You have probably seen helix piercings around. Whether it is dainty detail or a bold statement, they are always perched toward the top of the ear, giving you an easy way to switch up your look. Let’s discuss in detail how long helix piercings take to heal and what are different types of helix piercings.
What Is A Helix Piercing?
According to Studs piercer Shannon Freed, a helix piercing refers to any piercing along the upper and outside cartilage ridge of the ear. Anatomically, the term “helix” describes that area of the ear, but there are specific names for different placements along that curve.
Piercer Laura Bond further explains that the flat area at the top of the ear, immediately below the helix, is referred to as the ‘flat helix‘.
The forward helix, on the other hand, is the part of the helix closest to the side of the face, where the ear attaches to the head, directly above the tragus. It’s a small surface area, but dainty studs or hoops fitted there will face forwards, hence the name.
What Are The Types Of Helix Piercings?
The Flat Helix
Exploring the flat helix is a unique spot for those seeking a subtle yet stylish addition to their escape.
The Forward Helix
Unveiling the elegance of the forward helix – a delicate area that can transform your entire ear aesthetic.
Double Helix Piercing
Diving into the technical precision required for a double helix piercing, offering perfectly spaced placements for a bold and symmetrical look.
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How Long Helix Piercing Take Healing Time
Healing is subjective and is dependent on factors such as your overall health, sleep, and stress levels, and your aftercare regimen, says Freed.
Makes sense, as our bodies react to and recover from physical stressors at different rates.
But if you are looking for an average estimate, Freed says at least two months. The initial healing time for a helix piercing is two to four months.
For the piercing to be fully healed, it takes six to nine months. Healing timelines will vary based on your specific piercing and your body, but you will know your ear is healed once any discharge, swelling, redness, flaking, or soreness stops.
It does take longer than a lobe piercing because cartilage doesn’t have its blood supply, adds Emma Beizsley at White Thorn Piercing. That’s why it tends to swell a bit more and take longer to heal.
Helix Piercing Pain
Let’s get real about helix-piercing pain. Does it hurt more than the lobe? Pain tolerance varies, but generally, your helix will hurt more than your lobes as it is less fleshy, says Freed.
Cartilage tissue is denser, which can require more force to pierce through, resulting in a bit more pain. But the pain is temporary, and your beautiful new piercing is forever.
Bond adds that most people have fairly thin cartilage around their helix, so it’s one of the less painful cartilage piercings. At Laura Bond, we say it’s around a 5-6/10 for pain.
Sleeping With A Helix Piercing
Standing up! jokes Lamb. I’m joking, of course. I generally ask my clients to use a travel pillow, the ones you wear on flights around your neck.
But when caring for your ear, put your ear in the center of the hole, instead. He also asks clients to wash the pillow beforehand, as it’s hard to keep things sanitary while traveling. You could also try sleeping on your other side or your back, but that can be a hard habit to get into.”
Different Essential Aftercare For Helix Piercings
Proper aftercare is key to avoiding any complications. Freed’s recommendation is to keep your hands off the fresh piercing. Don’t touch or twist, Freed says. Spray saline front and back no more than twice a day. You’ll also want to be careful of snags and sleeping on the piercing, as this disrupts the healing process.
When you are cleaning, it’s important to stick to saline solution. Your piercer should supply you with a saline spray to take home (the pro piercers we spoke to all recommended NeilMed, which you can get on Amazon).
The salt helps pull out excess discharge while increasing blood circulation. You will want to avoid rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or ointments, as they can dry out and further irritate your piercing, which will extend the total healing time.
Beizsley adds that it’s important to dry the ear after applying your saline solution, by gently dabbing it with a piece of dry, non-woven gauze or kitchen paper. A new wound that is warm and moist is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, she explains.
You can even dry off your piercing with a warm hairdryer, but make sure the piercing is clean, as you could drive bacteria further into the wound. A Dyson is the most hygienic option if you happen to have one.
Handling an Infected Helix Piercing
Some people confuse irritation with infection. While some irritation is common, with the right aftercare, there shouldn’t be much infection, says Freed. It’s normal to experience slight bleeding, ‘crusties’ (dead skin cells), swelling, tenderness, itching, bruising, or soreness.
These symptoms will typically only last a few weeks. But if you experience any symptoms outside of these, Freed recommends checking in with your doctor.
Bond stresses that as long as you follow good aftercare – no sleeping on it, changing your pillowcase regularly, no swimming for the first month after the piercing, and keeping it dry after cleaning – you shouldn’t have many issues. You should also resist the temptation to change your jewelry before your piercing is fully healed.
Rejection Risks
Most people can have some sort of helix piercing, adds Beizsley, but a forward helix is very anatomy-dependent.
If a person hasn’t got a big enough area there to pierce, it could migrate and grow out of the cartilage. Lamb adds that it’s rare for a helix piercing to reject, but that the most common irritants are accidentally knocking, sleeping on it, or prolonged pressure, such as riding helmets.
What Is The Average Cost Of Helix Piercings?
Prices vary depending on the piercer you use and the jewelry you purchase. For example, Astrid & Miyu charge a flat rate service fee of £20 per 20-minute appointment, which includes a maximum of three piercings. Their jewelry ranges from £35-£55 each (for titanium piercing jewelry) and £100-£195 each (for solid gold piercing jewelry).
You will find cheaper services than that, but investing in the right piercing jewelry will limit your chances of irritation and infection. See below for the different metals options, which are more of an indication of the final cost.
Choosing The Right Jewelry Material Used For A Helix Piercing
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel or titanium are the best metals to use since they are relatively inert and should not cause a reaction in your body, says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD.
Gold
While gold isn’t necessarily the best metal for helix jewelry, it’s not a bad choice. If you’re someone who wants to correspond your piercing to the rest of your jewelry or some other aesthetic reason, gold is a great option. Be sure to get jewelry that’s at least 14 karats, though, to avoid metal that’s too soft.
Titanium
Titanium is just as solid of a choice as stainless steel is, considering it comes in tons of different appearances. The only difference between the two is that titanium does not have nickel, so it’s safe for everyone.
What Different Types of Jewelry Used for Helix Piercing?
Studs
A stud is a small piece of jewelry with a thin long backing that is inserted into the hold of a piercing. To seal a stud in place, you attach a small fixture on the other side.
Hoops
A hoop, also called a ring, is a popular choice for a helix piercing. It’s a piece of metal in a ring shape, but it’s flexible enough to easily bend. Remove a hoop by simply pulling apart the two ends.
Conclusion
Embarking on the journey of a helix piercing adds not just a stylish twist but a personal touch to your earscape. Understanding the nuances, from pain levels to aftercare rituals, ensures a seamless and beautiful experience. So, whether you are a helix veteran or considering this trendy addition, take heed of the tips and revel in the artistry of helix piercings.
Also Read: How Long Do Ear Piercings Take To Heal
