Helix Piercing

When someone mentioned that you would look great with a helix piercing, that left you with some questions. While you learned a little about them during that conversation, there’s more that you would like to know. Here’s some information that will help you decide if this type of piercing is something you would like to pursue.

What is a Helix Piercing and Where is It Placed?

This type of piercing refers to a small ornamentation that’s placed in the upper cartilage of one or both ears. The piercing itself is usually adorned with a small stud or small hoops. Technically, you can choose any type of hypoallergenic piercing jewellery in surgical steel, titanium, BioPlast or gold that suits your taste.

While in the past ear piercings could be done in a mall at your local jewelry store, these days Health Canada recommends that any piercing should be done by a professional body piercer who is inspected by the same government body. We will go in more depth further in our blog.

Are There Different Kinds of Helix Piercings?

There’s not only one helix piercing. That means you’ll get to choose among a number of variations. To help you have some idea of what’s available, here are a few:

A single helix piercing is placed along toward the middle of the cartilage. Sometimes called a mid helix piercing, this is great if you want to go with one and make the jewellery a little more prominent.

A double helix piercing follows the same basic approach as the single. The difference is that you do two piercings on the same ear in the cartilage. These are also usually centred, but you can spread them out more if you like.

A forward helix piercing is placed in the outer cartilage and closer to your face. It’s also a form of an upper helix piercing and actually one of the more common options.

As the name implies, a triple helix piercing includes a series of three piercings in the upper cartilage of a single ear. One approach is to have one of the three centred and the other two flanking each end of the upper cartilage. Another strategy is to position all three piercings in the middle third of the cartilage. A professional can make recommendations for the placement based on whether you plan on wearing somewhat subtle jewellery or something more elaborate.

You’ll hear other terms used, like low helix piercing or mid helix piercing. An expert can help you understand what they mean and how they relate to the placement and type of helix piercing you have in mind.

What Sort of Preparation is Needed?

Before you head out to receive your first flat helix piercing, do make a few basic preparations. They include things to do as well as things to avoid. Putting these tips to good use will make the experience more enjoyable.

Choosing the right shop is the first item on the agenda. You want a shop that’s known for being among the best piercing shops in the GTA. Such a shop is likely to be in full compliance with Toronto’s Public Health Standards and Guidelines. This ensures the piercing will take place in a clean environment and under the care of someone who knows how to manage the task.

Do avoid alcohol consumption or the use of anything that tends to thin the blood. Since you’re dealing with cartilage, the potential for bleeding is definitely there. The last thing you need is anything that makes it harder to stop the bleeding or to keep it to a minimum.

It’s a good idea to have something light to eat before setting out on your mission. Doing so will ensure that your blood sugar remains stable while the helix shield piercing is in progress. You may also want to slip a tiny snack into your pocket as well. Once the piercing is done, enjoying the snack will also help you feel more balanced. Something like an individually wrapped granola bar will do the trick nicely.

Will There Be Discomfort?

There’s always the potential for some type of discomfort during and after undergoing helix ear piercings. Generally, the safety measures taken by the expert will help keep it to a minimum. If you’ve avoided alcohol, that will also help ensure there’s less pain during and immediately after the piercing is completed.

Do keep in mind there’s some potential for swelling. This can be alleviated by applying cold to the area for a day or two. It doesn’t have to be constant cold. You can place something against the piercing helix for 20 minutes at a time as often as you like. You may be among the lucky ones who experience no swelling at all.

Remember that the degree of helix piercing pain will be connected with your tolerance for discomfort in general. People who generally feel very little when receiving a shot are likely to experience minor discomfort while receiving a piercing.

How About Caring for the Piercing Afterwards?

It’s still a good idea to avoid alcohol for a day or two after receiving that front helix piercing. The same is true if you usually take anything else that’s known to thin the blood. Even if there doesn’t appear to be any bleeding at first, remain cautious and be mindful of what you take.

We recommend an Antibacterial Skin Cleanser such as Trisan for these piercings. Thoroughly wash your hands before cleaning. Apply the cleanser to a cotton swab and gently clean both sides of the piercing. Rinse thoroughly. Apply gently on each side of the piercing a medical grade saline lotion like Dr. Piercing. For your convenience, you can consult one of our professional piercers in person or via email and you can purchase all recommended aftercare products at Black Line Studio or at drpiercing.ca

Be sure to avoid:

• Soaking your piercing (baths, swimming etc)
• Chlorinated water
• Hydrogen Peroxide or Alcohol
• Oil-based ointments
• Frequent contact with unwashed hands
• Covering your piercing (bandaids, ointments)

If you do notice some pain or inflammation, it’s fine to take an over the counter pain reliever. Just make sure it’s one that doesn’t thin the blood.

What If I Want Another One?

That first one looks so good that you’re thinking about more. It’s not difficult to transform a single into a triple forward helix piercing. Go back to the same professional and outline what you have in mind.

If the plan is to do the other ear, talk with the expert about either mirroring the one that’s already done or possibly opting for something unique. You may find that a hoop helix piercing in one ear paired with a stud in the other appeals to your tastes. Whatever you have in mind, rest assured the helix cartilage piercing will be done with care.

Call us or stop by today and let’s explore what Helix piercing by Black Line Studio could do for you. Once you make your selection, our team will make sure everything is done properly and to your satisfaction.