Helix Earrings

Shop helix earrings at SkinKandy, in Titanium, Surgical Steel and 14K Gold, for a comfortable fit across the upper ear cartilage.

Helix Earrings at SkinKandy

Helix earrings and helix piercing jewellery are designed for the upper cartilage of your ear, one of the most popular placements for building a curated ear stack. Whether you're after helix jewellery in a subtle flatback or a sleek segment ring, you'll find options in 16G across our range, including vertical helix jewellery. Healed helix earrings typically sit on a 6mm or 8mm post, depending on your anatomy. For everything you need to know about this placement, read our helix piercings 101 guide.

What styles of helix earrings are available?

Helix earrings are available as flatbacks, ballbacks and segment rings, and the right choice depends on how far along your healing is. Flatbacks are the go-to for a fresh helix because they sit against the back of your ear and are less likely to catch on hair or clothing. Ballbacks are another option, with a small rounded back for a clean look from every angle. Once your helix has fully healed, you can also wear a segment ring for a hoop-style look. Every helix piece is 16G, so make sure anything you choose matches that gauge.

Should I choose helix hoops or helix flatbacks?

Flatbacks are the better choice while your helix is healing, and helix hoops in the form of segment rings suit a piercing that has fully healed. A flatback sits flat against the back of your ear, which makes it more comfortable to sleep on and less likely to catch on hair or clothing. A segment ring gives you a hoop-style look and works well in a stack, but it moves more than a post does, so it's best saved for a healed piercing. Once you're past the 6 to 9 months a helix takes to heal, you can mix both, with a flatback in one helix piercing and a hoop in another. If you're not sure which suits your ear, our piercing specialists can talk you through it before you buy.

What size helix earrings do I need?

Helix earrings are 16G, and the length changes as your piercing heals. You'll usually be pierced with a 10mm post to allow for swelling, downsized to 8mm at around 6 to 8 weeks, then sized to a 6mm or 8mm post once healed, depending on your anatomy. The most popular healed size is a 16G, 6mm flatback. Hoops and segment rings for a healed helix usually sit between 8mm and 10mm in diameter, depending on how close to the edge of your ear you want the ring to sit. Vertical helix jewellery is also 16G, though the right length depends on how your piercing sits, so our piercing specialists will confirm it for you.

How long does a helix piercing take to heal?

A helix piercing takes around 6 to 9 months to fully heal, though this varies from person to person. Your piercing specialist will downsize to a shorter post at around 6 to 8 weeks once the initial swelling settles, but this isn't the same as being fully healed, so hold off on changing to a different helix earring style until they confirm your piercing is ready. Do not remove your jewellery during the healing phase, as this can cause the piercing to close. Following your aftercare routine helps keep your healing on track.

What are the best materials for helix earrings?

Implant grade Titanium is the best choice for helix earrings during the healing phase. It's lightweight and free from the trace nickel found in Surgical Steel, which makes it a comfortable pick for cartilage that takes longer to heal and for sensitive skin. Surgical Steel can be used in fresh piercings, and it's what our piercing specialists use in studio, though they recommend implant grade Titanium during the healing phase. If you have a nickel sensitivity, Titanium or 14K Gold are the better options. Once your helix has healed, Gold is a popular way to add a premium metal to your stack.

Can I build an ear stack with helix earrings?

Yes, the helix is one of the best placements for building an ear stack because there's plenty of room along the upper ear for more than one piercing. Many people pair a helix with a conch, tragus and lobe piercings for a fully curated look. Mixing flatbacks with segment rings once your piercings have healed lets you personalise each placement. Your piercing specialist can help you plan the spacing so every piece has room to show, and our ear piercing placements guide is a good place to start for inspiration.

Book a piercing at SkinKandy

Ready to start or add to your helix stack? Our piercing specialists will help you choose the right placement, jewellery and sizing for your ear. Browse our piercing menu and book your next experience at SkinKandy.