Helix Piercing Guide New

The upper-ear piercing

you have heard of before.

Single, stacked or forward helix.

Piercing Guide

Helix Piercing

Timeless, Refined,

Effortlessly Cool

6/10

Pain level

9 to 12 months

Healing time

From $170

Jewellery

Book a helix piercing shop our helix styles

IS A HELIX RIGHT FOR ME?

The helix piercing sits on the upper rim of your ear and is one of the easiest placements to build a stack around. Keep it subtle with a single helix stud, or make a statement with a double or triple helix. Already pierced? Your helix is ready for its next look.

SINGLE OR STACKED

Start with one helix, then build to a double or triple. Allow at least 2 months between each new piercing.

HELIX OR FORWARD HELIX

A helix sits on the outer rim of your upper ear. A forward helix sits at the front of the rim, closest to your face.

STYLING MADE EASY

Keep our flat back post in, swap the top. Once healed, change to a new look in seconds.

SHOP HELIX JEWELLERY

MEET THE PIERCERS

WHAT OUR EXPERTS SAY ABOUT HELIX PIERCINGS

Sydney

“With eleven fully healed helix piercings, I've learnt that building an ear curation takes time. The piercing itself is just a quick pinch, but healing requires patience. Avoid touching, bumping or sleeping on your piercings. Start with one or two, let them heal, then build your dream stack.”

Lila

Brisbane

“The helix is such a timeless piercing. The initial pain is relatively mild, although healing can be a little tricky, especially if you're a side sleeper. I love how effortlessly it can be styled with delicate studs, hoops or stacked jewellery. That said, I do have a soft spot for a mid-helix.”

Shuen

Sydney

“People often see the helix as the natural next step after a few lobe piercings. It's a relatively straightforward piercing and honestly, it doesn't hurt nearly as much as you might think. The main thing to be aware of is healing. Sitting on the outer edge of the ear, the helix is more prone to snagging and getting caught on things, so it needs a little extra attention while it settles in.”

Alex

Melbourne

“The Helix is a classic for a reason. Definitely a tough one to heal, but so worth it! Whether it's something simple or something extravagant like a tassel, helix piercings are incredibly versatile and always look good.”

Kat

Gold Coast

“The helix is timeless, perfectly positioned to catch the light of a diamond. Let your piercer know if you'd like to wear a hoop later. Healing can be tricky, with bumps, snags and sleeping pressure requiring extra care. Once healed, it's one of the easiest piercings to change yourself.”

THE HELIX, CURATED

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

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.

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.