Last Updated 07/07/2026 | Written by Maëlys Chamard, Co-Founder of MADAJ

Forward helix piercing is a type of ear piercing that involves the insertion of jewelry through the front part of the upper ear cartilage, just above the tragus.

This piercing has gained popularity in recent years for its distinctive placement, sitting closer to the face than a standard helix piercing for a more noticeable look.

• Placement: The front part of the upper ear cartilage, just above the tragus
• Piercing service fee: $30–$50, jewelry cost is separate
• Pain Level: 5/10
• Healing Time: 6 to 12 months
• Aftercare: Clean your piercing twice a day with a sterile saline solution on sterile gauze. Keep the pierced area clean and dry.

The forward helix piercing is positioned on the upper cartilage of the ear, specifically the front part of the helix, just above the tragus.It is distinct from other ear piercings, such as the standard helix or tragus piercings, as it is located closer to the face and offers a more noticeable and eye-catching look.

A forward helix piercing involves two separate costs:

Piercing service fee: the procedure fee, usually $30–$50, is separate from the jewelry and goes to whichever studio performs the piercing.

Jewelry cost: varies depending on the materials and the design you choose.

At MADAJ, all jewelry is made in nickel-free, hypoallergenic 18k gold (yellow, white, or rose), set with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, or black diamonds. All pieces are made to order, so jewelry cost will vary depending on these choices.

Pain Level of Forward Helix Piercing: (5/10)

Cartilage is less flexible than the flesh of the ear, which can cause moderate pain during the forward helix piercing procedure. However, the peak of pain experienced during cartilage piercing lasts only a few seconds and the pain is less intense than that of a conch or contraconch piercing.

How can I minimize the pain experienced during my forward helix piercing?

There are solutions to minimize pain during forward helix piercing, such as the use of lidocaine-based numbing cream (EMLA or generics). This cream is available in pharmacies by prescription. It is recommended to apply it between 30 minutes to 1 hour before piercing.

To learn more about reducing the pain of a forward helix piercing, discover our Guide on Ear Piercing Pain Levels.

A little preparation goes a long way toward a smoother appointment and easier healing.

• Decide on your jewelry first. Whether you're going with a single stud or planning a double or triple placement, settle on your gold color, gemstone, and sizing before your appointment.
• Research your piercer. Look for a licensed, experienced piercer with visible sterilization practices and solid reviews specifically for forward helix or cartilage piercings.
• Have a meal beforehand. Piercing on an empty stomach increases the chance of feeling lightheaded.
• Skip alcohol and blood thinners. Avoiding alcohol and medications like aspirin in the 24 hours before your appointment can reduce bleeding and swelling. Check with your doctor before pausing any prescribed medication.
• Sleep well the night before. Being well rested makes the appointment more comfortable and supports healing afterward.
• Stock up on aftercare supplies. Have sterile saline solution and gauze ready at home so you can start cleaning right away.
• Tie your hair back. This gives your piercer clear access to the forward helix and keeps hair from catching on the jewelry afterward.

• The piercer will clean the forward helix area with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection.
• They will then mark the exact spot for the piercing with a surgical marker. This step ensures precision and alignment according to your preferences.
• A hollow, sterilized needle is used to create the piercing. This is generally considered less traumatic to the tissue than a piercing gun. It is important to note that pain levels can vary significantly from one person to another.
• Immediately after the needle creates the hole, the chosen jewelry is inserted.

• Maintain a routine of cleaning your forward helix piercing twice daily: once when you wake up in the morning and again before going to bed at night. Regular cleaning is crucial in warding off infections and ensuring a smooth healing process.
• Soak a sterile gauze in the saline solution. Gently press it against your forward helix piercing and hold it there for a few minutes. This helps to soften and remove any crusted discharge around the piercing.
• Carefully dab around the area with a dry, clean paper towel or fresh gauze to absorb any excess moisture. It's important to keep the piercing dry, as moisture can promote bacterial growth.

The healing time for a forward helix piercing typically ranges from 6 to 12 months. Healing is gradual, so here is a general timeline of what to expect. Everyone heals differently, so treat this as a guide, not a guarantee.

• Week 1–2: Redness, mild swelling, tenderness, and warmth are normal. You may notice a small amount of clear or pale yellow fluid that dries into light crusts, this is lymph, not pus.
• Week 3–6: Swelling and soreness gradually subside; the piercing is still fragile and prone to irritation from pressure (sleeping on it, headphones, hats).
• Month 2–4: Symptoms continue to fade. The area may look healed, but the tissue underneath is still forming, so continue aftercare.
• Month 5–8: The piercing usually feels comfortable day to day, though it may still react to bumps or friction.
• Month 9–12: The piercing is typically considered fully healed. This is generally the earliest point to consider changing jewelry yourself.

If you notice increasing pain, swelling, or discharge at any stage, consult your piercer or a doctor rather than waiting it out.

The MADAJ Asteria Star Diamond Piercing

Types: The forward helix can be pierced as a single, double, or triple placement, depending on your anatomy and how many piercings you want clustered along that part of the ear. A single forward helix works well as a standalone accent, while double and triple placements are popular for building a fuller, layered ear composition.

Sizing: MADAJ studs come in 5 mm, 6.5 mm, or 8 mm lengths, with a 1.2 mm (16G) post diameter. For a double or triple forward helix, a shorter, lighter stud is often more comfortable across multiple piercings clustered close together, so talk to your piercer about the best length for your setup. Hoops are available in 5 mm, 6.5 mm, 8 mm, 9.5 mm, or 11 mm inner diameters, with a 0.8 mm (20G) post diameter, secured with a clicker closure. Studs secure with a screw-back flat disc closure.

At MADAJ, all forward helix jewelry is crafted in nickel-free, hypoallergenic 18k gold (yellow, white, or rose gold) and can be set with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, or black diamonds. All pieces are made to order, so you can choose the metal and gemstone that fits your style, and jewelry cost will vary depending on these choices.