Helix piercings for men: are they really on trend?
Thinking about getting a helix piercing?
If so, you're probably weighing up the look, the placement and whether it feels right for you.
We understand: it's a decision that deserves some thought! Take your time rather than rushing into it.
On the one hand, you love the look and you're seeing more and more men wearing oneâŠ
On the other, you're worried it won't suit you or might look too feminineâŠ
Let us share a few tips and explore why a helix piercing for men could be a good choice.
Where is the helix?
If you know your ear anatomy inside out, you can skip this part.
But a quick refresher can still help.
A helix piercing sits in the cartilage along the outer edge of the ear, which extends from just above the lobe to where the ear joins the head.
More precisely, the helix is the folded rim of the upper ear.
Still with us?
As this area offers plenty of space, it may be possible to have several piercings and wear a combination of jewellery.
The helix feels contemporary, stylish and almost futuristic.Â
Unfortunately, this piercing is vulnerable to knocks and snagging.
How can men style a helix piercing?
Men can absolutely wear a helix piercing. It's a popular choice after the classic lobe piercing.Â
A slim hoop can give your look a distinctive edge. We'll explore which jewellery to choose in the following sections.
As helix piercings become more widely accepted on men, yours can still make an impression!Â
Wearing a piercing can be a way to show the world your independent spirit.
To make your own choices without waiting for someone else's approval.
To be yourself.
What does a piercing mean for a man?
Today, jewellery is primarily worn for its appearance.
The days when piercings were believed to ward off evil spirits and fight illness feel a long way away!
We love the many ways this jewellery can be combined with other pieces to build an ear stack.
For a man, a helix piercing can reflect a desire for self-expression and an interest in fashion.Â
It can also mark a major change, a fresh start or even a rite of passage into adulthood.
Which jewellery can you wear in a helix piercing?
You probably already have an idea of the jewellery you'd like to wear, don't you?
A healed helix piercing gives you plenty of jewellery options. Generally, slim, lightweight pieces add volume around the cartilage without overwhelming your look.
A hoop is a classic choice. We suspect it's the piece that first caught your eye, and we love it too. Look for slim hoops with a diameter of 6 to 8 mm, depending on your anatomy and placement.
A stud or straight barbell is a good alternative, especially if you're looking for discreet helix jewellery. For a simple look, choose a stud with a small ball rather than sparkling stones.
Looking for something more distinctive? Choose a spiral hoop for a look that stands out.
Compare helix jewellery styles and see how they work with the rest of your ear stack in the Solstice Ear Stack Builder.
Build my ear stackYour skin tone can help you choose the colour of your helix jewellery. Silver-tone pieces can complement lighter skin, while gold-tone pieces can complement darker skin, though your own preference comes first. Black is another stylish option for men!
These sizing pointers relate to the shape of your ear and the jewellery you're looking for. This example helps you choose between a hoop that sits closer to the cartilage and one that hangs lower.
Which materials should you choose for ear piercing jewellery?
Choosing a design is one thing, but the material matters too!
Your body may react badly to jewellery made from unsuitable materials.
Here are the materials to consider. The initial-piercing information below concerns jewellery selected by a professional piercer; Solstice catalogue jewellery is for healed piercings:
- Titanium, which piercers use for initial piercing jewellery when it meets the appropriate requirements, although the choice of designs may be limited
- Nickel-free and cadmium-free solid gold, 14 to 18 carats, suitable for initial piercings when it meets the relevant requirements; see the APP criteria for initial piercing jewellery.
- Stainless steel, which may be an option for piercing jewellery depending on its specification and your individual needs
- Silver can tarnish. Gold or rhodium plating may help protect its surface, but does not guarantee suitability for your piercing; consider it only for healed piercings with advice from your piercer.
In all cases, wait until your piercing is fully healed and a qualified piercer says it's ready before changing the jewellery.
Yes, you'll need some patience.
But the finished look can be worth the wait!
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What to know about your future cartilage piercing
You've made up your mind: you're going to have your helix cartilage pierced.
But a few questions keep coming to mindâŠ
Will it hurt? How much will it cost? How long will it take to heal?
We understand: it can feel like a big step, and the same practical questions come up for everyone.
