Vertical Helix Piercing
A vertical helix runs through the cartilage from top to bottom, creating a striking, high-impact look. It's anatomy dependent, so if you're unsure whether your ear is suited to this placement, book in a free consult with our piercing pros. Once healed, it's one of the most eye-catching ways to style your outer ear.
- Pain level
- 5 / 10
- Method
- Needle
- Minimum age:
- 13 years*
- Jewellery type:
- Straight barbell View jewellery options
- Downsizing:
- 6–8 weeks
- Fully healed:
- minimum 6 months
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 Vertical Helix Piercing?
A vertical helix passes through the cartilage rim of your ear from top to bottom rather than the usual front to back angle. This gives it a distinctive vertical line that sits proud on the outer ear, and it works especially well as a statement piece within a wider stack.
Not every ear has the cartilage shape and depth to support this placement, which is why it's considered anatomy dependent. Our SK certified piercing specialists will check your ear during a free consult and let you know if it's the right fit before you book in. Visit our piercing info page to learn more about how we assess anatomy.
What To Expect
Here's how your experience at SkinKandy unfolds from the moment you arrive.
How We Pierce
Every vertical helix is pierced with a single-use hollow needle passing through the cartilage in one smooth motion. Our SK Certified piercing specialists are nurse-trained and certified in infection prevention, which matters even more for a placement that takes two passes through the same channel.
Choosing Your Jewellery
We pierce the vertical helix with a straight barbell from our helix piercing jewellery edit. Upgrading to titanium is a popular choice for this placement, giving you extra comfort while it settles in.
Step By Step: Your Vertical Helix Piercing Experience
- Book a free consult so we can check your anatomy suits a vertical placement.
- Your piercing specialist marks the entry and exit points and confirms them with you.
- The piercing is done with a sterile needle in one smooth motion through the cartilage.
- Your straight barbell is fitted and we'll talk you through your aftercare routine.
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE
Find Your Nearest Studio
Ready to book your consult? Check our age and consent requirements before you come in.
Nearest studios
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Aftercare
Healing a vertical placement 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. Full structural healing takes a minimum of 6 months, so keep up your routine well beyond the downsize. Want to know why timing your downsize matters? Check out this journal piece.
- Pierced
- Day one
- Downsizing:
- 6–8 weeks
- Fully healed:
- minimum 6 months
Jewellery For Your Vertical Helix
Choosing the right piece for your placement makes all the difference to comfort and healing.
Starter Jewellery
We pierce the vertical helix with a 16 gauge straight barbell. Start with surgical steel for a comfortable, budget friendly first piece.
Building Your Stack
Once healed, explore our full range of barbells to find your perfect fit, or read our guide to curated ears for ideas on layering it with other placements.
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 vertical helix piercing hurt?
Most people rate it around a 5 out of 10. The needle passes through the cartilage twice in one motion, so you'll feel a slightly longer pinch than a standard helix piercing. 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.
Is a vertical helix piercing suitable for everyone?
It's anatomy dependent. Some ears don't have enough cartilage depth or the right curve to support this placement safely. Book a free consult with our piercing pros and they'll check your ear before booking you in.
How long does a vertical 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 vertical helix piercing?
We pierce with a 16 gauge straight barbell. Upgrading to titanium or gold is a great option if you want extra comfort and a premium finish.
When can I downsize my vertical helix jewellery?
We recommend downsizing between 6 and 8 weeks once the initial swelling has settled. This helps the piercing sit comfortably as it heals.
How old do you have to be for a vertical helix piercing?
You need to be at least 13 years old with parental consent, or 16 years and over without.
Can I swim after getting a vertical helix piercing?
Avoid swimming in pools, oceans and spas for 6 to 8 weeks after your piercing to keep it clean while it heals. Our post piercing aftercare guide has more tips like this.
Is the vertical helix part of the two piercings from $80 deal?
Yes, the vertical 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 vertical helix makes a bold statement piece alongside softer, more subtle placements. Our ear piercing placements guide shows you how they all fit together, or explore more piercings below to plan your next addition.
