Are you thinking about getting a double helix piercing? Perhaps you already have one helix piercing, and you would like to get another to join it.
In this article, we will be discussing everything you need to know about double helix piercings, from the costs to the aftercare.
What Is A Double Helix Piercing?
A double helix piercing is made up of two vertically piercing holes in the cartilage of your ear.
Most people will opt for a single helix piercing at first, and will return for a second piercing later on. However, it is worth noting that certain places will offer a discount for getting both piercings done at once.
The Backward Helix Piercing Vs. The Forward Helix Piercing
The traditional helix piercing is located in the posterior/rear section of the ear and is pierced through the cartilage at the top of the ear.
This positioning is also, sometimes, referred to as the backward helix piercing. You can, instead, get a forward helix piercing.
In the cartilage facing forward, a double front helix is located adjacent to where a forward helix would be positioned. It is placed immediately above your tragus, in the cartilage of the front section of your ear.
Things to Consider Before Getting A Double Helix Piercing
Before you jump to book a double helix piercing, there are a few things you should think about before you make any decisions.
Booking With An Experienced Piercing Professional
You may be so excited about getting your new piercings that you’re willing to book with the first place that has an open appointment. However, there are so many important factors that you will need to consider before picking a place to go to.
It is so, so important to check the safety and hygiene ratings of a store before booking an appointment. Reviews are also very handy! If a place has an array of negative reviews, that’s a good sign that you should find another place to go to.
Additionally, social media can be very helpful to find a suitable person to pierce your ears. If their posts have a wide range of positive reviews in the comments, then this is a great sign!
Overall, the most indispensable thing you can do is research the venue before you even think about booking an appointment.
Needle Vs. Piercing Gun: Which Is Better?
Another thing to consider is whether the person piercing your ear will be using a sterilized needle, or a piercing gun.
When it comes to cartilage piercings, specifically, getting pierced with a gun is a huge no-no.
Piercing guns use blunt force trauma to penetrate the ear, which can result in the shattering of your cartilage. Not only is this extremely painful, but you may end up with bumps and swelling.
The APP (Association for Professional Piercers) is so opposed to this type of piercing that it has gone so far as to outlaw piercing cartilage with a gun in certain areas, citing cleanliness concerns and tissue damage as reasons.
So, all in all, you would be much better off finding a place that pierces ears with needles. It is much safer, and you will be less likely to go home with a swollen ear.
Check Out Your Ear Shape
Lastly, you may want to take a closer look at the shape of your ear before deciding to get a helix piercing.
Everybody has differently shaped ears. Therefore, a double helix piercing in your ear may look a lot different to the ones placed in that model’s ear in that photograph that you’re using as a reference.
It is absolutely critical to consider the proper placement of the piercing. After all, you can’t back out of having your ears pierced once the needles have been inserted!
You must be absolutely certain that you want this piercing. If you are unsure about the placement, or how it will appear on you, you should get some advice from a qualified specialist.
Does A Double Helix Piercing Hurt?
When it comes to getting a piercing, this is always the most frequently asked question. Will it hurt? How much will it hurt?
The answer to this question will vary from person to person, but overall, yes, you will feel some sort of discomfort while getting this piercing.
The pain tolerance of each individual is obviously different. Those who are getting pierced for the first time, on the other hand, may suffer more than those who have previously been pierced and are conscious of the discomfort.
On a scale from 1 to 10, the majority of people rate the pain of a helix piercing as a 5. Of course, this is completely subjective, so you may feel more or less pain.
The most important thing to remember is that the sensation of the needle entering your ear will only last less than a second. Of course, you will need to endure this pain twice if you are getting a double helix, but the initial piercing pain passes very quickly.
The Procedure For A Double Helix Piercing
If you’ve had your ears pierced before, you’ll already know what to anticipate.
A double helix piercing isn’t all that different from other piercings you’ve had before, though it may take a bit longer if you’re getting both piercings done at the same time.
