the conch piercing.
• Crystal Flower Barbell: This is a sparkly and elegant barbell that has a crystal flower on one end and a ball on the other. It is made of stainless steel and plated with silver, rose gold, or gold. It can be worn on the helix, conch, or tragus piercing.
• Dragonfly Moonstone Stud: This is a cute and whimsical stud that has a dragonfly design with a moonstone AB gem. It is made of surgical steel and plated with silver, rose gold, or gold. It has a flat back and a screw-on top. It can be worn on the helix, tragus, or lobe piercing.
• Mismatched Cartilage Earring: This is a fun and unique earring that has different designs on each ear. It features plant ear crawlers, flower leaf gecko ear climbers, and crawler earrings. It is made of sterling silver or gold plated brass and has a post and butterfly closure. It can be worn on the helix, conch, or lobe piercing.

What are the pros and cons of a helix piercing?

A helix piercing can be a great way to express your personality and style, but it also comes with some challenges and risks. Here are some of the pros and cons of a helix piercing:

Pros of a helix piercing

• Versatile: You can wear different types of jewelry with a helix piercing, such as hoops, studs, barbells, labrets, or cuffs. You can also mix and match them with other ear piercings to create a unique look.
• Trendy: A helix piercing is one of the most popular and fashionable ear piercings today. Many celebrities and influencers have helix piercings, such as Scarlett Johansson, Rihanna, or Beyonce. You can also find a lot of inspiration and ideas for helix piercings on social media platforms like Instagram or Pinterest.
• Beneficial: Some people believe that a helix piercing can have some health benefits, such as relieving insomnia, stress, or allergy symptoms. This is based on the theory that the helix is connected to certain acupuncture points that can affect your nervous system and immune system. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

Cons of a helix piercing

• Painful: A helix piercing can be quite painful, as it goes through the cartilage tissue that is dense and hard. The pain level may vary depending on your pain tolerance and the skill of your piercer, but you can expect some discomfort and pressure when the needle goes through your ear.
• Slow healing: A helix piercing can take a long time to heal, as the cartilage has a poor blood supply and does not regenerate easily. The average healing time for a helix piercing is three to six months, but it can take up to a year for some people. During this time, you need to follow a strict aftercare regimen and avoid any trauma or infection to your piercing.
• Risky: A helix piercing can pose some risks and complications, such as infection, inflammation, scarring, keloids, migration, rejection, or nerve damage. These can occur due to poor hygiene, improper jewelry, trauma, or allergic reactions. Some of these complications can be serious and require medical attention or removal of the jewelry.

How to choose the best jewelry for your helix piercing?

Choosing the right jewelry for your helix piercing is important for both aesthetic and health reasons. You want to choose jewelry that suits your style and preference, but also fits your anatomy and promotes healing. Here are some tips on how to choose the best jewelry for your helix piercing:

• Size: The size of your jewelry refers to the thickness (gauge) and the length or diameter (millimeters) of your jewelry. The standard size for a helix piercing is 1.2mm (16G), but you can also find other sizes depending on your preference and anatomy. The length or diameter of your jewelry should match the size of your piercing hole and allow some room for swelling and movement. You can measure your jewelry with a ruler or a caliper, or ask your piercer for advice.
• Shape: The shape of your jewelry refers to the design and style of your jewelry. There are many shapes to choose from for a helix piercing, such as hoops, studs, barbells, labrets, or cuffs. The shape of your jewelry should complement your ear shape and size, as well as your personal style. You can also experiment with different shapes to create different effects on your ear.
• Material: The material of your jewelry refers to the substance that makes up your jewelry. There are many materials to choose from for a helix piercing for a helix piercing, such as surgical steel, titanium, gold, silver, or bioplast. The material of your jewelry should be durable, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean. Here are some tips on how to choose the best material for your helix piercing:
  • Surgical steel: Surgical steel is one of the most common and affordable materials for helix piercing jewelry. It is strong, shiny, and resistant to corrosion and infection. However, some people may be allergic to nickel, which is present in some grades of surgical steel. If you have sensitive skin, you should opt for implant-grade surgical steel, which has a lower nickel content.
  • Titanium: Titanium is another excellent material for helix piercing jewelry. It is lightweight, durable, and biocompatible. It is also hypoallergenic and does not contain any nickel or other metals that may cause irritation. Titanium can also be anodized to create different colors and finishes.
  • Gold: Gold is a classic and luxurious material for helix piercing jewelry. It is shiny, elegant, and valuable. Gold can also be alloyed with other metals to create different colors and karats. However, gold is not recommended for new piercings, as it is softer than other metals and may scratch or bend easily. Gold may also contain traces of nickel or copper that may cause allergic reactions. If you want to wear gold in your helix piercing, you should choose at least 14k gold or higher, which has a higher purity and quality.
  • Silver: Silver is another beautiful and affordable material for helix piercing jewelry. It has a bright and cool tone that complements any skin color. Silver can also be oxidized to create a vintage or antique look. However, silver is not suitable for new piercings, as it can tarnish or stain your skin over time. Silver may also contain nickel or other metals that may cause irritation or infection. If you want to wear silver in your helix piercing, you should choose sterling silver or higher, which has at least 92.5% pure silver content.
  • Bioplast: Bioplast is a synthetic material that is flexible, biocompatible, and hypoallergenic. Bioplast is ideal for new piercings, as it can reduce swelling, pain, and infection. Bioplast can also be cut to fit your anatomy and customized with different tops.

