Piercing guide › Ear piercings › Helix
The helix is the curved rim of the outer ear. The helix piercing sits in the upper, outer part of this rim and goes through a thin layer of cartilage.
I measure the distance to the rim and the inner fold, mark the point and only pierce once you have confirmed it. In cartilage I work exclusively with a needle.
As initial jewellery I use a flat-back bar made of Bioplast or titanium to ASTM F136. A ring only becomes an option once healing is complete, at the earliest after six months.
Several helix piercings one above the other are possible. I measure the spacing so that it looks even and every hole has enough tissue around it.
The rim needs enough width between the outer edge and the inner fold. If it is very narrow, I place the point differently or advise against it.
Cartilage has hardly any blood supply. That's why every cartilage piercing heals much more slowly than the earlobe, even if it looks calm from the outside earlier.
How to care for the piercing in each phase is explained in detail on the Care and aftercare page. The short version: sterile saline solution, don't twist, don't fiddle with it, be patient.
When to see a doctor immediately
An inflammation of the cartilage is serious and can permanently deform the ear. Don't wait.
Pain and healing time are guide values, averaged from information given by piercing and tattoo studios. Where the figures come from. Everyone feels and heals differently.
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