Helix piercings had been the most demanded piercings of late times. Of course, body art lovers consider it as a medium for self-expression. Let’s take a look at all that you need to know about helix piercings, including its history, types, aftercare, and type of pain experience, along with style options. Whether it is a first piercing or one of several collections, you will find all information regarding these piercing options here.
Ear piercing on the top part refers to helix piercing. This could either be a cartilage ear piercing. Helix piercings refer to an outer rim of the ear. You can pierce along any area of this rim. Therefore, you will have a different look each time. Helix piercings can be worn with any type of jewelry. This means one can have his or her expression of style with them.
Types of Helix Piercings:
Interestingly, there are quite a few variations of helix piercings, in fact which makes them placed differently and thus makes them stylishly adorned. Here are the popular types these days:
Single Helix Piercing: This is the most basic form of piercing. The single helix piercing can be done on the outer rim of the ear. It can be put anywhere along the helix.
Double Helix Piercing: A double piercing on the one side of the helix. Ideally it must be adjacent to each other and, upon client’s wish, farther apart from one another.
Triple Helix Piercing: It is for the bold, three helix piercings. This will also create one great image and supports creative combinations of jewelry. It is located on the right upper part, above where the tragus is located on the anterior of the ear. Many people get the forward helix done as part of a larger set of piercings, such as a standard helix piercing.
Industrial Piercing: Two piercings joined with one piece. It can be through the top ear, although it is not traditionally a helix piercing. Often, it contains helix piercings to be joined into an interesting design.
History of Ear Piercing:
Ear piercing has been in existence for thousands of years. History showed that it was first devised by ancient cultures, where they used it among other cultures first by the Egyptians. They described class and how wealthy a person was depending on the positioning of their earrings. Then it progressed to other ways in diverse cultures around the globe in various phases till the times we have now. The Helix Piercing Procedure The process of acquiring a helix piercing entails the piercing of the outer rim of the ear or ‘helix’. Preparing and Identifying the Right Competent Piercer. Before opting to get a helix piercing, an individual should be sure that the piercer they are going to visit specializes in piercing cartilage. To be sure studios maintain the standards of hygiene and have an excellent reputation based on the recommendations of clients.
Process of Helix Piercing:
Consultation: A professional shall consult you on what you want and expect to happen during the piercing and examine your ear then inform you on ideal placement before piercing starts.
Preparation : The piercer shall prepare the area by cleaning using an antiseptic solution in order to reduce infection-related risks. They shall draw in with a surgical pen where you want the piercing for your approval.
The Piercing: Using an autoclave-sterilized needle, the piercer will just push the needle through the cartilage quickly. Some are using a piercing gun, but it really is best avoided as much as possible for the least possible trauma on the cartilage.
Jewelry placement: He will put in the jewelry that you prefer after the piercing is done. He would usually insert a hoop made of small hoops or studs specifically designed to be put into the cartilage.
Aftercare Instructions: The piercer would also hand you over a detailed set of aftercare instructions so that you might better take care of that new piercing and ensure it heals the healthy way possible.
Pain Level and Healing Time:
Helix piercings are more sensitive compared to at the earlobe, not necessarily due to the cartilage, but most people do not find it too discomforting. Most people find it to be an ache but usually short-lived and that some say is just a pinch. Most rate it to be somewhere around 5 or 6 on a scale of 1 to 10.
It can take 3 to 12 months for the body to heal, depending on what your body type is. You need to aftercare properly within this period not to end up with an infection or improper healing of the piercing.
Helix Piercing Aftercare:
Aftercare is one of those things which ensure your helix heals right. Here are some pointers you need to adhere to:
1. Keep it Clean:
Clean the area of the piercing with saline solution or saline wound wash, twice a day. Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as these are irritating to cartilage and may delay healing.
Do not twist or flip the jewelry. This can cause irritation by introducing bacteria.
Hair products.
