Have you ever heard the phrase, “Less is more“? We disagree. More dessert? Sure. More Netflix? Duh. More Channing Tatum? Um, I’m not even answering that; it’s an obvious YES. So without hesitation, when it comes to the idea of adding more jewelry to your earlobes, more is way more fun!
We love cartilage piercings for the plethora of opportunities for a cartilage party. One cartilage piercing that allows for a full-on cartilage bash is the helix piercing.
This section of the ear can be pierced two, three, or more times, and when combined with the forward helix, you can have an entire queue of jewelry lining your ear. With so many decisions, it can be hard to settle on the style you want. Here’s a guide to multiple helix piercings to help you out.
Simply put, helix piercings are the ones located at the upper rim of the ear.
We can pull out the complicated language surrounding the anatomy of the ear, or you can just pinch the rim of cartilage at the top of your ear and know that’s the area we’re talking about.
When you trace the top line of your ear that connects to your face all the way to the middle edge of your ear around 1 centimeter above where your lobe starts, you’ll find the prime helix piercing locations.
So here’s where the confusion usually sets in; just what the heck is the difference between a cartilage piercing and a helix piercing? Technically, they’re one and the same.
A cartilage piercing is a pretty general term, and can be used to describe any piercing that goes through cartilage, from your nostril to your daith. A helix piercing is any piercing along that outside rim of your ear, and it’s also a cartilage piercing.
Since the helix piercing is the most popular cartilage piercing type, it’s become common to use the terms interchangeably. Just know that if you enter the piercing studio and ask for a cartilage piercing, don’t be confused when your piercer asks, “Which one?”
It seems as though everyone has their own self-piercing story. Even The Parent Trap taught us how to use a match, a needle, and an apple to pierce our own ears. These all seemed to turn out all right in the end, so we can assume that piercings are pretty easy, right?
Actually, no. Getting a piercing should feel closer to a medical procedure. Your piercer needs to have the proper certification, they must use clean disposable gloves, and their sterilized tools should be in a sealed bag that’s opened in front of you.
You should choose a reputable piercer for any piercing, but it’s especially important for your cartilage. Cartilage has a difficult time healing itself; its cells don’t regenerate like other tissue. On top of this, cartilage in your ears and nose has low blood flow, making it especially susceptible to infection. If you use unclean tools, you’re basically telling infection-causing germs to make themselves at home.
NEVER USE A PIERCING GUN. Piercing guns use blunt force to shove the jewelry into your ear, which damages the cartilage. In lesser cases, this causes scarring, and in extreme cases, it can cause issues like cauliflower ear.
The next time your friend tries to convince you that you can go to a cheap piercing studio because she once shoved a thumb tack through her nostril with no consequences, do yourself a favor and chalk her success up to luck. Then, make an appointment with an excellent piercer.
Now that you have been forewarned about the importance of getting your helix done right, let’s get inspired with some style options.
Sometimes just a single, simply-stated piercing in the upper quadrant of your ear is perfect. When you want to have that feeling of rebellion without drawing too much attention, that single helix piercing does the trick.
Plus, the helix allows for tons of jewelry types, so when you’re feeling a little bolder, you can opt for climbers or spiral barbells to create a multiple piercing aesthetic.
Here are a few single helix looks to fawn over.
They say two is better than one, and it’s certainly true with the double helix piercing.
The best part about the helix is that it offers a wide area for piercing. Because of this, you can opt for double helix piercings close to each other, far away, or anything in between.
If you connect a forward and standard helix piercing with an industrial barbell, you have yourself an industrial piercing. This piercing is great because it’s actually three piercings in one.
For some more ideas, check out a few of these fun styles and looks.
If you’re a helix junkie, then go for the triple. The piercing trifecta can look clean and dainty with small cartilage studs, or it can go over the top with more extravagant jewelry styles; it’s all up to you.
Here are some looks to emulate.
The only limit to the number of times you can pierce your helix is the size of your ear. If bling is your thing, keep piercing that helix for some fantastic styles.
Single, double, triple, or more? It really doesn’t matter; piercing your helix simply looks great. Still need convincing? Our helix piercing jewelry collection should help.
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