Triple Helix Piercing: Jewellery, FAQs & Guide

Spiral helix piercing is a multi-hole piercing that is also known as a triple helix. The spiral helix simply describes the type of jewellery rather than the piercing. It means you have connected multiple (anything from two or more piercings) with a single piece of spiral jewellery. If you are looking to customise your triple helix piercing you can also wear it with multiple BCRs, curved barbells or labrets.

If you are purchasing spiral cartilage piercing jewellery you need to make sure there are the right number of spirals for the number of piercing holes you have. You will need one full circle of the spiral jewellery per piercing hole. Make sure the diameter of the jewellery is also the correct size so that it will sit snugly within the rim of your ear.

It is easier to think of the spiral piercing as belonging to a family of piercings, especially since this style of piercing jewellery can be worn in a range of different locations and number of holes for example the triple cartilage piercing and double helix spiral piercing.

What is spiral piercing?

A spiral piercing is usually an ear piercing that consists of multiple piercing holes connected by a single piece of spiral jewellery which twists through each hole and around the rim of the ear. These holes should be evenly spaced as twisted barbells come with a set amount of give and a piercing being too far apart will cause discomfort during wear. The most common place to wear spiral jewellery is in a helix piercing cluster.

How do you put in a spiral cartilage earring?

Once your piercings have healed, you can insert your spiral cartilage earring. Before you start, make sure you have cleaned the jewellery. You may also want to take the opportunity to clean your piercing. Start with the hole that is the furthest away from your head or at the base of your ear rim. Take the threaded ball off one end of the spiral jewellery and take care not to lose it. Start slowly feeding the jewellery through each hole, taking care not to move the ear more than necessary. Once you have reached the final hole make sure the jewellery is even at both ends and screw the ball back in.

How to change a helix piercing?

Some people find cartilage ear piercings are difficult to change due to their location. Helix earrings are usually fastened with a screwed thread. If the ball is loose enough you should be able to unthread your jewellery using your fingers. However, if you find that it won’t move you may need the help of jewellery pliers. Make sure you only use pliers that are specifically for removing piercing jewellery and that they are sanitised. If you aren’t sure about changing your piercing jewellery then visit one of our Blue Banana stores and our piercers will help you change your jewellery.

How to remove a spiral piercing?

A spiral piercing may take longer to remove than a barbell, labret or BCR. Unscrew the end of the jewellery closest to your head or the top of the rim of your ear then take the opposite end of the jewellery and start to twist the spiral out of each hole. Make sure you take your time and move the jewellery gently so you don’t irritate your piercings. Make sure you don’t lose the ball you have removed. Remember, cartilage piercings can begin to shrink after only an hour without jewellery so get your other jewellery ready to put into your piercings, especially if your piercing has recently healed.

Does a triple helix piercing hurt?

During the initial piercing, you will experience pain while the needle is going through your cartilage. This is normal and is not usually any more painful than other ear cartilage piercings. Your helix piercing may also hurt after piercing due to some swelling, which is completely normal. Triple helix pain could occur if aftercare is not correctly followed so make sure you regularly clean your new piercing and do not change the jewellery until your piercer has advised.

How long does a triple helix piercing take to heal?

Triple helix piercings take 6-8 months to heal completely with the correct aftercare. Some people opt to have the helix piercings one at a time as this allows room for swelling and will give your body the chance to heal between each piercing, in which case the overall process will take longer.

If you want to use spiral piercing jewellery in your triple helix piercing you will need to wait until all the holes are fully healed before attempting to insert this jewellery. Connecting piercings together can lead to some pulling which will hinder healing in fresh piercings.

How much does a triple helix piercing cost?

Triple helix piercing cost can be quite high as you are likely to pay the price of each cartilage piercing individually. A single helix piercing can cost £30 - £35 however you may find some stores offer special prices for multiple piercings. How much it will cost usually reflects the experience needed by the piercer to perform a piercing.

How to heal a helix?

