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Double helix piercings are becoming increasingly popular among people of all ages.
It’s not difficult to see why. They’re fashionable, thanks to their eye-catching style, and there’s a large selection of jewels to choose from. They also look great with any existing piercings you may have.
However, before you rush out to acquire your own, it’s a good idea to perform some preliminary research. You’ll want to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into and what to expect ahead of time.
So, before you decide to get a double helix piercing, here’s what you should know.
What is a Double Helix Piercing?
Two punctures of the top ear cartilage are referred to as a double helix piercing. The two punctures are frequently close together. Two piercings in the ear’s helix. The helix is the ear’s upper “cuff.” This cuff comprises cartilage and is one of the most typical locations for piercings other than the lobe.
Double helix piercing is frequently placed closer together along the helix, giving the impression that they are one piercing, but this is not the case. These are two independent piercings that you will most likely get at various periods but have been brought closer together for a more coherent look.
Procedure for Double Helix Piercing
Take a glance around the Double Helix Piercing studio before you start the treatment. Make sure the area is clean and that you have faith in your piercer. The business where you get your piercing should smell like disinfectant, and the station where the piercer works should be clean and orderly.
Piercings, like any other type of body modification, can be harmful if done incorrectly, so be sure you’re at ease in the store you’ve picked. Before the operation begins, don’t be scared to ask your piercer any questions you have.
A double helix piercing is similar to any other piercing appointment in terms of procedure. Your piercer will sterilize your ear and use a sterile marker to mark the location of the double helix piercing that you have described.
Look closely at the marks on your ear; if they aren’t where you want them to be, now is the moment to request that they be relocated! It’s time to go on to the piercing itself if you’re comfortable with the placement.
Your piercer will grip your ear in the pre-marked place with piercing tongs and pierce the skin with a sterile hollow needle. The jewelry’s shaft will then be threaded into your piercing before the needle is removed and the backing is applied. This is a fast procedure that will be completed in a matter of seconds.
A double helix piercing is essentially two piercings joined together. Chat with your piercer about whether they recommend getting one piercing first and letting it heal or getting both at the same time. Because of the swelling at the piercing location, some piercers may not feel comfortable completing both piercings simultaneously.
Your body will naturally swell around the wound site of double helix piercing after any wound to help protect the damaged region and facilitate recovery. Piercings are simply deliberate wounds that will react similarly to any other wound. Swelling at the piercing site is a normal component of the healing process.
Suppose double helix piercing is done near together. In that case, the damage to that area of the body is compounded, resulting in increased swelling. That much trauma in one region may be more than your piercer anticipated, causing complications in the healing process and down the road.
If this is your first cartilage piercing, it is recommended to get only one at first, regardless of what the piercer lets you do. You don’t know how your body will respond because this is your first piercing. You’ll know what to expect from your body once you’ve got some practice.
Similarly, while a popular double helix piercing looks like a hoop, you will not have one after leaving your session. If you wear a hoop, your skin will be forced to curve the hoop long due to the swelling, resulting in increased scarring in the piercing location.
Because it’s not safe to heal with a hoop, you’ll have to wear a stud until your piercing is healed enough that swelling isn’t a concern.
It’s also crucial that you get this piercing done by a skilled piercer rather than someone who utilizes a piercing gun. Piercing guns are not properly sanitized, and piercings are driven into the skin with brutal force. This blunt force can damage or fracture your cartilage, prolonging and exacerbating the healing process. It may be preventing you from having your cartilage punctured at all.
Finding a reputable piercer is the first step in getting a piercing. Your piercer will discuss the procedure and ask you to fill out some paperwork when you arrive at the shop.
Your ear cartilage will be cleaned after setup in preparation for your piercings. Your piercer will mark the areas of your punctures with a surgical pen. Before continuing, be sure you enjoy these spots!
Your piercer will grip your ear to keep it steady and puncture your ear cartilage with a hollow needle once everything is ready. The needle will be replaced swiftly with jewelry, and the procedure will be repeated for the second puncture.
Following that, your piercer will go over aftercare procedures with you. Before you go, make sure you ask any remaining questions.
Consider the following before getting a Double Helix Piercing
- The piercing parlor should be licensed and have prior body piercing experience.
- If you have any allergies, are dealing with any health difficulties, or are taking medication, tell your piercer.
- Inquire about samples and listen to their advice, because you may be tempted to get a piercing just for the sake of it. It’s crucial to remember, however, that not every piercing will look good on every ear.
- Guns should never be used for cartilage piercings since they are not sanitized. Furthermore, a gunshot is less precise than one made with a needle. Keep an eye on their piercing supplies.
