Helix Piercing Guide New

SINGLE OR STACKED.
STUD OR HOOP.
YOUR CALL.

Piercing Guide

Helix Piercing

Timeless, Refined,

Effortlessly Cool

6/10

Pain level

9 to 12 months

Healing time

From $180

Jewellery

Book a helix piercing shop our helix styles

IS A HELIX RIGHT FOR ME?

The helix sits along the upper cartilage of your ear and is one of the most versatile placements for building your stack. Keep it subtle with a single stud or make a statement with a double or triple. Already pierced? Your helix is ready for its next look.

SINGLE OR STACKED

Start with one along the outer ridge, then build a double or triple. Allow at least four months between each.

FORWARD OR MID

A forward helix frames the face at the front rim. A mid helix bridges your lobe and upper cartilage.

STYLING MADE EASY

Keep our flat back post in, swap the top. A new look in seconds, no piercer needed.

SHOP HELIX JEWELLERY

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Does a helix piercing hurt?

How long does a helix piercing take to heal?

Allow 9 to 12 months for a helix to fully heal. Cartilage is in constant contact with hair, towels and pillows, so be patient even when it feels settled.

Expect mild swelling and redness for the first 72 hours, and a clear fluid that dries into a light crust around weeks 2 to 4. Clean twice daily for at least 6 to 8 weeks, then once daily as it stabilises.

What jewellery can I wear in a helix piercing?

We pierce with internally threaded 14K solid gold, engineered to look beautiful while you heal. In some cases your piercer may recommend a silicone piercing disc on the back to support healing and reduce the risk of bumps.

Once fully healed, go timeless with our Diamond Petit Solitaire or add a modern edge with the Wave Piercing Hoop.

Can I sleep on a helix piercing?

Is a helix piercing suitable for me?

Most ears suit a single helix along the outer ridge of the upper cartilage. A forward helix needs enough depth beneath the surface, so not every ear can support it. Book a complimentary consultation and your piercer will assess your anatomy first.

Planning a stack? Your piercer will guide your spacing so each piercing is easy to clean and change, and sits in balance with the rest of your ear.

Can I change my jewellery myself?

We don’t recommend changing your helix jewellery until it’s fully healed. Changing too early can cause irritation, infection or scarring, so wait a minimum of 9 months.

Your piercer will discuss downsizing your post between weeks 5 and 12, and until you’re fully healed we’ll change your jewellery as a complimentary service in any of our studios. Never leave your piercing empty, as it can begin to close within hours.

What are the risks?

Some swelling, redness, warmth and clear discharge are normal in the first weeks. Risks specific to the helix:

Everyday contact. Hair, towels and pillows are in constant contact with the upper ear, which can irritate a healing helix.
Sleeping on it. Pressure from a pillow can cause swelling and irritation. Sleep on the other side, or use our Sleep On It pillow.
Hair products. Shampoo and conditioner residue can irritate a fresh helix. Rinse around it with a removable shower head before applying aftercare spray.
Changing jewellery too early. Swapping before 9 months can cause irritation, infection or scarring.
Forward helix anatomy. Not every ear has the depth to support a forward helix, which is why your piercer assesses your ear first.

Contact us immediately if you notice sudden or excessive swelling, yellow or green discharge, heavy bleeding, red streaks, fever, dizziness or nausea. Our piercers are here for aftercare support seven days a week, but we are not medical practitioners, so see a doctor if you suspect an infection.

Is a helix piercing safe?

Yes, when it’s done properly.

Every Covetear piercing uses a sterile, single-use needle, never a gun, and 14K solid gold jewellery, with posts made from freshly alloyed gold and white gold finished in hypoallergenic rhodium.

Every piercing also includes unlimited complimentary aftercare appointments, so our team is with you until you’re fully healed.

THE HELIX, CURATED

One placement, endless ways to wear it. Find the look that’s yours.

MEET THE PIERCERS

WHAT OUR EXPERTS SAY ABOUT HELIX PIERCINGS

Alex

Melbourne

“The conch is my go-to recommendation for someone's first cartilage piercing. It's unique, a little more protected from accidental knocks, and I love styling them with irregular shapes, especially pieces with a natural curve.”

Kat

Gold Coast

“5 hearts for styling, 4 for healing. The conch is a standout piercing with endless styling options, from statement curves to delicate studs and rings. Pain is usually quick and surprisingly manageable. But don't be fooled by early healing. Swelling can fluctuate, and patience and diligent aftercare are essential.”

Lila

Brisbane

“The conch is hands down my favourite piercing! Pain-wise, it's a quick, manageable pinch. Healing takes patience, but it's so worth it. I love how versatile it is to style, whether with a dainty stud, a statement piece or a hoop once healed!”

Kaylea

Melbourne

“The conch can completely transform an ear curation. Its versatile placement works beautifully with both statement jewellery and understated hoops, complementing the ear's natural shape. Personally, my conch piercings were my least painful and easiest to heal, and many of my clients have had the same experience.”

Shuen

Sydney

“Stubbing your toe hurts more than a conch piercing, and you don't even get a sparkly gem out of it! The conch is a great alternative to a helix, sitting centrally to bring your ear curation together. It's surprisingly manageable pain-wise, and its protected placement makes healing easier too.”

WHAT IS A FORWARD HELIX?

The forward helix sits on the small outer rim at the front of your ear, a refined placement that frames the face beautifully. Not every ear has the depth to support it, so book a complimentary consultation and your piercer will check this for you. Expect a sharper pinch than a standard helix, around 8/10, that settles quickly.