What is a helix piercing?
A helix piercing is an ear piercing placed in the upper cartilage of your ear, along the outer rim. The name 'helix' refers to the curl or spiral shape of this part of the ear. It's one of the most popular cartilage piercings thanks to its versatility: you can choose a subtle single piece or a striking combination of several piercings side by side.
Which helix piercing size do you need?
At Eline Rosina we offer two lengths to guarantee a perfect fit, whatever your preference or anatomy:
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6.5mm (standard): Ideal for healed piercings and most ear shapes. This is our most popular size for everyday comfort.
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8mm: Perfect if you've just been pierced (to allow room for swelling) or if you naturally have slightly thicker cartilage. Also suitable if you like a bit more room.
Not sure which size you need? Measure the thickness of your helix or contact our customer service – we're happy to help you choose the right size.
Why choose 14 karat gold helix piercings?
Not all piercing jewellery is created equal. At Eline Rosina we deliberately choose 14 karat solid gold, and here's why:
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Hypoallergenic and nickel-free: Ideal for sensitive skin and minimises the risk of irritation or allergic reactions
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Durable & scratch-resistant: 14k gold is stronger than 18k and keeps its shine, even with daily wear
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100% recycled: Our piercings are made from fully recycled gold – luxury with a sustainable conscience
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Swim-proof & sleep-proof: Wear your piercing 24/7 without worry: in the shower, in the pool or while you sleep
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Enhanced with lab-grown diamonds: Real diamonds, ethically produced, for a sparkling finishing touch
Aftercare: how to care for your helix piercing
Good aftercare is essential for healing beautifully without complications. Follow these tips for the best results:
Daily care
- Clean 1–2 times a day with a sterile saline solution or a mild piercing spray
- Touch your piercing as little as possible and always wash your hands before you do
- Don't twist your jewellery – it disrupts the healing process
- Gently pat dry with a clean tissue after cleaning
What to avoid at first
- Sleeping on the piercing: try to sleep on your other side or on your back
- Hairspray and hair products: keep them away from your piercing
- Swimming pools and saunas: avoid them for the first 3 months (once healed, our jewellery is swim-proof!)
- Changing too soon: only change your jewellery once your piercing has fully healed.
Create your perfect ear party
A helix piercing is the perfect starting point for a beautiful ear party. Combine different piercings for a look that's completely you:
Since 2015, Eline Rosina has been a pioneer in the earring industry and an expert in luxury ear styling. Discover our complete piercing collection and create your unique ear party.
Frequently asked questions
Does a helix piercing hurt a lot?
Most people describe the pain as a short, sharp pinch that's over within seconds. Because the helix goes through cartilage, it can feel a little more intense than a lobe piercing, but it's very manageable. Your ear may be tender for a few days afterwards.
How long does a helix piercing take to heal?
A helix piercing takes an average of 6 to 9 months to heal. Cartilage heals more slowly than soft tissue because of its limited blood supply. With good aftercare and high-quality, hypoallergenic jewellery such as 14k gold, healing goes more smoothly.
Which helix piercing size do I need?
At Eline Rosina we offer two sizes: 6.5mm (standard) for healed piercings and most ear shapes, and 8mm for fresh piercings or thicker cartilage. The standard thickness is 1.2mm, which is what most piercers use.
Can I swim with my helix piercing?
With a new piercing, we recommend not swimming for the first 3 months because of the risk of infection. Once your piercing has fully healed, our 14k gold piercings are completely swim-proof. You can wear them without any problem in the pool, the sea or the shower.
Why is 14 karat gold better than other materials?
14 karat gold is hypoallergenic and nickel-free, which makes it ideal for sensitive skin. Unlike surgical steel (which contains traces of nickel) or plated material (which can wear off), solid 14k gold keeps its quality and colour, even with daily wear. What's more, our gold is 100% recycled.
What should I do about a bump on my helix piercing?
A bump on a helix piercing is common and is usually an irritation bump, not an infection. Keep cleaning your piercing with saline solution, avoid pressure and touching, and make sure your jewellery isn't too tight or too loose. If the problem persists, or you have a lot of pain or pus, consult your piercer or GP.
