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Writer's pictureOlly Todd

Everything You Need to Know About Helix and Cartilage Piercings


Image of a right ear showing a helix piercing with a five stone cluster and a daith piercing

Introduction


Cartilage piercings, especially the helix piercing, have become a popular way to add unique style and personal flair. Whether you’re new to piercings or considering adding to your collection, in this blog will provide an overview of cartilage piercings, with a focus on helix piercings, including healing times, jewellery options, and aftercare tips.


What is a Helix Piercing?


Lets start with the basics, what is a helix piercing? A helix piercing is a type of cartilage piercing located on the upper ear, specifically along the outer rim. Unlike earlobe piercings, helix piercings go through tougher cartilage tissue, which can make them a bit more complex in terms of healing and care.


Different Types of Helix Piercings


1. Standard Helix Piercing: Pierced through or close to the outer edge of the ear often in the mid to upper part of the ear.

2. Double/Triple Helix Piercing: Two or three helix piercings close to each other commonly using attachments of decreasing size to create a tapered look.

3. Forward Helix Piercing: Pierced at the front side of the ear, closer to the face.


These variations allow for a great deal of customization, making the helix piercing a versatile option for those wanting to add to their collection of pieces.


What Are Cartilage Piercings?


Cartilage piercings refer to any piercing done in the ear cartilage, a firm tissue that provides structure but lacks much blood flow, making healing times longer than soft tissue piercings such as lobes.


Common types of cartilage piercings include:


- Helix

- Conch

- Daith

- Tragus


Cartilage piercings are a stylish way to add to any collection but require more care than lobe piercings due to the thicker tissue and slower healing process.


Helix Piercing Healing Time


Helix piercings typically take 3 to 6 months to heal, though full healing can take up to 12 months. The healing process can be longer if you experience irritation, bumps, or infections, so following aftercare instructions set out by your piercer is crucial.


Aftercare Tips:

- Clean with saline solution twice a day. (View our aftercare info here)

- Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands.

- Don’t change jewellery until fully healed.

- Avoid sleeping on the piercing to reduce irritation.

- Make sure to downsize the jewellery at the appropriate time to give the best results.


Jewellery Options for Helix Piercings


You can select from various jewellery types depending on your personal style and the stage of healing. Some popular options include:


  1. Ball Closure Rings (BCRs): A classic choice that can be customized with different captive bead attachments.

  2. Decorative rings: A option that looks great with a host of different design possibility's available ranging from gems, chains and ornate pattern work in both clickers and seam designs.

  3. Flat-back Labret Studs: These are commonly used for initial piercings as they are comfortable and minimize irritation and customizable with a whole host of different attachments.


Choosing a Professional Piercer


Helix and cartilage piercings should always be done by a professional piercer. Make sure to choose someone experienced who follows strict hygiene practices such as those set out by the APP or the UKAPP. Avoid places that use piercing guns, as they can cause unnecessary trauma to cartilage and complicate healing.


Common Cartilage Piercing Issues


Though cartilage piercings can heal beautifully, they are prone to some common problems:


  • Irritation Bumps: These are small, raised areas of skin that can form around the piercing if it's aggravated.

  • Migrating: This is usually down to the jewellery not being properly downsized while healing. Longer labret posts left in place tilt and end up at an angle causing the attachment to sit at a weird angle and not at 90 degrees to the tissue.


If you experience any unusual symptoms, consult your piercer for advice.

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