Herbie Murray
Helix piercings, which first gained popularity in the 1990s, have made a comeback in recent years. They are a common type of cartilage piercing, located on the outermost rim of the ear. When getting a helix piercing, it is recommended that you use jewellery made from high-quality metals such as 14k gold or implant-grade titanium to prevent infections. While the piercing itself is not considered very painful, the healing process can be, especially for side sleepers. It is advised that you wait at least six to nine months for the piercing to heal before changing your earring. Sleeper earrings are not typically recommended for helix piercings as they are usually designed with a butterfly backing that may not be secure enough for this type of piercing. Instead, helix piercings often use earrings with threaded screw backings to ensure a secure fit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Healing time | 3 to 9 months |
| Earring type | Studs, hoops, ear cuffs, huggies, seamless rings, labret studs, captive bead rings |
| Earring material | 14k gold, implant-grade titanium |
| Earring size | 16-gauge, 18-gauge, 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 4/8" |
| Earring back type | Butterfly backing, threaded screw backing, flat back |
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Helix piercing healing time
Helix piercings are made to accommodate an earring in the helix or outer rim of the ear, which is part of the ear's cartilage. The healing time for helix piercings varies depending on the source. Some sources state that it takes 3 to 6 months for the piercing to fully heal, while others claim that it can take up to 9 or even 12 months. The longer healing time of 9-12 months is supported by personal accounts of helix piercing healing experiences.
The healing process of a helix piercing can be divided into several stages. The first few weeks are critical, as the body begins to form a protective layer around the piercing. During this initial phase, redness, swelling, and slight tenderness are common. Over the next few months, the cartilage gradually strengthens, and the initial soreness fades. After 3 to 6 months, the piercing should be fully healed, but cartilage piercings may require more time, up to a year in some cases. It's important to note that healing times can vary depending on factors such as personal health, aftercare, and the specific location of the piercing.
To ensure proper and quick healing, it is recommended to follow an aftercare routine prescribed by a professional piercer. Keeping the area around the helix piercing clean is crucial to prevent infection. This can be done by gently cleaning the piercing with a saline solution at least twice a day. It is also important to always wash your hands before touching or cleaning the piercing to prevent bacteria or dirt from entering the wound.
When choosing jewellery for a helix piercing, it is recommended to use high-quality materials such as 14k gold or implant-grade titanium. These materials are less likely to cause infections and allergic reactions. The earrings should also be the proper size, with standard gauges for helix piercings ranging from 16-gauge to 18-gauge, and standard lengths of 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", and 4/8". It is advisable to consult a trained piercer to ensure the jewellery is appropriately sized.
Once the helix piercing is fully healed, you can start exploring different styles and types of earrings. Popular options include captive bead rings, seamless rings, and labret studs. It is also possible to use simple or bold hoops. It is important to note that changing the jewellery too soon can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Therefore, it is recommended to wait until the piercing is completely healed before making any changes.
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Earring options
When it comes to choosing earrings for a helix piercing, there are a variety of styles to choose from, including:
- Captive bead rings: These rings feature a small bead or gem that provides decoration and helps keep the earring in place. The beads can be simple or elaborate, depending on your preference.
- Seamless rings: Many piercers recommend these because they do not include the clicker segment that is present on most lobe hoops. Seamless rings are ideal for those looking for smaller and more delicate cartilage piercing jewellery.
- Labret studs: These are similar to traditional lobe studs but have longer posts with a flat end on one side instead of an earring back.
- Hoops: Hoops are a popular choice for helix piercings, with thin helix ear hoops offering a simple yet chic look. Huggie earrings, a type of thicker hoop, can also be a great option for a bolder, glamorous statement.
- Studs: A simple stud is a subtle way to decorate your helix piercing. Small gemstones can add a sparkly touch without being too loud. Flat-back barbells are also recommended as they are less likely to get caught in your hair.
- Ear cuffs: If you don't want to commit to an actual piercing, ear cuffs are a great option as they simply wrap around your ear, offering a similar look to hoops.
It is important to note that helix piercings typically take longer to heal than lobe piercings, so it is recommended to wait until the piercing is fully healed before changing the jewellery. This can take anywhere from three to nine months. During this time, it is crucial to keep the area clean and avoid sleeping on the piercing to prevent irritation and infection.
Once your helix piercing is healed, you have the freedom to experiment with different earring styles and create your own unique look.
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Earring sizing
When choosing a helix earring, there are several styles to consider, including captive bead rings, seamless rings, and labret studs. Captive bead rings combine style and functionality, with a small bead or gem that helps keep the earring in place. Seamless rings are smaller and more delicate, and they are recommended by many piercers because they do not include the clicker segment found on most lobe hoops. Labret studs are similar to traditional lobe studs but have longer posts with a flat end instead of an earring back.
The type of earring backing is also an important consideration. Helix studs typically have a threaded screw backing with a flat end to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. This is in contrast to stud earrings, which usually have a butterfly backing that slides onto the earring post. The flat backing of helix studs is important because this type of piercing sits close to the head.
