Forward helix piercings are one of the most distinctive types of ear piercings available. These piercings are trendy enough to complement any personal style, but they are easy to maintain enough after the initial healing period to be ideal for someone who wants to look good without a lot of fuss.
The forward helix is a cartilage puncturing on the outer upper ear, above the tragus, and opposite the hairline. You can eventually get multiple piercings in this area and rock a double or triple helix look, just like the traditional helix. In terms of pain, a forward helix piercing would be rated as a 5-6/10 on the pain scale.
This guide will teach you the fundamentals of forward helix piercings, such as what to anticipate when you get one, how long the forward helix heals, and potential costs.
What is forward helix?
The forward helix piercing is situated on a small piece of skin at the front of the ear that connects the ear and the head. The forward helix may stimulate an acupressure point to help relieve tense muscles, increase blood circulation, and encourage your body to release energy for healing.
This piercing may help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the face by increasing blood circulation and muscle tone in the face as well as the rest of the body. This piercing is also fairly painless to obtain. To get a better understanding of how ear piercing work, we implore that you read the ultimate guide to ear piercings to have a better clue.
Double forward helix
A double-helix is two consecutive holes pierced vertically in your ear cartilage. Double-helix piercings are very popular because they are eye-catching and can be adorned with a variety of jewelry. They’ll also look great with any other visible piercings you have.
It’s best to do your research before incorporating a double-helix into your look. As with any piercing, it’s critical to understand what you’re getting yourself into and what to expect. This is especially true for the double helix, which consists of two distinct piercings. The best double ear piercing guide will aid you to understand more about double ear piercing.
The benefit of forward helix ear piercings
Aside from giving you a fashionable look, forward helix ear piercings have several health benefits. You should understand the science of ear piercing. People from all cultures have pierced their ears for health reasons since ancient times.
Here are the main advantages of forward helix ear piercing that you should be aware of.
- It enhances reproductive health
- It boosts the health of the brain
- Forward helix ear piercing enhances memory
- Boost the health of the digestive system
- Female vitality
It enhances reproductive health
Ear piercings have an effect on a person’s reproductive health. Certain points on the trabeculae of the ears are important for maintaining an individual’s reproductive health. Piercings in the right places can improve a person’s reproductive health.
It boosts the health of the brain
Ear piercings have a significant impact on brain health. Children are evidently pierced at a young age. The meridian points on the lobes of the ears connect the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Because of the piercings, these areas of the brain are activated.
Forward helix ear piercing enhances memory
One important scientific reason for ear piercing is that it improves people’s memory. Because they have an effect on brain health, they also have an effect on memory. Stimulating the meridian points with piercings promotes brain development and eventually improves memory.
Boost the health of the digestive system
Pressure points on the ears stimulate appetite. Individuals’ digestive health is improved by having piercings.
Female vitality
The vitality of the female reproductive organ is associated with the left side of the body. Getting a piercing in the left ear boosts the body’s overall vitality.
How do forward helix piercings work
A standard or forward helix can be done in almost any piercing studio. Choose one that has been in business for a long time, has the quality and professional piercers, a full government license, and positive reviews. You should look around and ask as many questions as you need to until you find a place that feels right for you.
Only a needle should be used for a forward helix piercing. They should NEVER be carried out with a firearm. If someone is piercing cartilage with a gun (including the nose or anywhere else), they should be reported because it is not only illegal but also potentially dangerous.
The gun can indeed be sterilized in the same way that a new needle can in an autoclave, and it can also cause permanent damage to the ear by shattering your cartilage, causing the ear to collapse or become deformed.
A good piercing studio will use a needle and a small tube to pierce your ear. For a forward helix, they will clamp the area first, then slide the needle through before inserting the jewelry into the tube thread, sliding it in, and screwing the ball on tightly so it does not fall out. Before piercing you, the piercer should mark the dot on your ear and allow you to check the position.
What gauge is forward helix piercing?
There are strongly advised gauges for forward helixes, but you should measure your own ear because everyone is different. Follow the point below to see how to find the correct size for you.
HOOPS method
The most prevalent gauge for a forward helix piercing is 16 gauge. Your anatomy and personal preference will determine the diameter of the hoop you require. The most common hoop size for a forward helix piercing is 6mm.
- Estimate the distance between the hole and the edge of your ear with a ruler.
- Add 1mm for a comfortable fit and 2mm for a loose fit.
BARS
The length of the bar you require will be determined by your skin thickness; recommended lengths are usually 5mm or 6mm. It is strongly advised that you get a 5mm length for a short and snug fit; if you have thicker ears or prefer to leave some space on either side, a 6mm length may be better suited.
