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If you’ve landed on this page, chances are you’re curious about helix piercings. You might be wondering what it involves, how much pain to expect, how long it takes to heal, and more. Well, you’re not alone. With a variety of ear piercings available today, the era of simple ‘ear-piercing’ has passed, leaving many feeling overwhelmed by the choices. It’s like navigating through a world where terms like ‘helix,’ ‘tragus,’ and ‘daith’ sound more like characters from a fantasy novel than actual piercing types!
If you’re specifically interested in helix piercings, keep reading to discover exactly what it entails – beyond the DNA structure, of course. Learn about the different variations available and the practical aspects of getting your first helix piercing.
What is Helix Piercing?
A helix piercing involves piercing the upper cartilage of the ear, and it comes in various forms. The most common type is the standard helix piercing, which is done in the outer upper cartilage. However, there are other options to consider, such as forward, backwards, double, or even triple helix piercings. These choices provide a range of styles for personal expression.
In a standard helix piercing, a small hole is made in the outer part of the upper ear. But if you want to go beyond the norm, you can opt for a forward helix piercing, where the hole is made in the front part of the upper cartilage, or a backward helix piercing, which involves piercing the back part of the upper cartilage. For those seeking a bolder look, double or triple helix piercings involve multiple piercings along the ear’s upper curve.
The world of helix piercings offers unexpected possibilities for self-expression. It’s fascinating to discover the variety of options available for adorning the upper ear cartilage in unique and creative ways.
What is Forward Helix Piercings?
Let’s break it down – what exactly is a forward helix piercing? To put it simply, it’s a type of ear piercing that sits on the outer curve of your cartilage, above the tragus, on the side of your face. Now, what sets it apart from a backward helix piercing? Well, it’s all about location.
Instead of going towards the back, as in a backward helix, a forward helix piercing follows the natural curve of your ear cartilage towards the front, creating a distinctive look right above the tragus. And here’s the fun part – you can even go for a double or triple forward helix piercing if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous!
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What Are Double and Triple Helix Piercings?
Have you ever wondered about double or triple helix piercings? The traditional helix piercing targets the upper outer cartilage with a single piercing. However, if you choose to have two or three piercings in the same location, right above each other, they are known as double and triple helix piercings. It’s essential to note that these variations refer to the number of piercings on the same ear rather than a distinct type of piercing.
In simple terms, whether you opt for a classic helix or decide on a double or triple helix, the basic idea is the same – a stylish ear piercing. The only difference lies in the quantity of piercings clustered closely together on the ear. This distinction helps individuals express their unique style by choosing the number of helix piercings they prefer.
So, next time you hear about double or triple helix piercings, remember it’s not about a different kind of piercing but rather a cool way to describe the number of piercings you choose to adorn your ear with.
What Should You Expect During Helix Piercing?
Have you ever wondered if getting a helix piercing hurts? Our editor, Sophie, who is not a fan of needles, recently had both the helix and forward helix ear piercings done at the upscale piercing studio, Sacred Gold, in London. Here’s her experience in simpler terms:
Sophie had previously gotten a helix piercing at the age of 18, but it didn’t go well. She fainted and had to remove the cheap metal ring due to her sensitive skin. Determined to have a better experience in adulthood, she opted for a high-end studio like Sacred Gold, recommending it for a more luxurious and supportive piercing experience.
The entire process was quick, and the anxiety about pain was more intense than the actual piercing. Sophie felt a bit of a pinch and shock during the process, leading to some hand squeezing of her accompanying friend. Opting for both piercings simultaneously, they started with the forward helix, which was less painful due to thinner cartilage. Moving outward to the helix, it was just as quick with a slightly more noticeable pinch. The piercers guided Sophie through each step, ensuring her comfort.
Considering her past fainting episodes, they adjusted the chair to be horizontal, slowly sitting her back up afterwards. They even offered sweets for a sugar boost, preventing any fainting episodes this time around. For those with a similar history, Sophie highly recommends choosing a reputable studio for a more enjoyable and comfortable piercing experience.
What are the Expected Healing Times for Helix Piercings?
The healing process for a helix piercing varies significantly from lobe piercings. Unlike the relatively quick recovery of a lobe piercing, a helix piercing typically takes three to six months to heal. However, pinpointing an exact healing duration proves challenging due to individual differences.
Initially, you might experience tenderness, redness, swelling, or even slight bleeding in the pierced area. While this may not sound delightful, it’s a normal part of the healing process. Every person reacts differently, making it difficult to predict precisely how long your helix piercing will take to heal.
Despite the unpredictability, there are measures you can take to enhance the chances of a speedy recovery from your helix piercing. These steps can contribute to a more comfortable healing experience, reducing potential complications. Let’s explore these tips to ensure your helix piercing heals as smoothly as possible.
How To Care for Your Helix Piercing
Taking care of a helix piercing is important to prevent infection. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Clean gently: Use a saline solution and gauze to clean around the piercing. Avoid using cotton buds because the fibres can get stuck on the piercing.
2. Hands off: Resist the urge to touch or play with your new piercing. Avoid twisting or changing the jewellery until the piercing is fully healed. Doing so too early can slow down healing and may cause infection.
By following these steps, you can help ensure your helix piercing heals properly and stays healthy.
Essential Tips for Ear Piercing
Sophie learned some useful tips during her piercing experience:
- Take it Slow: If you want multiple ear piercings, do them one at a time. This way, you’ll always have one ear free to sleep on while the other heals. Avoid sleeping on a fresh piercing to help it heal properly.
- Check Placement: Before piercing, the piercer will mark your ear to show where the earring will go. Make sure you’re happy with the spot before they start.
- Start with a Stud: You can start with a stylish stud earring. Rings are not ideal for new piercings because they move around too much. You can switch to a ring once the piercing is completely healed.
- Consider Downsizing: The initial bar used for piercing might be longer or thicker for healing. You can change it to a smaller one later, at a follow-up appointment.
- Keep it Dry: Avoid getting your new piercing wet, as it’s not good for healing. After a shower, gently dry your ear with a hairdryer on the lowest setting.
These tips will help your piercing heal properly and keep it looking great.
What to Do If Your Body Rejects a Piercing
Sometimes, your body may not like a new piercing. Initially, your skin might respond with swelling, redness, or piercing bumps. These are normal reactions that you can manage at home or discuss with a piercing professional for advice. However, if your piercing seems to be shifting, healing too slowly, or showing signs of infection, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a piercing professional to identify and address the issue.
If you notice swelling, redness, or small bumps around your new piercing, don’t panic. These are common reactions that often go away with proper care. You can use home remedies or consult a piercing professional for guidance on managing these early side effects.
On the other hand, if your piercing appears to be moving or taking an unusually long time to heal, it may be a sign of rejection or infection. In such cases, it’s essential to visit a piercing professional promptly. They can assess the situation, determine the cause, and recommend the appropriate course of action. Timely intervention can prevent complications and ensure a healthy healing process for your piercing.
