Body piercings have become a common way for people to express themselves, showcasing their individuality, values, and aesthetic tastes. Because of its unique and edgy look, the double helix piercing stands out among the numerous other piercing alternatives available. Everything you need to know about double helix piercings, including their history, the procedure, aftercare, and fashion inspiration, will be covered in this thorough guide.
What is Double Helix Piercing?
A double helix piercing consists of two vertically aligned holes in the upper cartilage of the ear, usually placed near to each other. These piercings mimic a “double” helix structure as they follow the outer rim’s natural curve. Individual tastes can be catered for by precisely setting the device, which can be positioned higher or lower on the ear.
The Procedure for Piercing
Anyone thinking about getting a double helix piercing has to understand the piercing procedure. The procedures, the level of discomfort, and important things to think about before getting pierced will all be covered in this section.
You should speak with a qualified piercer before getting a double helix piercing. The piercer will assess the anatomy of your ears, talk with you about the placement you have in mind, and answer any questions or concerns you may have during the consultation. Sterilizing the region and identifying the exact locations for the piercings are common preparation steps.
- Selecting a Reputable Piercer: Seek out a certified piercer with a solid track record and cartilage piercing expertise. This guarantees a safe and competent execution of the procedure.
- Health Concerns: Let your piercer know about any allergies you may have or any medical problems you are currently taking. This knowledge aids in the piercer’s taking the appropriate safety measures.
- Sterilization: Make sure the piercing parlor adheres to stringent hygiene guidelines. The piercer needs to wear gloves, and all tools need to be sanitized.
How to Get Ready for Piercing?
- Sterilization: To stop infection, the piercer will clean and sanitize the region.
- Marking: The piercer will mark the areas where the piercings will be inserted with a surgical marker. You can approve the placement in this step and move forward.
- Piercing: The holes are made with a hollow, sterile needle. Usually, the piercer will start with one hole, put the jewelry in, and move on to the second. Every piercing just takes a few seconds on average, thus the procedure is swift.
- Initial Jewelry Insertion: Following each piercing, the first piece of jewelry, typically a stud or tiny hoop, is implanted. Surgical steel and titanium are common materials used to make jewelry, and they are less prone to trigger allergic responses.
Double Helix Piercing Pain and Healing Time
The degree of pain associated with a double helix piercing varies based on personal tolerance; nevertheless, because the cartilage is thick, most people experience considerable pain. Usually, the first soreness goes away in a few days. Depending on the individual’s healing process and aftercare, the healing period can vary from three to nine months.
- Pain During Piercing: Most people report an acute, fleeting pain during the piercing procedure. It’s often described as a sudden pinch.
- Pain Following Piercing: In the days following the piercing, some stiffness and throbbing are typical. Painkillers sold over-the-counter can assist in treating this discomfort.
- Healing Time: Compared to lobe piercings, cartilage piercings typically require more time to heal. Individual healing rates, aftercare routines, and way of life are some of the variables that can affect how long healing takes.
Maintenance and Aftercare
In order to guarantee a seamless healing process and avoid difficulties, proper aftercare is crucial. You can find thorough aftercare guidelines and maintenance advice for your double helix piercings in this section.
Cleaning Schedule
- Saline Solution: Use a saline solution to clean the piercings twice a day. One can either buy a pre-made solution or create one at home by mixing 8 ounces of warm distilled water with 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt. Saline baths aid in wound healing and keep the region clean.
- Avoid Touching: To avoid introducing bacteria, avoid using unwashed hands to touch your piercings. Infections may result from using unclean hands to touch the piercings.
- No Rotating: Cartilage piercings shouldn’t be rotated or moved around a lot, in contrast to lobe piercings. Shifting the jewelry may aggravate the wound and slow its recovery.
What Could be Side Effects of Double Helix Piercing ?
- Inflammation and Redness: Some initial swelling and redness is usual. Using a cold compress can aid in the edema reduction process. Make sure the compress is sanitized and only used briefly.
- Infection: Excessive redness, swelling, discomfort, and discharge are indicators of an infection. Contact a medical expert or your piercer right away if you think you may have an infection. In order to stop more problems, treatment must be administered quickly.
- Bumps and Keloids: Around the piercing, little lumps called keloids may occasionally develop. Frequently, saline soaks or products suggested by your piercer can be used to treat them. Do not use over-the-counter lotions or strong chemicals without first talking to your piercer.
What Should not to do after Piercing
- Steer clear of sleeping on the side where the piercing is located. This can irritate the area and take longer to heal. If you want to sleep with your piercing protected, think about using a travel pillow.
- Take care not to snag your jewelry when brushing or styling your hair. Extended hair may become entangled in the piercing, leading to pain or harm.
- During the healing process, stay out of pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water. These settings raise the possibility of infection by introducing germs.
