Double Helix Piercing [50 Ideas]: Pain Level, Healing Time, Cost, Experience

Ear cartilage piercings have risen in popularity as an alternative to standard ear lobe piercings. The double helix piercing is one of these alternatives that doubles the fun!

Below you’ll find everything you need to know about double helix piercings, including price, pain level, procedure and healing time. Aftercare product recommendations and a photo gallery ensure you’ll be able to make your new piercing all your own.

What is a Double Helix Piercing?

Double helix piercing refers to two punctures of the upper ear cartilage as shown below. The two punctures are often right next to each other.

Read more about helix piercings or the triple forward helix variation.

Should You Get a Double Helix Piercing?

As with any piercing, there are risks and rewards. Weigh out the pros & cons below to see if this piercing is right for you:

Pros

Double helix piercings can be dressed up or down depending on the jewelry. You can change your jewelry out after healing for flashy rings or gemmed labrets.
The piercing procedure is quick and you don’t need to do both piercings at the same time.

Cons

The double helix procedure is more painful than earlobe piercings because it penetrates cartilage.
Infection or piercing bumps are a concern with any piercing. Using proper aftercare technique will minimize the chances of these complications.

Piercing Procedure

The first step to any piercing is finding a reputable piercer. When you arrive at the shop, your piercer will go over the procedure with you and have you fill out some paperwork. After setup, your ear cartilage will be cleaned in preparation for your piercings. Your piercer will use a surgical pen to mark the spots where your punctures will be. Make sure you like these spots before moving forward!

Once everything is ready, your piercer will clamp your ear to keep it steady and puncture your ear cartilage with a hollow needle. The needle will quickly be swapped out for jewelry and the process will be repeated for the second puncture. Afterwards, your piercer will discuss aftercare methods with you. Make sure you ask any lingering questions before leaving.

Check out the video below to see the double helix procedure in real time:

How Much do Double Helix Piercings Hurt?

5 out of 10

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Double helix piercings rank at a 5/10 on the pain scale. While piercing pain varies depending on your pain tolerance, this piercing will be more painful than most because it goes through cartilage.

It is normal for your ear to be swollen and irritated for the first few days. Diligent aftercare methods will make these issues less severe. Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help ease swelling and discomfort in the meantime.

Read more about the most & least painful piercings.

Healing and Aftercare

Double helix piercings normally take between 4 to 6 months to heal. Full healing can take up to one year.

Your healing time can be slightly reduced if you are diligent with your aftercare practices. The pointers below will help get you started on a solid aftercare regimen:

Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing.
Sleep on your back or opposite side to avoid putting pressure on your piercing.
Do not touch your piercing unless you are cleaning it.
Avoid ear keloids by choosing fitted jewelry after healing.
Clean your piercing as instructed below to avoid piercing infection.

Read more about proper aftercare technique.

How to Clean Your Piercing

You’ll need saline solution to clean your double helix piercing. Buy some at your piercing shop or make your own by dissolving 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt in 8 oz of warm water. Pour some solution on a clean pad or towel and hold it on your piercing for a few minutes. This will help soothe your piercing and soften any debris that may be stuck. Gently clean off the ends of your jewelry and discard the towel.

Repeat this procedure once in the morning and once at night to ensure your piercing regularly stays clean.

Recommended Aftercare Products

Sea salt

This piercing sea salt is ideal for making your own saline solution at home.

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Piercing aftercare spray

Saline spray is ideal for anyone on-the-go. Throw it in your bag and clean your piercing anywhere!

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Best Jewelry for Double Helix Piercing

Your initial jewelry will most likely be a long labret stud. The jewelry needs to be longer to avoid potential issues since your piercing will swell during healing.

You are welcome to change your jewelry out as soon as healing is complete. Hoops or captive bead rings are trendy options, as well as curved or circular barbells. Titanium labret studs are popular as well since titanium can be anodized into different colors.

Consult your piercer if you’re unsure how long you should wait. Early jewelry removal can cause piercings to completely close, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.