Also Read: Snake Bite Piercing: 3 Important Things To Know
Must-Knows of Double Helix Piercing
If you’ve had a piercing, you should get medical help as soon as possible. If a piercing is treated quickly, it may be possible to save it. Any signs of infection should not be overlooked.
They generally return for more since it is well worth it!. Helix piercings normally take three to six months to heal. If you don’t take proper care of your new piercing as it heals, it could take longer—or you could have to have it re-pierced and start again.
Types of Double Helix Piercing
Helix piercings are divided into two categories. The regular helix and the forward helix are the two types of the helix. The only actual distinction is in the location of the piercing concerning the ear’s anatomy.
The quantity of piercings you have done is referred to as a double helix. You’ll have a set of piercings done vertically if you get a double. One piercing will usually be just over the other.
Helix Double
The typical double helix is found in the posterior/rear section of the ear through the cartilage at the top of the ear. When you run your finger from your earlobe to the tip, this is usually where a helix piercing is placed.
Helix with two forward strands
In the cartilage facing forward, a double forward helix is placed across from a double helix. It’s immediately above your tragus in the cartilage. The front or forward section of your ear is referred to as this.
What to Expect After Getting Double Helix Piercing?
If you’ve had your ears pierced before, you’ll know exactly what to anticipate. A double helix piercing is similar to other types of piercings you may have received in the past.
Piercing Studio with Consistent Results
The first step is to locate a reputable double helix piercing business that you can trust. With the correct piercer, you can lower the chance of infection, reduce pain, and have a better-looking, longer-lasting piercing.
Knowledge of Cartilage
Whether your piercer has prior experience with cartilage piercings is a factor to consider. Before you have it done, meet with them and ask as many questions as you can. Before you begin, you should familiarize yourself with the technique.
It’s also a good idea to double-check that your piercer is using the right equipment and operating in a clean area.
Not a piercing gun, but needles for Double Helix Piercing
Check to see if they’re utilizing needles rather than a piercing cannon for a double helix piercing. Needles will be faster, cleaner, and more secure. The use of piercing guns damages cartilage and spreads infection. Some parts of a piercing cannon, however, cannot be disinfected.
Only needles are used at Pierced. Throughout the piercing process, your piercer should wear several pairs of gloves to prevent cross-contamination before contacting your ear.
Preparation when going for Double Helix Piercing
When you’re ready, they’ll start by cleaning the region around your ear. They will next make a mark on the skin where the piercing will be inserted. Before they pierce you, your piercer should show you where they’re going to pierce you. If they don’t, make sure you inquire so you can be certain you’ll be happy with the location.
Piercing
The piercing will be completed swiftly. However, the preparation will take longer than the piercing itself. The piercer will provide aftercare supplies and cleaning instructions. Make certain you have their contact details. This way, if you have any problems or queries after you leave, you can contact them.
Pain Levels Will Vary
Will a double helix hurt? This is a question that everyone has before obtaining one. It would be good to have a definitive yes or no, but it is difficult to say. Everyone’s pain threshold is different. The consensus among people who have had a double helix is that the discomfort is of medium intensity.
It hurts a little more than merely getting your earlobe pierced, but not as much as other body piercings. The acute pain of the actual piercing will only last a few seconds, regardless of how you look at it. The pain will soon fade to a dull throb, making it easier to manage.
How to Look After Your Double Helix Piercing?
To ensure that your new piercing heals properly, follow the aftercare guidelines. You’ll be told to start cleaning your piercing the same night or the next day you get it. Make sure you’re using a mainly saline solution. Cleaning solutions such as peroxide, antibacterial soaps, and others can be excessively harsh.
Things to stay away from if getting a Double Helix Piercing
- Twisting and teasing your piercing.
- At all costs, avoid touching your piercing without first cleaning your hands.
- Sleeping on the side of your body that had been pierced.
- Removing your piercing before it has fully healed is a bad idea.
- Irritation, discomfort, and illness can result from any of these acts.
Healing time of Double Helix Piercing
The length of time it takes to recover depends on the individual, just as it does with pain. If you clean and care for your piercing as directed, it should recover in 4 to 6 months. Keep in mind that even with consistent care, healing can take up to six months. If you receive an inflamed piercing, it will slow down your healing process. Some irritations are so severe that you may need to have your piercing removed to allow it to heal. If you notice any, please let us know:
- Inflammation that is severe
- Puss that is yellow or green and has a bad odor
- Pain that is becoming worse
- Pain that throbs
You’ll want to seek medical attention straight immediately if you’ve had a piercing. It is occasionally possible to save a piercing if it is treated quickly. You should not ignore any infection warning symptoms.
