Forward Helix Piercing

Positioned at the front rim of the cartilage near your face, the forward helix adds sleek detail and works beautifully in multiples. It's a great way to frame your face with a bit of extra sparkle. Our SK certified piercing specialists will help you find the perfect spot and jewellery to suit your style.

PriceFrom NZD $50

Pain level: 4 / 10
Method: Needle
Minimum age:: 13 years*
Jewellery type:: Flatback or barbell View jewellery options
Downsizing:: 6–8 weeks
Fully healed:: minimum 6 months

Book Now View Forward Helix Jewellery

Two Piercings From $80

Get two of your favourite standard piercings for just $80 when pierced with selected surgical steel jewellery. Read more

Pain is subjective, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee of what you'll feel. Everyone's pain tolerance is different.

* Available: From 13 years with parental consent or 16 years without parental consent. Check our ID & consent requirements here.

What Is A Forward Helix Piercing?

The forward helix sits at the front rim of the ear's cartilage, right where your ear meets your face. Unlike a traditional helix which curves around the outer edge, this placement sits forward, which is what makes it so visible and so popular in multiples.

Because this part of the ear is thinner cartilage, it's a quick, precise piercing for most people. Our SK certified piercing specialists will help you decide on placement and spacing if you're planning more than one. Visit our piercing info page for more on how we approach cartilage placements.

Implant Grade Titanium Guided Internally Threaded Red Cubic Zirconia Spider Piercing Top - SkinKandy | Body Jewellery & Piercing

What To Expect

Here's how your experience at SkinKandy unfolds from the moment you arrive.

How We Pierce

Every forward helix is pierced with a single-use hollow needle, never a piercing gun. Our SK Certified piercing specialists are nurse-trained and certified in infection prevention, so spacing and placement are precise even when you're planning multiples.

Choosing Your Jewellery

We pierce the forward helix with a flatback post or barbell from our helix piercing jewellery edit, available in titanium or 14K gold.

Step By Step: Your Forward Helix Piercing Experience

We'll chat through placement, spacing and jewellery before you sit down.
Your piercing specialist marks the exact spot on the front rim so you can approve it.
The piercing is done with a sterile needle. Most people feel a quick pinch and a brief warm sensation.
Your flatback post or barbell is fitted straight away, along with your aftercare routine.

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE

Find Your Nearest Studio

Ready to book in? Check our age and consent requirements beforehand so your visit goes smoothly.

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Nearest studios

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Aftercare

Healing a cartilage piercing takes time, and that's completely normal. Sticking with a simple routine every day is the best way to help things along.

Your Daily Routine

Shop our aftercare range and follow our full post piercing aftercare guide for the complete step by step routine.

Clean with sterile saline twice daily.
Avoid swimming in pools, oceans and spas for 6 to 8 weeks.
Avoid sleeping directly on the piercing while it heals.
Be mindful of headphones, helmets and hats catching on new jewellery.

When Can I Change My Jewellery?

We recommend downsizing between 6 and 8 weeks once the initial swelling has settled, keeping the fit comfortable as it heals. Full structural healing takes a minimum of 6 months. Curious why timing your downsize matters? Read more in this journal piece.

Pierced: Day one
Downsizing:: 6–8 weeks
Fully healed:: minimum 6 months

Jewellery For Your Forward Helix

Choosing the right piece for your placement makes all the difference to comfort and healing.

316L surgical steel labret piercing with a polished ball end and flat disc backing

Starter Jewellery

We pierce the forward helix with a 16 gauge flatback post or barbell. Explore our flatback jewellery for the most comfortable fit.

Building Your Stack

Enhance your look with a gem or decorative top once you're ready to switch things up. Browse our barbells for more options, or read our guide to curated ears for ideas on building out a matching pair or stack.

Not Sure What Metal Suits You?

If you're torn between finishes, our piece on silver, rose gold or gold can help, or browse everything by material to compare options side by side.

FAQs

Does a forward helix piercing hurt?

Most people rate it around a 4 out of 10. You'll feel a quick pinch as the needle passes through the cartilage near the front of your ear, followed by a brief warm sensation. Pain is subjective, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee of what you'll feel. Everyone's pain tolerance is different.

Where exactly is a forward helix piercing placed?

It sits at the front rim of the ear cartilage, closest to your face, rather than along the outer curve like a traditional helix.

Can I get more than one forward helix piercing?

Yes, the forward helix works really well in multiples. Many people get two or three along the front rim to build a mini stack in this one spot.

How long does a forward helix piercing take to heal?

The initial channel typically forms within a few months but full structural healing takes a minimum of 6 months. Everyone heals at their own pace. See how it compares to other placements in our healing time guide.

What jewellery is used for a forward helix piercing?

We pierce with a 16 gauge flatback post or barbell. Enhance your look with a gem or decorative top once you're ready to switch things up.

When can I downsize my forward helix jewellery?

We recommend downsizing between 6 and 8 weeks once the initial swelling has settled, keeping the fit comfortable as it heals.

How old do you have to be for a forward helix piercing?

You need to be at least 13 years old with parental consent, or 16 years and over without. Full details are on our age and consent page.

Is the forward helix part of the two piercings from $80 deal?

Yes, the forward helix is included in our Two Piercings from $80 promotion when paired with another eligible piercing and standard surgical steel jewellery.

Build Your Ear Stack

The forward helix works beautifully alongside other cartilage placements or as a matching pair on the front rim. Our ear piercing placements guide shows you how it fits with other spots, or explore more piercings below to plan your next addition.