Arriving At The Piercing Studio
When you arrive at the piercing studio, you may be asked to fill out a couple of forms, if you haven’t done so already. These forms are simply to let the person carrying out the piercing know if you have any allergies, or any other health concerns that may affect the piercing.
By the time you finish filling out the form, the person carrying out the piercing should have fully cleaned and sterilized everything in the room they will be working in.
If you feel unsure, don’t be hesitant to ask if they have cleaned the area, and if they will be using sterilized needles during the procedure. This is very important, as you will want to minimize the risk of getting an infection as much as possible.
Marking A Stencil On Your Ear
When you are invited into the room, you will be asked to either sit down or lie down, making yourself as comfortable as possible.
At this point, the person doing the piercing may create markings on your ear with a washable marker, or something similar. This is so that they have a stencil to work from, and they will know where to pierce the ear.
Also, you can check these markings in the mirror before the piercing occurs, making sure that you are happy with the positioning.
Taking Deep Breaths
Next comes the big moment. You will be asked to take some deep breaths, possibly being asked to exhale as they insert the needle into your ear.
As we mentioned earlier, you will feel a sharp sensation as the needle enters the cartilage. This moment of discomfort will pass as quickly as you notice it, and then, the worst part will be over!
At least, until they create the second piercing, if you are getting both helix piercings done in one sitting.
Once the process is over, you will be asked if you are feeling okay. Providing you don’t feel lightheaded – which is, actually, pretty common following a piercing – you will be allowed to leave pretty much immediately.
Don’t forget to write down the details of the piercing store, or the person who did the piercing, in case you need to contact them for advice later on.
How To Take Care Of A Double Helix Piercing
Using A Salt Solution
Combine some boiling hot water with a small amount of sea salt, and stir the contents together until the salt has dissolved. Once the water has cooled, gently apply this solution to the pierced area with a cotton swab.
You can also use this solution to clean any new jewelry before you put them into your new piercing, sterilizing them before wearing.
Using Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic characteristics, which can help keep piercings clean and healthy. Use a cotton swab to wipe a small amount of the oil around the pierced area.
You should avoid using tea tree oil for the first few weeks after the piercing, however, because it can cause the skin to become dry. This may lengthen the healing process.
Sleeping On Your Opposite Side
If you usually sleep on your left side, for example, then it would probably be a good idea to get your right ear pierced instead of your left ear. Otherwise, you should expect to have a couple of months of interrupted sleep.
Trust us, there is nothing worse than accidentally putting pressure on a new piercing when you roll over in your sleep.
Don’t Touch The Piercing While it Heals!
This should go without saying, but do not touch the piercing with your bare hands during the healing process!
Some people feel tempted to feel for the piercings every so often, just to check if they are still there. If you move it slightly, or twist it around, this can cause extreme aggravation to the healing piercing.
Just… don’t do it. Seriously.
The Healing Time For A Double Helix Piercing
The average recovery time for a single helix piercing is usually between 6 and 9 months. Because cartilage is harder than skin, it is more likely to reject the piercing, which is why healing takes so long.
If you have both piercings done at the same time, the recovery time should remain the same.
During this time, or at least until the piercing is nearly healed, you should avoid altering jewelry in these piercings. We propose only switching three months after you’ve recovered.
The Cost Of A Double Helix Piercing
The usual price for a double helix piercing in the US is between $40 and $60.
The cost is determined by the level of experience of the person who will be piercing your ear, and it typically includes simple jewelry. The material you choose for your jewelry, for example, will influence the price.
If you decide to get one helix piercing first, and then go back later for the second, you may be looking at a higher price overall. Most stores will do a discount for a double piercing if both are done on the same day.
Final Thoughts
Single helix piercings are some of the most popular ear piercings of the past few years. Double helix piercings are also pretty popular, and they make your ears look twice as good!
Once the long healing process is over, you can enjoy your brand-new piercing for the rest of time. There are so many types of jewelry that you can wear to make your piercings look the best that they can.
We hope that we answered all of your questions about the double helix piercings in this article.
Good luck, and happy piercing!