Take a breath. A piercing can feel daunting, but a professional piercer can guide you through it.
How much does a helix piercing cost?
As a rough guide for French studios, a helix piercing is often priced at around 20 to 50 euros. Prices vary by location and what is included, so check with your chosen studio.
The price of your piercing will depend on several factors:
- The studio's location: prices tend to be higher in larger cities
- The piercer's experience
- Customer reviews and feedback
A helix piercing price may include the initial jewellery, the procedure and follow-up care. Check what your studio includes.
â My little sister had her ears pierced at a jeweller's. Can I go there too? â
Be cautious: an unsuitable piercing method can increase the risk of infection and pain.
The lowest price shouldn't be your main consideration. Be prepared to invest in an experienced piercer and research your options carefully.
Avoid jewellers who use automatic piercing guns for cartilage: they can cause trauma and may not be fully sterilisable.
Does it hurt?
The thought of pain is probably what puts many men off getting a piercing.
Pain levels vary from person to person. It's a popular choice and often a first cartilage piercing after the lobe.
So what happens?
When you have your ear pierced, you'll be seated, or sometimes lying down. The piercer cleans your ear, marks the position with a pen, then pierces the cartilage with a fine needle.
Put like that, it doesn't sound very appealing.Â
A professional piercer will usually use a needle rather than a gun for cartilage. You may feel a sharp pain, and the area can stay sore, red or tender for a while. Seek medical advice promptly if symptoms worsen or suggest infection.
Your state of mind can affect how you experience pain. Tiredness and stress may make it feel more intense.
What can I do if I'm nervous?
Try not to panic. There are ways to prepare.
You should:
- Sleep well, eat and stay hydrated before your piercing
- Tie your hair back if it's long
- Avoid taking painkillers specifically for the procedure beforehand without professional advice; do not stop prescribed medication without consulting your clinician
You can:
- Bring someone with you
- Listen to music
- Meditate and take deep breaths
Cartilage healing and aftercare
Healing can be the most challenging stage of getting a piercing.
We don't want to worry you, but you'll need to be patient!
Cartilage piercing healing times vary, and complete healing can take time. Your piercer should assess when yours is fully healed.
How can I tell whether my piercing has healed?
Look for these 4 signs, but don't rely on them alone to confirm complete healing:
- The skin around the piercing has returned to its normal colour
- There is no pain or swelling in the cartilage
- Any crusts have gone
- No clear or yellowish fluid is coming from the piercing
To support healing, follow these aftercare precautions alongside your piercer's personalised advice:
- Clean gently with a sterile 0.9 % saline solution intended for wound care
- Avoid touching or playing with the piercing
- Watch out for knocks and snagging from headphones, clothing, hairâŠ
- Avoid activities that put pressure on or snag the piercing, especially contact sports, until your piercer says it is settled enough
- Do not sleep on the pierced ear
You can change your helix jewellery once your piercer gives you the go-ahead, but not before, unless your piercer carries out a necessary change themselves. Solstice catalogue jewellery is intended for healed piercings.
To build on the advice about snagging, this TikTok explains why taping over your piercing can create other problems and shares practical everyday tips.
Watch out for complications!
That all sounds promising, but can complications occur?
Yes, as with any procedure that breaks the skin.
Choosing an experienced professional piercer and following aftercare advice can help reduce the risks, but cannot eliminate them.
An infection can look like irritation or inflammation after piercing. Do not assume it is harmless; seek medical advice promptly if you have symptoms that could indicate infection. See the signs of infection described by the NHS.
Signs can include a sudden appearance of pus, excessive swelling and redness, and sometimes a fever.
Contact a doctor if you have these symptoms.
Take any worrying symptoms seriously.
Wrapping up
That's the end of our article already! That went quickly, didn't it?
We hope you enjoyed it. We certainly enjoyed writing it and sharing a few tips with you.
A quick reminder:
- Try a slim hoop for a simple men's helix look once your piercing is healed
- Follow your aftercare advice carefully
- Consider gold, titanium or stainless steel, checking the material's suitability with your piercer
Still not convinced?
We also offer non-piercing jewellery for anyone who's still deciding.
You can explore our jewellery here: