How do you insert and remove a helix hoop?
Has your piercing finally healed, and would you like to change your initial jewellery? Are you unsure how to remove and insert a helix hoop?
Don't worry, we've been there too! At Solstice, we've put together a short article to help.
Located in the outer cartilage of the ear, the helix piercing has become very popular in recent years. Delicate and subtle, it's one of our favourites! A hoop is often worn here, offering a classic look that can be straightforward to change once the piercing has healed.
Let's get straight to it.
How do you remove a helix hoop?
The helix is often chosen as a first piercing. In a French studio, the procedure can start from around âŹ30, though prices and comfort levels vary. As there's plenty of space here, several hoops can be worn to create an ear stack.
The helix sits along the rim of the upper part of the ear. Healing takes several months; the absence of pain or crusting is not enough to confirm that the piercing channel has healed internally.
To remove a helix hoop with a clip fastening, open the clasp to unclip it. If you're struggling, ask someone close to you to help. Wash your hands thoroughly before removing your hoop. If bleeding occurs, stop and ask a qualified piercer for help before continuing.
Do not force or stretch the piercing. You can also visit your piercer if you're worried about doing it yourself.Â
How do you insert a helix hoop?
Wait until your piercing has fully healed before changing the jewellery yourself. If an adjustment is needed during healing, have your piercer assess and carry it out ; a fixed period of two or three months is not enough to decide (see the APP's aftercare recommendations).
If your piercing is fully healed and your piercer has given you the go-ahead, you can swap your initial jewellery for a hoop you love. Choose quality piercing jewellery, with options including gold, 316L steel, titanium or gold-plated metal, depending on your material tolerance. None of these materials guarantees freedom from allergic reactions. Our catalogue jewellery is intended for healed piercings.
A helix hoop is a styling favourite. Consider medium sizes (8 to 10 mm) for your ear stacks, depending on your anatomy and placement. You could also choose a heart-shaped or teardrop-shaped hoop.
Before choosing your next hoop, compare how it looks alongside your other jewellery in the Solstice Ear Stack Builder.
Build my ear stackTo insert a helix hoop, wash your hands thoroughly. Unclip the hoop and line up the post with the piercing opening. Insert it gently, without forcing the jewellery or stretching the piercing. Ask your piercer for help if it does not slide in easily.Â
In any case, don't leave your piercing without jewellery for too long. A healed piercing can start to tighten if it's left empty.
To see the movement described here, watch a clip-fastening hoop being changed in an already healed helix piercing. The mechanism shown applies to this type of fastening.