The forward helix piercing is one of the most popular piercings, thanks to all the gorgeous pictures of these piercings that are floating around social media. When a piercing looks this good and is so on-trend, how could we not talk about it?
What is it?
A forward helix piercing is in the most forward portion of your helix, that ridge of cartilage that runs around the outside of your ear. It’s the part that is right above your tragus, before the ridge curves back towards the top of the ear.
Anatomy and Placement
This is a very anatomy-dependent piercing. You need to have a well-defined helix ridge, but you also need to have enough space between that ridge and the ridge inside where a rook piercing would go. Thus, you’re looking at two different parts of the ear that have to work together in order to accommodate the piercing. You may be able to work around the rook portion and have the piercing done just above or below that ridge if there’s enough space. However, the well-defined helix is an absolute necessity for this piercing. Where the piercing is placed may affect whether you can get multiple piercings and also the jewelry styles you can wear in it when it is healed. These are things you should discuss with your skilled and trusted piercer beforehand.
Piercing Jewelry
Like most ear cartilage piercings, the initial jewelry should be a straight flatback labret or straight barbell. This is another thing to discuss with your piercer as some people find flatback labrets more comfortable and some people find the ball ends on barbells easier to keep clean. The front end should be something that isn’t too heavy and doesn’t stick out too far. This will help prevent the jewelry getting snagged on things or the weight of the jewelry causing an irritation bump. Don’t forget to go back and get your jewelry downsized when the piercer tells you it’s appropriate. This will also help your piercing heal properly. Don’t overthink it if you find the initial piercing jewelry boring or not your style, you don’t have to wear it forever.
Cleaning and Healing
A single forward helix piercing should take somewhere between six and twelve months to fully heal. Aftercare is very similar to other ear cartilage piercings. Twice a day, with clean hands, spray your piercing on both sides with sterile saline wound wash. Then rinse with clean water and pat dry with a clean paper towel. If you have stubborn crusties on the jewelry you can try standing in a hot shower for a bit and if that doesn’t work, you can use a pointed cotton swab to remove any lingering crud. Make sure you don’t sleep on your piercing; a traveler’s neck pillow can be a lifesaver in this situation and lets you sleep with your ear in the center hole.
Migration and Rejection
This piercing has roughly the same rate of rejecting or migrating as any other ear cartilage piercing. It can and does happen but if done properly and cared for correctly, you can significantly lower the chances. If you notice your jewelry is no longer where it was when pierced, you can see the bar through your skin, or you have other problems like a bump that refuses to budge, consult your piercer.
Variation
The triple forward helix piercing is a common variant of this. It’s the same piercing but in a neat, vertical row of three. The anatomy for this is less common than what you would need to support a single one so it may or may not be right for you. It is important that you do not get all three done at once as the swelling and proximity of each piercing to the others can make it nearly impossible to heal all three at one time or cause problems that would require removal. If you’re getting this look, break it up into at least two sessions. This also requires an experienced piercer so make sure you’re confident in the one you are going to.
The forward helix piercing is all over the internet and with good reason – what a gorgeous piercing! The options for jewelry styles, particularly if you choose threadless jewelry, are virtually endless. If you have the desire and the anatomy, now you also have the information to go get it! Happy piercing!