They usually come back for more because it’s worth it!. The healing time for helix piercings is usually three to six months. However, if you don’t take adequate care of your new piercing as it heals, it may take longer—or you may have to have it re-pierced and start again.
Infection Treatment and Aftercare of Double Helix Piercing
So you’ve completed your double helix piercing. It’s time to take good care of your ear so that it doesn’t become infected. After piercing, mild white passage (pus) is typical. Still, if it starts pouring yellow discharge or you develop red pimples, your piercing has become infected. Take a look at the directions for aftercare.
In parlors and retailers, you can also get an aftercare solution for piercings, which is the ideal assistance.
To treat the infection, soak a cotton ball in sea salt and apply it twice a day to the piercing.
Apply cotton to the diseased region for about 5 minutes after dipping it in a non-iodized salt and water solution. This can be done umpteen number of times, like three to four times a day.
Include a lot of vitamin C-rich foods in your diet, such as citrus fruits and zinc supplements.
After cleaning your hands with a disinfectant soap, wash your ears with an antiseptic solution.
Jewelry to be Used in Double Helix Piercing
Captive bead rings (CBRs) are a better option than bars. When it comes to double helix, rings are highly popular, although they may charge extra for rings. Because titanium is the least reactive, surgical steel or titanium studs can be utilized.
Curved barbells, labret studs, and trendy eyebrow bars can be worn in addition to these. You have many possibilities these days, but only experiment when the piercing is no longer infected.
However, remember not to change the jewelry unless something goes wrong. Don’t change your jewelry until you’re confident the thing is healed.
Dos and Don’ts of Double Helix Piercing
Dos
- Seek medical help if the infection becomes serious.
Do it for the correct reasons:
It doesn’t have to have a lot of meaning for you or be essential to you. Don’t acquire piercings because all of your friends have them or because you want to be “cool.”
Do it because you like how it looks or, yes, because it holds some meaning for you.
- Consider the location.
- Consider the time and period of how long it will take to recover.
Piercings necessitate a certain level of commitment. It’s similar to having a hamster. You must be willing to care for it every day for a period that could last up to two years.
Prepare for twice-day salt baths and occasional oil treatments to become a part of your routine.
- Research where to get it done
First, make sure the piercer is trained and only uses needles, not a gun, as you will hear this a thousand times while studying piercings.
When working with cartilage, this is very critical. Guns can do considerable damage to cartilage, and because it’s hard to disinfect a gun correctly, you’ll almost certainly end up with an infection. It’s not a good idea.
However, rather than going to a clothing store, the common advice on the internet is to go to a place specializing in needlework (double helix piercing and tattooing).
- Keep your hair neat, plus keep them tidy.
Don’ts
- Touch the double helix piercing region frequently to avoid clogging the pierced region with dirt and bacteria, leading to infection.
- Don’t Hurry up and get a double helix piercing.
Piercings are usually irreversible. They may heal or diminish, but once they’re there, they’re usually there to stay.
As a result, you must be 100 percent certain you won’t regret your decision later.
Use the time to research, study the advantages and disadvantages, and other blog posts like this one. Before you start putting holes in your body, educate yourself.
- Apply any type of cream to the piercing. Creams attract bacteria, resulting in skin illness.
- Remove your jewels until your piercing is healed. Changing your jewelry adds to your discomfort and slows down the healing process.
- Swim until the wound is healed. Chlorine and other water contaminants might cause issues.
- It’s best not to sleep on the pierced side because it may irritate and redden the region.
- Get both of your ears pierced at the same time to avoid sleep issues.
- Don’t try to change your jewels before the Double Helix Piercing is fully healed.
- If you have a piercing, don’t use harsh chemicals on it.
Using harsh chemicals like rubbing alcohol or antibiotic treatments to clean your double helix piercing may appear to be a good idea. Still, they will cause more harm than good. They cause the skin to peel by drying it out. When you’re attempting to heal a wound, this is the last thing you want. Salt baths are the way to go. If you’re looking for an antiseptic, this is the place to go.
Double Helix Piercing Cost
Varying double helix piercing shops charge different costs depending on the experience of their piercers, the shop’s popularity, and the shop’s location. Because you are receiving two separate piercings, double helix piercings will cost twice as much as a single cartilage piercing.
When it comes to piercings, it’s vital to remember that you get what you paid for. Some of the less expensive piercing businesses can be wonderful. Still, you should use your best judgment to determine what is and isn’t the ideal place for you.
