Ear piercings are very fashionable these days. Tempted by the helix piercing? We tell you everything about it, from the risks to the care to be provided.
The helix piercing is one of the most classic ear piercings. This is an earring at the upper and outer edge of the pavilion, called a helix. Since this piercing is pierced through cartilage, it takes a little longer than a regular ear hole to heal completely.
To know before starting: the piercing with the helix should only be done in a professional piercing studio and should never be done in a jewelry store with a gun to pierce the ears in a "conventional" way! By using the gun to pierce the helix, nerves can be affected and severe inflammation can occur as a result. The piercing should then be removed. This is why you should always contact an experienced professional – which also applies to other types of ear piercings.
Helix piercing: how does it work?
Before piercing, the professional first disinfects your ear and marks the puncture point. Then, when you are ready, the piercer pierces the helical cartilage with a piercing needle under strong pressure. Some piercers prefer punching, which involves removing part of the cartilage using a special punching device.
After the piercing, a "medical" piercing is first used for healing – you will need to wear it until the wound is completely healed. The time required varies a lot, but as a general rule a helix piercing will truly heal after 3 to 6 months. Since cartilage is generally less supplied with blood than soft tissue, you must be patient for the healing process. Only then will you be able to put on the ear jewelry you like.
Is helix piercing painful?
Many wonder if helix piercing is painful. The answer is yes, but only briefly. Piercing through cartilage is much more painful than piercing through the soft tissue of the earlobe. In addition, the ear cartilage has many small nerves.
However, the piercing only lasts a few seconds, so the pain is quite bearable. After the piercing, your ear may swell a little, throb, or feel hot. But it usually wears off after a short time.
Helix piercing: the risks to know
having a helix earring, like any other piercing, comes with certain risks. Unlike earlobe holes, piercings that are pierced through cartilage unfortunately do not heal as quickly and easily.
The greatest danger is therefore that inflammation or irritation of the skin can occur after the piercing. Allergic reactions and pigmentation disorders are also possible. If complications arise, you should immediately go to your piercer. He will tell you what to do. Most inflammations can be controlled relatively well with proper care and ointments.
Helix piercing: how to properly maintain your ear piercing
For a quick healing process, you should pay attention to the following points after the piercing:
- Do not touch or play with the piercings at the helix. If you do, wash and sanitize your hands first.
- Spray the piercing 3 times a day with a disinfectant spray.
- Avoid blood thinners, such as aspirin, for the first few days.
- During the first two weeks: refrain from going to the swimming pool, solarium, sauna and from practicing certain sports (ball sports, gymnastics, etc.).
- During the first days, do not put the piercing in contact with care products such as soap, shampoo, hairspray …
- While sleeping, do not lie down directly on the piercing, it is better to turn to the other side.
- Beware of hats, scarves, or other accessories that can get caught in the piercing.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect any scabs with hot chamomile water.
- Do not remove the piercing under any circumstances.
How much does a helix piercing cost?
We cannot say in general how much to pay for a helix piercing. A helix piercing can cost – depending on the piercing studio and the region – like other ear piercings also around 30 to 80 euros. Besides the piercing itself, the price usually includes jewelry and care products.
Jewelry for a helix piercing
It is best to buy the jewelry for your helix piercing directly from the piercing studio where you have the piercing done. The piercer will be able to advise you! For the ear helix, the most common are piercing rings like horseshoe piercings. Small chips are also increasingly popular for helix piercing.
Note : the information contained in this article is given as an indication and does not replace the diagnosis and the advice of a professional. If you have any doubts, urgent questions, or complications, contact your doctor or piercer.
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