Helix piercings are one of the most trending piercing trends because of their subtle, chic appeal. Many celebrities including Kylie Jenner, Jennifer Aniston, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, and Scarlett Johansson are sporting this fashionable piercing.

Read this article to find out everything you need to know about the helix piercing.

The Different Types of Helix Piercing

A helix piercing is any piercing that is performed in the upper cartilage of the ear. There are several kinds of helix piercing with the most common one being the standard helix piercing. This is done on the outer side of the upper cartilage. Other types of helix piercings include double, triple, or forward helix piercings.

A forward helix piercing is made on the part of your upper cartilage that is right above your tragus. A forward helix piercing is also sometimes referred to as the inner helix piercing or the anti-helix piercing. In a double helix piercing, there is one more stud placed above the initial forward helix piercing. Similarly, in a triple helix piercing, there are two additional piercings above the primary forward helix piercing, which creates a line of three studs.

How Painful Is It to Get A Helix Piercing?

The pain you feel while getting a helix piercing depends on your pain tolerance. So, if you have high pain tolerance, a helix piercing will just feel like a slight pinch. However, if your pain tolerance is low, you’ll most likely feel some discomfort while the piercing is being done. That being said, cartilage or helix piercings typically lie on the lower end of the pain spectrum. This is because the cartilage where the helix piercing is done is very thin, making the piercing process relatively quick and painless.

For a couple of days after getting the piercing, you are likely to experience slight bleeding, mild swelling, or throbbing around the area. You shouldn’t worry too much if these symptoms are mild. However, you should consult with a medical professional if these symptoms become severe.

Aftercare Rules for Helix Piercing

A helix piercing generally takes around 3 to 6 months to heal completely. However, the exact time it takes your helix piercing to heal depends on how well you care for it. You should gently clean the area around the helix piercing using a saline/salt solution and a cotton bud 2 – 3 times daily. Remember to avoid moving the jewelry too much while cleaning as this can damage the surrounding skin, causing bumpy scars. After thoroughly cleaning the area, carefully dab it with a paper towel to dry it.

You must protect the cartilage piercing from any dampness or moisture. This is because dampness around a fresh piercing can become a breeding ground for bacteria leading to infections. Cartilage infections are very dangerous as they can lead to cartilage bumps which are difficult to treat once they appear. While some cartilage bumps can go away on their own, most of them have to be surgically removed. This can eventually lead to other forms of scarring.

Parting Words

If you want to get a helix piercing, make sure that you get it done by a piercing professional.

Helix jewelry comes in a lot of designs so make sure you pick one that accentuates your look while causing you minimal pain.