With so many different styles of ear piercings to choose from, it’s easy to feel confused when you’re considering getting one. You also have to take into account the size and shape of your ear to pick a piercing style that will best suit it.
In this post, we give a roundup of helix piercing. It’s a type of ear cartilage piercing that can help you go one step ahead if you’re bored of the simple lobe piercing.
What is a Helix Piercing?
Helix piercing is used to refer to any piercing done on the upper rim or cartilage of the ear. The standard helix piercing is done mostly on the outer upper cartilage.
Different Types of Helix Piercings
In addition to the standard helix piercing, there are other options too.
Double Helix Piercing – This is a pair of piercings on the upper cartilage of the ear.
Triple Helix Piercing – As the name suggests, this a series of three piercings that start from the upper cartilage and move downwards.
Forward Helix Piercing – This piercing is done on the flap of cartilage where the ear meets the skin of your face on the upper side. Depending on the anatomy of your ear, you can also get double or triple forward helix piercings.
How Much Does Helix Piercing Hurt?
Cartilage piercings generally rate lower on the pain scale. However, you will feel some pain, redness and throbbing for the first few days after getting the piercing till the time it heals. You must avoid touching or moving the jewelry as this type of piercing is more prone to getting damaged during healing.
Helix Piercing Healing Times
You can expect a healing time of 3 to 4 months on average, but it can vary greatly since cartilage healing differs from one person to another. You must consult with your piercing artist before changing the jewelry or stopping aftercare practices.
The Right Jewelry for Helix Piercing
Most professional piercing artists will recommend the use of studs or curved barbells made with hypoallergenic metals. If you want to wear a hoop or ring on your helix piercing, it’s best to wait until your piercing has healed. This is because rings and hoops are more prone to catching bacteria.
Helix Piercing Aftercare
To avoid cartilage bumps, scarring, and infections, you have to take proper care of your helix piercing. Here are a few things to follow.
- Perform saline soaks or compresses 2 to 3 times a day especially after waking up in the morning and before going to bed at night. Once done, take a clean paper towel to dab the piercing dry.
- Do not try to move the jewelry in order to remove any crusties or discharge. Just use a cotton swab soaked in saline to gently wipe off any secretions.
- Try your best to avoid sleeping on the pierced side. Also, change your pillowcase every night.
- Avoid the use of cosmetics on or around your piercing, especially hairsprays. Take special care while bathing. Make sure soap or shampoo doesn’t come in contact with your new piercing. All of these products contain chemicals that can irritate your piercing.