The helix piercing is one of the most popular cartilage piercings – and for good reason: it suits practically every ear, it can stand alone or be built out into a whole coordinated look, and the range of jewellery is bigger than for any other placement. Here is the whole guide: what it costs, how much it hurts, how to get through the long healing as smoothly as possible – and how to choose the right helix earring once the hole is finally ready to be shown off.
Where does a helix piercing sit?
Helix is the cartilage along the upper, outer rim of the ear – the whole curve from the top of the ear down towards the earlobe. Because the rim is long, the piercing can be placed in many spots, and that is exactly what makes helix so flexible: one discreet stone at the top, a small ring in the middle of the rim, or several in a row.
The variants: forward, hidden, double and triple
- Forward helix sits on the cartilage rim at the front, towards the face, just above where the ear meets the head – small, delicate and usually with a single stone.
- Hidden helix is placed so the jewellery peeks out from the inside of the ear – right now one of the most requested variants, because it only reveals itself from certain angles.
- Double and triple helix are two or three piercings next to each other. Style them alike for a calm, cohesive look – or mix rings, stones and shapes for contrast.
- Flat is often confused with helix but sits on the flat cartilage area inside the rim – also a beautiful placement, just its own.
How much does a helix piercing cost?
At a professional piercing studio, the price of a helix depends on the studio and the country, usually including initial jewellery in basic quality. If you want several helix holes, many studios are happy to do them in the same session – but consider splitting them up so each hole can heal in peace. The jewellery afterwards is the cheap part: helix piercing jewellery is available from BY CARA.
Does it hurt?
Helix goes through cartilage, so it is felt more clearly than a hole in the earlobe – a short, sharp sting and a pressure that is over in a moment. Most people place it at the mild end of the cartilage piercings, milder than conch and snug, for example. The tenderness in the days after is felt mostly when you happen to touch the ear – or lie on it.
Healing: 6-12 months – and sleep is the biggest enemy
Cartilage heals slowly because it has a limited blood supply – expect 6-12 months before your helix is fully healed through. The most important things you can do along the way:
- Do not sleep on the pierced ear. Night-time pressure is the number one cause of irritation and the small bumps that can appear on cartilage piercings. If you prefer sleeping on exactly that side, a travel pillow/doughnut pillow with a hole in the middle can save the healing.
- Clean with saline 1-2 times a day for the first months – and otherwise leave the piercing alone.
- Watch out for hair, headsets and headphones – anything that pulls or presses delays the healing.
- Only change the jewellery once the hole is fully healed – ideally after the green light from your piercer.
Got a bump? The small, red bumps at cartilage piercings are most often irritation – not scars or infection. Find the cause (typically sleep pressure or a piece of jewellery that sits too tight), remove it, and clean with saline. Most bumps disappear on their own over weeks to months once the pressure is gone.
Helix earrings: labret, ring or hoop?
Once your helix has healed, the jewellery box opens up. The three classic choices:
- Labret with a flat back – the comfort winner. The flat back rests against the ear without poking, which makes it noticeably better to sleep with than ordinary studs. The top can be anything from a discreet ball to stones and small figures.
- Ring or hoop – the classic helix look that follows the rim of the ear. Choose a snug diameter (typically 6-8 mm) so the ring does not hang and pull.
- Chain details – a small chain between the helix and another hole ties a curated ear together.
The standard thickness for helix is 1.2 mm (16G). To find the length of a labret, measure the distance from the rim of the ear in to the hole and add about 0.5 mm. All helix earrings at BY CARA are made of implant-grade titanium (ASTM F-136) – nickel-free, hypoallergenic and waterproof, so they can stay in for showers and workouts.
Questions and answers about helix piercings
How much does a helix piercing cost?
The price at a professional studio depends on the studio and the country, usually including initial jewellery. Helix earrings for changing after healing are available from BY CARA.
How much does a helix piercing hurt?
A short, sharp sting through the cartilage – more noticeable than the earlobe, but over in a moment. Helix is considered one of the milder cartilage piercings. The tenderness afterwards is felt mostly when touching or sleeping on the ear.
How long does a helix piercing take to heal?
6-12 months – cartilage heals slowly. Avoid sleeping on the ear, clean with saline, and only change the jewellery once the piercing has fully healed through.
How do I sleep with a new helix piercing?
Preferably on the opposite side. If you cannot help turning over, a doughnut or travel pillow with a hole in the middle helps, so the ear lies free. Night-time pressure is the most common cause of irritation and bumps on helix piercings.
Which earring fits a helix piercing?
A labret with a flat back is the most comfortable for everyday wear and sleep, while a snug ring or hoop gives the classic helix look. The standard thickness is 1.2 mm (16G), and length/diameter is typically 6-8 mm.
What is the difference between helix and flat?
Helix sits in the cartilage on the outer rim of the ear, while flat sits on the flat cartilage area inside the rim. The jewellery looks similar – typically labrets in 1.2 mm – but each placement gives its own look.
This guide is for general guidance. If your piercing is red, warm and tender for a longer period, contact your piercing studio or your doctor.