Avoid hair products near your piercing. These usually include light sprays like hairspray, gels, or shampoos. If the hair touches the piercing, it would be perfect if you washed it lightly using water to wash off whatever product is caught onto it.
4. Do not Swim:
Do not go swimming at the swimming pools, hot tubs, or in the oceans for a few weeks after your piercing as they probably carry bacteria for your piercing.
5. Don’t Change Jewelry Often:
Wait until at least 3 to 6 months before you change into a new jewelry. So that when you are changing, make sure that the new jewelry material is hypoallergenic, such as titanium or surgical steel in order not to cause irritation or infection.
6. Monitor Infection:
If your piercing enhances its redness, swelling, or pus leakage, then it might be a sign of an infection. Discuss with your piercer or doctor.
Popular Types of Helix Piercing Jewelry:
Helix piercings are known to offer you a wide variety of jewelry types according to your preference. Some of the most preferred types have been discussed below:
1. Studs:
Some of the most common items of jewelry that one might be looking for helix piercings are studs. These come in diverse patterns: from simply ball studs to gem-studded ones and quite elaborate too.
2. Hoops:
These are so bold, that some people wear a mini hoop just to keep it tiny and subtle, while others use bigger hoops just to make a point.
3. Barbells:
Other great options are curved or straight barbells and are perfect when one also has industrial piercings or multiple helix piercings.
4. Captive Bead Rings:
These hold in a bead and are kept in place through the tightness of the ring making quite an interesting fashionable look.
5. Huggie Earrings:
This is an ultra-hug earring that is very small and wraps around the ear. It is very so tastefully done to wear the huggie earrings on helix piercings.
Quality Material:
There is much good consideration in the choice of jewelry. Highly quality, hypo-allergic metals such as titanium, surgical stainless steel or gold so that never again will there be the problem of allergic reaction and irritation.
Common Myths About Helix Piercings:
And like any thing found in body modification, there are a number of myths regarding helix piercings. So here are some of them so you could dispute them:
Myth 1: Helix Piercing Always Hurts
Most of the helix piercings take place painless; people sometimes even tolerate it. It’s not that long-lived and fades off pretty fast.
Myth 2: One cannot sleep on a helix piercing
You’ll want to create as little stress as possible on the piercing during its healing period; most people have learned how to sleep soundly. Take some sort of travel pillow, or sleep in some configuration that puts as little weight on that spot.
And Finally.
Myth #3: All Piercing Guns Are Safe
There are many who advise people to avoid piercing guns when getting the cartilage piercings, as it causes much trauma to that region. Instead, go for a professional piercer and get them done by a needle as well; experience a safer way.
Myth 4: Once Healed, You Can Switch Jewelry at Any Time
It will heal but may be necessary to wear some quality jewelry to not irritate the piercing. In any event, size and style do have to be considered in order to avoid discomfort.
Styling Your Helix Piercing:
A helix piercing is a style that offers personal expression due to the way in which styling can be done. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Jewelry mix : and match Mixing up the studs, the hoops, and the barbells for the present look. Mixing up different length earrings can create an amazing interest in the ear.
2. Coloured gemstones add glitz:
Adding colored gemstones or crystals will really pop the piercing as well as add colors to the overall appearance.
3. Pair with other Piercing’s: you may achieve that bohemian look pairing it with other ear piercings with your helix piercing. For example, you can pair the lobe piercing with helix piercing which is very dramatic, and you may even match up quite beautifully with the pairing of tragus piercing.
With this in mind, clip on earrings and magnetic jewelry can be worn for a few days until one finally settles on their preferred style.
Conclusion:
Helix piercings are, indeed, the coolest way to be a bit different while looking great at the same time. They come in so many options: placement, jewelry, and aftercare. Of course, this again means a lot of room for creativity and much flexibility. Knowing the procedure, what to do about aftercare, and all the styling options available, you’ll be in a great position to get that first helix piercing or add another one to the collection.
And, as with all body mods, would depend on a good piercer and proper aftercare to achieve an optimal result. Well, to your self-expression journey through helix piercings.