
By Kimberly Zapata — Written on Apr 18, 2018
Photo: instagram

Ear piercings are one of the most common piercings known to women (and man) and for good reason: the ear is a small but complex structure, full of flat surfaces and piercable ridges.
But what is a helix piercing? According to Infinite Body Piercing, a helix ear piercing is any piercing which passes through "the ridge of cartilage running around the edge of the pinna, or [the] external part of the ear." In layman's terms, it is any piercing along the curvature of your ear.
That said, not all helix piercings are equal, and there are technically two types of helix piercings: outer helix piercings, and forward helix piercings.
RELATED: The 100% UNFILTERED Guide To Life With Pierced Nipples
So what's the difference? Well, outer helix piercings are piercings which go through the upper cartilage of the ear while forward helix piercings pass through the lip of cartilage which is nearest to your face. Pretty neat, right?
Well, if you like the aesthetic of the helix piercings, you may also love some of these other other amazing cartilage piercings.
1. Daith Piercing
A post shared by Infinite Body Piercing (@infinitebody) on Mar 28, 2018 at 2:10pm PDT
This daith piercing highlights the curvature of the ear. Simple yet stunning.
2. Anti-Tragus Piercing
A post shared by Immaculate Piercing (@immaculatepiercing) on Mar 29, 2018 at 4:37pm PDT
While very few people have the anatomy to pull off this piercing, successful anti-tragus piercings add a bit of edge to any ear.
3. Industrial & Conch Piercings
A post shared by Penny Burrows (@pennypiercer) on Feb 26, 2018 at 10:29pm PST
This conch/industrial combo isn't just bold, it is beautiful. And the bling isn't bad either.
Advertisement
4. Outer Helix Piercing
A post shared by Ian ( Hold Fast Body Arts ) (@geekypiercer) on Apr 5, 2018 at 1:03pm PDT
I'm not sure which is better about this piercing: the placement or the complementary jewelry. Gor-ge-ous!
5. Rook Piercing
A post shared by Noah Babcock (@noahbabcock) on Jan 26, 2018 at 12:20pm PST
Nestled in inner nook of the ear, the rook piercing takes advantage of the body's natural anatomy.
6. Daith, Forward Helix, and Tragus Piercings
A post shared by Hard Luck Body Worx (@hardluckbodyworx) on Mar 25, 2018 at 8:35am PDT
This collection of ear piercings — and accompanying gold jewelry — is dazzling yet delicate.
7. Conch Piercing
A post shared by Alexis Silva (@staytruebodypiercing) on Apr 4, 2018 at 8:30pm PDT
Looking to make a statement? This big, bright, and bold conch piercing is sure to get people talking.
8. Forward Helix & Tragus Piercing
A post shared by Infinite Body Piercing (@infinitebody) on Feb 21, 2018 at 2:14pm PST
Cute and dainty, this helix/tragus combo is just delightful.
9. Rook Piercing
A post shared by Doug Poisson (@dougatimmaculate) on Apr 4, 2018 at 7:46am PDT
While rook piercings are beautiful in-and-of themselves, the floral jewelry adds an ultra-feminine edge to any ear.
10. Triple Outer Helix Piercing (AKA "Triple Flat")
A post shared by Steve Olin www.Pincushns.com (@needlepusher) on Apr 5, 2018 at 9:52am PDT
Talk about using the shape of the ear to your advantage! These cascading gems (in varied sizes) are bright, brilliant, and elegant.
11. Tragus & Custom Industrial Piercings
A post shared by Noah Babcock (@noahbabcock) on Apr 5, 2018 at 3:41pm PDT
Some piercings are so amazing they leave you speechless, and this is no exception. Truly. This is a one-of-a-kind design.
12. Daith, Forward Helix, and Tragus Piercings
A post shared by Native Rituals Tattoo&Piercing (@native.rituals) on Apr 4, 2018 at 5:52pm PDT
Cultured and classy, these babies will add a bit of beauty to your ear.
13. Conch & Outer Helix Piercings
A post shared by Gord Bouchard (@golden_gord) on Mar 29, 2018 at 3:05pm PDT
While this outer helix piercing is adorned with a simple ring, the real showstopper here is the punched conch. One word: Wow.
RELATED: 15 Of The Most Beautiful & Unique Pieces Of Nipple Piercing Jewelry
14. Rook Piercing
A post shared by Ryan Clark (@xohryan) on Mar 8, 2018 at 1:05pm PST
Another shining example of a successful — and stunning — rook piercing.
15. Outer Helix & Conch Piercings
A post shared by Cold Steel America (@coldsteelpiercing) on Apr 5, 2018 at 3:23pm PDT
This helix/conch combo proofs that all that glitters isn't gold.
16. Industrial Piercing
A post shared by Doug Poisson (@dougatimmaculate) on Mar 27, 2018 at 7:57am PDT
Simple and sophisticated, this industrial piercing isn't just feminine, it is ultra high-end.
17. Outer Helix Piercing
A post shared by Alexis Silva (@staytruebodypiercing) on Mar 28, 2018 at 7:01pm PDT
Playing with the shape of the ear, Jana Malanga was able to make a big statement with a single piece of jewelry. Haute couture!
18. Outer Helix, Rook, and Conch Piercings
A post shared by Maria Tash (@maria_tash) on Mar 26, 2018 at 5:45am PDT
With a "stepping stone" designs and some diamond bling, this piece is the perfect example of a well-curated ear.
19. Custom Industrial Piercing
A post shared by Noah Babcock (@noahbabcock) on Apr 5, 2018 at 5:27pm PDT
Nothing says "statement" like a custom design. A real showstopper!
20. Outer Helix & Daith Piercings
A post shared by Pierced.Co (@pierced) on Apr 3, 2018 at 2:53pm PDT
Sometimes less is more and that is the case with these stacked helix piercings. Simplicity at its finest!
Related Stories From YourTango:
21. Conch Piercing
A post shared by Gord Bouchard (@golden_gord) on Apr 5, 2018 at 9:54am PDT
Classy and flashy, this conch piercing will capture anyone's attention.
22. Forward Helix Piercings
A post shared by Infinite Body Piercing (@infinitebody) on Nov 24, 2017 at 5:54pm PST
These little beauties may be small but they sure are stunning!
23. Outer Helix & Conch Piercing
A post shared by Ornament (@ornamentbodypiercing) on Apr 4, 2018 at 11:12pm PDT
A hammered moon and opal conch make this ear modern yet magnificent.
24. Outer Helix & Daith Piercings
A post shared by Maria Tash (@maria_tash) on Apr 4, 2018 at 6:00am PDT
Diamonds... diamonds everywhere.
25. Anti-Tragus Piercing
A post shared by Alexis Silva (@staytruebodypiercing) on Feb 16, 2018 at 5:13pm PST
Well-placed and high-polished, this anti-helix piercing is elegant and edgy. Beau-ti-ful.
RELATED: Every Question You've Ever Had About Genital Piercings, Answered
Kimberly Zapata is a professional writer and copyeditor. She is a regular contributor for Sammiches and Psych Meds and her work has been featured on numerous websites and online publications, including Huff Post, Scary Mommy, Mamalode, Bonbon Break, The Good Men Project, and APIARY.