Proper sizing is crucial when choosing earrings for a helix piercing. Earlobes come in various shapes and sizes, so it is important to select earrings that are the appropriate size for your ear. Precise measurements can be taken using a ruler, and size charts can be used to determine the best earring size for your ear type.
Additionally, it is important to wait until the piercing has healed before changing the earrings. This typically takes between three to six months, and visiting a professional piercer for the first change is recommended. Regular cleaning of the helix piercing is crucial to prevent infection, and it is advised to follow the aftercare routine prescribed by the piercer.
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Earring materials
When it comes to choosing earrings, it's important to select the right material to avoid irritating your ears. Some materials are better suited for piercings than others, and some people may have allergies or sensitivities to certain metals. Here are some of the best materials for earrings, especially for helix piercings:
Titanium
Titanium is one of the most popular choices for earrings due to its high biocompatibility and hypoallergenic properties. It is lightweight, durable, and non-reactive, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin or nickel allergies. Implant-grade or medical-grade titanium is recommended to ensure its suitability for piercings.
Gold
Gold is a common metal used in jewellery, and it is generally safe for piercings, especially if you opt for higher karat gold. 14k or 18k gold is less likely to cause allergic reactions and is easier to clean. However, gold alloys, such as gold-plated or gold-filled jewellery, may not be suitable for sensitive ears.
Platinum
Platinum is another excellent choice for earrings, as it is extremely inert and non-reactive. It is approved by the APP (Association of Professional Piercers) for its biocompatibility. However, platinum can be very expensive, making it a less affordable option for fashion jewellery.
Niobium
Niobium is a good option for those with sensitive ears. It is hypoallergenic and often used in drop earrings. Niobium has a unique rainbow colour, adding a stylish touch to your jewellery.
Surgical Stainless Steel
Surgical stainless steel is safe for piercings and hypoallergenic. It contains less nickel than regular stainless steel, reducing the chances of allergic reactions. However, different alloys of surgical steel exist, and some may contain nickel or other reactive materials.
Choosing the Right Earring for a Helix Piercing
When getting your helix pierced, it is recommended to initially use a stud earring made from high-quality materials like 14k gold or implant-grade titanium. This is because studs are easier to heal with than curved earrings, and these materials reduce the risk of infection and allergic reactions. Once your helix piercing has healed, you can experiment with different styles, such as hoops or seamless rings.
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Aftercare
Helix piercings are a popular form of self-expression, but they require careful aftercare to avoid infection and other complications. Here are some detailed aftercare instructions to ensure your helix piercing heals properly:
Cleaning
The most important aspect of aftercare is keeping the piercing clean to avoid infection. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and dry them with a paper towel. Clean the piercing twice a day with a saline solution. You can apply the saline solution with a cotton swab, gently cleaning each side of the hole. You can also use a fragrance-free soap or saline solution to clean the surface of your ear. Avoid harsh soaps, such as Betadine, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide, as these can damage cells.
Sleeping
Try to avoid sleeping on your piercing, even if it doesn't hurt anymore. The pressure from sleeping on it may cause bumps or migration. If you move around a lot in your sleep, consider using a "U"-shaped travel pillow to allow your ear to stick out and avoid pressure on the piercing.
Hair Care
Be careful when using hair products, ensuring that none enter the wound. Avoid covering the piercing with a band-aid, as this can also cause irritation or migration due to pressure on the wound.
Swimming
For the first two months, refrain from submerging the piercing in unhygienic bodies of water, such as lakes, pools, or hot tubs.
Jewellery
Do not twist, change, or play with your new jewellery until the piercing has healed. If your piercing jewellery becomes too tight, visit your piercer to get it enlarged. They can help you switch to a different style, such as a hoop or stud, once the piercing has healed, which is usually between three to six months.
Complications
Cartilage bumps may appear during the healing process, which are small fluid bumps around the piercing. This is different from an infection, which would present with severe swelling, extreme redness, and the discharge of pus. If you experience any signs of infection, seek medical advice.
Professional Advice
It is important to follow the aftercare routine prescribed by your piercer and to visit them for a routine check-up consultation around six weeks after getting the piercing. They can advise on whether the post of your stud needs to be downsized to aid the healing process.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, sleeper earrings can be used as helix piercings. Sleeper earrings are usually flat-back stud earrings, which are recommended for helix piercings.
A helix piercing is a type of cartilage piercing on the outer rim of the ear.
Studs, seamless rings, and hoops are all popular options for helix piercings. It is important to use earrings that are the proper size and made from high-quality metals to avoid infection and allow for proper healing.
Helix piercings can take anywhere from three to nine months to fully heal, sometimes even longer depending on the location and individual factors.
Sleeper earrings are designed with a flat back and a threaded screw backing. This ensures a secure and comfortable fit, making them ideal for cartilage piercings like the helix.
