The 20+ Best Helix Earrings & Complete Cartilage Piercing Guide
Cartilage piercings are becoming more and more common as they are a great way to express yourself and add a bit of style to your look.
Whether you’re looking to get a single piercing or a set of triple helix piercings, getting a cartilage piercing in general can be a fun and exciting experience.
But, before you take the plunge, it’s important to know the ins and outs of the procedure, the different types of piercings, the healing process, and the best earrings available.
In this complete cartilage piercing guide I will break down all the information you need to know to make an informed decision about your cartilage piercing and the earrings to complement it!
If you don’t need tips on cartilage piercings, skip ahead to see the list of the 20+ best helix earrings.
What are Cartilage Piercings?
Cartilage piercings are ear piercings in the cartilage of the ear. Cartilage piercings are much more painful than ear lobe piercings, as the cartilage is much harder and substantially less fleshy than the skin on the lobe, making this type of piercing much more sensitive.
Cartilage piercings also have a different healing process than lobe piercings. They will typically take longer to heal and have the potential to cause more complications, such as infections, if not taken care of properly.
However, they are becoming increasingly more popular for everyday wear and offer such a stylish touch that can be adapted to many different styles.
Cartilage earrings and jewelry also provide a much wider range of options for customization. From labret studs to hoops, captive bead rings, and unique statement pieces, there’s truly something for every style.
There are many different types of cartilage piercings, which we’ll get into below, but just know that each type of piercing has its own unique healing time, and requires special care and attention.
It’s also important to note that cartilage piercing is an advanced process that should only be done by piercing professionals. Additionally, the cartilage should only ever be pierced with a needle and never a piercing gun.
Types of Cartilage Piercings
Helix Piercing
What is a helix piercing?
The helix piercing is one of the most popular types of cartilage piercing. Standard helix piercings are located in the upper cartilage of the ear and is often referred to as just an upper ear piercing.
This piercing is one of the least painful cartilage piercings because the cartilage that makes up the outer rim of the ear is not as thick as in other locations.
A double helix piercing or even triple helix piercings are not uncommon and can be styled with a variety of helix earrings.
Forward Helix Piercing
A forward helix piercing is simply located closer to the head than the standard helix piercing.
Snug Piercing
A snug piercing is located in the inner cartilage fold of the ear above the earlobe.
Along with a daith piercing, a snug piercing is a kind of earring that is considered an advanced and difficult piercing due to the thickness of the cartilage in that area.
Daith Piercing
A daith piercing is a cartilage piercing that passes through the ear’s innermost cartilage fold, known as the daith.
This piercing is located on the inner part of the ear, above where a tragus piercing would be located and below the rook piercings. You will most often see this piercing styled with a captive bead ring. Captive bead rings are circular rings with a small bead in the center.
An interesting side note – the daith piercing is also said to be associated with certain benefits, such as relief from migraines and anxiety.
Tragus Piercing
A tragus piercing passes through the cartilage of the tragus, which is the small, pointed piece of cartilage that pokes out from the front of the ear and partially covers the ear canal.
A tragus piercing is one of the more painful piercings to get, however it is a great place to style with small studs or small hoop earrings.
Additionally, an anti-tragus piercing sits directly across the ear canal from a traditional tragus piercing above the fleshy area of the ear lobe.
Conch Piercing
The conch is located in the inner cartilage of the ear.
There are two types of conch piercings: inner conch and outer conch. An inner conch piercing is made through the center of the ear, while an outer conch piercing is made through the outer rim of the ear closer to the helix.
Rook Piercings
A rook piercing is located in the cartilage on the upper inner part of the ear, above the tragus and below the daith.
Like with a tragus piercing, the rook piercing is considered a very painful area to pierce due to the thickness of the cartilage.
Industrial Piercings
An industrial piercing, also known as a scaffold piercing, consists of two holes that are pierced in the cartilage at the top of the ear and are connected by a single piece of jewelry.
The jewelry worn with this type of piercing is usually a straight barbell that passes through both holes. Barbells are straight pieces of metal that are inserted into the holes of the piercing.
Lobe Piercing
While not technically a cartilage piercing, a lobe piercing is the most common type of ear piercing and passes through the fleshy skin of the ear lobe. It is generally the least painful piercing to get and can also be styled with a variety of earrings.
How To Care for New Cartilage Piercing
Caring for your cartilage piercing is essential for ensuring a successful piercing and reducing the risk of infection. Here are some essential tips for caring for your new cartilage piercing:
- Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your piercer. Because the healing process for each cartilage piercing is different you must follow the guidelines given to you.
