The Ultimate Guide to Helix Piercings:

Pain, Healing, Aftercare & Jewelry Tips

Shop Helix Piercings 

💡 What Is a Helix Piercing?

A helix piercing is a type of ear cartilage piercing placed along the upper outer rim of the ear. It’s one of the most popular placements for building a curated ear stack, offering endless styling options with studs, huggies, and cuffs.

Whether you're starting your piercing journey or adding to your collection, the helix is a chic, versatile choice.

Gold Pavé Huggie Earring – 925 Sterling Silver | Galleria Armadoro
Gold Pavé Huggie Earring – 925 Sterling Silver | Galleria Armadoro

Zeina Gold Pavé Huggie Earring

€30.00
Zeina Two-Tone Huggie Earring – Mixed Metals | Galleria Armadoro
Zeina Two-Tone Huggie Earring – Mixed Metals | Galleria Armadoro

Zeina Two-Tone Huggie Earring

€30.00
Odette Bridal Stud Earring – Gold & White CZ | Galleria Armadoro
Odette Bridal Stud Earring – Gold & White CZ | Galleria Armadoro

Odette Gold Stud Earring

€36.00
Odette Silver Stud Earring
Odette Silver Stud Earring

Odette Silver Stud Earring

€36.00
Pavé Cross-Bar Huggie in 18ct Gold – 925 Sterling Silver | Galleria Armadoro
Pavé Cross-Bar Huggie in 18ct Gold – 925 Sterling Silver | Galleria Armadoro

Huda Gold Pavé Cross-Bar Huggie Earring

€34.00
Huda Two-Tone Pavé Cross-Bar Huggie
Huda Two-Tone Pavé Cross-Bar Huggie

Huda Two-Tone Pavé Cross-Bar Huggie

€34.00
Triple Ring Charm Huggie – Mixed Metal Gold Hoop | Galleria Armadoro
Triple Ring Charm Huggie – Mixed Metal Gold Hoop | Galleria Armadoro

Samira Triple Ring Charm Huggie

€41.00
Samira Triple Ring Huggie – Silver with Gold & CZ Charms | Galleria Armadoro
Samira Triple Ring Huggie – Silver with Gold & CZ Charms | Galleria Armadoro

Samira Triple Ring Silver Charm Huggie

€41.00

🤔 Do Helix Piercings Hurt?

Do helix piercings hurt? Yes — but it’s a quick pinch, not unbearable pain. Most people rate it 3–4 out of 10. The discomfort usually lasts a second or two during the actual piercing.

"Are helix piercings painful?"
Not really. They’re less painful than daith or conch piercings and heal well with proper care.

🧼 How Long Does a Helix Piercing Take to Heal?

Healing time for a helix piercing is typically 6 to 9 months, but it can take up to a year. Cartilage heals more slowly than earlobes.

  • ✅ No twisting or rotating during healing
  • ✅ Avoid sleeping on the pierced ear
  • ✅ Stick to one piece of jewelry until fully healed

✨ Want a Smooth Recovery?

Don’t miss our expert aftercare tips to help your new helix piercing heal faster and avoid irritation.

labeled diagram of helix piercing locations on ear
helix piercing healing time from week 1 to 6 months
model wearing three helix piercings with gold hoops

🛡️ Helix Piercing Aftercare Guide

Clean twice daily with sterile saline solution or a non-alcoholic wound spray.

Avoid:

  • Alcohol-based cleaners
  • Sleeping on the piercing
  • Touching it with dirty hands
  • Changing jewelry too soon

💸 How Much Does a Helix Piercing Cost?

Prices vary, but a helix piercing typically costs between €25–€50 depending on the studio and jewelry you choose.

👉 Want to elevate your look? Choose solid 14k gold or REACH-certified hypoallergenic options for long-lasting wear.

