Are you building your dream jewelry stack and thinking about adding a helix piercing next? If you want to learn more about this placement before heading to the piercing studio, you’re in the right place. We’ll be answering all your pressing questions, from what a helix piercing even is to how to care for it and everything in between. Plus, we’ll round up five of our favorite helix earrings from our collection to give you some styling inspo! 

Ready for the next step on your piercing journey? Let’s get into it!

What is a helix piercing?

A helix piercing is what most people think of as a cartilage piercing. However, the helix is located all along the upper, outer area of the cartilage, giving you plenty of space for one or multiple piercings. 

Getting one single helix piercing is the most common choice, and what most people will start with on their piercing adventures. But, here are a couple of other fun options to consider when piercing the helix:

• Double Helix 

Sitting below the curve of your upper ear, a double helix refers to two holes rather than one. Usually, people choose to have the two earrings sitting vertically, with one on top of the other.

• Triple Helix

Similar to the single or double helix piercing, a triple helix simply means that there are three piercings on the helix of the ear. 

• Forward Facing Helix 

In a regular helix piercing, the hole is placed in the upper rear of the ear, but for a forward-facing, it is done on the frontal cartilage. You can have a single, double, or triple forward-facing helix piercing. 

Do Helix Piercings Hurt?

Piercing pain always varies by individual pain tolerance but in general, be prepared for a bit more pain from a helix piercing than a lobe piercing. As the cartilage area is thicker than the lobes, it will take slightly more effort and pressure to get that needle through the ear - but it really should not be more than a sting and a pinch! Be sure to go to a reputable and experienced piercer to ensure the least amount of discomfort.

Healing Time for a Helix Piercing

The healing time for a helix piercing depends on each person’s unique body chemistry and health status. As for the initial healing, expect any redness and swelling to be gone after a few weeks of careful attention and cleaning. Then, over the next three or so months, the cartilage will begin to strengthen, taking away any lingering soreness. A fully healed helix piercing can be expected in 3 months to a year. Be sure to practice good aftercare to ensure a quick recovery time!

How to Care for a Helix Piercing

You finally have your beautiful helix piercing, and now it’s time to take care of it to ensure fast and adequate healing. Here are a few important tips:

• Refrain from touching the piercing as much as you can. If you do need to touch them, for cleaning purposes, be sure to first wash your hands with warm soap and water.

• Using a saline solution and sterile gauze or cotton balls, clean your piercing twice a day for the first few weeks. Be gentle and try not to wiggle the earring around too much!

• If you have long hair, try to keep it tied up as much as possible for the initial healing stages. This tip helps to avoid any tugging or yanking of the earring. 

• Sleeping on your new helix piercing can be uncomfortable and troublesome for healing. If you’re a side sleeper, we recommend purchasing a piercing pillow to protect your new holes!

• Keep your new piercing as dry as possible. After showering, be sure to gently pat the earring dry with a soft towel. And, avoid swimming in pools or the ocean for at least a month after piercing. 

When can you change your helix piercing?

If you got pierced with a John Boy earring, you probably won’t want to change it out! But, if you went with a plain piercing to start and are now ready to switch to a cuter stud or hoop, then we recommend waiting at least three to six months. The longer wait period gives the helix time to heal properly. 

When you are ready to switch out your earrings, we suggest getting help from your piercer for the first time. Not only can they double-check that the piercing is all healed up and ready, but they can also teach you how to pop your earrings in and out with ease. 

Our Top 5 Helix Piercings to Adore

We love helix piercings at John Boy, which is why we’re constantly dreaming up new designs for this placement. Made intentionally to best fit the shape of the ear and elevate your look, each of our artfully crafted earrings is designed with thought and care to optimize aesthetics. Made with 14K Gold and real diamonds, each piece is a work of art for your ears! Take a look at five of our favorite designs below to give you all the Helix inspiration for your next stack.

Venus Helix Earring

Feminine and stylish, the Venus puts a unique spin on traditional helix piercings. Featuring a dangling diamond, set against gleaming gold accents, this one gives off serious goddess energy. 

Sienna Helix Earring

Add a touch of sparkle to your everyday stack with this beautiful Sienna helix earring. Made with 14K gold and high-quality diamonds, this piece strikes the perfect balance between staple and statement jewelry. 

Calvin Helix Earring

Sparkling like a nighttime constellation, the Calvin earring brightens up your ear stack with a diamond-studded addition to the helix. Showcasing four glimmering diamonds, this piece sits beautifully in the upper cartilage. 

AFRODITA Helix Earring

Change things up and add a hoop into the mix! Aptly named after the goddess of love and beauty, the aphrodite earring dazzles with luminescent gold and beautiful diamonds. Worn solo or paired with other studs and hoops, this piece takes any jewelry look to another level. 

Diana Helix Earring

Sitting perfectly in the helix of the ear, the Diana gives the beautiful illusion of multiple piercings. Artfully crafted with a stunning combination of gold and diamonds, this earring can be worn day to night. Plus, its unique design makes it easy to take in and out as you please. 

 

Have we inspired you to get your first helix piercing? We hope so! Elevating your earring stack, the helix is one of our absolute favorite looks, and we know you’ll love it too! 

Head to our website to check out all our stunning designs for helix piercings and beyond.