Hidden Helix Piercing

Article published at: Apr 23, 2025
Stijlvolle hidden helix piercing geplaatst in het bovenste kraakbeen van het oor

What is a Hidden Helix Piercing?

The Hidden Helix piercing is located in the upper cartilage of the ear, just below the helix rim. The hidden helix jewelry is placed in such a way that it is largely hidden, leaving only the hanging part visible. This gives the illusion of a floating piece of jewelry, which contributes to a minimalist and refined look.

The Hidden helix piercing is a bit of a mystery. For this piercing you only need to be pierced once.
Due to the shape of the jewelry and how it hangs in the ear, it is often thought that it is a combination of several piercings.

Traditional hidden helix piercing
Piercing by All Perfectly Pierced
Special variant hidden helix piercing with a beautiful gold hidden helix jewelry
Piercing by All Perfectly Pierced

Choosing a professional piercer + preparation

A successful piercing starts with good preparation. Always choose a professional piercing studio that works according to strict hygiene standards. A clean environment, experienced piercers and clear communication are essential. Take the time to read reviews and ask about certifications or licenses of the piercer - after all, it is your body. Get to know All Perfectly Pierced better here. Before your appointment, it is advisable to be well rested, eat enough and avoid the use of blood thinners such as alcohol or aspirin. This will help the piercing process go smoothly and minimize complications.

The Piercing Process

Getting a Hidden Helix piercing is performed by a professional piercer . The procedure is relatively quick and is experienced by most people as moderately painful, with a pain score of about 2 to 3 on a scale of 10. However, the exact pain experienced can vary per individual and depends on factors such as the experience of the piercer and your own pain threshold. Read more about the working method of All Perfectly Pierced in our blog. Getting a Hidden Helix can be done immediately with a beautiful piece of jewelry!

Placing the hidden helix piercing

When performing a hidden helix piercing, precision is essential. The piercing is done with a sterile needle, carefully piercing the cartilage just below the outer rim of the ear. This technique requires an experienced piercer who is familiar with the anatomy of the ear to determine the correct angle and depth. Using high-quality, hypoallergenic jewelry, such as titanium or 14k, 18k gold, is crucial to aid the healing process and prevent irritation.

hygienic piercing at All Perfectly Pierced
hygienic piercing at All Perfectly Pierced

Obstacles to this piercing

While the hidden helix piercing is subtle and stylish, there are some considerations to keep in mind. During healing, wearing over-ear headphones or sleeping on the pierced side may cause discomfort. Additionally, the location of the piercing requires extra attention when cleaning, as it is less visible and accessible.
If you work in an environment where hygiene or safety is extra important - such as in healthcare or hospitality - your piercing may need to be temporarily covered or protected. It is also good to know that not every ear is suitable for a Hidden Helix piercing. At All Perfectly Pierced we always take the time to look together at what suits your ear best.

Hidden helix, Healing and Aftercare

The healing time for a Hidden Helix piercing usually ranges between 6 and 9 months. It is essential to apply the correct aftercare during this period to prevent complications. This includes cleaning the piercing with a sterile saline solution and avoiding unnecessary touching or pressure on the area. Because this piercing is more hidden at the front, it is essential that you pay close attention to rinsing and drying the piercing properly there as well. In this blog we will tell you more about healing a piercing.

It is also advisable to return to the piercer after 6 to 8 weeks for a check-up and possibly shortening/downsizing of the jewelry. Due to the placement of the jewelry in the ear, it is more vulnerable with a longer bar that you can easily get caught on with hair or clothing. By quickly shortening/downsizing the hidden helix jewelry you prevent unnecessary irritation or growth of the piercing. M ake it easier for yourself and your helix piercing and book a check-up/downsize appointment.

Which jewelry matches your hidden helix piercing?

