September 23, 2024

Forward Helix Piercing: Pain, Cost, Healing Time, Benefits, Jewelry, Sizes, Risks, Aftercare

Most people are introduced to their first piercing experience with a typical earlobe piercing. However, the ear offers multiple piercing locations that are both visually interesting and on-trend.

Chances are, you've seen or heard of many examples of these types of ear piercings. One of the most popular examples is the Forward Helix piercing.

What is a Forward Helix Piercing?

The Forward Helix piercing is located on the upper half of your ear on the side closest to your face. If you imagine the ear as a seashell that spirals in on itself, the helix is the outer rim of the shell.

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Helix vs Forward Helix Piercing

A Helix piercing is done in the upper half of your ear. It can be a single piercing or multiple. It can also be positioned in various areas of your upper ear based on your preferences. Helix piercings may use hoops, studs, or other variations of jewelry.

Forward Helix Piercing Pain Scale

Does Forward Helix piercing hurt? The average person can expect a pain level of 5 or 6 on a 0-10 pain scale. The Forward Helix piercing is usually more painful than a traditional earlobe piercing due to the presence of cartilage.

Individual experiences will differ depending on their own pain tolerance, the composition of their ear, and whether a needle or machine is used for the piercing.

Forward Helix Piercing Cost

How much is a Forward Helix piercing? A Forward Helix piercing may cost you between $30 and $70. Note that the price often doesn't include jewelry, the cost of which will differ based on the material it's made out of. You will likely pay up to $90-100 for a well-done piercing with jewelry.

Forward Helix Healing Time

How long does a Forward Helix piercing take to heal? The average healing time for this type of piercing is 6-9 months. Your new Forward Helix piercing may appear healed on the outside at 3 months, but it can take up to 1 year for it to be completely healed.

Following all aftercare instructions ensures faster healing, but be aware that cartilage piercings heal slower than soft-tissue piercings.

Forward Helix Piercing Benefits

Outside of aesthetics and style, there may be some health benefits to receiving piercings in the ear. The Forward Helix piercing in particular is considered by some as a known acupressure point that can help alleviate head pains and tinnitus. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting this point.

Forward Helix Piercing Hurts When I Smile?

Some people have ears that move a little when they talk or smile, so it's normal to experience some pain after a new Forward Helix piercing. The pain is most noticeable during the first few days and should subside as the piercing heals.

Consult your piercer or physician if the pain lasts longer than a few days, gets worse, or is accompanied by new symptoms. In the meantime, you can manage any discomfort by avoiding unnecessary facial expressions and following your aftercare instructions.

Forward Helix Piercing Jewelry: Types

Types of Forward Helix piercing jewelry include labret studs, curved barbells (banana barbells), and hoops.

1. Labret Studs

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If this piercing had a standard type of jewelry, it would be the flat back labret stud. A compact stud is ideal for this small piercing area, and the flat back protects the inside of the ear from irritation.

For this reason, labret stud earrings are usually the first type of jewelry used for a new Forward Helix piercing.

2. Forward Helix Piercing Hoop

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Hoop earrings add a classy touch to any part of the ear but are only recommended for piercings that have healed completely. Segment clicker rings, seamless rings, and captive bead rings are common for Helix piercings.

3. Horseshoe Barbells (Circular Barbells)

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These circular barbells are sometimes called "horseshoe barbells" because they look like horseshoes. They are available in a very wide variety of designs.

4. Curved Barbells (Banana Barbells)

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The curve allows decorative gems or other components to stand out more than a straight barbell. A downside, though, might be the barbell's tendency to flip inwards.

Bar-type jewelry will have a bar with a ball on each end. They can also be used on a fresh Forward Helix piercing in place of a labret stud. Because of the anatomy of the ear, a curved barbell may be more comfortable to wear than a straight one.

However, most piercers will recommend wearing a straight bar during the healing process to minimize any risk of complications.

Forward Helix Piercing Size

1. What Gauge Is a Forward Helix Piercing?

In most cases, a 16-gauge (1.2mm) or 18-gauge (1.0mm) needle is used for the Forward Helix piercing, and the gauge of the jewelry should match the gauge of the needle.

2. Length

In addition, the length of the studs should measure between 3/16"(5mm) and 5/16"(8mm). The standard length is 1/4"(6mm). You will want a post that's short enough to stay comfortably in place but long enough to accommodate any swelling that may occur.

3. Diameter

For hoops, the most common size is 1/4"(6mm) in diameter, but it can be more or less depending on if you prefer a snug or loose fit.

Recommended Metals

1. Implant-Grade Titanium

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Implant-grade titanium Forward Helix jewelry is strongly recommended. It is lightweight, nickel-free, and won’t tarnish. It’s often recommended for those who are allergic to brass, nickel, and other metals common for jewelry.

2. 14-Karat and 18-Karat Gold

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14-karat gold ear piercing jewelry can offer an elevated look. However, they may be more pricey and could tarnish over time. Also consider if you have allergies, such as an allergy to gold.

3. Surgical-Grade Stainless Steel

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, it does 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.

When Can I Change My Forward Helix Piercing?

You should wait until your Forward Helix piercing is fully healed to change it. This typically takes between 6 months to 9 months. However, this timeframe could be longer if you don’t take proper care of the piercing or if you have complications.

It can also just depend on the person. For example, some people require a full year before their piercings are completely

How to Change or Remove Forward Helix Piercing?

Along with being relatively comfortable, labret studs are easy to change out. Push-pin labrets have a stud on a pin that "pushes" into a hollow post, and they can be removed by gently pulling the stud out of the post. On the other hand, screw-on labrets have studs that screw on and off the threaded end of the post.

Hoops can be changed by gently pulling the hoop apart to open the seam or release the captive bead, depending on the type of hoop.

Most bar earrings will also have a screw-on mechanism and can be removed by screwing off one of the balls on the end of the bar.

Potential Risks

1. Infected Forward Helix Piercing

A yellowish, pus-like discharge is a telltale sign of infection, which differs from the clear, watery discharge that naturally occurs with healing. Other signs include redness, itching, burning, and prolonged swelling beyond the first few days after receiving the piercing.

A saltwater rinse three times a day is the typical course of action when an infection occurs.

2. Bump on Forward Helix Piercing

A hard bump near your piercing in the absence of infection symptoms is likely a granuloma. Granulomas are concentrations of blood cells and vessels that occur as the body's natural reaction to trauma.

They are very common in cartilage piercings and should fade with time with proper care.

3. Forward Helix Piercing Rejection

Rejection occurs when your skin begins to push out your new jewelry instead of forming scar tissue around it. It can occur from improper piercing placement, the material of the jewelry, or the condition of your skin.

If you notice your new piercing is migrating towards the surface of the skin, consider changing the material or size of the jewelry.

How to Clean Forward Helix Piercing?

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 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.

Forward Helix Piercing Care

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.

Conclusion

New piercings can be exciting because they provide more opportunities for expressing your creativity and personal style.

For best results, choose an experienced piercer who can recommend the appropriate jewelry and placement for your anatomy. If you're eager to add more jewelry to your ear, a Forward Helix piercing is a unique and stylish choice that you can enjoy for years to come.