Traditional Helix Piercing

Helix piercings sit along the outer cartilage rim of the ear, from lower helix to high helix placements. Subtle or stacked, they're a versatile favourite. With a quick pinch and a short healing window, the traditional helix is an easy way to add personality to your ear stack. Our SK certified piercing specialists will help you find the perfect spot for your anatomy.

PriceFrom AUD $45

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

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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, 16 years and over without. Check our ID & consent requirements here. Note: In WA you must be 18 years to obtain a piercing without parental consent.

What Is A Traditional Helix Piercing?

The traditional helix sits on the outer rim of cartilage that runs around the upper part of your ear. It can be placed low, mid or high along that curve, which makes it one of the most flexible piercings for building a stack. Because it's cartilage rather than soft lobe tissue, the piercing takes a little longer to settle but the placement itself is quick and precise.

Our SK certified piercing specialists will mark the spot with you before anything happens, so you know exactly where your new piercing will sit before the needle comes out. If you're new to cartilage piercings altogether, our piercing info page is a great place to start.

Implant Grade Titanium Internally Threaded Claw Set Round Cubic Zirconia Flatback - SkinKandy | Body Jewellery & Piercing

What To Expect

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

How We Pierce

Every traditional 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 the cartilage is pierced cleanly and precisely.

Choosing Your Jewellery

We pierce the traditional helix with a segment ring, flatback post or barbell from our helix piercing jewellery edit. Every piece is available in titanium or 14K gold, so you can pick the metal that suits your skin and style.

Step By Step: Your Traditional Helix Piercing Experience

We'll chat through placement, jewellery and any questions you have before you sit down.
Your piercing specialist marks the exact spot on your ear so you can approve it first.
The piercing is done with a sterile needle. Most people feel a quick pinch followed by a brief warm sensation.
Your new jewellery is fitted straight away and we'll walk you through 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 to a shorter post between 6 and 8 weeks once the initial swelling has gone down. Full structural healing takes a minimum of 6 months, so keep up your routine well beyond the downsize. Curious why downsizing matters so much for cartilage piercings? We break it down in this journal piece.

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

Jewellery For Your Traditional 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 traditional helix with a 16 gauge segment ring, flatback post or barbell, though a 14 gauge option may suit some anatomy better. Start with surgical steel if you're after a budget friendly first piece.

Building Your Stack

Once healed, the traditional helix is one of the easiest placements to layer with other cartilage piercings. Explore our segment rings for a clean, hinged look, or read our guide to curated ears for stacking inspiration.

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 traditional 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, followed by a short dull throb that settles quickly. 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.

How long does a traditional 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, so stick with your aftercare routine the whole way through. See how it compares to other placements in our healing time guide.

What jewellery is used for a traditional helix piercing?

We pierce with a 16 gauge segment ring, flatback post or barbell in titanium, surgical steel or 14K gold. A 14 gauge option may suit some anatomy, and our piercing specialists will guide the right fit for you.

When can I downsize my traditional helix jewellery?

We recommend downsizing to a shorter post between 6 and 8 weeks once the initial swelling has gone down. This keeps things comfortable and helps healing along.

Can I sleep on my new traditional helix piercing?

Try to avoid sleeping on the piercing while it heals. A travel pillow with a cut out section or sleeping on your other side can help take the pressure off.

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

You need to be at least 13 years old with parental consent, or 16 years and over without. In WA you must be 18 years to get pierced without parental consent.

Can I swim after getting a traditional helix piercing?

Avoid swimming in pools, oceans and spas for 6 to 8 weeks after your piercing. Bacteria in these environments can slow healing or cause irritation.

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

Yes, the traditional 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 traditional helix pairs beautifully with other cartilage and lobe placements. Read our ear piercing placements guide to see how they all fit together, or explore more piercings below to plan your next addition.