Helix is ​​a piercing that passes through the folded upper edge of the ear cartilage. Depending on anatomy and preferences, it may be placed higher or lower on the edge. Popular variations also include:

• Double/Triple Helix: Two or three piercings done one under the other, creating an eye-catching cascade.
• Forward Helix: The piercing is located on the front of the ear, closer to the face (just above the temple).
• Hidden Helix: A hidden piercing under the fold of cartilage at the very top of the ear, from which the jewelry "hangs" freely.

Cartilage piercing produces a slightly different sensation than a soft earlobe. Instead of a pinch, you may feel a short-term pressure and a characteristic "crunch".

Pain is a very individual matter, but it is usually rated at 4 to 5 on a 10-point scale. The moment of the sting itself is quick, but the cartilage tends to throb and feel hot for several hours after leaving the studio.

The golden rule: Helix (like any other piercing) must be made only with a sterile needle. Using a beauty gun crushes the delicate cartilage structure, which can lead to permanent damage and dramatically complicates healing!

The ear cartilage does not have its own blood supply (nutrients reach it from the surrounding tissues), so Helix healing requires a lot of patience.

• The initial stage of healing (swelling goes down): 2 to 4 months.
• Complete healing of the canal: from 6 to even 12 months.

The most important rules (How to avoid granulation tissue):

1. Zero touching: Cartilage hates movement. Don't twist the earring!
2. Be careful with hair and masks: Helix is a place that is extremely vulnerable to hooking. Be careful when putting clothes over your head, combing your hair or visiting the hairdresser.
3. Wash: Use sterile saline twice daily.
4. Absolutely no sleeping on a pierced ear: Pressure on the fresh Helix during sleep is the most common cause of the so-called "granulation" (an unsightly lump) and a permanent change in the angle of the piercing canal (the earring begins to "look crooked").

1. Don't touch: Avoid touching the earring with dirty hands and refrain from "spinning" it.
2. Cleanse regularly: Wash the piercing site 2-3 times a day with sterile saline solution.
3. Avoid chemicals: Avoid using hydrogen peroxide, alcohol or antibiotic ointment. They may irritate the wound and delay healing.
4. Be careful with your hair and clothes: Make sure that shampoo or conditioner does not remain on the ear after bathing. Be careful when putting on sweaters!

This is the most important question in the context of this piercing. Selecting the right shape and material is half the success.

While Healing (Start)

The gold standard is the straight barbell, to be precise Surgical titanium labret (Grade 23). A straight rod does not move as much in the wound as a ring, which allows the tissue to slowly rebuild itself.

• Rod Thickness: Standard is 1.2mm.
• Starting Length: Usually 8 mm - 10 mm (the cartilage tends to swell a lot a few days after the procedure, so the piercer must leave enough space).

After approximately 4-6 weeks, a follow-up visit is necessary downsize - replacing the rod with a shorter one (e.g. 6 mm) so that the too long earring does not catch on the hair.

After complete healing (Stylizations)

Once your Helix is fully healed (after about 6-12 months and confirmation by your piercer), you can go crazy! It's the perfect place for:

• Clickers, Seamless rings - smooth or studded with zircons.
• Decorative caps with plant motifs (e.g. leaves).
• Chains connecting the Helix to a Lobe or other piercing.