Forward helix piercing is placed on the fold of cartilage that leads close to your head, around the flat of your ear. This rim piercing is usually opposite the classic helix piercing position and can be paired with a tragus piercing to create a mirrored constellation.

What do I need to know about forward helix piercing?

The forward helix piercing has seen an increase in popularity due to celebrities adorning this cute little body mod. Its popularity can also be attributed to the trend for small dainty piercing jewellery as this is the perfect placement for adding a petite gem or design such as a star. For those with the anatomy to support it, multiple forward helix piercings such as a triple forward helix piercing are a sweet addition to your constellation ear jewellery.

Do forward helix piercings heal easily?

Due to their placement, forward helix piercings can take a long time to fully heal. They tend to get caught on hair and are sometimes knocked but this is true of many upper ear cartilage piercings. To easily heal your forward helix piercing, keep your hair tied back and stick to your aftercare routine. Regularly check that no hair is wrapped around your jewellery and clean away any ear debris build-up. This piercing usually takes 3 months to heal but can take up to 12 months to be completely healed. Healing times will vary depending on the care for your piercing, if it is regularly knocked, and how effectively your body heals.

Your initial piercing jewellery may be a long labret bar that can be changed to a shorter bar once any swelling has subsided.

What are the benefits of forward helix piercing?

It is thought that some ear cartilage piercings work in a similar way to acupuncture giving benefits such as relieving tension, anxiety, and headaches by working with nerves and blood circulation. Much of this is simply anecdotal so the benefits of forward helix piercing are currently unproven. If you relate the location of the forward helix piercing to acupuncture it may be possible that the position has benefits for muscle tension and blood circulation.

How painful is forward helix?

Like most ear cartilage piercings, the forward helix piercing pain level is usually around 3-5 out of 10 on the pain scale. While pain is relative and information is gathered anecdotally many people find that upper cartilage piercings do not hurt as much as they expect. During the healing process, generally the discomfort and swelling will only last a few days and once the piercing is healed it shouldn’t hurt at all. If you do suddenly experience any forward helix pain once your piercing is healed check that there is nothing caught on the jewellery such as hair and that the jewellery is not damaged.

Does forward helix hurt more than tragus?

The forward helix usually hurts less than the tragus because the cartilage in the upper area of the ear of thinner.

How do you take care of a forward helix?

To take care of your forward helix piercing, clean it twice a day with piercing aftercare solution, saline solution or salt and boiled water (make sure to allow the water to cool before cleaning). Continue this routine for at least 3 months while your piercing is healing. Being vigilant with your cleaning routine will help you to avoid infection and speed up healing time. During this time don’t change your jewellery, avoid using any cosmetics on the area, and try not to knock or put pressure on the piercing.

Can you sleep on forward helix piercing?

It is advised not to sleep on your forward helix piercing while it is healing. The additional pressure and movement may cause the healing process to take longer. Once your forward helix piercing is fully healed you can sleep on it. Take care not to catch it in your bedding by choosing plain pillowcases. During healing and after if you do not find it comfortable to sleep on, using a doughnut pillow, travel neck pillow, or V pillow can be more comfortable as you can place your ear in the hole while still supporting your head while you sleep. Getting a new piercing on only one ear will allow you to still sleep on your side or your back without putting pressure on your piercing.

How long does forward helix stay sore?

How long your forward helix piercing stays sore is a completely subjective question. It depends on how it healed and how your body reacted to your new piercing. Look out for signs such as redness, discharge, swelling and bumps. Some people experience no soreness and very little bleeding after a piercing. However, for others, it may be sore for up to a week after the initial piercing. Then the piercing may periodically become sore if it flares up or is knocked. Piercings may get sore from time to time but if you consistently experience discomfort and you think your piercing should already be healed, talk to one of our piercers for advice.

The forward helix piercing tends to have an initial healing period of 3 months, after which it is less sensitive. However, for cartilage piercings to fully heal you may be waiting 6 months to a year.

Can you wear headphones with a forward helix?

We recommend only using earbuds with your fresh forward helix piercing and waiting until it is fully healed to wear over-the-ear headphones. The upper placement of the ear piercing forward helix means that you should be able to comfortably wear in-ear headphones however it is worth waiting until the initial swelling has calmed down.

How do you change a forward helix piercing?

Usually, a forward helix piercing uses a labret bar. This type of forward helix jewellery is easy to change by unscrewing the ball and taking the jewellery out of the back of your piercing hole. You can then insert a different bar, making sure it is the same size or try a very small hoop. If you are unsure about changing your piercing jewellery you can change the add on ball without removing the bar or you can visit a piercer for assistance.

Forward helix jewelry examples include:

·         Triple Forward Helix Piercing Jewellery: Three matching or complimentary labret studs. A popular design is to have matching gemstones or an assortment of shapes.

·         Forward Helix Piercing Hoop: A small forward helix hoop can be used in your piercing once it has healed. Try a segment ring or BCR forward helix ring in your piercing but make sure to check the size that you need.

·         Forward Helix Piercing Earrings: The easiest switch to make is to earrings. Get a flat back stud such as a labret to adorn your piercing. Alternatively, keep the bar you were pierced with and screw on a different gem or accessory to the end to change the look. Popular designs include stars, moons, and gemstones.

Forward helix piercings may have started as a celebrity trend but we think they are here to stay as they make a cute addition to constellation ear piercings and offer a dainty alternative to other ear cartilage piercing placements.