Floating Pyramid Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Floating Pyramid Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)

Floating Pyramid Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)

€24.00
Lacrima Pave Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Lacrima Pave Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)

Lacrima Pave Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)

€23.00
Lacrima Pave Silver Stud Earring (ball screw)
Lacrima Pave Silver Stud Earring (ball screw)

Lacrima Pave Silver Stud Earring (ball screw)

€23.00
Double Kyma Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Double Kyma Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)

Double Kyma Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)

€21.00
Floating Pyramid Silver Stud Earring (ball screw)
Floating Pyramid Silver Stud Earring (ball screw)

Floating Pyramid Silver Stud Earring (ball screw)

€24.00
Double Kyma Silver Stud Earring (ball screw)
Double Kyma Silver Stud Earring (ball screw)

Double Kyma Silver Stud Earring (ball screw)

€21.00
Flower Lola Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Flower Lola Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)

Flower Lola Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)

€24.00
Flower Lola Silver Stud Earring (ball screw)
Flower Lola Silver Stud Earring (ball screw)

Flower Lola Silver Stud Earring (ball screw)

€24.00

💛 From Dimitra Chouliaras, Founder & CCO

“We created our 6.5mm huggies after hearing from countless piercing clients who wanted a snug-but-safe fit for their helix piercings. They’re lightweight, secure, and designed to sit just right — whether it’s your first cartilage piercing or your third stack.”

“As our community grew, so did the requests — not just for mini huggies, but for studs that wouldn’t fall off mid-day. That’s why we introduced ball screw-back studs: they’re easy to twist on and off, ultra-secure, and a perfect match for our 925 sterling silver designs.”

🧭 What Gauge Is a Helix Piercing?

At Galleria Armadoro, all our piercing studs and huggies are crafted in 18G (1.0mm) — the most commonly used gauge for helix piercings. While some studios may use 16G (1.2mm), 18G is preferred for comfort, healing, and compatibility with most cartilage placements.

What size are helix piercings?”
 Most helix piercings are done in 18-gauge jewelry, which fits nearly all standard piercings and is ideal for first-timers and curated ear stacks.

🛠️ Why Our Studs Are Different:

Take our signature ball screw-back stud — designed for safety, comfort, and daily wear.

🖼️ See illustration below 👇

🔩 Ball screw is 4mm
→ Screws securely on so you never worry about losing it or pressure irritating your helix.

📏 Post length is 8.5mm
→ Shorter than traditional butterfly studs, so it sits comfortably without sticking out or catching.

📐 Gauge is 18G
→ The perfect size for cartilage and helix placements. Most piercers and studios agree it's the best long-term fit.

What Gauge Is a Helix Piercing?
What Gauge Is a Helix Piercing?

💍 Best Jewelry for Helix Piercings

You can wear:

At Galleria Armadoro, our Helix Piercing Collection is:

  • REACH certified
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Available in 18ct gold plating or white rhodium
  • Designed for stacking

✨ Ready to Style Your Helix?

Mix, match, and stack your way to the perfect ear story with our signature piercing pieces.

helix piercing and stacked lobe
second lobe piercing and standard helix piercing

🔁 Can You Get Multiple Helix Piercings?

Yes! Double and triple helix piercings are trending in 2025. They look stunning when stacked with matching mini hoops or curved cuffs.

  • Standard Helix – outer upper rim
  • Forward Helix – near the face, above the tragus
  • Mid Helix – between the upper and middle ear rim

Each offers different styling options. Forward helix piercings look great with tiny studs, while standard helix is perfect for bold hoops.

✨ Need Ideas?

Get inspired with expert styling tips and real ear stacks from our guide archive.

📌 Placement Variations: Flat vs Forward Helix

There are 3 popular types of helix placements:

✨ Need Ideas?

Get inspired with expert styling tips and real ear stacks from our guide archive.

standard helix
mid helix

❓ Top FAQs About Helix Piercings

About 6 to 9 months, depending on your body and aftercare routine.
Only a quick pinch — most people say it’s very tolerable.
Flat-back labrets or hinged huggies in hypoallergenic materials.
Not during healing. Use a travel pillow or sleep on the opposite side.
Typically between €25 and €50, depending on your studio and jewelry choice.
Yes, and double/triple stacks are super trendy in 2025.
Cartilage tissue has less blood flow, so healing is naturally slower.
Usually 16G (1.2mm), but some use 18G (1.0mm).
No. Cartilage piercings need internally threaded or flat-back posts.
A little redness is normal. Persistent swelling or pus? Consult your piercer.

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