Forward helix piercings offer a unique look and can be done as either single or multiple piercings. Commonly adorned with studs or rings, forward helix piercings have gained popularity in the last few years.
Here you’ll find all you need to know about forward helix piercings including pain level, aftercare, healing time and piercing procedure experience.
You’ll also find 20+ photos to give an idea of jewelry options and general look. Finally, several aftercare products are suggested to help speed up the healing process.
What is a Forward Helix Piercing?
A forward helix piercing is a puncture located at the top inner corner of the ear. Since the outer rim of your ear is called the helix, the forward helix is the front side of the rim closest to your head.
This piercing is easily noticeable because of the location, and the front helix can be pierced more than once for double or triple forward helix piercings.
Read more about standard helix piercings.
Should You get a Forward Helix Piercing?
Forward helix piercings offer several different jewelry options to suit your preference. However, as with any piercing, care and attention is required.
Here are some pros & cons to help you decide whether the forward helix piercing is right for you:
Pros
- Forward helix piercings add a dainty look to the ear and offer a new look.
- The piercing procedure itself is quick, easy and less painful than some other body piercings.
- There is minimal chance of infection with proper aftercare.
- Forward helix piercings heal relatively quickly.
Cons
- There is always room for piercer error and issues. To avoid this, find a reputable piercer you trust.
- Infection can occur if proper aftercare is not taken seriously.
Forward Helix Piercing Procedure
Front helix piercings require perforating the cartilage and inserting the jewelry when finished.
When you arrive at the shop, the piercer will talk to you about what you’re in for and set up their area. They will then clean the piercing area and mark the piercing location with a surgical pen. Make sure you’re happy with the location before moving forward!
Your piercer will secure a clamp on your ear and then quickly insert the needle through your cartilage. The last step is switching out the needle for your chosen jewelry.
The entire piercing process takes only a few minutes. View the procedure below to get a better idea of what to expect.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv7tnHOIrDY
How Much do Forward Helix Piercings Hurt?
5 out of 10
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Forward helix piercings get a 5/10 on the pain scale. Since the forward helix is a cartilage piercing, more pressure is required to push the needle through the cartilage.
However, pain levels vary since everyone has a different pain tolerance. Being prepared for a higher pain level may help in the moment.
If pain is an issue, this handy piercing pain chart ranks pain levels of piercings from most to least.
Healing And Aftercare
Your new forward helix piercing will be sensitive while healing. It’s important to take good care of your piercing as it heals to avoid infections and other risks.
The guidelines below will help speed up the healing process:
- Thoroughly wash your hands before touching your piercing. Do not touch it or move it around more than absolutely necessary.
- Do not use harsh chemicals like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your piercing. This will only cause irritation.
- Do not remove your jewelry until the piercing is completely healed (about 8 months), otherwise you risk infection or piercing closure.
- Clean your piercing twice per day with a saline solution. Morning & evening cleaning times are best so that it stays clean throughout the day.
Make saline wash at home by combining 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt and 8 oz warm water. Mix together and pour some onto a clean pad or towel. Hold the towel on your piercing for a few minutes to soften up any debris that may be present on your piercing. Gently remove any debris and clean the area off. Make sure to keep your jewelry as still as possible.
For more details, visit our useful guide on how to clean a new piercing.
Forward Helix Image Gallery
Recommended Aftercare Products
Sea salt
This sea salt mixture is ideal for making your own saline solution at home.
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Piercing aftercare spray
Saline spray is a great on-the-go option. Throw it in your bag and clean your piercing anywhere!
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Best Jewelry for Forward Helix Piercing
Studs are usually the preferred jewelry for forward helix piercings, but ring variations are a close second. You can try out any options you like after your healing period is complete.
The stud is preferred for initial jewelry since it stays in place and is available in non-reactive metals like titanium. Non-reactive jewelry helps reduce allergic reactions.
Your piercer will most likely avoid using a ring as your initial jewelry since rings are prone to movement and can cause more irritation.
How Much do Forward Helix Piercings Cost?
- In the US, single forward helix piercings cost around $30.
- In the UK, single forward helix piercings cost around £18.
- In Europe, single forward helix piercings cost around €22.
This price includes the piercing procedure and the jewelry of choice. High quality jewelry will most likely add to the total.
Forward Helix Piercing Experiences