  Where can you find the best jewelry for your helix piercing?

  If you are looking for the best jewelry for your helix piercing, you should check out Rebelbod.com. Rebelbod.com is an online store that specializes in body jewelry and accessories. We have a wide range of helix piercing jewelry in different types, sizes, shapes, materials, and colors. You can find anything from simple hoops and studs to fancy barbells and cuffs.

   

  Here are some examples of products that are suitable for your helix piercing from Rebelbod.com:

  • 16G Horseshoe Septum Ring/Daith Earring/Helix Earring/Cartilage Piercing/Tragus Jewelry/Rook Earring/Conch Earring/Astranaut Jewelry/Gifts: This product is a versatile piece of jewelry that can be worn in various piercings on your ear or nose. It features a horseshoe-shaped ring with two spikes on each end. It is made of surgical steel and comes in black color.
  • Gold Diamond Flat-Back Helix Tragus Ear Piercing Earring Body Jewelry: This product is a elegant piece of jewelry that adds some sparkle to your ear. It features a flat-back stud with a round diamond on top. It is made of 14k gold and comes in white color.
  • Stainless Steel Butterfly Crystal Helix Navel Rings Belly Piercing Body Jewelry: This product is a cute piece of jewelry that brings some fun to your ear or belly button. It features a butterfly-shaped charm with crystals on its wings. It is made of stainless steel and comes in various colors.

How is a helix piercing done and how to take care of it?

A helix piercing is done by a professional piercer using a sterile needle and jewelry. The procedure is as follows:

• The piercer will first mark the spot where you want your piercing with a pen or a marker. You should be attentive and tell the piercer the exact position you want your helix piercing for a lifetime.
• The piercer will then clean your ear with an antiseptic solution and clamp it with a forceps to hold it steady.
• The piercer will then push a hollow needle through your cartilage and insert your chosen jewelry into it. The piercer may use a piercing gun or a needle, depending on their preference and experience. However, some experts recommend using a needle over a gun, as it is more precise and less traumatic to the tissue.
• The piercer will then clean your piercing again and give you some aftercare instructions.

The whole process usually takes about 10 minutes per piercing. You may feel some pain or pressure when the needle goes through your cartilage, but it should be tolerable and brief. The pain level may vary depending on your individual pain threshold and the skill of your piercer.

A helix piercing requires proper care and attention to heal well and avoid infection and scarring. A helix piercing usually takes about three to six months to heal completely, but it may vary depending on your body and how well you follow your aftercare regimen. Here are some tips on how to take care of your helix piercing:

• Clean your piercing twice a day with a saline solution or an antimicrobial soap. You can use a cotton ball or swab to gently wipe away any crust or discharge around your jewelry. Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh chemicals as they can irritate your skin and delay healing.
• Avoid touching, twisting, or playing with your jewelry as much as possible. This can introduce bacteria and cause infection or irritation. Only touch your jewelry when cleaning it with clean hands.
• Avoid sleeping on your pierced ear or putting pressure on it. This can cause swelling, pain, or migration (when your jewelry moves out of place). You can use a travel pillow or a donut-shaped pillow to keep your ear off your bed.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting hats, helmets, headphones, or anything that can rub against your piercing. This can cause friction and irritation that can lead to infection or scarring.
• Avoid swimming in pools, lakes, oceans, or hot tubs until your piercing is fully healed. These water sources can contain bacteria and chemicals that can harm your piercing. If you have to swim, cover your ear with a waterproof bandage or earplug.
• Avoid changing or removing your jewelry until your piercing is fully healed. This can cause trauma and infection to your piercing. If you have to change or remove your jewelry for medical reasons, consult your piercer or doctor first.
• Monitor your piercing for any signs of infection or complications, such as redness, swelling, pus, fever, or excessive pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your piercer or doctor immediately for treatment.

A helix piercing is a type of ear piercing that involves piercing the upper or outer cartilage of the ear. It is one of the most popular and versatile piercings, as it can be customized with different placements, jewelry styles, and combinations. A helix piercing can be a great way to express your personality and style, but it also comes with some challenges and risks.

RebelBod.com have a wide range of jewelry types, sizes, colors, and designs to suit your preference and style. You can browse the collection of jewelry for helix piercing here: https://rebelbod.com/collections/helix-earrings

You can also find more information on body piercing types here: https://rebelbod.com/collections/body-piercing-types

And more information on body jewelry types here: https://rebelbod.com/collections/body-jewelry-type

If you are looking for high-quality, affordable, and stylish jewelry for your piercing, you should check out RebelBod.com. RebelBod.com is an online store that specializes in body jewelry for all types of piercings. RebelBod.com have a wide range of jewelry types, sizes, materials, colors, and designs for your lobe piercing. Whether you want simple studs, fun hoops, cool rings, sleek barbells, bold plugs, or trendy tunnels, RebelBod.com has it all.

RebelBod.com offers jewelry that is made of hypoallergenic, non-porous, smooth, and easy to clean materials, such as titanium, surgical steel, gold, and glass. RebelBod.com also have jewelry that is made of acrylic, wood, stone, and silicone for healed piercing. RebelBod.com have jewelry that suits your skin tone, hair color, eye color, or outfit and jewelry that complements your personality and preferences.

RebelBod.com is your one-stop shop for all your body piercing jewelry needs. Visit RebelBod.com today and browse the amazing collection of jewelry for your body piercing!