Helix piercings, like all cartilage piercings, take time to fully heal. This is because the ear cartilage does not have its own blood vessels. Make sure you clean your piercing twice a day for 6 – 8 months using a saltwater solution or Tea Tree Oil. Make sure you have chosen high quality jewellery that is hypoallergenic to reduce swelling and irritation and make sure not to knock or put pressure on your new helix piercing.

Does helix piercing hurt more than lobe?

The helix piercing tends to hurt more than the lobe. Everyone experiences pain differently but people tend to describe a lobe piercing as a pinch whereas a cartilage ear piercing will give more of a sharp pain. This is due to the different types of tissue. The cartilage is thicker and harder therefore, naturally, it will hurt more. However, the helix piercing is not considered the most painful piercing so it is often recommended as the next piercing to get after lobes.

As you can see there are a variety of ways to step up your helix piercing. The triple helix piercing is becoming more popular due to the rise in constellation piercings which are a carefully curated collection of piercings usually adorned with themed jewellery to create an overall visual aesthetic.

Want to know more about piercing in general? Head to our Piercing Guides to read more FAQs answers.

Spiral Piercing Procedure

Ready to get your triple helix piercing? Use our store locator to find your local Blue Banana Studio. There’s no need to book an appointment; you can simply go to the store of your choice and be pierced on the day.

Please ensure that you have checked the ear piercing age restriction before coming to the store. In a Blue Banana studio, the triple helix piercing age restriction is 16 (ID may be required) or 13 with parental consent from a parent or guardian who is present.

Once you’re all booked in, you will have some forms to fill out. A member of Blue Banana staff will go through the steps and can help you pick out jewellery. Then the piercer will give you a quick consultation and briefing before discussing the piercing location.

The triple helix piercing typically involves a sterilised gauge needle which your piercer will pass through the cartilage, inserting the jewellery in the process. This piercing can be performed in one sitting or you can opt for three separate helix piercings to allow your ear to heal each time. The piercing site is cleaned thoroughly and marked with a pen first so you can check that you are happy with the location.

Spiral Aftercare Advice

The triple helix piercing typically takes 6-8 months to fully heal due to it being a cartilage piercing.

During the healing process, there are some activities you will want to avoid such as sleeping on your new piercing and swimming. Knocking or putting pressure on a cartilage piercing can cause the angle to change and the healing process to take longer so be sure to take extra care not to catch your new piercing jewellery and to keep up with your aftercare.

Clean your helix piercing twice a day with salt water solution or Tea Tree Oil by gently bathing it using cotton wool.

While it is important to ensure your general ear hygiene is first rate, it is also advisable to avoid using soap on your new piercing so be sure to take extra care while washing your ears and removing ear wax.

If you would like further information, make sure to read our full Piercing Aftercare Guides to learn about side effects to look out for.

Choosing Spiral Piercing Jewellery

There’s plenty of options when it comes to triple helix or spiral piercing jewellery from Blue Banana. Some popular styles include:

Spiral Helix Earring
Twisted Barbell Helix
Triple Helix Piercing Hoops

Your triple helix piercing will most likely be done with a labret or barbell as this reduces the risk of the jewellery catching during the healing process. It is vital for the healing process that you remain patient and don’t change your jewellery until your piercer has advised you to do so.

When choosing your piercing jewellery there are a few things you should consider:

Jewellery Size – everyone’s ears are different sizes, so make sure to pick jewellery that sits just right in your ear. If you are wearing a ring or spiral in your ear you will want to make sure it fits snugly. Make sure you also find out what gauge (thickness of jewellery) you have been pierced with.
Jewellery Material – piercing materials differ not only through their look but also how they could react to your skin. Titanium jewellery is a popular choice due to the hypoallergenic and non-corrosive qualities.

We generally recommend that for new piercings you choose jewellery with a wider diameter or length. This can allow for extra room in case of any swelling. Make sure to check out the tips from our piercing guides for information about changing and removing piercing jewellery.

Other Guides & Ranges

Please Note: Blue Banana piercing information is based on knowledge from our experiences as one of the UK's top piercing studios. All details provided should be read alongside professional advice. Please see our full Piercing Articles Disclaimer, here.