Can’t decide what type of ear cartilage piercing to get? Hoping to find a piercing that’s as stylish and unique as you? A forward helix piercing is the perfect piercing for you, and we’re here to teach you all about it! Forward helix ear piercings, also known as anti-helix piercings, are versatile body piercings that shine bright in any crowd. In this guide to getting a forward helix piercing, we will go over the piercing’s location, healing times, recommended jewelry, and more. Get your notepads ready because class starts now!

We know you’re eager to get started, but we want to make a few points before we kick things off. It’s important to remember that forward helix healing times vary from person to person and that different kinds of cartilage piercings take longer to heal than others. That being said, forward helix ear piercings typically heal in about 3-6 months on average. Cleaning the piercing site and forward helix earring is important during the healing process. Keeping up with the piercing aftercare will help avoid complications and allow the piercing to heal smoothly. Don’t change your forward helix jewelry until the piercing is completely healed. Make sure to shop for all of your body piercing needs at Spencer’s! Now, here’s your go-to forward helix piercing guide.

What is a Forward Helix Piercing?

Forward Helix Piercing Location:

Forward helix piercings, also referred to as anti-helix piercings, are located on the ear cartilage that runs on the upper outside part of your ear (where the cartilage meets the face). This upper cartilage piercing sits right above the ear canal and tragus, and directly across from the helix piercing (which is why it’s also known as an anti-helix piercing). You can also get a double forward helix piercing or triple forward helix piercings, which require multiple piercings in the same area. Forward helix piercings are unique because they have an array of jewelry options and they are easily visible.

Forward Helix Piercing Process:

This body piercing is typically performed with a hollow 16 or 18 gauge piercing needle.

How much does a forward helix piercing cost?

Forward helix piercing prices vary based on where you live and which piercing studio you’ll choose.

How much do forward helix piercings hurt?

Ear cartilage piercing pain depends on your pain tolerance. We recommend talking to a piercing professional about pain management before getting your forward helix pierced. Be sure to keep up with piercing care to avoid infection.

Other types of cartilage earrings:

Besides helix and forward helix piercings, there are several other types of cartilage piercing (rook piercings, daith piercings, conch piercings, tragus piercings, etc.). There are also double cartilage piercings and even triple cartilage piercings. To learn more, check out this guide to getting a cartilage piercing.

Forward Helix Piercing Jewelry

Stud earringshoop earringscaptive ringscurved barbells, and cartilage earrings.

How much does forward helix piercing jewelry cost?

There are different types of helix jewelry, such as cartilage hoops and industrial barbells, which may have a higher price than standard flat back earrings. We recommend calling a professional piercer for cartilage earring prices or any other body jewelry prices.

Jewelry Care:

Clean your jewelry with antibacterial soap and warm water.

Can I get an allergic reaction to my helix jewelry?

Allergic reactions to certain jewelry types are a possibility and could result in a rash, redness, bumps, or a rise in pain level. Contact a piercing professional and make sure that getting a piercing is the right move for you. Be sure to discuss types of jewelry and the jewelry material options before getting pierced. We most commonly carry surgical steel and titanium jewelry. Check with a doctor beforehand to be sure of any allergies. If your helix earring hurts after the first two weeks of the healing process, contact your doctor and make sure you aren’t allergic to the jewelry material.

How long should I wait to change my forward helix jewelry?

You need to wait until the body piercing is completely healed before changing your helix piercing jewelry. The healing process can take up to 6 months, so it’s important that you use the same piece of jewelry during that time and keep up with the piercing aftercare.

Cartilage Barbells
Cartilage Barbells

Forward Helix Piercing Aftercare

Forward Helix Healing Time and Tips:

Forward helix piercings can heal at different rates depending on the person. We recommend talking to a piercing professional about the healing period, cartilage piercing bumps or swelling, and cleaning routines before getting your forward helix earring. Forward helix piercing infections are possible, so if you’re experiencing piercing pain after the first two weeks or your pain level rises, contact your doctor.

How do I care for my body piercing?

We recommend cleaning your piercing with H2Ocean piercing aftercare spray or saline solution. Clean your jewelry with antibacterial soap and warm water. You can learn more about piercing aftercare, piercing types, and general piercing info on our blog. Make sure to speak with an experienced piercer for guidelines on body piercing care before getting pierced.

How do you give yourself a forward helix piercing?

You don’t! Forward helix piercings or any other types of cartilage piercings need to be done professionally to prevent any possible infections or other complications during the healing process.

Why shouldn’t I get a forward helix cartilage piercing?

A: If you’re questioning whether or not you should get a body piercing or any type of body modification, we recommend talking to a professional and considering everything before committing. Not every piercing is for everyone, and that’s okay! Take your time deciding if you want a forward helix piercing. Go to a piercing studio and speak with a professional to make sure you’re making the best decision you can for your body. We recommend starting with a standard ear lobe piercing if you’ve never had body jewelry before. If you decide that you want one, Spencer’s has tons of ear jewelry to choose from.

Now that you’ve been learned all of this important forward helix piercing info, it’s time to shop for jewelry! Spencer’s is the headquarters for all of your body jewelry needs, so make sure to check out our site!

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