the ultimate guide to helix piercing with cartilage jewelry studs and hoops

MOST LOVED HELIX EARRINGS 💖

marquise helix earring stud
helix hoop earring
heart helix earring stud
hidden helix earring stud
flower helix earring stud
helix hoop chain earring
SHOP HELIX EARRINGS


If you've ended up here, chances are, you want to know more about the helix piercing? Many people think it is one of the most popular ear piercings. You can also personalize it with different placements and jewelry styles!

In this post you will learn about the different types available. We will also cover how to get your first helix cartilage piercing. Plus, we’ll discuss how to match and style your new helix ear piercings!

SHOP HELIX EARRINGS

✨ Quick Facts: Helix Piercings

  • Location: Outer rim of the ear (cartilage)
  • Cost: $40–$80 (varies by studio & jewelry choice)
  • Pain Level: 5/10 (tolerable, but more than a lobe piercing)
  • Healing Time: 6–12 months
  • Best Jewelry Styles: Hoops, flatback studs, cuffs
  • Piercer Tip: Always use sterile, high-quality titanium or gold jewelry

 

Jump to: 

WHAT IS A HELIX PIERCING?

TYPES OF HELIX PIERCINGS

COST OF GETTING A HELIX PIERCING

PAIN LEVEL: HELIX PIERCING

HELIX PIERCING HEALING TIME

Helix piercing jewelry banner

WHAT IS A HELIX PIERCING?

The helix, one of the most popular cartilage piercings, sits on the outermost rim of your ears. People refer to this type of piercing as a cartilage piercing. This name comes from its location on the outer cartilage of your ear.

A cartilage piercing is a common term. It describes any piercing that goes through cartilage. This includes piercings in your nostril and daith.

A helix ear piercing is a type of piercing on the outer rim of your ear. Also a cartilage piercing.

Different types of helix ear piercings exist. These include the single helix, mid helix, flat helix, triple helix, double helix, and anti-helix or forward helix. The main difference between them lies in their location on the ear. Who knew there were so many different options available?

 

Helix jewelry graphic

TYPES OF HELIX PIERCINGS

Helix cartilage piercings come in several variations. Each type offers its own distinct style and appeal.

These variations allow you to customize your ear's appearance. You can combine them with other piercings for a curated ear aesthetic.

You can tailor helix ear piercings to suit any personal style. This diversity makes them a favorite among both piercing veterans and newcomers.

Types of Helix Piercings - Impuria Ear Piercing Jewelry

 

6 Different Types of Helix Piercings at www.Impuria.com

Standard Single Helix Piercing

The standard helix ear piercing is the most popular helix cartilage piercing. This piercing is more painful than an earlobe piercing but less so than other helix piercings.

 

Double Helix Piercing

This refers to two piercings in the upper outer cartilage of the ear. People usually stack them vertically with helix studs or hoop

Double Helix Piercing


Triple Helix Piercing

If you have three piercings stacked above each other in the same spot, you call them triple helix piercings. They're the same piercing, this is more a reference to the number you have on the same ear.

Triple Helix Piercing

 

Forward Helix Piercing

People also call this piercing an "anti-helix" piercing. You can find it across from the standard helix piercing. You can find it on the cartilage at the outer rim of the front of the ear.

You can also get double or triple forward helix cartilage piercings. This tends to be slightly more painful than the standard helix piercing and takes longer to heal.

forward helix piercing

Forward Helix Ear Piercing Jewelry Earrings - Impuria

Triple Forward Helix Piercing

This piercing is a set of three piercings on the upper part of your ear, near your face, above the tragus. People usually wear small studs or hoops in these piercings to create a stylish look.


Hidden Helix Piercing

A Hidden Helix Piercing is on the inside of the upper cartilage of your ear. This makes it less visible than regular helix ear piercings. A subtle and unique option exists for people who want a unique look!

 

Mid Helix Piercing

What makes a mid helix piercing different from a standard helix piercing? Well, it's actually quite simple: the difference lies in the position of the piercing. The mid helix piercing is in the middle of the ear. The standard helix piercing is at the top of the ear.


