The Perfect Guide to Helix Piercings: From Start to Finish
Getting your helix pierced is brilliant way to express yourself. Whether you’re after something subtle or want to make a bold statement, this upper ear piercing has become a proper favourite amongst piercing enthusiasts.
What Exactly is a Helix Piercing?
Your helix is that outer rim of cartilage at the top of your ear. Whilst it might look straightforward, there’s actually quite a bit of skill involved in getting it spot-on. Most people don’t realise that the placement needs to be absolutely perfect – not just for looks, but for proper healing too.
When you pop into our Lichfield studio, we’ll have a proper chat about exactly where you’d like your piercing. Some clients fancy the traditional spot right at the top, whilst others prefer something a bit different, like a forward helix or even multiple piercings to create a lovely constellation effect.
The Nitty-Gritty of Getting Pierced
Let’s be honest – everyone wants to know if it’ll hurt! Whilst there’s no getting around the fact that you’ll feel something, most of our clients say it’s more of a sharp pressure than proper pain. The whole thing’s over in seconds, and we’ll make sure you’re completely comfortable throughout.
We use proper professional equipment here – none of those dodgy piercing guns you might see at the local shopping centre. Here’s what we use:
- Sterile, single-use needles (much safer and more precise)
- Implant-grade titanium jewellery
- Professional autoclave sterilisation
- Specially designed piercing tools
Choosing Your Jewellery
This is the exciting bit! We’ve got loads of gorgeous options to choose from:
Initial Piercing Jewellery:
- Titanium labrets (the safest choice for new piercings)
- Gold-coloured titanium for a luxury look
- Various crystal and gem options
- Different end styles to suit your taste
We always start with a slightly longer bar (usually 8mm) to allow for any swelling. Don’t worry if it looks a bit long at first – that’s completely normal.
The Healing Journey: What to Expect
Right, let’s talk about healing. It’s not just a matter of getting pierced and forgetting about it – proper aftercare is absolutely essential.
First Few Days: Your ear might feel quite warm and look a bit red. That’s your body’s natural response and nothing to worry about. You might notice:
- A bit of swelling
- Some tenderness
- A slight throbbing sensation
- A small amount of clear fluid
First Few Weeks: Things start settling down, but you’ll need to stay vigilant with your aftercare. Keep your hair tied back and try not to sleep on that side.
First Few Months: This is when the real healing happens. Even though it might look and feel fine on the outside, the inside is still healing. Be patient – good things take time!
Proper Aftercare: The Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Clean twice daily with sterile saline solution
- Pat dry with clean kitchen roll
- Keep your hair away from the piercing
- Wait until fully healed before changing jewellery
DON’T:
- Use tea tree oil or other harsh cleaners
- Twist or fiddle with the piercing
- Sleep directly on it
- Forget to come back for your downsizing appointment
The All-Important Downsizing
Here’s something brilliant about our service – we offer free downsizing! Once the initial swelling’s gone down (usually about 4-8 weeks), you’ll need to pop back in. We’ll swap that longer bar for one that fits perfectly, which helps prevent:
- Catching on clothes and hair
- Irritation and bumps
- Migration (where the piercing slowly moves)
- General discomfort
Looking After Your Helix Long-Term
Even after it’s healed, your helix piercing needs a bit of TLC. Think of it like having a fancy watch – you want to keep it looking its best. We recommend:
- Regular cleaning, especially after using hair products
- Careful handling when changing jewellery
- Quality jewellery that’s properly fitted
- Regular check-ups if you notice any issues
Common Questions We Get Asked
“Can I wear headphones?“ Best to wait a few weeks, and then use over-ear ones rather than earbuds.
“How long until I can change the jewellery?” Wait at least 6-9 months, and pop in to see us for the first change.
“What about swimming?” Hold off for at least 4 weeks, and use a waterproof plaster if you must swim.
Why Choose Us for Your Helix?
We’re not just about doing piercings – we’re proper passionate about getting everything absolutely perfect. With over a decade of experience, we know exactly what works and what doesn’t.
Our studio in Lichfield is clean, welcoming, and professionally run. We’re fully licensed, insured, and always up-to-date with the latest piercing techniques.
Ready to Take the Plunge?
Whether you’re ready to book or just fancy a chat about your options, we’re here to help. Pop in for a consultation, and we’ll go through everything you need to know.
Remember, a good helix piercing isn’t just about the initial procedure – it’s about the whole journey from start to finish. We’ll be with you every step of the way, making sure you end up with a piercing you absolutely love.
Want to get started? Give us a bell, drop us an email, or use our online booking system. We can’t wait to help you create your perfect helix piercing!
Your piercing journey is our priority – let’s make it brilliant together.