- In your piercing, insert an earring pin.
- Make a mark on the post where the earring posts should go.
- Using a ruler, determine the length of the removed material.
- Don’t be afraid to go a little longer to avoid putting too much pressure on your piercings.
How bad does forward helix hurt?
Forward helix piercings are among the most painful types of piercings. This is most likely due to cartilage’s brittle nature. Of course, how experienced your piercer is, whether a needle or machine is used, and how sensitive you are to pain will all have an impact on how painful the procedure is.
That being said, the quality of your piercer can greatly improve your comfort level. If you choose an experienced, reputable piercer (as you should always do), they will perform the piercing in the least painful way possible.
They accomplish this by smoothly wielding the needle, guiding you through breathing exercises, and creating an overall positive experience. If you’re concerned about the pain of the piercing, read reviews to get a sense of the piercer’s style. It could make the process much easier for you.
How long does it take to heal a forward helix?
Healing is a subjective process that is influenced by factors such as your overall health, sleep and stress levels, and aftercare regimen. This makes sense because our bodies respond to and recover from physical stressors at different rates. However, if you want an average estimate, it should be at least two months.
“A forward helix piercing requires two to four months to heal.” It takes six to nine months for the piercing to heal completely. Healing times will vary depending on the piercing and your body, but your ear will be healed when any discharge, swelling, redness, flaking, or soreness stops.
Aftercare for a forward helix ear piercing
Helix piercing aftercare is as simple as washing it twice a day with saline solution (or antimicrobial soap, says Earnest). The most difficult part of the process isn’t washing; it’s doing everything you can to avoid irritating your piercing. Avoid accessories that could snag on it, such as beanies or headphones, to reduce friction.
It’s also critical to avoid touching or irritating your piercing as much as possible, as irritation can lead to inflammation or, in some cases, infection.
If you want to take good care of your piercing during the healing process, keep the following in mind: ‘Never put anything on your piercing that you would not put in your eyes.’
How much are forward helix piercings
Since forward helix piercings are more difficult to place, you can expect to pay up to $90 or $100 for a well-done piercing. However, experienced, reputable piercers can charge close to $30, so there is a wide range in terms of what you can expect to pay.
You should also not be surprised if the cost of your piercing does not include the jewelry; this is often a separate charge. While some piercers may include the cost of the jewelry in the overall piercing cost, keep in mind that any upgrades or changes to what’s included will incur additional charges.
Types of earing you should use for a forward helix
Here are the types of earing that you should use for a forward helix
- Stud: A stud is a tiny piece of jewelry with a thin long backing that is inserted into a piercing’s hold. A small fixture is attached to the other side of a stud to seal it in place.
- Hoop/Ring: A hoop, also known as a ring, is a popular helix-piercing accessory. It’s a ring-shaped piece of metal that’s flexible enough to bend. Start pulling the two ends apart to remove a hoop.
Should I get a forward helix piercing
Forward helix piercings take a long time to heal. If you can commit to the entire healing period, this piercing is for you.
During the healing period, you must avoid contact with water and avoid wearing tight hats or helmets that may press against the piercing. If you participate in a sport or activity that requires these items, you should consider getting a piercing in another location.
If you’ve had trouble healing cartilage piercings in the past, the forward helix piercing will be no exception. Sometimes you have to cut your losses and accept that a certain piercing isn’t for you.
How to change forward helix piercing
A forward helix piercing can be easily changed out, but you must wait until it is completely healed before inserting new jewelry. Because your forward helix piercing is essentially an open wound, changing the jewelry before it has fully healed will aggravate the site and may result in an infection.
Furthermore, the back of the studs used in helix piercings can be quite stiff and difficult to remove at first, tugging at the piercing site and irritating the forward helix. Remember that the longer you wait for a piercing to heal, the more certain you can be that it’s safe to change the jewelry.
If you’re unsure about the healing status of your piercing or are concerned that you might harm it, it’s best to visit your piercer for a change-out.
Conclusion
The forward helix piercing is an excellent choice for those looking for something unique. Piercings are an excellent way to express yourself, but make sure you are prepared for the responsibilities that come with them. Although having multiple piercings is exciting, it all comes down to how well you take care of them after the procedure.
FAQs About forward helix
A forward helix piercing can be easily changed out, but you must wait until it is completely healed before inserting new jewelry.
Since a forward helix is pierced through cartilage, you can expect some pain—certainly more than a standard helix piercing.
A forward helix piercing is made by piercing the forward-facing surface directly above the tragus on the outer (usually upper) cartilage closest to your face. This piercing is done in a very standard manner, so it’s not particularly exciting.