You should expect to pay the following regardless of where you receive your piercing:
· In the United States, it costs between $50 and $80.
· In the United Kingdom, prices range from £30-£50.
· In Europe, between €40 and €70
Risks of double helix piercings?
Double helix piercing comes with a risk that comes with the territory of body modification. Because cartilage is such a sensitive tissue, you should anticipate it to be more susceptible to infection and harm if it is penetrated. Infected cartilage piercings account for about 30% of all piercings.
This can be frightening, but with proper treatment, this infection can be cured. If you suspect you have a potentially dangerous infection, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. If an infected piercing is left untreated for too long, it can harm the ear permanently, necessitating surgery to repair.
Apart from infection, there aren’t many risks associated with these double helix piercings as long as you consult a certified piercer. If you’re careful and follow the necessary after-care recommendations, you shouldn’t have any problems.
FAQ’ S on Double Helix Piercings
Is it possible to receive a double helix piercing at the same time?
First and foremost, a double-helix piercing can be done at the same time as a single-helix piercing. Considering the recovery duration of cartilage piercings (more on that later!) is suggested.
Is it harmful to have a double helix piercing at the same time?
Don’t push yourself too hard; it’s fine to postpone your piercing until another day. Most reputable piercers will only conduct 3 or 4 piercings in a single sitting. If you want a line of helix piercings on both ears, for example, your piercer will usually only do one ear at a time.
Is double helix piercing painful?
The pain level associated with cartilage piercings is often low. It depends on the exact site of the helix piercing, but you shouldn’t feel anything more than a small pinch. You’ll have some aching, swelling, and little bleeding for a few days after the piercing.
Which ear should I pierce my helix?
Your helix might be pierced towards the top of your ear or further down. Because there is so much cartilage in the upper ear, you have a lot of options. When getting your ears pierced, most piercers like to create a mark on your skin, so you may double-check the placement before committing to anything permanent.
Whether to get a single or double helix piercing?
It’s been said that two is better than one, and the double helix piercing is no exception. The nicest thing about the helix is that it has a large piercing area. As a result, you have the option of having double helix piercings close together, far apart, or anything in between.
Is getting a double helix piercing safe?
Two perforations on the cartilage are combined in a double helix piercing. It’s not a simple piercing that will heal quickly. It’s evident that shoving sharp objects, especially twice in the same location, hurts. A cartilage piercing requires at least 4–6 months to heal, but experts estimate it can take up to a year.
Is it okay to wear headphones if you have a double helix piercing?
Certain headphones should not be worn.
If you have an ear piercing, especially an industrial or cartilage piercing, earbuds are preferable. If you have headphones like mine, it is recommended that you get a cheap $10 pair of earbuds until your piercing heals. Otherwise, the wound may suffer from trauma.
How long does it take for a double helix piercing to heal?
Approximately 4 to 6 months
If you clean and care for your piercing as directed, it should recover in 4 to 6 months. Keep in mind that even with consistent care, healing can take up to six months.
What is the procedure followed for Double Helix Piercing?
Finding a reputable piercer is the first step in getting a piercing. Your piercer will go over the procedure with you and fill out some paperwork when you arrive at the shop.
Your ear cartilage will be cleaned after setup in preparation for your piercings. Your piercer will mark the areas of your punctures with a surgical pen. Before continuing, be sure you enjoy these spots!
Your piercer will grip your ear to keep it steady and puncture your ear cartilage with a hollow needle once everything is ready. The needle will be replaced swiftly with jewelry, and the procedure will be repeated for the second puncture.
Following that, your piercer will go over aftercare procedures with you. Before you go, make sure you ask any remaining questions.
What kind of jewelry is best for a double helix piercing?
A lengthy labret stud will most likely be your first piece of jewelry. Because your piercing will swell after healing, the jewelry should be longer to avoid problems.
As soon as your recovery is complete, you are free to alter your jewelry. Hoops or captive bead rings, as well as curved or circular barbells, are popular choices. Titanium labret studs are very popular because titanium can be anodized in a variety of hues.
If you aren’t sure how long you should wait, ask your piercer. Removing jewelry too soon might cause piercings to seal completely, so it’s best to be cautious than sorry.
In conclusion, Double helix piercing is becoming increasingly trendy, and rightfully so. They’re fashionable and allow you to make a statement without going overboard.
This piercing looks good on people of all ages and genders. Drop by one of our reputable piercing establishments in your near locality. Make sure you check everything up, and when you’re ready to take the next step and get your double helix piercing.