Choosing the right jewelry for a hidden helix piercing is not only a matter of taste, but also of comfort and safety. During the healing period, it is important to choose a small, smooth and hypoallergenic piece of jewelry - think titanium or 14k/18k gold. These materials ensure a minimal chance of irritation or rejection. After healing, a world of possibilities opens up: from subtle stones that are just visible from a certain angle to elegant jewelry that blends perfectly with the natural shape of your ear. For inspiration, take a look at our styling options or view our webshop with more than 500 Piercing jewelry

White gold styled ear with a beautifully visible hidden helix piercing
Hidden helix All perfectly pierced

Trends and popularity

The hidden helix piercing is quickly gaining popularity , especially among lovers of minimalist and refined jewelry. This piercing offers a unique way to decorate the ear without being too flashy. Influencers and fashion icons are contributing to this trend by sharing their creative combinations and subtle styles on social media, making the hidden helix a popular choice for a contemporary look.

Possible Complications of a Hidden Helix Piercing

Most hidden helix piercings heal without problems, but because this piercing goes through the cartilage and is quite 'hidden', it is important to be extra alert for complications. Below we list the most common complaints, so that you know what to expect and what to look out for during healing.

Infection

Infection is more common with cartilage piercings such as the hidden helix, mainly because the blood flow is less good there. This makes it harder for the body to fight bacteria in that area. Symptoms of an infection include redness, warmth, swelling, pain and sometimes pus. In rare cases, an infection can become more serious and require medical intervention .

Fluid bump

A common irritation is a so-called moisture bump: a red or transparent bump next to the hole. This is often caused by pressure (for example during sleep), wrong material or too much touching. Don't panic: with good aftercare and some patience it usually disappears by itself. Want to know more? Also read our blog about piercing moisture bumps .

Allergic reaction

Itching, rash or blisters around your piercing can indicate an allergy, usually to nickel. That is why we only work with safe, nickel-free materials such as titanium and real gold (14K or 18K). This way you reduce the chance of allergic reactions and you wear something beautiful at the same time.

Scarring or keloids

Some people are more susceptible to scarring than others. A rare complication is keloid formation: thickened, convex scar tissue that forms around the piercing. This is not common, but be alert if you notice a firm thickening after a long time.

Long term healing

The hidden helix needs time to heal completely — on average 6 to 9 months, but sometimes even up to a year. Because the piercing is quite deep, you can't always see from the outside what's going on inside. Swelling is normal in the first few weeks. That's why we always place a slightly longer piece of jewelry in the beginning, so that your piercing has enough space to heal quietly.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Hidden Helix Piercing

1. Is a hidden helix piercing suitable for beginners?

While some beginners have positive experiences with the hidden helix piercing, others report that the healing process can be challenging due to the location and risk of bumping. It is important to be aware of the aftercare and potential discomfort before considering this piercing.

2. How much does a hidden helix piercing hurt?

The pain is often described as a short, sharp 'crunch'. While the experience varies from person to person, many find it similar to other cartilage piercings. It is important to know that the pain is temporary and usually tolerable.

3. Can I wear a pendant or chain directly in my hidden helix piercing?

It is not recommended to wear a pendant or necklace immediately after piercing, as this can complicate the healing process and increase the risk of irritation. Many users advise to start with a simple stud and only after complete healing move on to more decorative jewelry.

4. Is my ear suitable for a hidden helix piercing?

Not every ear is anatomically suitable for a hidden helix piercing. It is essential that the natural curvature of your ear can hide the jewelry. A professional piercer can assess whether your ear is suitable for this specific piercing.

5. What are common challenges during the healing process?

Users report that the healing process of a hidden helix piercing can be challenging due to its location. Common issues include irritation from hair getting caught, pressure while sleeping, and the risk of bumping. It is important to take extra care and take good care of the piercing to avoid complications.

Get your Hidden Helix piercing done at All Perfectly Pierced

Are you ready to upgrade your ear with a stylish hidden helix piercing?

Make an appointment today through our online tool and discover why All Perfectly Pierced is the place to go for your next piercing.


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Raquel Huijgen van Weenen is the owner of All Perfectly Pierced

Raquel Huygen van Weenen


About the author:
Raquel Huijgen van Weenen is the owner of All Perfectly Pierced and a passionate piercing expert with years of experience in setting and styling piercings. With an eye for detail, safety and personal service, she helps clients every day to a piercing that not only looks good, but also suits them. Through her blogs, Raquel shares her knowledge about care, trends and everything you want to know before getting a piercing.

Follow her tips for a stylish, responsible and above all perfectly pierced look. 💎

Article published at: Apr 23, 2025