How To Clean A Forward Helix Piercing

Helix piercings may not be the most well known piercing but they are, quite possibly, the best looking piercings going in our opinion here at Grazia. And we aren't the only ones. The piercing has been sported by the likes of Scarlett Johansson, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Aniston and now Timothée Chalamet.

They're subtle and chic, flashing cheekily when your hair is tucked behind your ear. So, it goes without saying that we've found out everything we possibly can about them so you don't have to.

Here's everything you need to know about helix piercings...

What is a helix piercing?

A helix piercing is a fancy name for any piercing on the upper cartilage of the ear. A double helix piercing is two piercings under one another, in this same area.

Forward helix piercing:

If you follow the curve of the top of your ear around until it meets your head, that little nook of your ear is where the forward helix piercing goes through. This is also known as the anti-helix and inner helix piercing.

Triple and double forward helix:

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.

What jewellery should you get?

I wanted to get my forward helix pierced with a hoop, but the piercer recommended getting a bar instead, because hoops are more susceptible to infection. This is because bacteria can get caught in the curve and then be moved around the ear into the hole. Instead, I got it pierced with a curved bar so it fits better – a straight bar would have dug into the back of my ear.

READ MORE: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About The Multiple Ear Piercing Trend

Is a helix piercing painful?

This was definitely the most painful piercing I've had; I'd give it a 6/10. I think this might be because I had it done with a slightly thicker bar (1.6mm) so it stung more when it was going through. I'd do it again though; it wasn't that bad.

How much does a helix piercing cost?

Prices will vary depending on where you go. We paid £20 for each of them but some places we went to charged up to £40. And some places may charge more for a forward helix.

What's the helix piercing aftercare?

Clean the piercing twice a day using a clean cotton bud and a sterile saline solution, making sure you remove any dried blood or discharge. Gross. Don't twist the jewellery though – turning it doesn't help. All it does is irritate it and make it more prone to infection. If you think it's infected, go back to the piercer who can advise you on what to do next.

How should I clean the jewellery?

Edinburgh based, family run, luxury earring brand Laura Bond Jewellery, shares expert tips on cleaning.

You'll need:

a plastic container - a shallow tub or bowl is best

Some aluminium foil

A kettle to boil the water

A couple of tea spoons of bicarbonate of soda or baking powder

Method:

Take your tub and line it with the aluminium foil - making sure the shiny side of the foil is facing upwards.

Place your jewellery in the tub making sure it's touching the foil

Pour boiling water over the jewellery, making sure it's covered

Add the bicarbonate of soda/baking powder - roughly 2 tbsp per litre of boiling water. Let it bubble and fizz - you might start to see the tarnish lift and the beautiful lustre below shine through. If the piece is badly tarnished you may need to repeat the process a few times

Wait 10 minutes then remove the jewellery from the tub using a spoon to avoid burning yourself

Pat the jewellery dry with some paper kitchen towel

How long does a helix piercing take to heal?

Our piercer said it can take up to 12 weeks for the piercing to properly heal, although it depends on the person because everyone's different. Make sure it's properly healed before you change the jewellery, lest you make it all angry. You'll know when it's okay to change because it shouldn't be painful, sore or weeping.