I went to Claire's accessories to have it done after almost deciding against it. After seeing the atrocities in Manchester, I realised many things about life, one of which being that life is just too short.
so off I went and had it done without even flinching. (Check out my vlog on YouTube to see it being done!).
When I came home, armed with my leaflet and solution to clean the area, I started to google. Dum dum dummmmm - idiot! I should never have done that! I saw pictures of people loosing an ear and complaining of major infections which instantly panicked me but after a few days, my mind (and piercing) has settled somewhat thanks to a few things I've done to help along the way.
If you're planning on having your helix pierced (or cartilage as it's also known) then here are a few helix piercing hacks to help you along the way.
1 - Don't obsess over other people's experiences. I found it just freaked me out.I'd rather experience it for myself and form my own opinion (trust me, it's not bad at all!)
2 - Do as your piercer tells you. Take a look at your piercer, chances are they've got a lot of piercings themselves and so have learned how to heal properly. They've also likely pierced hundreds of others and seen/heard every scenario. If your piercer tells you to hop on one foot and do the Macarena, do it. Experience teaches more than a book!
3 - Don't over clean it. I made the mistake of being paranoid over my piercing and was cleaning it 5 times a day. It weakened the area round about the piercing after a couple of days and made the healing process longer. I clean mines twice per day - sometimes three times depending on my environment.
4 - Decant some solution into a spraying bottle. I found cleaning with a cotton pad or q-tip initially quite painful so had the genius idea of decanting some solution into a travel spray bottle I had and I simply stay the area twice, front and back, twice a day. I leave it for a few minutes before using a cotton pad gently around the area. Just make sure the bottle is new!
5 - Part your hair or pin it for a week or so. Until you get used to your piercing, your hair will get wrapped around it if you're not careful which can be painful. If you part the hair in a deep side parting or pin the hair up then it's less likely to get wrapped round it. Just until the tenderness of the ear eases.
6 - Have realistic expectations Remember that you're essentially gauging a hole in your ear and shoving a bit of metal through it. It doesn't hurt at the time at all, but in the days afterwards it can be somewhat uncomfortable with aching and a bit of swelling. I have only had my piercing for a week and it takes 8 weeks before I can stop cleaning it so much (it can take 6 months to a year to fully heal however!). If you think you'll be a miraculously good healer and will be fine after 2 weeks then think again.
7 - Keep an eye for infection So far *touch wood* I've not had any issues with this getting infected, but it's not uncommon. Don't panic - it can be treated and often without removing the piercing, but in some cases the ear can become very swollen and requires medical attention to help due to the limited blood supply to that part of the ear. Just be religious with cleaning 2/3 times per day and you shouldn't have any issues. Don't be afraid to phone or pop in to see your piercer to ask them to check it if you're in doubts. If you have excess swelling, heat, green pus or excessive pain then give your piercer a call.
8 - Sleep on the other side. This is the part I struggle with most. Sleeping on that side can be sore. Try and sleep on the other side to avoid the pain.
9 - Keep your hands off it! Hands spread bacteria, so keep your hands off it. Playing with it or turning it a lot can delay the healing process by breaking the skin or making it bleed.
10 - Try not to worry! It was so easy having it done. The aftercare is a faff but it becomes your new normal after a few days. There was zero pain having it done and it's the cutest wee piercing you've ever seen. If it's for you, go for it!
Hope these have helped and please do let me know if you have any questions!
H x
