Forward Helix Piercing Questions Answered

A huge amount of my traffic comes from people looking for information on my piercings. Analytics shows a heap of questions such as How much is a forward helix piercing, How long will my forward helix piercing take to heal? and, of course, Do forward helix piercings hurt? With this in mind, I thought it was high time I created a forward helix piercing Q&A. All of these questions are real search results, by the way!

What is a forward helix piercing?
A forward helix is a piercing at the top front of your ear. The outer rim of your ear is called the helix, so the forward helix is at the front of this rim, pretty much where your ear meets the side of your face.

Short answer: Here, have a photo. It's the one at the top.

How are forward helix piercings done?

First of all, your piercer will mark a spot on your ear and allow you to check if you like it. When you're happy, they will clean your ear and place a clamp on it (this doesn't hurt, although it sounds scary!) They'll quickly push the needle through your ear before putting the jewellery in. The piercing itself only takes a couple of seconds.

Short answer: The needle will be quickly pushed through in a couple of seconds. Easy!

Does getting your forward helix pierced hurt?

Ah, the age-old pain question. Of course, everybody has a difference pain threshold and certain areas will hurt people more than others. In my experience, however, the answer is yes. Yes, it hurt a bloody lot! I think this may be largely down to the fact that I was a bit cocky, having already had something like 23 piercings, and knowing I had a high pain threshold. I also got cramp in my leg at exactly the same time as the needle went in, which didn't help.

Short answer: It hurts more than most piercings but, if you go in expecting the pain, you'll probably be alright.


How long does a forward helix piercing take to heal?

Again, the question of healing is a tricky one because, not only does it differ for everyone, but it's usually hard to tell when it's completely healed. Your piercing may no longer be swollen or painful, but that doesn't mean it's healed. In my experience, it took perhaps 6 weeks to stop being tender and around 4 months to heal properly. It healed really nicely with no complications whatsoever which helped speed up the process.

Short answer: Around 3- 6 months, depending on each person.

Is it normal to have an extra long barbell to allow for swelling?

Yes! Don't panic and for the love of God, don't swap it for a short one straight away. Pretty much every piercing will swell in the aftermath and a decent piercer will put a long barbell in to allow for this. As your piercing heals, you will notice the barbell seems to grow longer as your ear goes down. At this point it's best to return to your piercer who will swap it for a shorter one to prevent it catching on anything. 

Short answer: Yes. Just go back and get it changed when the swelling dies down. 

How much are forward helix piercings?

Can you guess what I'm going to say? Again, it depends. Pricing varies wildly depending on the studio and your location. In the UK, a reputable studio will charge around £30. Don't be tempted to go for a bargain rate somewhere dodgy. It's well worth paying extra to be secure in the knowledge that you're going to have a safe piercing experience.

Short answer: In the UK, around £30 at a reputable studio.

How do I take out a forward helix piercing?

Grip the ball at the end of your barbell and firmly, but not using overt amounts of pressure, twist to the left. Remember righty tighty, lefty loosey. If it's tugging or pulling sharply on your piercing, or creating pain, wait and try again later. If you're having real trouble, pop down to your local piercing studio as most piercers are happy to help. Just remember not to take it out while it's still healing and if you feel any pain, stop!

Short answer: Twist the ball firmly to the right but only once your piercing has healed.

Can forward helix piercings grow out? How do I know if it's rejected?

Any piercing can reject but some piercings are more likely to than others. For example, surface piercings grow out very quickly. A forward helix piercing is less likely to reject but that doesn't mean it can't. If you notice anything unusual, from the piercing moving position to strange lumps and bumps, pay a visit to your piercer who will be able to advise you.

Short answer: It's unlikely but they can. See your piercer if you're worried.

How should I prepare for my forward helix piercing?

In much the same way you'd prepare for any piercing- Have a light meal before you go and make sure you're hydrated. Take a sugary snack along with you in case you feel light-headed afterwards. Stay well away from alcohol! If you have long hair, keep it tied up tight so it doesn't get in the way or catch on your jewellery after it's been done.

Short answer: Stay hydrated and eat. Tie your hair up and don't drink alcohol.

Other questions

Is a forward helix piercing worth it? YES!
Can I wear a forward helix piercing only? Wear as many piercings as you like!
Do forward helix piercings look good? Hell yeah!
Do you get your forward helix pierced at a tattoo place? You can but there are also dedicated piercing studios. I prefer to go to piercing specialists.
Do you have to get silver jewellery in your forward helix? Silver is the most popular but you can get any colour you like. Be aware that coloured metals can irritate your piercing though.
How can you cover a forward helix piercing? With your hair, I guess. They're not that easy to cover. Probably best not to get one if you're not supposed to.
How do I know if my ear is right for a forward helix piercing? You need to have enough cartilage to be able to pierce. Your piercer will be able to tell you if it's ok.
How old must you be to get your forward helix pierced? There's no legal requirement so every studio is different. I'd recommend taking an adult with you if you're under 16.
Is a forward helix piercing dangerous? Not if you go to a reputable studio and take good care of your piercing.
Should I get a forward helix piercing? If you want one!
What do people say about girls with forward helix piercings? I don't think they say anything but who cares?
What hurts after having your forward helix pierced? Your ear...
What is a double forward helix piercing? Two piercings, and therefore two pieces of jewellery, instead of one.
What side is more popular for a forward helix piercing? I have no blooming idea but who cares? Go for the side you like more!

More information
To find out more about my piercing, check out my post- Forward Helix Piercing: One Month On. For more general piercing information, I also have a similar post on my rook piercing and a chronology of all my piercings. I hope it's useful!