- Clean the piercing twice a day with a saline solution. Avoid using harsh or fragranced soaps, as they can irritate the piercing.
- Avoid sleeping on the piercing or any other excessive friction or trauma.
- Avoid playing with the piercing or removing the piercing until it is fully healed.
- Wear jewelry that fits properly and is made of materials that won’t irritate the skin.
- Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and other activities which can not only irritate the new piercing but can also introduce bacteria.
- Avoid touching the jewelry with dirty hands.
The Best Helix Earrings
There are many different types of helix earrings, but what earrings are best for helix piercings?
Helix earrings come in a variety of styles and materials, but in general, hoop earrings and stud earrings are the best types of earrings for helix piercing
Check out this list for 20+ of the best helix earrings in both styles so you can rock your cartilage piercing no matter the occasion.
1. Standard Hoop Earrings
Hoop earrings are circular earrings made of metal or plastic that are inserted into the piercing. Here’s an affordable pair that works well for any style preference.
The great thing about hoop earrings is that they blend well into just about any look you choose for the day, whether it’s casual, grunge, formal, etc.
2. Stud Earrings
Stud earrings are small, decorated pieces of metal or stone. This set includes 24 pairs so no matter the occasion, you’ll have plenty to choose from.
3. Platinum Cubi Zirconia Helix Hoop
These platinum helix hoops also come in rose gold or yellow gold. They are 1/2″ in size and secured with hinges and notched posts.
4. Flat Back Titanium Stud Earring
These titanium studs come in both gold and silver and are available in 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, and 3.5 mm sizes. These are nickel-free, lightweight, and handmade!
5. 14K Double Hoop Gold Earrings
Looking for something a little different? These double hoop earrings should fit the bill. These are available in 10 different sizes, and 3 different colors, and are made of 14k gold.
5. 316L Surgical Steel Helix Loop
Need or prefer a surgical steel pair? Check out this listing. These loops come in gold, rose gold, steel, black, and titanium and in 2 different sizes. They feature an easy-hinged clicker and are also a handmade item.
7. Hypoallergenic Sterling Silver Hoop
If a hypoallergenic style is important to you, you’ll love this pair. Not only is this sterling silver hoop hypoallergenic, but they’re also available in several sizes, thicknesses, and quantities.
8. 14K Solid Rose Gold Milgrain Bezel Pink Opal Cartilage Stud Earrings
Have a bigger budget and prefer something high-quality that will last for years? This pair by Estella is one of the best helix earrings around.
These earrings are simple yet chic, handcrafted in 100% 14k solid rose gold, and the brand offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
9. Blue Topaz Swiss Cartilage Heliz Earring
Another earring that will require a higher budget but is a great choice for a wedding or birthday gift is this 0.54 CT Certified Blue Topaz Swiss Cartilage Earring.
The beautiful blue of this helix earring is sure to stand out from the rest. It’s one of the pricier options on this list but if the quality is important to you, it’s certainly one to consider.
10. Classic Upper Ear Cartilage Hoop
If you have sensitive ears we highly recommend checking out Maison Miru.
The brand has high-quality styles at both extremely affordable and luxury price points, so no matter what your budget is you’re bound to find something you like.
This simple classic cartilage hoop earring is the perfect example of an affordable yet classic style you can find on the Maison Miru site.
11. Gaia Threaded Flat Back Earring
This style is a bit different from what we’ve seen so far on this list. This design features a mother stone and child stone for a unique look that is both elegant and modern.
12. Pave Bar Push Pin Flat Back Earring
The simple Pave bar design of this flat back earring paired with the sparky stone makes this earring suitable for both everyday wear as well as more glam looks.
13. Classic Heart Push Pin Flat Back Helix Earring
Prefer a classic heart-shaped design? This earring is subtle and works well with just about any other earring style you choose to pair it with.
Not loving the heart shape? Maison Miru also offers this style in star and moon shapes as well. All 3 of these designs are made of the same high-quality materials and are only $40.
14. Cartilage Beaded Mini Hoop
Made to last forever this beaded mini hoop won’t discolor or oxidize so you never have to worry. It is a hollow design, handcrafted in 100% 14k solid gold, and has a hinge-clasp closure.
15. Pearl Mini Hoop Helix Earring
Pearls are a classic, chic addition to earrings and to any outfit. This pearl mini hoop earring features a 2.5 mm cultured pearl that is sourced from oysters and freshwater mussels.
16. Single Curve Bar Stud
A sleek and modern twist on the helix earring trend is this curve bar style. Available in gold and white gold this earring is not only polished but versatile, too.