Flat Piercing

The flat helix piercing is located on the flat upper area of the ear beside the standard helix. The cartilage in the flat area is thicker and will take longer to heal.

 

Helix price banner

COST OF GETTING A HELIX PIERCING

$40 - $80

 

How much does a helix piercing cost? The cost of a helix piercing can change a lot. It depends on the location of the studio, the piercer's experience, and the jewelry you choose. The typical price for it, though, is between $40 and $80.

Remember cheaper is not better always find a reputable body piercing shop with good reviews and recommendations. Consider the cleanliness of the shop and make sure that the tools and jewelry are sterile. Open new and sterile items from a package in front of you. Make sure they use a needle instead of a piercing gun!

Helix cost graphic

PAIN LEVEL: HELIX PIERCING

5/10

Does helix cartilage piercing hurt? Your pain tolerance level will determine how much it will hurt!

Getting your lobe pierced will likely hurt more. The lobe has more soft tissue.

In contrast, the helix area has denser cartilage. But, it's usually a pretty tolerable pain, so it all depends on whether or not you think the pain is worth it! Many people often complain about the healing rather than the piercing pain.

HELIX PIERCING HEALING TIME

6 - 12 Months

How long does a helix ear piercing take to heal? This is where the healing time for lobe and cartilage piercings are different. You may heal from a lobe piercing in about a month. However, a helix ear piercing can take 6 to 12 months to heal.

Unfortunately, like the pain factor, it's hard to give an exact healing time as everyone is different. Expect the piercing area to feel sore, turn red and even swell or bleed.

HELIX PIERCING AFTERCARE

How to take care of helix ear piercing? Keeping the area around the helix earrings clean is the most important way to avoid infection. Spray saline solution to clean gently around the area and remember to rinse it off in the shower.

You might want to play with your new jewelry, but don't twist or change it yet. Wait until the piercing has healed. If you don't it can slow down the healing process and may cause an infection. When your piercing has healed check out our helix collection here for super cute earrings!

JEWELRY FOR HELIX PIERCINGS

 


HELIX PIERCING JEWERLY

The helix cartilage piercing allows for endless possibilities, the location of the piercing allows for tons of adorable helix earrings. You can adorn your helix with a simple helix piercing stud, a helix ear hoop, or even mix and match!

HELIX RING EARRINGS

The most popular helix jewelry style is a hoop earring. Thin helix ear hoops are great for a simple yet chic look.

This hoop has a special clicking mechanism that makes it easy to put in and take out. Thicker huggie earrings are great for a bolder, glamorous look.

 

HELIX EAR STUDS - FLATBACK STUDS

A simple stud is a cute, subtle way to decorate your helix cartilage piercing. Small gemstones add a sparkly flair to the top of your ear, dazzling without being too loud. You can also show off your personality with super cute charms.

We typically recommend a flat back barbell so it is less likely to resonate with your hair.

 

EAR CUFFS

Ear cuffs are a great choice for the helix as no real piercing is needed. They wrap around the ear, offering a style similar to the hoop. Simply slide it on to your conch or helix and you are ready to go!

helix ear cuff piercing



RECOMMENDED HELIX PIERCING MEASUREMENTS

RECOMMENDED GAUGE SIZE: 16G OR 18G

Helix Piercing Recommended Jewelry Gauge Size - Impuria

RECOMMENDED HOOP INNER DIAMETER: 6 - 10mm

Helix Jewelry Recommended Hoop Size Earring Jewelry - Impuria.com

RECOMMENDED STUD BARBELL LENGTH: 6 - 10mm

Helix Jewelry Recommended Stud Size Earring Jewelry - Impuria.com

The best helix earrings are high-quality stud earrings and hoops. What gauge is a helix ear piercing? They are typically pierced with a 16G or 1.2mm, although some people feel that the best helix earrings are 18 gauges in size.

 




1 comment

Helix Piercing NYC

Helix Piercing NYC

When considering getting a Helix piercing, there are multiple things to consider beforehand. This article provides an excellent guide on everything you need to know about this type of piercing. Thanks for sharing!

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