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.

Two-tone Kora piercing bead huggie earring in sterling silver with gold bead and CZ halo on beige marble background
Kora two-tone bead huggie earring worn in lobe piercing, mixed silver and gold with sparkling CZ halo
Pair of Kora two-tone bead huggie earrings on matte beige surface showing full CZ halo detail
Kora piercing bead huggie earring open to show hinged closure and mixed-metal design
Kora two-tone bead huggie resting on textured stone, highlighting CZ halo and polished silver hoop
Macro detail of Kora bead huggie with all-around CZ halo and polished gold bead
Macro detail of Kora bead huggie with all-around CZ halo and polished gold bead
Two-tone Kora piercing bead huggie earring in sterling silver with gold bead and CZ halo on beige marble background
Kora two-tone bead huggie earring worn in lobe piercing, mixed silver and gold with sparkling CZ halo
Pair of Kora two-tone bead huggie earrings on matte beige surface showing full CZ halo detail
Kora piercing bead huggie earring open to show hinged closure and mixed-metal design
Kora two-tone bead huggie resting on textured stone, highlighting CZ halo and polished silver hoop
Macro detail of Kora bead huggie with all-around CZ halo and polished gold bead
Macro detail of Kora bead huggie with all-around CZ halo and polished gold bead

Kora Piercing Bead Two-Tone Huggie

€47.00
Gold Kora bead huggie earring on marble with soft directional lighting
Gold Kora bead huggie worn in lobe piercing with full CZ halo
Kora gold piercing bead huggie on matte beige marble background
Angled macro of Kora gold huggie with polished bead and CZ ring
Open gold Kora bead huggie showing hinged design and crystal halo
Gold Kora bead huggie earring on marble with soft directional lighting
Pair of Kora gold bead huggie earrings with halo-set crystals
Gold Kora bead huggie earring with full CZ halo resting on palm
Kora gold huggie casting soft shadow on cream marble background
Gold Kora bead huggie worn in lobe piercing with full CZ halo
Gold Kora bead huggie earring on marble with soft directional lighting
Gold Kora bead huggie worn in lobe piercing with full CZ halo
Kora gold piercing bead huggie on matte beige marble background
Angled macro of Kora gold huggie with polished bead and CZ ring
Open gold Kora bead huggie showing hinged design and crystal halo
Gold Kora bead huggie earring on marble with soft directional lighting
Pair of Kora gold bead huggie earrings with halo-set crystals
Gold Kora bead huggie earring with full CZ halo resting on palm
Kora gold huggie casting soft shadow on cream marble background
Gold Kora bead huggie worn in lobe piercing with full CZ halo

Kora Piercing Bead Huggie – Gold

€47.00
Gold Ophelia pavé huggie with pear-cut centre stone displayed on warm stone background.
Ophelia pavé huggie worn on earlobe, pear-shaped centre stone facing forward.
Open view of Ophelia pavé huggie showing hinge mechanism and micro-pavé stones.
Gold Ophelia pavé huggie with pear-cut centre stone displayed on warm stone background.
Ophelia pavé huggie worn on earlobe, pear-shaped centre stone facing forward.
Open view of Ophelia pavé huggie showing hinge mechanism and micro-pavé stones.

Ophelia Pavé Huggie – Gold

€44.00
Gold Mina Pavé hinged ear cuff standing open, showing hinge mechanism and cubic zirconia stones.
Mina Pavé Cuff worn on mid-ear, showing pavé detail and no-piercing design.
Mina Pavé Cuff Earring – Gold OPEN
Mina Pavé Cuff styled with pavé huggie, highlighting non-pierced cuff earring look.
Gold pavé ear cuff worn above hoop earring, close-up on mid-ear placement.
Gold Mina Pavé hinged ear cuff standing open, showing hinge mechanism and cubic zirconia stones.
Mina Pavé Cuff worn on mid-ear, showing pavé detail and no-piercing design.
Mina Pavé Cuff Earring – Gold OPEN
Mina Pavé Cuff styled with pavé huggie, highlighting non-pierced cuff earring look.
Gold pavé ear cuff worn above hoop earring, close-up on mid-ear placement.

Mina Pavé Cuff Earring – Gold

€43.00
Mina Pavé Cuff Earring – Silver
Mina Pavé Cuff Earring – Silver open
Mina Pavé Cuff Earring – Silver modl
Mina Pavé Cuff Earring – Silver
Mina Pavé Cuff Earring – Silver open
Mina Pavé Cuff Earring – Silver modl

Mina Pavé Cuff Earring – Silver

€43.00
Leona Gold Huggie Earring in sculptural 18ct gold-plated sterling silver with hand-set pavé CZ stones, designed by Galleria Armadoro.
Leona Gold Huggie Earring
Model wearing the Leona Gold Huggie Earring — small 9mm gold hoop hugging the lobe, handcrafted in sterling silver and plated with 18ct gold by Galleria Armadoro.
Rear view of Leona Gold Huggie Earring showing 925 sterling silver base with 18ct gold plating and detailed pavé stonework.
Side angle of Leona Gold Huggie Earring — 13mm sculptural hoop with petal texture and CZ pavé details by Galleria Armadoro.
Leona Gold Huggie Earring in sculptural 18ct gold-plated sterling silver with hand-set pavé CZ stones, designed by Galleria Armadoro.
Leona Gold Huggie Earring
Model wearing the Leona Gold Huggie Earring — small 9mm gold hoop hugging the lobe, handcrafted in sterling silver and plated with 18ct gold by Galleria Armadoro.
Rear view of Leona Gold Huggie Earring showing 925 sterling silver base with 18ct gold plating and detailed pavé stonework.
Side angle of Leona Gold Huggie Earring — 13mm sculptural hoop with petal texture and CZ pavé details by Galleria Armadoro.

