Complete Guide to Helix Piercings and Jewelry By Shemisli

Helix piercings have emerged as a captivating choice for those seeking to express their individuality through a unique ear stack. Positioned in the upper cartilage area of the ear, the helix serves as a canvas for an enchanting array of earrings, each whispering its own narrative.

The versatility of helix piercings lies in the variety of styles they offer, each lending a unique visual charm:

1. The Classic Helix: Positioned on the upper part of the outer cartilage, this location is perfect for huggie earrings that snugly wrap around the ear's outer edge.
2. Double Helix: Featuring two piercings at the helix position, this style is ideal for those who love layering their earrings.
3. Triple Helix: An extension of the double helix, this style showcases a line of three piercings embedded in the cartilage.
4. Orbital Helix: Involving two piercings at the same helix level connected by an orbital piece of jewelry, this style creates a captivating orbital effect.
5. Industrial Helix: This style incorporates two piercings connected by a single piece of jewelry, often creating a striking 'bar' effect across the ear.
6. Flat Helix: Positioned along the flat surface of the upper ear cartilage.
7. Forward Helix: Positioned on the opposite side of the classic helix, the forward helix rests on the cartilage where the ear meets the side of the face.
8. Mid Helix Piercing: Placed strategically along the ear's cartilage, this piercing style strikes the perfect harmony between subtlety and statement.
9. Anti-Helix or Snug: Located on the inner rim of the cartilage, this style provides a distinctive twist to traditional helix styles.

Getting a helix piercing should be a well-considered decision, and choosing the right place for the piercing is crucial. Here's how to find a reputable piercing studio:

1. Research: Seek out reputable piercing studios in your local area or online. Look for reviews, ratings, and customer testimonials. Recommendations from friends or family who have had similar work done can also be valuable.
2. Visit the Studio: Before committing to a piercing, visit the studio in person. A professional studio will be clean and sanitary, with knowledgeable and friendly staff who can answer your questions.
3. Check Credentials: Ensure your piercer is experienced and well-trained. Verify if your country or state requires piercers to be licensed. A portfolio of their previous work can provide insights into their skills.
4. Safety Protocols: Make sure the studio follows appropriate safety protocols. They should sterilize their tools in an autoclave, wear gloves, and use new, sealed needles for each piercing. High-quality, hypoallergenic materials like surgical steel, titanium, or gold should be used for jewelry.
5. Aftercare Instructions: A reputable piercer will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure your piercing heals properly.
6. Pricing: Be cautious of extremely low prices, as they may reflect lower quality work or materials. Prices can vary based on location, studio reputation, and the specific jewelry you choose.

Remember that you're entrusting someone to perform a procedure on your body, so take the time to find a piercer you feel comfortable with.

While helix piercings offer a stylish and unique appeal, they may not be the best choice for a first-time piercing. Several factors contribute to this recommendation:

• Pain: Helix piercings are typically more painful than lobe piercings. The cartilage in the helix is denser and thicker than the soft flesh of the earlobe, which can result in a higher degree of discomfort, especially for someone new to piercings.
• Complexity: The process of getting a helix piercing is more elaborate and requires a more complex procedure than a lobe piercing. This might be intimidating for someone new to piercings.
• Healing Process: Helix piercings have a longer and more prone-to-complications healing process compared to lobe piercings. It can take several months, even up to a year, for a helix piercing to fully heal, requiring diligent aftercare to prevent infection and other issues.

Given these factors, it's often recommended that a first-time piercing be an earlobe piercing. They are less painful, less complex to perform, and have a shorter healing process. Earlobe piercings offer a wide range of jewelry options for beginners to experiment with before considering more complex piercings like the helix.

Pain perception is subjective, varying from person to person. Generally, a helix piercing may cause a sharp, brief discomfort when the needle goes through the cartilage. The area may remain tender or sore for a few days following the piercing. On a pain scale, helix piercings are often rated around 4.5 out of 10. The pain may increase if you opt for multiple piercings.

The healing time for a helix piercing varies depending on individual factors, but it typically ranges from 3 to 9 months, sometimes up to a year. Proper aftercare is essential for a smooth and infection-free healing process.

For the initial weeks after getting a helix piercing, it's crucial to:

• Keep the area clean.
• Avoid touching the piercing with unwashed hands.
• Use a saline solution to gently clean around the piercing at least a couple times day.
• Refrain from twisting or turning the earring.
• Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, or bodies of water that may contain bacteria.

Helix piercings offer a wide range of jewelry options, depending on your style and the stage of healing:

1. Labret Studs: With a flat back, these are often used during the piercing, and they are easy to clean and comfortable for sleeping.
2. Studs with screw ball end: Screwed on with a smooth ball end, they are secure and comfortable to wear.
3. Hoop Earrings: After healing, you can explore various hoop styles, from simple to decorative.
4. Captive Bead Rings: A type of hoop earring with a captive bead, offering a fun and decorative option.
5. Barbell Earrings: These straight, curved, or circular barbells provide a distinct look.

Ensure that your chosen jewelry is made of hypoallergenic materials like surgical steel, titanium, or gold to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.

While helix piercings can be visually stunning and artistically expressive, it's important to remember that they require proper care and consideration. Consult with a professional piercer who can offer personalized advice and aftercare instructions based on your unique circumstances. Keep in mind that everyone's body reacts differently, so what works for one person may not work for another. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to a professional for guidance.

Explore All Hoops | Browse All Studs  | Buy Earrings | Helix Earrings

Discover Threadless Flat Back Studs | Explore Nose Jewelry

View Necklace, Bracelet, and Anklet Collection