What is the helix piercing
The helix is the cartilage assembly that forms the outer contour of the ear — flowing from the upper edge toward the lobe. The helix piercing perforates this cartilage in various positions, each with slightly different anatomy, pain and healing. At Funky Tattoo in Piața Romană, Bucharest, we work with all helix variants and choose together with the client the right variant based on ear anatomy and aesthetic preference.
Standard helix is placed on the outer edge of the ear, usually in the upper half. It is the classic variant, with the most accessible price (80 RON) and a moderate pain level (3/5). The standard jewellery is a captive ring (BCR) or a labret with a flat back disc. Healing takes 8-16 weeks, but the cartilage fully "settles" only after 6-12 months.
Forward helix is placed in the opposite area of the standard helix, where the cartilage curves toward the face, above the tragus. The anatomy is more compact and harder, which is why performing it requires a special thinner needle (1.2 mm) and greater precision. Pain is 4/5, and healing takes 10-20 weeks. Forward helix can be multiplied (double or triple forward helix), in which case the price increases proportionally.
Double/Triple helix represents two or three helix perforations placed vertically on the outer contour, in a line. The price is 160 RON for double and 240 RON for triple, and healing is slower (12-24 weeks) because the body has to simultaneously manage several wounds on the same area. We recommend that the perforations be performed in the same session only if the anatomy allows, otherwise we do them in two sessions 4-6 weeks apart.
Flat helix (or flat piercing) is placed on the flat cartilage area between the helix and antihelix — a larger surface, ideal for larger decorative jewellery (disc, opal). Healing is similar to forward helix (10-20 weeks), and pain 3/5. The difference from the lobe piercing is fundamental: the lobe is soft vascularised tissue (healing 6-8 weeks, pain 1/5), while the helix is avascular cartilage — healing occurs more slowly, through diffusion from surrounding tissues, which is why strict hygiene is essential.
Aftercare for the helix piercing
Healing of a helix piercing takes between 8 and 24 weeks, depending on the variant, and requires a strict aftercare protocol. At Funky Tattoo we give each client a written aftercare guide, but the basic principles are simple and require only 2-3 minutes per day.
Cleaning twice a day is done with sterile saline (0.9% NaCl), applied with a soft paper tissue or a saline spray (H2Ocean, NeilMed). The crusties formed around the jewellery are soaked for 2-3 minutes, then gently removed — without pulling. Avoid completely alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, betadine and antibacterial soaps: these destroy newly formed tissue and prolong healing by weeks.
Sleeping is a major issue for the helix. We recommend not sleeping on the pierced side for at least 6-8 weeks — constant pressure on the jewellery causes inflammation, jewellery tilt and, in severe cases, migration or rejection. Use a U-shaped pillow (travel pillow) to relieve pressure on the ear. If you have piercings in both ears, sleep on your back for the first 4 weeks.
Over-ear headphones (covering the ear) must be completely avoided in the first 8-12 weeks — the pressure of the headphone arm on the helix causes mechanical irritation and can displace the jewellery. Use in-ear headphones or external speakers. For forward helix piercing, even a mask with elastic bands going over the ear can cause pressure — we recommend masks with soft ear loops in the first 4 weeks.
Other recommendations: no pools, sauna, bath with soap in the first 6 weeks (showers are allowed, but no shampoo on the ear). No touching the jewellery with unsanitised hands. No jewellery change in the first 12 weeks — we do it free at the first check-up. For any concern (persistent redness, increasing pain, yellow-green discharge), call +40 731 525 808 or write to contact@funkytattoo.ro — post-piercing consultation is free and unlimited in the first 6 months. Funky Tattoo is a DSP-authorised studio in Piața Romană, Bucharest, with over 8 years of experience in professional piercing.