Leona Gold Huggie Earring

€55.00
Elara Two-Tone Huggie Earring in 18ct gold and white rhodium plated sterling silver with sculptural design by Galleria Armadoro.
Model wearing Elara Two-Tone Huggie Earring — sculptural gold and silver hoop with pavé sparkle by Galleria Armadoro.
Elara Two-Tone Huggie Earring
Open view of Elara Two-Tone Huggie Earring showing fluid sculptural form in gold and silver plating with CZ pavé details.
Elara Two-Tone Huggie Earring close-up showing pavé detailing and alternating gold and silver leaf-like curves.
Elara Two-Tone Huggie Earring
Elara Two-Tone Huggie Earring in 18ct gold and white rhodium plated sterling silver with sculptural design by Galleria Armadoro.
Model wearing Elara Two-Tone Huggie Earring — sculptural gold and silver hoop with pavé sparkle by Galleria Armadoro.
Elara Two-Tone Huggie Earring
Open view of Elara Two-Tone Huggie Earring showing fluid sculptural form in gold and silver plating with CZ pavé details.
Elara Two-Tone Huggie Earring close-up showing pavé detailing and alternating gold and silver leaf-like curves.
Elara Two-Tone Huggie Earring

Elara Two-Tone Huggie Earring

€48.00
Noor Gold Huggie Earring
Model wearing the Noor Gold Huggie Earring by Galleria Armadoro — 9.5mm gold pavé huggie that hugs the lobe, minimal and luxurious.
noor gold huggie side
Side view of Noor Gold Huggie Earring showing 18ct gold plating and pavé CZ stones — hypoallergenic sterling silver huggie earring.
Noor Gold Huggie Earring
Model wearing the Noor Gold Huggie Earring by Galleria Armadoro — 9.5mm gold pavé huggie that hugs the lobe, minimal and luxurious.
noor gold huggie side
Side view of Noor Gold Huggie Earring showing 18ct gold plating and pavé CZ stones — hypoallergenic sterling silver huggie earring.

Noor Gold Huggie Earring

€47.00

🤔 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.

Lacrima Pave Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Lacrima Pave Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw) model
Lacrima Pave Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Lacrima Pave Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Lacrima Pave Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Lacrima Pave Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Lacrima Pave Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Lacrima Pave Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw) model
Lacrima Pave Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Lacrima Pave Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Lacrima Pave Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Lacrima Pave Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)

Lacrima Pave Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)

€24.00
Lacrima Pave Silver Stud Earring (ball screw)
silver stud earrings
silver stud earrings
silver stud earrings
silver stud earrings
Lacrima Pave Silver Stud Earring (ball screw)
silver stud earrings
silver stud earrings
silver stud earrings
silver stud earrings

Lacrima Pave Silver Stud Earring (ball screw)

€24.00
Double Kyma Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
gold stud earrings
gold stud earrings
gold stud earrings
gold stud earrings
Double Kyma Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
gold stud earrings
gold stud earrings
gold stud earrings
gold stud earrings

Double Kyma Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)

€26.00
Floating Pyramid Silver Stud Earring (ball screw)
silver stud earrings
silver stud earrings
silver stud earrings
silver stud earrings
Floating Pyramid Silver Stud Earring (ball screw)
silver stud earrings
silver stud earrings
silver stud earrings
silver stud earrings

Floating Pyramid Silver Stud Earring (ball screw)

€26.00
Super Mini Baguette Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Super Mini Baguette Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Super Mini Baguette Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Super Mini Baguette Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Super Mini Baguette Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Super Mini Baguette Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Super Mini Baguette Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Super Mini Baguette Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Super Mini Baguette Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Super Mini Baguette Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Super Mini Baguette Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Super Mini Baguette Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Super Mini Baguette Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
Super Mini Baguette Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)

Super Mini Baguette Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)

€16.00
Flower Lola Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
gold stud earrings
gold stud earrings
gold stud earrings
gold stud earrings
gold stud earrings
gold stud earrings
Flower Lola Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)
gold stud earrings
gold stud earrings
gold stud earrings
gold stud earrings
gold stud earrings
gold stud earrings

Flower Lola Gold Vermeil Stud Earring (ball screw)

€24.00
Flower Lola Silver Stud Earring (ball screw)
silver stud earrings
silver stud earrings
silver stud earrings
silver stud earrings
Flower Lola Silver Stud Earring (ball screw)
silver stud earrings
silver stud earrings
silver stud earrings
silver stud earrings

Flower Lola Silver Stud Earring (ball screw)

€24.00
Kyma gold vermeil stud (ball screw)
Kyma gold vermeil stud (ball screw)
Kyma gold vermeil stud (ball screw)
Kyma gold vermeil stud (ball screw)
Kyma gold vermeil stud (ball screw)
Kyma gold vermeil stud (ball screw)
Kyma gold vermeil stud (ball screw)
Kyma gold vermeil stud (ball screw)
Kyma gold vermeil stud (ball screw)
Kyma gold vermeil stud (ball screw)

Kyma gold vermeil stud (ball screw)

€20.00

💛 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.

GA On Instagram