Cartilage vs. Helix Piercings: What’s the Real Difference?

You’ve been eyeing that cute ear piercing, but then you start Googling and get hit with terms like “cartilage,” “helix earrings,” and “floating.” Suddenly, it feels like you need a dictionary. First off, every helix piercing is a cartilage piercing, but not every cartilage piercing is a helix.

Sounds a bit like a riddle? Don’t worry, with this guide, we are here to make it simple with the exact differences, types of jewellery and other insightful tips!

The Difference Between Cartilage and Helix Piercings 

Here’s the simple, basic definition.

Cartilage Piercing: This covers any piercing that goes through the harder, firmer parts of your ear, not the soft, squishy lobe.

Helix Piercing: This one’s more specific. The piercing sits along the outer edge of your upper ear.

Here are the main comparison points—

Location: Cartilage piercings can be placed almost anywhere on the non-lobe parts of the ear: upper, lower, inner. Helix piercings are focused solely on the upper outer rim. A lower cartilage piercing, for example, sits just above the earlobe, while a helix sits near the top.

Pain and Healing: Cartilage ear piercings hurt more than lobe ones; it’s tougher tissue. That said, helix piercings are on the lower end of the pain scale compared to other cartilage spots. Healing is gradual, spanning over months.

Jewellery Options: Helix piercing requires its own type of helix earrings (there are so many options from minimalist studs to elegant chains), so regular and cartilage earrings are not recommended.

Wondering what is the difference between an earlobe and cartilage? Earlobes are soft and fleshy. Cartilage is firmer and more structured.

What Is Helix Jewellery and Its Popular Styles?

Helix earrings are different from regular earrings, not just in shape but in how they sit and heal on your ear.

Popular Styles

• Gold helix hoops: Sleek, timeless, and perfect for everyday wear
• Studs: Subtle and ideal for new piercings or layered looks
• Helix chains: Trend-forward jewellery that connects two points
• Floating helix piercing jewellery: Creates a modern “barely there” effect
• Hidden helix jewellery: Minimalist and discreet, perfect for those who prefer subtlety

So, what is the most popular helix jewellery right now? Hoops and chains are leading the charge!

Types of Helix Piercing jewellery

Helix Earrings

This category includes traditional studs, circular hoops, and barbells for a bold look. Helix earrings are designed to sit securely in cartilage and stay comfortable through long-term wear.

Helix Chain

 A helix chain or helix piercing chain is exactly what it sounds like: jewellery that links two piercings with a delicate chain. Some versions wrap around the helix itself or connect a helix to a lobe piercing.

Floating Helix Piercing

Floating helix jewellery gives the illusion that the earring is suspended on the surface of your ear with no visible posts or backs. These pieces are cleverly designed and look ultra-modern.

Hidden Helix Piercing jewellery If you’re going for a low-profile aesthetic, hidden helix jewellery is the move. These helix earrings sit subtly in the helix, often with smaller stones or flat designs that don’t draw much attention.

Vertical Helix jewellery

This style uses two vertically aligned holes on the helix. Vertical helix jewellery includes curved barbells or stacked studs designed to move along the natural vertical line of your ear. Helix piercings require hypoallergenic, high-quality, durable designs as they are on a sensitive part of your ear.

For example, you can try the Diamond Curved Ear Bar or the Diamond Ear Chain from Argent & Asher.

Can You Wear Normal Earrings in a Cartilage or Helix Piercing?

Many people try to wear their regular earrings in a cartilage or helix piercing. Is it a good idea?

Cartilage Piercing

Regular earrings are designed keeping your earlobes in mind. They would not fit as well in your cartilage. This isn’t just an aesthetic issue, it can cause discomfort and hamper your healing process.

Helix Piercing

For helix piercings, you want earrings that are specifically made for helix placement. So studs, with flat-backs, curved barbells, etc. A regular pair of earrings won’t sit right and lock in safely.

Pain, Healing, and Considerations for Cartilage and Helix Piercings

We understand that any piercings beyond the earlobes can seem intimidating.

Pain Levels 

It is more uncomfortable than regular lobe piercing. However, it’s less intense than some other cartilage spots like the conch or rook. Most people describe it as a sharp pinch followed by dull pressure.

Healing Times

Helix piercings can take 6 to 9 months to heal. Other cartilage ear piercings, especially ones in high-movement areas, may take closer to a full year.

Who Should Avoid These Piercings?

If you have skin sensitivities, autoimmune issues, or are prone to keloids, check in with a dermatologist before getting a cartilage piercing.

Types of Cartilage Piercings

There’s more to cartilage than just the helix. Here are five popular types:

1. Helix: Outer upper ear
2. Industrial: Two helix piercings connected by a bar
3. Tragus: The small flap in front of the ear canal
4. Conch: Inner ear cartilage shaped like a shell
5. Anti-helix: The ridge just inside the helix (also known as a snug piercing)
   

Also read: 14 Creative Ways to Wear Ear Chains

Mixing Cartilage Piercings with Other Types of Piercings 

Mixing different piercings is such a fun way to experiment and express your personality.

The trick is in how you layer your helix earrings and choose complementary shapes and metals. Earrings for the top of the ear, like studs or helix chains, pair beautifully with bold pieces in the lobe or inner cartilage.

What Piercing Looks Best on You?

You can decide the type of piercing you should go for by the shape of your ears!

Small ears: Stick to a single helix piercing or conch to avoid overcrowding

Wider ears: You’ve got real estate—stack multiple helix or cartilage piercings

Pointed ears or prominent tragus: These can support standout pieces like vertical helix jewellery

For more styling tips, check our article: How to Style and Wear Chain Earrings Like a Pro.

What Side Should a Girl Get a Helix Piercing?

There’s no rule here. It’s all about balancing with your other piercings and how you part your hair. The left side tends to be more common, but the right side feels a little more unexpected.

Choosing the Right Jewellery for Helix or Cartilage

Piercing Here are three things you should keep in mind:

1. Look for hypoallergenic materials like titanium, 14k gold, or surgical steel
2. Choose styles that reflect your personality: edgy, minimalist, or luxe
3. Prioritise comfort and secure backing systems during healing

If you are looking to invest in high-quality and durable jewellery, Argent & Asher delivers standout styles with quality to match.

Conclusion

While cartilage and helix piercings may share space on your ear, they’re not interchangeable. The helix is a specific spot with its jewellery styles. Choose high-quality helix earrings, take care during healing, and don’t be afraid to mix pieces for a custom look.

Explore Argent & Asher’s collection for a stylish and comfortable experience for your helix or other cartilage piercings!