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Vertical Helix Piercing: The Complete Guide
Body piercings are a unique form of self-expression enjoyed throughout many cultures. Here, we will take a closer look at Vertical Helix piercings, jewelry options and the pros and cons of this unique look.
What Is the Vertical Helix Piercing?
A Vertical Helix piercing is a unique type of cartilage piercing that involves vertically piercing the cartilage through the fold, allowing both parts of the jewelry to remain visible to others.
It is a variant of the classic Helix piercing and is a great way to express your individuality.
Variant: Triple Vertical Helix Piercing
A triple Vertical Helix piercing refers to the number of piercings located in the helix. This style consists of three piercings stacked equally spaced apart and vertically in a row along the curve of your earlobe.
It can create a unique look that compliments the curvature of your ear.
Variant: Floating Vertical Helix Piercing
A Floating Vertical Helix piercing is an option for those without the cartilage shape to support a regular Floating Helix piercing. Some people do not have a prominent cartilage fold, so a Floating Vertical Helix piercing can achieve a similar look.
The main difference is that the flat backing of the jewelry remains visible due to its location.
Vertical Helix vs. Floating Helix
The main reason someone may opt for a Vertical Helix piercing instead of a Floating Helix piercing is their individual anatomy.
Some people are unable to get a Floating Helix piercing because their ear structure does not support the placement to create the illusion of floating jewelry. A Vertical Helix piercing involves vertically piercing the helix through the ear fold, allowing both ends of the jewelry to remain visible.
A Floating Helix piercing is different in terms of placement and preferred jewelry. This piercing creates the illusion of a suspended earring located at the upper cartilage of your ear just above the helix rim. The illusion is achieved by using jewelry specially designed to be worn in this piercing.
What Is Special About a Vertical Helix Piercing?
Because of its placement, a Vertical Helix piercing is rarer than a traditional Cartilage piercing. Once healed, they can be relatively easy to care for and are less painful than other piercing options.
With a Vertical Helix piercing, you can stand apart from the crowd by wearing a spiked barbell or opt for a more elegant aesthetic with a dainty loop or chain.
A Vertical Helix piercing is a fun way to express yourself while maintaining the option to change up your look depending on the mood or occasion.
Vertical Helix Piercing Healing Time
For several reasons, Vertical Helix piercings can take longer to fully heal than other piercings. While six to nine months is average for most people, it depends on aftercare and whether you encounter potential complications.
It's very easy for hair to get tangled around a Vertical Helix piercing, which can cause additional issues. They are prone to complications such as infection, keloid scarring, cartilage bumps, and migrating.
Vertical Helix Piercing Pain
The cartilage on your upper ear is thinner than along the lower portion. Therefore, the pain associated with piercings in this region tends to be lower. Typically, you can expect a pain rating of 4 to 5 on a scale of 10.
Vertical Helix Jewelry: Types
Jewelry with straight posts, like labrets and barbells, are the best jewelry options for a Vertical Helix piercing. It's usually a trial-and-error process to find your perfect fit.
Your piercer should be able to provide professional advice as to what jewelry option will work best with your specific piercing. The following are the most commonly used jewelry options for a Vertical Helix piercing.
1. Vertical Helix Stud
Vertical helix earring with a teardrop clear pendant titanium 16G $22.9, SHOP NOW.
A Vertical Helix stud usually features a flat back on one end with an adornment or gemstone hanging down. Depending on your anatomy, studs can be a minimalist jewelry option with a smaller 5 to 6 mm (3/16" to 1/4") length or longer.
2. Vertical Helix Spikes
Vertical helix spike with one ball and one spike titanium straight barbell 16G $22.9, SHOP NOW.
Vertical Helix spikes are straight barbells featuring a spiky cone at the end. They create an edgy look and can be stacked with other Vertical Helix spikes for a look that will turn heads.
3. Vertical Helix Chain
Double piercing chain titanium silver $17.9, SHOP NOW.
A Vertical Helix chain can create an elegant, feminine look depending on the size of the chain. Chain jewelry usually features a flat back at one end and a dangling chain adornment that hangs down the front of the ear.
4. Vertical Helix Hoop
Vertical Helix hoop with pearls titanium hoop 16G $24.9, SHOP NOW.
Hoops may feature a hinge clicker that snaps into place for a secure fit.
Vertical Helix Jewelry: Sizes
Gauge
Regardless of your chosen option, the recommended gauge for Vertical Helix jewelry is 16G or 1.2 mm.
Length
Depending on your anatomy, studs can be a minimalist jewelry option with a smaller 5 to 6 mm (3/16" to 1/4") length or longer.
The recommended bar length for a barbell is 6 mm to 8 mm (1/4" to 5/16"), depending on your skin's thickness and the location of your piercing.
The jewelry post used for your initial piercing should be longer to account for any inflammation and swelling that occurs for the first several days. You can switch out your jewelry for a shorter option in about four to six weeks.
Downsizing is recommended as soon as possible because a longer post is more prone to snagging on objects like clothing or hair. Also, longer posts can cause your piercing to migrate down your cartilage.
Diameter
For hoops, the recommended inner diameter length is 5 mm to 6 mm (3/16" to 1/4") if you prefer a snug fit. You should choose jewelry between 8 mm (5/16") and 11 mm (7/16") for a looser-fitted hoop.
Vertical Helix Jewelry: Safe Metals
The best materials to select for your Vertical Helix piercing are implant-grade titanium, 14-karat or 18-karat gold, surgical stainless steel, and niobium.