Choices for Jewelry
Customizing your double helix piercing involves making the proper jewelry choices. The several jewelry options and materials that work well with double helix piercings will be discussed in this section.
Jewelry Types
- Studs: A common option for first piercings, studs are understated and timeless. They are less likely to get tangled in hair or clothes and are simple to clean. Studs come in a range of styles, from simple metal balls to brilliant jewels.
- Hoops: Hoops can add a more edgy appearance to your piercing. They fit a range of sizes and are quite adaptable. To avoid irritation, hoops should be made of high-quality materials and should be lightweight.
- Barbells: Barbells with curved or straight ends can be embellished with decorative elements to give them a distinctive look. Although they are less prevalent, barbells can give your double helix piercing a unique touch.
Side Effects of Piercing and Considerations
When done by professional, double helix piercings are usually safe, but there are a few hazards and things to be aware of.
Possible Difficulties
- Infection: There is a chance of infection with any piercing. This risk can be reduced by choosing a reliable piercer and adhering to the recommended aftercare guidelines. Persistent redness, swelling, discomfort, and discharge are signs of infection.
- Allergy Reactions: Certain metals may cause allergies in certain people. Selecting hypoallergenic materials is crucial, particularly for first-time jewelry. An allergic reaction can cause swelling, redness, and itching.
- Migration and Rejection: The body may try to push out the piercing in certain situations by treating it like a foreign item. We call this rejection or migration. The piercing shifting from its original location and the skin around the jewelry thinned are indicators of migration.
- Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids: Hypertrophic scars are elevated, thicker patches of skin that can occur in certain individuals. Before obtaining the piercing, talk to your piercer about any past keloid formation.
Answers to Common Questions (FAQs)
Finally, let’s talk about some often-asked questions regarding double helix piercings.
How much are double helix piercings Cost?
Depending on the studio and area, a double helix piercing might cost different amounts. You should budget between $30 and $50 on average for each piercing. The cost of the jewelry is typically included in this amount. Follow-up appointments and more expensive jewelry could incur additional fees.
Can I get a double helix piercing if I already have other ear piercings?
Absolutely, having previous ear piercings does not exclude getting a double helix piercing. But it’s crucial to think about where your current piercings are located and how the new piercings will complement your entire ear structure. To determine the ideal placement, speak with your piercer.
How do I know if my piercing is infected?
Infection symptoms include discomfort, swelling, persistent redness, and yellow or green discharge. Contact a medical expert or your piercer right away if you think you may have an infection. In order to stop more problems, treatment must be administered quickly.
When can I change my jewelry?
It’s advisable to hold off on altering jewelry until after your piercings have fully healed. Usually, this takes three to nine months. Replacing the jewelry too soon may irritate the skin and slow down the healing process. You can get advice on when to change your jewelry from your piercer.
What activities should I stay away from while my piercings heal?
To lower the risk of infection throughout the healing phase, stay out of pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water. To prevent irritation, exercise caution when sleeping on the side with the piercings or wearing headphones. Contact sports and other activities that impose strain on the piercing should be done carefully.
Is a double helix piercing painful?
It is true that getting a double helix piercing might hurt, however everyone experiences pain differently. During the piercing process, the pain is usually characterized as a sharp pinch or sting that lasts for a few seconds. Compared to lobe piercings, which go through softer tissue, this type of piercing usually causes greater discomfort because it entails puncturing through cartilage.
Factors Affecting Pain Severity
Pain Tolerance: The degree to which a piercing hurts depends greatly on the individual. It could be more uncomfortable for some persons than for others.
Piercing Technique: The degree of discomfort can be affected by the piercer’s expertise and technique. The process will be completed swiftly and effectively by a skilled piercer, reducing discomfort.
Needle vs. Gun: It is strongly advised to use a needle for cartilage piercings as opposed to a piercing gun. Needles are less traumatic to the tissue and are more accurate.
Suffering While Healing
You should anticipate some stiffness and aching for a few days following the initial piercing. This is typical as your body begins the process of mending. Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter painkillers can help control any discomfort.
Is it OK to get 2 helix piercings at once?
Certainly, getting two helix piercings at the same time is acceptable. For simplicity and a cohesive look, many choose to get double helix piercings in one session.
What does a double helix piercing symbolize?
A double helix piercing represents empowerment, revolt, and self-expression. It displays a unique sense of style, self-assurance, and defiance of social conventions. In addition, the piercing may symbolize important life transitions or follow vogue in both culture and design.
Summery
A double helix piercing is a chic and functional option for anyone trying to improve the appearance of their ears. You may have a seamless healing process and flaunt your individual style by being aware of the piercing procedure, taking the recommended aftercare, and selecting the appropriate jewelry. A double helix piercing gives you countless options for expressing yourself, whether you choose a simple style or want to make a big statement. Throughout your piercing experience, always seek the advice of a skilled piercer and put your health and safety first.
