How to do Helix Piercing— Safe Technique & Aftercare Tips

If you want to learn about how to do helix piercing, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explain all about it. Today we’re going to demonstrate a double helix piercing. I’m going to show you the proper way to measure it and the proper way to do it. It’s a very simple ear helix piercing and it’s not that painful at all.

If you’ve ever wondered how to do helix piercing correctly, this section covers every essential step. Do not try to do helix piercing at home because you could mess yourself up pretty bad.

Why You Should Never Use a Piercing Gun

The biggest misconception about ear piercings is that the places at the mall are acceptable options. The most popular places that do it with a gun are absolutely hands down the worst way to ever do a piercing.

You should never get it done with a gun. If you’re learning how to do helix piercing, always use a sterile needle, not a piercing gun. It causes too much trauma to your tissue. It’s not a proper cartilage piercing. A piercing is supposed to be a hole that is made in the skin to allow for helix piercing jewelry or ear cartilage jewelry to sit in.

All they do at the mall is puncture your skin and push the skin apart. Most of the time, a lot of people will get a little bump inside of their ear.

The tissue that moves to the side where the jewelry is sitting has no place to form. So it forms into a little bump, often called a helix piercing bump.

Step-by-Step Helix Piercing Process

Here’s a clear breakdown of how to do helix piercing safely from start to finish.

Preparation for a Helix Piercing

First thing you want to do is put on some gloves. Then swap the ear, front and back. Give that a second to dry.

Understanding Proper Helix Piercing Angle

With the cartilage piercing or with any ear helix piercing, the angle in which you put that needle in is crucial when learning how to do helix piercing correctly. If you go on a different helix piercing angle or an improper angle, the helix jewelry is not going to be facing forward.

The whole idea of these piercings is for when people look at you, they could see the piercing—not with it facing that way or facing down.

Marking and Measuring for Helix Piercing

Mark the helix piercing placement points. You want to make sure you have enough space so the jewelry doesn’t clash together. Get a little bit of petroleum jelly.

Best Jewelry Choice for Helix Piercing

Kathlon starting earrings are hands down the best ones to start with if you’re practicing or teaching how to do helix piercing the professional way. When you use these for your helix piercing, you’re going to get yourself a 17-gauge needle. The jewelry will slide right in the back just like that. It makes it very quick.

Make sure to use high-quality materials such as titanium helix piercing jewelry or surgical steel studs, which are safer for sensitive ears.

Helix Piercing Technique

Make sure you put a cork behind. Put the tip of the needle right there. Make sure the needle’s nice and straight and aligned with their face. Big breath in, big breath out. These steps clearly demonstrate how to do helix piercing with a needle using the correct angle and alignment.

That’s it—very simple. Put the back on. Kathlon earrings are made to be extra long to allow for ear helix piercing swelling. So when you put the backing on, you just want to get one click. There’s plenty of room for the ear to swell.

Second Helix Piercing

With the double helix piercing, we have to make sure that we go in on the exact same angle. Otherwise, they’re not going to look proper.

Again, slide it right in the back just like that. Hold the needle just like that. Hold your finger to the top so you just push it right on through. Big breath in and big breath out. Do one click.

There you have the double helix piercing—even, balanced, and perfectly aligned.

Helix Piercing Aftercare and Healing Time

Helix piercing aftercare for this type of cartilage piercing is very crucial, especially if you’ve just learned how to do helix piercing and want to ensure proper healing. It takes a long time for cartilage to heal. The helix piercing healing time is going to take at least nine months.

You need to make sure you tell your clients or the people you’re piercing the proper aftercare for helix piercing.

Daily Care Instructions for Helix Piercing

Wash it once a day with Dove Sensitive Skin, a nice mild soap. Get yourself NeoMeds piercing aftercare solution. Get the fine mist—it’s gentle on the piercing and supports the helix piercing healing process.

Sleeping and Pressure Restrictions

You cannot sleep on this side for at least a month or two. Can’t put any kind of pressure on this cartilage piercing. If you do, your ear is going to swell up.

You need to let these people understand that your ear lacks blood flow. Blood flow is needed to heal a piercing. If you sleep on that side, you’re cutting off the circulation. And it’s not getting the blood flow it needs.

When you do get up and you get the pressure off your ear, all the blood rushes to that area very quickly because it hasn’t gotten blood flow. And it swells up.

You have to make sure you tell these people that they cannot sleep on that side.

Additional Precautions for Helix Piercing

Be careful with masks and hair—make sure it doesn’t get caught. Avoid headphones or tight hats for the first few weeks. Take care of this ear cartilage piercing properly for the best healing results.

Helix Piercing Gauge and Jewelry Options

The helix piercing gauge we used is 17-gauge, which is standard for initial piercings. Once healed, you can explore various helix piercing jewelry options including:

• Helix hoops for a different look
• Studs with decorative ends
• Titanium jewelry for sensitive skin
• Gold earrings for helix piercing for a luxury style
  

Understanding Helix Piercing Pain and Healing

Many people ask, “Does helix piercing hurt?” The truth is, when done properly with a needle, a helix piercing is not extremely painful. The initial pain level is brief, and proper technique minimizes discomfort.

The helix piercing healing process requires patience. During the recovery period:

• Expect some swelling in the first few days
• Healing typically ranges from 6–9 months
• Proper helix piercing aftercare is essential throughout this time

Common Helix Piercing Issues

Helix Piercing Bump

If you develop a bump, this is often caused by sleeping on the piercing too soon, using improper jewelry, or inadequate cleaning.

Helix Piercing Infection

Signs of an infected helix piercing include excessive redness, heat, and discharge. Proper aftercare significantly reduces infection risk.

Finding Professional Helix Piercing Services

When looking for “helix piercing near me” or “cartilage piercing studios,” always choose professional studios that:

• Use needles, never guns
• Offer high-quality titanium or surgical steel jewelry
• Provide detailed aftercare instructions

Even if you plan to visit a studio, understanding how to do helix piercing helps you recognize proper techniques and spot unprofessional work.

The helix piercing cost varies by location, but investing in a professional piercer ensures proper technique and reduces complications.

If you have any questions or concerns at all, reach out to professional piercers for guidance. Proper technique and consistent helix piercing aftercare are essential for successful healing.

Whether you’re considering a single, double, or triple helix piercing, always prioritize professional service and proper care for the best results.

FAQ: Common Questions About Helix Piercings