How much does a helix piercing cost?
How much does a helix piercing cost?
$40 – $90 average total cost (piercing + basic jewelry)
Average helix piercing cost
A helix piercing costs $40 to $90 on average. This price includes $30 to $50 for a standard helix ear piercing and $10 to $40 for basic starter jewelry. Helix piercing prices vary depending on the location, type of helix piercing, piercer's experience, and the jewelry type, material, and quality.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Piercing fee | $30 – $50 |
| Basic jewelry | $10 – $40 |
| Total cost | $40 – $90 |
What is a helix piercing?
A helix piercing is a cartilage piercing on the outer edge of the ear. It's a popular choice for those looking to add a subtle yet stylish accent to their ear jewelry collection. The most common helix piercing is on the upper outer edge of the ear cartilage.
The term "helix" refers to the curved outer rim of the ear cartilage. This area offers various placement options, allowing for customization and creativity in your piercing.
Helix ear piercing price factors
Prices for standard helix piercings are often in the range of (or only slightly higher than) earlobe piercing prices, but several factors affect the total cost:
Piercing location: Mall kiosks and retail stores charge less than professional piercing studios. However, kiosks and retail stores often use piercing guns or piercing "devices", which increase the risk of infection and complications.
Experience & reputation: Highly rated studios often charge more due to their expertise and high demand. More experienced piercers tend to charge more as well.
Extras: Some piercing shops include aftercare products or follow-up visits in their pricing, which can increase the initial cost.
Downsizing: Downsizing your helix piercing jewelry adds to the overall cost but is essential. Helix piercings are notorious for migrating if not downsized at the proper time—typically about 6 to 8 weeks after the initial piercing, when the swelling subsides but it hasn't healed completely yet.
Geographic region: Prices vary widely depending on the location. Major cities like New York and Los Angeles typically have higher piercing prices than smaller towns.
Gratuity: Tipping is not required, but it's standard practice in the body modification industry. Adding 15% to 20% is a general guideline for good service.
Remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best. Prioritize safety, hygiene, and expertise over price when choosing a piercer. Always discuss your desired style with your piercer to get an accurate quote.
Helix piercing prices by type
Helix piercings come in several styles, each with their own price point. Double helix piercing prices—as well as prices for triple helix, quadruple helix, etc.—are higher due to the extra time and skill required, but many shops offer a reduced piercing fee when getting multiple piercings in the same appointment.
| Piercing type | Average total cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Standard helix | $40 – $90 | The most common type, placed on the outer upper cartilage |
| Forward helix | $40 – $100 | On the front of the ear, just above where the ear attaches to the head |
| Double helix | $60 – $150 | Two piercings placed close together on the outer ear cartilage |
| Triple helix | $80 – $200 | Three piercings in a row along the outer ear cartilage |
| Industrial piercing cost | $70 – $100 | Barbell piercing that connects two points on the ear cartilage, often including at least one helix piercing |
Jewelry options
Initial helix piercing jewelry ranges from $10 to $200+. Implant-grade steel is budget-friendly but may contain nickel, a common allergen. Titanium, niobium, and gold (14K or higher) cost more but are hypoallergenic and ideal for sensitive skin.
Most helix piercings start with a flat back stud. Once healed, there are many jewelry options, including hoops, captive bead rings, studs with dangling charms or chains, curved or circular barbells, barbells, and barbell cuffs.
Aftercare
Some piercing shops include aftercare products in the piercing fee. When they're not included, these supplies cost $5 to $20 on average. A helix piercing goes through the cartilage, which takes longer to heal than other areas, making aftercare even more crucial to successful healing.
The piercer will give you detailed aftercare instructions. They typically include:
Clean it daily: Clean your piercing once or twice a day with a sterile saline solution, also called wound wash. Do not twist or rotate the jewelry during cleaning, or at any other time.
Leave it be: Avoid touching the piercing or jewelry. If you need to touch it for any reason, wash your hands first.
Avoid sleeping on it: Try not to sleep on the side with the piercing until it's healed.
Don't go swimming: Avoid all bodies of water—lakes, hot tubs, pools, etc.—until your piercing heals completely.
Avoid irritation: Be careful during any physical activity to avoid bumping or snagging the piercing. Avoid accessories that may be irritating, such as hats or headphones.
