HELIX PIERCINGS
Why stop at one when you can have them all?
WHAT IS A HELIX PIERCING?
The helix is the curved outer rim of the ear. A helix piercing can be placed anywhere from the upper part of the ear down to where the earlobe starts.
You may have heard a helix piercing referred to as a cartilage piercing, and it technically is, but not all cartilage piercings are helix piercings. The tragus, rook, conch, daith, and the flat in the mid and upper positions are all part of the cartilage as well. So, if you’re interested in a piercing around the outer edge of the ear, a helix piercing is what you want.
Variations of the helix piercing include the forward helix, double helix, triple helix, and front flat helix in the mid and upper positions. Choose one, two or all of them to curate a stack that is unique to you.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT JEWELRY
Whether it’s your first piercing beyond the lobe or you’re an old pro, the helix is a versatile placement that can work for almost anyone. Most people can choose either a hoop or a stud, but since everyone’s cartilage is slightly different, your piercer might recommend going with one over the other for optimal healing. As with any new piercing, initial jewelry should be a hypoallergenic metal like 14K gold or titanium.
HOW TO CHOOSE HELIX JEWELRY
Helix piercings are the ultimate blank canvas. Make the most of them by choosing jewelry that fits properly—and shows off your style. Here’s what to consider when you’re picking out jewelry:
GAUGE
The gauge refers to the thickness of the post that goes through your piercing. The standard gauge for a helix piercing is 16G or 18G. Ask your piercer to confirm.
LENGTH
The length of the post for helix piercing jewelry is usually 1/4”, 5/16” or 3/8”. This depends on the thickness of your ear cartilage, so ask your piercer to help you measure to get an exact length recommendation.
STYLE
Hoops styles like captive bead rings (CBR) can be statement-making, while seam rings are delicate and subtle. Labret studs are perfect for the healing period and can be customized easily.
SHOP JEWELRY FOR HELIX PIERCINGS
Choose earrings to fit your stack.
HEALING & AFTERCARE FORÂ HELIX PIERCINGS
Similar to other ear piercings, the length of time before you can change your helix piercing jewelry will vary. The holes will still be healing from the inside for a few months beyond the initial healing period, so make sure to always keep earrings in to prevent the hole from closing up. If you can, avoid wearing hats, headbands and any other clothing that could snag on the piercing in the initial healing stages.
To clean, use an aftercare solution or a saline mixture to gently clean the area around the piercing twice a day. Leave the piercing alone as much as possible and avoid twisting or playing with the jewelry.
HOW MUCH IS A HELIX PIERCING?
A helix piercing can be done with a hand-pressurized device or a hollow needle*. A device piercing is free with the purchase of piercing earrings. A hollow needle piercing is $40 plus the cost of piercing jewelry. Book a consultation to discuss the placement and jewelry options to get a more accurate quote for the cost of your unique helix piercing.
*Needle piercing is only available at select locations.
GETTING PIERCED AT BANTER
With over 50 years of piercing experience, Banter doesn’t just keep up with the trends, we set them. Every piercing is a new chance to express yourself, and our piercers take that seriously. They’re here to make sure the piercing process goes smoothly from placement to jewelry choice to healing.
If you’re nervous, that’s okay! We’ll walk you through what to expect and answer all your questions, and before you know it, you’ll be showing off your brand-new piercing. Just be careful, piercings can be addictive—after getting pierced at Banter, you might be back for more earlier than you think!