By Alexandra Savage
During summer of 2021, I noticed that a lot of my friends had gotten helix piercings over the past year. After this observation, I was prompted to do research. From it, I learned that a helix piercing is a piercing that goes through the upper cartilage of the ear, according to Glamour. It also heals fairly quickly, with a healing time of only six to nine months. Looking at Elle Magazine’s photo of Kate Mara and Diana Kruger, and being surrounded by friends with new helix piercings, I decided to take the plunge and get one myself, hoping to make a splash for the return to in-person college.
The Process
I had my helix pierced in August 2021 with the hope of a smooth recovery. I was worried the piercing would hurt, but it was no worse than getting my lobes pierced for the first time. The piercer gave me some standard advice: clean the piercing with saline twice a day and try to keep hair out of the way. After a month, I visited another piercer to switch out the back of the piercing for a shorter post, which was supposed to ensure that the piercing would heal in a straight angle. The piercing looked good and I congratulated myself on a successful fashion choice.
The Disaster
However, shortly after this conclusion, an angry, persistent, red bump appeared next to the piercing. While I tried to follow the piercers advice to keep all fabrics away from my ear so nothing would snag on the piercing, the bump on my ear only kept growing.
A Moment of Hope
I sought out a piercer for advice. He advised me to use a warm compress twice a day to reduce the inflammation. I dutifully followed his advice, and for a moment, I was hopeful that I would not have to remove the piercing. There was light at the end of the tunnel.
The Bloody Ending
After a few days, I had entered into a vicious cycle in which dead skin would build up on the piercing whenever I applied the warm compress. After six months of fighting with my ear cartilage, I knew I had to take out the piercing. In retrospect, I should’ve asked a professional to help me, but on impulse, I took it out myself.
A Painful Conclusion
Ultimately, helix piercings are not for me. If anybody out there is considering a helix piercing, I would recommend you take care to make sure nothing gets caught on the jewelry. Also, make sure you consistently wash the piercing, or it’s possible you’ll end up with an infection. All in all, helix piercings can be the perfect complement to any other jewelry, as long as you avoid the dreaded piercing bump!
