What is a forward helix piercing?
A forward helix piercing is placed on the outer (usually upper) cartilage closest to your face by being pierced through the forward-facing surface directly above the tragus. This piercing is done in a very typical fashion, so there’s nothing too exciting about it.
What is a double helix piercing, or triple?
A triple helix is when there are two more studs going up from the initial forward helix, creating a line of three studs. If you get a double forward helix piercing, then it’s two studs in total.
How painful is a double helix piercing?
Pain Will Vary. The general answer given by those that have had a double helix is that the pain falls into the medium level. It hurts more than getting just your earlobe pierced but less than some other body piercings. Any way you look at it that sharp pain of the actual piercing will only last a few seconds.
How Much do Double Helix Piercings Hurt?
5 out of 10. Double helix piercings rank at a 5/10 on the pain scale. While piercing pain varies depending on your pain tolerance, this piercing will be more painful than most because it goes through cartilage.
It is normal for your ear to be swollen and irritated for the first few days. Diligent aftercare methods will make these issues less severe. Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help ease swelling and discomfort in the meantime.
Can I get 2 helix piercings at once?
While a normal forward helix wraps around the cartilage on your upper ear, what’s given the uncommon piercings lasting power is that they can be done in multiples. Double forward helix piercings—or even triple—allow you to get multiple piercings at once for a truly unique and interesting ear piercing.
What does a double helix piercing say about you?
Helix: If you have a helix piercing, you’re not exactly edgy, but you got this because you’re trying to be. Basically, you wanted something that says “I’m cool and daring,” but at the same time you can’t commit to anything too crazy… and god forbid you to pierce anything on your actual face.
Is it safe to get a double helix piercing?
Like any piercing, double helix piercings can become infected if you don’t clean them and care for them properly. Infections can be very painful and can also make it take much longer for your piercings to fully heal, so they should be avoided whenever possible.
Double Helix Piercing Piercing Procedure
The first step to any piercing is finding a reputable piercer. When you arrive at the shop, your piercer will go over the procedure with you and have you fill out some paperwork. After setup, your ear cartilage will be cleaned in preparation for your piercings. Your piercer will use a surgical pen to mark the spots where your punctures will be. Make sure you like these spots before moving forward!
Once everything is ready, your piercer will clamp your ear to keep it steady and puncture your ear cartilage with a hollow needle. The needle will quickly be swapped out for jewelry and the process will be repeated for the second puncture. Afterwards, your piercer will discuss aftercare methods with you. Make sure you ask any lingering questions before leaving.
What is a double helix piercing good for?
Double helix is a very popular type of ear piercing because it allows you to show off two pieces of body jewelry, with one very close to the other. You can include two of the same style of double helix earrings or different ones, depending on the image you’re going for.
Cons and Pros of Double Helix Piercing
Pros of Double Helix Piercing
- Double helix piercings can be dressed up or down depending on the jewelry. You can change your jewelry out after healing for flashy rings or gemmed labrets.
- The piercing procedure is quick and you don’t need to do both piercings at the same time.
Cons of Double Helix Piercing
- The double helix procedure is more painful than earlobe piercings because it penetrates cartilage.
- Infection or piercing bumps are a concern with any piercing. Using proper aftercare technique will minimize the chances of these complications.
Can a helix piercing paralyze you?
It is a common myth that if a piercing is not done in the exact correct place that you will become paralyzed. This simply is not true! This myth originated because of a single case where after having her ears pierced, 15 year old Grace Etherington became paralyzed.
Does a double helix take longer to heal?
Consider the Healing Time. Cartilage is much thicker than your earlobes and takes significantly longer to heal. Your double-helix piercing’s standard healing time can take anywhere from four to six months—with proper care.
Double Helix Piercing Healing and Aftercare
Your healing time can be slightly reduced if you are diligent with your aftercare practices. The pointers below will help get you started on a solid aftercare regimen:
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing.
- Sleep on your back or opposite side to avoid putting pressure on your piercing.
- Do not touch your piercing unless you are cleaning it.
- Avoid ear keloids by choosing fitted jewelry after healing.
- Clean your piercing as instructed below to avoid piercing infection.
How long does it take for a double helix piercing to heal?
Six months.Because you’re getting two piercings close together on your ear cartilage, a double helix piercing usually takes up to six months to heal, though the exact amount of time will depend upon the specifics of your body. Be prepared for the possibility that your specific healing process will take longer.
Should I move my helix piercing while healing?
Cartilage piercings are susceptible to complications like cartilage bumps, so it’s important to watch your piercing as it heals and refrain from moving the jewelry. Cartilage heals differently than soft skin, and it can be easily damaged during healing.
When can I stop cleaning my double helix piercing?
It is vital that you do not over-clean the piercing. If it has been longer than four months, do not clean the piercing anymore. Even if there is still crusting or signs of healing, you can remove any debris at the end of the shower. Excessive and prolonged cleaning and moisture can cause complications.
How to Clean Your Double Helix Piercing?
You’ll need saline solution to clean your double helix piercing.
- Buy some at your piercing shop or make your own by dissolving 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt in 8 oz of warm water.
- Pour some solution on a clean pad or towel and hold it on your piercing for a few minutes. This will help soothe your piercing and soften any debris that may be stuck.
- Gently clean off the ends of your jewelry and discard the towel.
- Repeat this procedure once in the morning and once at night to ensure your piercing regularly stays clean.
What is the best way to clean a double helix piercing?
Use a saline soak: Dissolving 1 teaspoon of table salt into a cup of comfortably hot water produces a saline soak. You can soak your cartilage piercing in saline several times a day. This will soften any crusted material and clean the area. Don’t touch your jewelry.
How long do you have to clean double helix piercing?
Clean your piercing every day for two to three weeks after having it done, since this is the primary healing stage. Keep the area around the piercing clean and free to the air. Air can help make a difference in the healing time.
Do Double Helix piercings get infected easily?
A helix piercing refers to a piercing in the upper or outer cartilage of the ear. Helix piercings are more prone to infection due to less blood flow to the area. Cleaning your helix piercing correctly is crucial to avoiding infection and scarring.
How Much do Double Helix Piercings Cost?
Because a helix piercing is a bit more complicated in terms of placement, you can expect to pay up to $90 or $100 for a well-done piercing. However, you can also find experienced, reputable piercers charging close to $30, so there’s a large range in terms of what you can expect to pay.
- In the US, double helix piercings cost anywhere from $40 to $60.
- In the UK, double helix piercings cost anywhere from £20 to £40.
- In Europe, double helix piercings cost anywhere from €25 to €35.
The price indicates the experience of the piercer and usually includes basic jewelry. Any jewelry upgrades will most likely cost more.
Jewelry Material Used for the Double Helix Piercings
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is a very popular choice for helix jewelry because it comes in various colors and shapes without losing any of its high quality. However, stainless steel does have nickel in it, so stay away from it if you’re allergic.
Gold
While gold isn’t necessarily the best metal for helix jewelry, it’s not a bad choice. If you’re someone who wants to correspond your piercing to the rest of your jewelry or some other aesthetic reason, gold is a great option. Be sure to get jewelry that’s at least 14 karats, though, to avoid metal that’s too soft.
Titanium
Titanium is just as solid of a choice as stainless steel is, considering it comes in tons of different appearances. The only difference between the two is that titanium does not have nickel, so it’s safe for everyone.
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