Helix
piercing
The outer cartilage rim — suited to chains, clusters, staggered pairs, and the foundation of most curated ears.
A classic with real range
The helix runs along the upper curve of the ear's outer cartilage. It's one of the most versatile placements we do — a single helix piercing reads quietly on its own, but sets the foundation for chains, clusters, and larger compositions as a curated ear develops.
Because it's cartilage, it needs the same clinical attention as any structural placement. We use a 16g needle, implant-grade titanium starter jewellery, and a longer post to account for the inflammation that always accompanies cartilage healing.
The helix rewards patience. Placed well and left alone during healing, it becomes one of the most adaptable pieces on the ear.
Exactly what to expect
What healing looks like
Tenderness, some swelling
Normal and expected. Sleep on the opposite side. Saline rinses morning and evening. Do not twist, turn, or touch the jewellery.
Visible inflammation reduces
Crusting may appear around the jewellery — leave it. Continue saline rinses. No swimming, saunas, or oceans.
We see you back
Complimentary downsize appointment. Swelling has subsided; we fit a shorter post to suit the settled placement.
Remodelling complete
The channel is stable. You can now change jewellery freely and consider the next placement in your curation plan.
Nine rules. No exceptions
Cartilage heals slowly because it's avascular — blood doesn't reach the tissue the way it does in a lobe. Following these precisely is the difference between a clean heal and months of trouble.
- 01Saline rinse twice dailySterile saline only. No hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or tea tree oil.
- 02Do not twist or rotateThe jewellery should move only when you downsize it. Rotation tears fresh tissue.
- 03Sleep on the opposite sidePressure during sleep is the leading cause of cartilage bumps. A travel pillow helps.
- 04No pools, oceans, or saunasFor at least six weeks. Water carries bacteria; heat delays healing.
- 05Phones kept cleanA phone against the ear is one of the dirtiest objects to contact a fresh piercing.
- 06Dry with clean tissue onlyPat dry — never rub. Bath towels harbour bacteria and snag on jewellery.
- 07Return for downsize at 3 monthsIncluded free. A long post on a healed piercing is what causes long-term bumps.
- 08No jewellery changes before 6 monthsUnless we do it for you. DIY changes on partially healed cartilage re-start healing.
Helix work
Questions we're asked, often
If your question isn't here, bring it to the consultation. We'd rather answer it in person.
Does it hurt?
Helix piercings are short, sharp, and over quickly — a crisp pressure rather than sustained pain. Most clients describe it as less uncomfortable than they expected. The soreness during the first two weeks is more notable than the piercing itself.
Can I pierce both sides at once?
We prefer not to. Sleeping on either side during the first weeks drives long-term healing trouble. Staggering by six to eight weeks means you always have a "good side" to sleep on.
Can I wear my headphones?
Over-ear headphones press on the piercing and should be avoided for the first three months. In-ear are fine. Many clients use a single over-ear for the opposite side during healing.
What if I get a bump?
Come see us. Cartilage bumps are nearly always either irritation (from pressure or a long post) or hypertrophic tissue — both respond to different interventions. We don't charge for troubleshooting.
When can I wear a BVLA piece?
After the three-month downsize, if the heal is tracking well. Some clients choose a BVLA starter at placement — implant-safe and ready to wear long-term, so no second jewellery change is needed.
Book your helix
All placements are by appointment. Expect a 45-minute slot, start to finish — with full anatomy consult, sterile placement, and aftercare included.
Jewellery for your
helix
Small, precise, and refined — the helix suits flat-back studs and delicate decorative ends. Every piece below is fitted in-studio at your appointment.
Browse all 88 BVLA pieces →