17. Solo Diamond Mini Hoop
Diamonds are a girl’s best right, right? If you really want some bling in your helix earring, check out this ultra-lightweight style that’s 14k gold with a .06ct diamond.
18. Orangelove Hypoalergenic Ring
Super simple more your vibe? This style should do the trick. Available in over 266 options you’re bound to find something you love.
19. IronBox 8 Piece Cartilage Studs
Not only does this pack of 18 earrings come with several different styles, but you can also choose from 3 tones including gold, silver, and rose gold. If you plan to create an ear stack, this set is a great option.
20. Evil Eye Threaded Flat Back Earring
If you’re an avid Cosmpoloitan reader, you may notice this evil eye earring from a past publication. It was featured in the oh-so-popular magazine and we can understand why.
The blue evil eye is said to bring good luck so pair these with some of your other favorite pieces for a lucky and alluring look.
21. Siren Cartilage Hoop
Here’s a helix hoop earring that’s not only a unique style but also has meaning behind it. The dainty beads are placed in a trinity formation which represents the past, present, and future and is also a symbol of creativity and strength.
This earring is a simple design but still makes a statement. It works well worn alone or with other earrings for a wow factor.
You can also find helix earrings made up of different metals including:
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is a very popular choice because it is not only affordable but it is also a hypoallergenic metal and is very easy to care for.
Gold
Gold is a classic choice for earrings. It comes in various colors from yellow gold, to white gold, and rose gold. However, it is a relatively soft metal, so it is not as durable as some other jewelry options.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a popular choice for earrings that are affordable, hypoallergenic, and durable. It is also a good choice for people with sensitive skin or allergies to other metals.
Surgical Stainless Steel
Surgical stainless steel is a strong, durable metal that is resistant to corrosion. It is a great choice for those who want a long-lasting piece of jewelry to be worn for everyday wear.
Titanium
Titanium is another good option for those with sensitive skin as it is hypoallergenic. It is also a lightweight yet durable metal.
Platinum
While platinum is a durable and hypoallergenic metal, it is also a far more expensive option than those listed above.
Which metal is best for sensitive skin?
For those with sensitive skin, it is important to choose a metal that will not cause additional irritation. When shopping for jewelry you should opt for a hypoallergenic metal.
Sterling silver is one of the most popular choices for those with sensitive skin, as it is a hypoallergenic metal as well as inexpensive when compared to other options.
Surgical stainless steel is also a good choice for a hypoallergenic metal as it is also extremely durable and can withstand everyday wear and tear!
Lastly, platinum is a great choice for a beautiful hypoallergenic metal. However, it is rather expensive so if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly piece of jewelry, definitely choose one of the options above!
There are many different types of earrings you can choose for your piercing. Ultimately the earrings you choose will be dependent on your personal preference for size, style, prices, etc. If none of the options in this list suit your style or needs, here are some of the best places to buy helix earrings:
- Amazon – We love Amazon for the low prices, free shipping, and free return shipping!
- Maison Miru – The styles are classic yet modern, on-trend, and affordable.
- Mejuri – The designs are great for casual, formal, and everyday wear.
- Etsy – There are so many handmade items & you can even get items custom-made!
Can you put normal earrings in a helix piercing?
While you can wear normal earrings in a helix, it’s important to keep in mind that if earrings aren’t specifically made for cartilage they may not be as comfortable. Additionally, the post of “normal” earrings may be too big to fit in a helix piercing hole.
Can you wear regular earrings in your cartilage?
Technically, yes. However, you are better off using a helix earring that is specifically made for this area. A standard size earring is not recommended for a helix piercing. The upper outer (and inner) part of the ear is very sensitive and avoiding any issues should be something you strive for.
How to Clean and Care for Your Helix Jewelry
Cleaning and caring for your helix jewelry is important to keep it looking great and in good condition for years to come! Here are some tips for cleaning and caring for your helix jewelry:
- Clean the jewelry with a mild soap and water solution.
- Avoid using harsh detergents or chemicals on the jewelry.
- Avoid wearing jewelry in the shower or pool.
- Avoid wearing jewelry while exercising or doing strenuous activities.
- Avoid touching the jewelry with dirty hands.
- Store the jewelry in a cool, dry place.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect jewelry piece to compliment your new cartilage piercing is important! Ultimately, if you’re unsure of which earring option to choose, talk with the professional at the piercing studio who is doing the piercing to help make the best decision.
Although cartilage ear piercings may be more painful than lobe piercings after it heals you’ll be able to show off your beautiful new piercing forever!
Using this post you will be able to find countless pieces of jewelry to amplify various styles and your overall look!
