Not everyone wants a striking ring high on the ear. Sometimes you just want a small stone that twinkles in just the right spot when you tuck your hair behind your ear. That is exactly the forward helix: more subtle than a regular helix, and precisely for that reason so popular. Below, you can read what it is, how it compares to a regular helix, and which jewelry looks best in it.
What is a forward helix piercing?
A forward helix piercing is a piercing through the cartilage on the front of your ear, close to your face where the top edge meets your temple. Therefore, it is not located on top of the edge like a regular helix, but is rotated slightly forward. Because the piercing is small and close to your face there, it stands out subtly, and it is primarily the jewelry that draws attention, not the piercing itself.
Forward helix or regular helix: what is the difference?
The difference lies purely in the location. A regular helix sits high on the outer edge of your ear, while a forward helix sits at the front, towards your face. That location also determines the look: a regular helix is often worn with a ring, whereas a forward helix looks best with a delicate stud. If you want the full picture of all the variations, read our guide on the helix piercing . If you prefer something hidden and minimal, take a look at the hidden helix piercing as well .
Double en triple forward helix
Because there is space at the front of your ear, you can get more than one. For a double forward helix, you place two piercings directly below each other; for a triple, three. This creates a beautiful vertical row of stones that visually brightens your ear. For example, combine a small round stone, a star, and a solitaire in a single line for a playful staircase. If you are just starting out, one forward helix is often enough to fall in love with; you can always expand later.
Which jewelry fits in a forward helix piercing?
For a forward helix, you almost always choose a stud, not a ring. A flatback stud is ideal: the flat back rests comfortably against your head and stays neatly in place without snagging on your hair. A small stone, a flower, or a delicate solitaire works beautifully here, precisely because the location is so subtle.
The material makes the difference in the long run. Cartilage heals slowly and moves a lot, so you don't want a layer of gold that wears off. Solid gold does not tarnish, is skin-friendly, and stays beautiful for years. Eline Rosina's helix piercings are made of 14k recycled gold, with delicate studs that are perfect for a forward helix. If you want extra sparkle, take a look at the diamond piercings , and for a complete ear stack, you will find everything that fits among the 14k solid gold piercings and huggies . You can find inspiration for combining them in our article on styling helix piercings .
Does a forward helix piercing hurt?
Yes, you will feel it. Just like with a regular helix, the needle goes through cartilage, so you get a short, sharp prick instead of the soft sensation of a lobe piercing. Because the forward helix is close to your face, some people experience the prick as a bit sharper, but the sharpness is over in a few seconds. Afterward, your ear may throb for a few days, especially if you lie on it.
How long does it take to heal?
Count on patience. On the outside, a forward helix feels healed after about 3 to 6 months, but the cartilage is often not fully restored until after 6 to 12 months. During that period, leave the starter bar in and continue caring for it. Once everything is healed, the best part arrives: that's when you switch to the jewelry you really want to wear and upgrade to solid gold. You can read more about healing times in when a piercing is healed .
Care and aftercare
The aftercare for a forward helix is the same as for a regular helix:
- Rinse the piercing one to two times a day with a sterile saline solution.
- Keep your fingers off it and do not rotate the jewelry.
- Be careful with hair products and combs, because the spot is close to your hairline.
- Sleep on your other ear as much as possible for the first few months.
- Only change the jewelry when everything has healed.
A detailed step-by-step plan can be found in our guide on cleaning a piercing and in the general piercing aftercare .
Frequently asked questions about the forward helix piercing
What is a forward helix piercing?
A forward helix piercing is a cartilage piercing on the front of your ear, where the top edge meets your temple. It is rotated forward rather than positioned on top of the edge, making it subtly noticeable. You usually wear a small stud or earring in it, so that the stone stands out more than the piercing itself.
What is the difference between a forward helix and a regular helix?
The difference between a forward helix and a regular helix lies in their position on your ear. A regular helix sits high on the outer edge, while a forward helix sits at the front, closer to your face. A regular helix is often worn with a small hoop, whereas a forward helix looks best with a delicate stud. Both go through cartilage.
Does a forward helix piercing hurt?
A forward helix piercing causes a brief, sharp pain at the moment of insertion because the needle passes through cartilage. Some people experience the prick as slightly more intense because the location is close to the face, but the intense sensation is over within a few seconds. In the days following, your ear may still feel somewhat sensitive or throbbing, especially when lying on it.
How long does it take to heal a forward helix piercing?
Healing a forward helix piercing takes longer than a loin piercing because cartilage repairs slowly. The piercing feels healed on the outside after 3 to 6 months, but full recovery often takes 6 to 12 months. During that period, you leave the jewelry in and continue caring for it daily with a saline solution so that the piercing closes up gradually.
Which jewelry fits in a forward helix piercing?
A delicate stud with a flat back looks best on a forward helix piercing, as it rests comfortably against your head and does not snag on your hair. A small stone, flower, or solitaire accentuates the subtle location. Opt for solid 14k gold, such as the helix studs by Eline Rosina, as it does not tarnish and continues to sparkle in cartilage for years.
Can you get a double or triple forward helix?
You can certainly get a double or triple forward helix, where you place two or three holes close together on the front of your ear. This creates a vertical row of stones that beautifully brightens up your ear. Have a piercer assess how much space your cartilage offers, and build up gradually if necessary by getting one forward helix done first and adding more later.
Ready for your forward helix?
Once you know for sure, choosing your jewelry is the most fun part. Check out the helix piercings in 14k recycled gold for the finest studs.