1. Implant-Grade Titanium: About $20-$40
Vertical helix stud with three clear cz stones titanium stud earring 16G $22.9, SHOP NOW.
Implant-grade titanium Vertical Helix jewelry is strongly recommended. Titanium is a corrosion-resistant shiny metal prized for its low weight and strength. It has a reputation for being the best metal for piercings for many reasons. It is hypoallergenic, lightweight, nickel-free, and won’t tarnish.
To be detailed, titanium is hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely to cause allergic reactions. It’s often recommended for those who are allergic to brass, nickel, and other metals common for jewelry.
Its high density-to-strength ratio means your jewelry is very durable. A lower density also makes titanium lightweight, a big plus for many users. Finally, the metal comes in many colors because you can anodize it.
2. 14-Karat and 18-Karat Gold: About $40-$200
18K gold ring hinged segment clicker from $79.9, SHOP NOW.
14-karat and 18-karat gold ear piercing jewelry can offer an elevated look. This metal will not rust or tarnish. It is also easy to decorate and shape. The added alloys in 18k, and especially 14k, make them more durable than 24k gold pieces.
One downside to gold jewelry is the price tag, which is expensive. Another concern will be that the metal is soft, making it susceptible to bends, breaks, and gouges. Also consider if you have allergies, such as an allergy to gold.
3. Surgical-Grade Stainless Steel: About $5-$30
If you opt for stainless steel, you should opt for surgical-grade steel. It often contributes to a smooth healing process and is extremely durable. However, even surgical-grade steel may contain small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions in those with skin sensitivities.
Talk through all material options with your piercer to figure out what’s best for you and your skin.
The Pros and Cons of Vertical Helix Piercings
Like all piercings, Vertical Helix piercings come with advantages and disadvantages. Although it is uniquely fashionable and a great way to express yourself, it is prone to snagging and features a longer healing time than some other piercing options.
Pros
- Relatively low on the piercing pain scale
- A unique form of self-expression
- It can be a versatile look depending on the jewelry
Cons
- It can take several months to heal
- They are prone to catching on hair and clothing
- Vertical Helix piercings are very prone to migrating, especially with heavier jewelry featuring longer posts
Aftercare
You will need to take extra care to clean and sterilize your new piercing every day. Skimping on the cleaning can lead to an ear infection, and scarring, and could even make it impossible to ever get your daith pierced again.
- Avoid sleeping on the ear you had pierced.
- Take care to avoid contaminating the piercing.
- Avoid touching it or applying makeup very close to it.
- Avoid getting in the water that might be dirty.
- Clean your piercing twice per day using a saline solution made for wound cleaning or soap and water to prevent infection.
- Avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation.
- And of course, make sure to avoid snagging on clothes or towels.
- Wear loose clothing. Avoid wearing tight clothing or clothing that may rub against the piercing, as this can cause irritation and slow down the healing process.
- Use hypoallergenic jewelry like implant-grade titanium and 14- or 18-karat gold. Surgical-grade steel may contain small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions.
- Don't move the piercing unless you're cleaning it. Pulling on a piercing early in healing is painful, but it also can get in the way of healing or damage the piercing itself.
- Wait until your piercing heals before changing out your jewelry.
- Watch for potential signs of infection and consult your piercer or doctor if it becomes infected.
You should ensure you get pierced by someone experienced and reliable who utilizes the right cleaning and sterilization procedures. You’ll also need to choose high-quality jewelry that you aren’t allergic to. After you get your piercing, be sure to follow all instructions from your piercer.
How to Clean Vertical Helix Piercings?
You should start cleaning your ear piercing the same day you receive it. Be sure to take the following steps to keep it clean and reduce potential risks:
It is recommended to use sterile saline that you buy from the store, rather than homemade saline, for cleaning your piercings. Homemade saline may be too salty for delicate piercing sites, leading to dryness and delayed healing.
Using mild, fragrance-free soap and water to clean your piercing site is also an option.
If you prefer homemade salt solution. You can start by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt with one cup of distilled or boiled (for at least 20 minutes) water. You may choose to use less of the salt mixture like 1/4 to 1/8 teaspoon if you want a weaker solution that’s less likely to burn or sting. Stir the solution until it dissolves.
If you see signs of infection, you can also use antiseptic solutions, such as betadine, isopropyl alcohol, or diluted hydrogen peroxide. However, avoid using them for daily cleaning as they can damage cells.
Then proceed with the following steps to clean your piercing:
- Soak a cotton ball, a paper towel, or a non-plush cloth with the solution. Avoid fabrics that could snag and pull the jewelry or leave fibers behind. Gently saturate the piercing and cleanse it. Don't remove the jewelry!
- If you have a sterile saline wound wash that you buy from stores, then spay it while healing.
- Ensure you cleanse the piercing of any discharge or crusty material.
- Take clean gauze or cotton swabs and pat the area dry.
Your piercer should give you detailed instructions on how to keep your piercing clean once it has been placed.
To Conclude
If you're going on vacation soon or enjoy swimming, keep in mind that you cannot swim for several months after getting a Vertical Helix piercing.
Because of the longer healing process, you should also consider whether you are frequently required to remove your jewelry for professional reasons before getting one.
Vertical Helix piercings are more likely to heal well if you can avoid placing pressure on the area. If you are a side sleeper, wear glasses or have long hair, you may unintentionally harm or snag your piercing, causing further issues.
Read More
Floating Helix Piercing: The Complete Guide
Helix Piercing: Healing, Pain, Cost, Jewelry, Aftercare, Pros and Cons
