Helix Piercing
Upper-ear cartilage piercing. Slow, fussy healer that dislikes pressure.
Healing Time
6–12 months
Cleaning
Twice daily
Downsize
Usually not required
Jewellery
Implant-grade titanium
Step by step
Healing timeline
Day 1
- Tenderness, mild swelling and a spot of blood is normal
- Wash your hands before touching the piercing
- Sleep on a clean pillowcase, on the opposite side
- Do not twist, rotate or spin the jewellery
Week 1
- Spray with NeilMed Fine Mist saline twice a day, then pat dry with clean gauze or paper towel
- Only lift softened crust away — never pick
- Keep shampoo, conditioner and hair products off the site — rinse it last in the shower
- No pools, hot tubs, shared baths or open water
Weeks 2–8
- Swelling settles and tenderness eases
- Keep phones, glasses, headphones and helmets off that ear
- Continue saline once a day; skip if the piercing is calm
- Still sleep on the opposite side
Months 3–12
- Cartilage heals slowly from the outside in — still fragile internally
- Leave the jewellery in. Never remove it to "give it a rest"
- You can gradually reintroduce headphones once it's fully settled
After healing
- Full internal healing takes 6–12 months
- Long-term jewellery: implant-grade titanium or 14k+ solid gold
- Send us a photo any time you're unsure
Reassurance
Normal during healing
Everyday sensations you can expect during healing.
Watch out for
When to contact us
Know the difference between typical irritation and something that needs attention.
Common issues
- Irritation bump from pressure
- Snagging on hair and clothing
- Headphone or helmet friction
- Sleeping on that side
Contact the studio
- Bump that isn't settling with a clean routine
- Persistent redness or tenderness beyond week 2–3
- Jewellery feeling tight against the skin
- Anything you're unsure about — send us a photo
Contact us urgently
If you notice any of these, contact us straight away. We'll advise whether to come in for a check-up or seek urgent medical care.
- Spreading redness or a red streak away from the piercing
- Hot skin with throbbing pain that worsens by the day
- Thick yellow or green discharge with a foul smell
- Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
Helpful tips
Extra advice for your helix piercing
Helix tips
- Avoid sleeping on that side for the first 3 months
- Use a travel pillow to keep pressure off the piercing
- Switch to earbuds. Over-ear headphones press on healing cartilage
- No helmets, tight hats or hoods across the piercing
- Keep phones, glasses arms and pillowcases clean — they touch your ear more than anything else
FAQs
What's normal
💬 Need some reassurance?
What's normal
💬 Need some reassurance?
What's normal
💬 Need some reassurance?
What's normal
💬 Need some reassurance?
Healing Checker
Answer a few quick questions tailored to the treatment you're viewing. We'll help you understand what is commonly seen while healing and what to do next. This is guidance, not a diagnosis.
Takes less than 60 seconds
Where to go for help
- Common healing signs
- Mild redness, tenderness, swelling, light flaking or a little clear fluid early on.
- Ask the studio
- Irritation that is not settling, snagging, jewellery questions or anything unclear.
- Seek medical advice today
- Increasing pain, heat, spreading redness, yellow or green discharge, fever or feeling unwell. Contact your GP urgently or call NHS 111, without waiting for our reply. Seek emergency care if you are seriously unwell.
Still need help?
Send us a clear photo and one of our experienced team members will review it and advise on the next steps. If appropriate, we'll recommend a studio check-up or seeking medical advice.
Studio Recommended · Aftercare
NeilMed Piercing Aftercare Spray
Professional aftercare recommended by our piercers. Sterile saline fine mist that keeps new piercings clean without burning or stinging.
- Sterile saline
- Drug free
- Any-angle mist
- 177ml bottle
Free UK delivery over £40