Helix piercing risks & side effects
While helix piercings are generally safe for most people when performed by a qualified professional, they do carry some risks.
Infection: Proper aftercare is essential to prevent bacterial infection.
Allergic reactions: Some people may react to certain metals used in jewelry, like nickel.
Keloids or hypertrophic scarring: Overgrowth of scar tissue can occur in some individuals.
Migration or rejection: The body may treat the piercing like a splinter and push the jewelry out over time.
Cartilage damage: Improper piercing technique can damage the ear cartilage.
To minimize these risks, choose a reputable piercer and follow your aftercare instructions diligently. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection, consult a healthcare professional immediately.
Some health conditions, such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, blood disorders, thyroid disorders, and skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, may affect the healing process. Speak with a doctor before your piercing appointment to confirm it's safe for you.
Helix piercing FAQs
How long does a helix piercing take to heal?
Healing time for a helix piercing typically ranges from 3 to 9+ months. However, complete healing may take up to a year. Factors that affect the healing time include:
Your overall health
Aftercare routine
Exposure to irritants
Sleeping habits
Accidental bumps or snags
Be patient and consistent with your aftercare routine for the best results.
Do helix piercings hurt?
Pain levels are subjective, but most people describe the sensation as a sharp pinch followed by a dull ache or soreness. On a scale of 1 to 10—with 10 being the most painful—between 4 to 7 is common. Cartilage piercings hurt more than earlobe piercings but less than more sensitive areas like the nipple or navel.
What gauge is a helix piercing?
Most helix piercings are done with a 16-gauge (1.2mm) needle, but some piercers use a 14-gauge (1.6mm) or 18-gauge (1.0mm) needle. The choice depends on your anatomy and desired look. Discuss gauge options with your piercer to determine the best fit for you.
When can I change my helix piercing?
Wait until your piercing is fully healed before changing the jewelry—typically 3 to 9+ months. Changing jewelry too early can cause irritation and further lengthen healing time. When in doubt, consult your piercer before making any changes.
Piercing price comparison
The following table shows how the price of septum piercing compares to other piercing prices.
| Piercing type | Average cost (piercing fee + basic jewelry) |
|---|---|
| Lip piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
| Earlobe piercing cost | $30 – $85 (earlobe) $40 – $150+ (complex / cartilage) |
| Helix piercing cost | $40 – $90 |
| Industrial piercing cost | $70 – $100 |
| Eyebrow piercing cost | $40 – $90 |
| Belly button piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
| Nose piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
| Septum piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
| Tongue piercing cost | $40 – $160 |
| Nipple piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
How to find the best piercing studio
Whether you're considering a single helix, double helix piercing, or another variation, take the time to research and prepare. With the right information and care, your helix piercing can be a beautiful and long-lasting addition to your look.
Here are some helpful guidelines to follow when researching piercing studios near you:
Research local studios: Read reviews on Google and Fash.com and check their social media presence for examples of their work.
Visit the studio: A clean, professional environment is essential. Don't hesitate to ask about their sterilization procedures. Prioritize safety, hygiene, and quality over finding the lowest price.
Check credentials: Choose a licensed and insured studio and professional piercer who is an active member of the Association of Professional Piercers (APP).
Ask about experience: Inquire how long they've been piercing and their specific experience with helix piercings. Ask if they have a portfolio you can review.
Trust your gut: If you feel uncomfortable or pressured, it's okay to walk away and find another piercer.
Piercing guns are popular in malls and retail stores, but these devices cannot be properly sterilized in an autoclave, increasing the risk of infection. They also cause "blunt force trauma" to the ear, furthering the risk of complications. The Association of Professional Piercers recommends using a needle for all piercings, even a simple earlobe piercing.
Questions to ask a professional piercer
Asking the right questions not only helps you gather valuable information but also allows you to assess the piercer's knowledge and professionalism:
What type of starter jewelry do you recommend?
Can you explain your sterilization process?
Will you provide written aftercare instructions?
How much experience do you have with helix piercings?
Are you a member of the APP?
What should I do if I experience complications?
When can I safely change my jewelry?
Do you offer follow-up appointments? How much are they?
What's included in the helix ear piercing price?
Do you have different jewelry options available?
How do you determine the best placement for my ear anatomy?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.