Forward Helix Jewellery Guide: How to Choose the Right Style
Choosing the right forward helix jewellery can completely change the look of this small but distinctive cartilage piercing. From delicate flatback labrets to decorative clicker hoops, different styles can create anything from a subtle detail to a more eye-catching addition to your ear stack.
The right piece should also suit your individual anatomy and piercing placement. In this guide, we'll compare the most popular forward helix jewellery styles, from flatback labrets and studs to clickers, as well as materials and styling ideas for your healed piercing.
Quick Answer: Flatback labrets are a classic choice for forward helix piercings, offering a neat, low-profile fit with plenty of decorative options. Once your piercing is fully healed, a suitable clicker can offer an alternative hoop look, depending on your anatomy and piercing placement.
Jump to a section
- What Is Forward Helix Jewellery?
- Flatback Labrets: The Classic Choice
- Forward Helix Clickers: A Decorative Alternative
- Forward Helix Hoop or Flatback: Which Should You Choose?
- Choosing the Right Material
- Forward Helix Jewellery Inspiration
- FAQs
What Is Forward Helix Jewellery?
Forward helix jewellery is designed for the compact cartilage placement at the front of the upper ear. Flatback labrets are a popular choice, creating a neat fit with the decorative end visible at the front. Once fully healed, a suitable clicker can also offer an alternative hoop look.
Forward helix earrings range from tiny gemstones and minimalist shapes to clusters, celestial motifs and more unique designs. This makes it easy to keep the placement delicate or use it as a more distinctive detail within your ear stack.
Flatback Labrets: The Classic Choice
Flatback labrets are one of the most popular choices for forward helix jewellery. Their straight post and smooth flat disc create a neat, low-profile fit, while the decorative end sits at the front of the piercing where it can become part of your overall ear stack.
Forward helix studs offer plenty of choice when it comes to style. Tiny cubic zirconia, minimalist shapes and delicate motifs can keep the placement subtle, while clusters, marquise stones and more decorative designs can make a single forward helix stand out.
Flatbacks are also particularly effective for double or triple forward helix piercings. You can repeat the same small design for a coordinated look or combine complementary pieces to create something more individual.
Forward Helix Clickers: A Decorative Alternative
Once your forward helix piercing has fully healed, a suitable clicker or hoop can offer an alternative to a flatback labret. Rather than placing the decorative detail directly at the front of the piercing, the hoop curves around the cartilage and creates a noticeably different silhouette.
A slim, simple clicker can create a clean, understated look, while stone-set or decorative designs draw more attention to the placement. This can work particularly well if you want to contrast a hoop at the front of the ear with studs elsewhere in your stack.
Not every forward helix placement will suit a hoop. Your anatomy, piercing angle and the diameter of the jewellery all affect how a forward helix ring will sit, so it's important to choose an appropriately fitted piece rather than selecting one by appearance alone.
Forward Helix Hoop or Flatback: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between a flatback labret and a clicker comes down to the look you prefer, as well as your anatomy and piercing placement. Both can create very different effects in a healed forward helix.
Choose a Flatback Labret If...
You prefer a neat, low-profile look or want the decorative end to be the main feature. Forward helix piercing studs are available in everything from tiny gemstones and minimalist shapes to clusters and more detailed designs.
Choose a Clicker If...
You want the jewellery to curve around the cartilage and create more of a hoop effect. A delicate clicker can keep the look understated, while a more decorative design can make the placement stand out.
Whichever style you prefer, the jewellery should fit your individual piercing correctly. If you're switching from a flatback to a hoop, wait until your piercing is fully healed and make sure the style is suitable for your anatomy and placement.
Choosing the Right Material
The material you choose can affect both the appearance and everyday comfort of your forward helix jewellery. Lightweight, durable jewellery that works well with your skin is a practical choice for a piece you plan to wear regularly.
Implant-grade titanium is a popular option because it's lightweight, hypoallergenic, waterproof and tarnish-resistant. Titanium forward helix jewellery is available in a wide variety of styles, making it easy to find anything from delicate studs to more decorative designs. High-quality stainless steel is another durable option with plenty of styles to choose from.
Both silver and gold forward helix jewellery can work beautifully with this placement. You can coordinate one finish throughout your ear stack for a polished look or mix metals for something more individual. If you're unsure which colours suit you, read our guide to choosing the best metal and stone colours for your skin tone.
Forward Helix Jewellery Inspiration
FAQs
What type of jewellery is best for a forward helix piercing?
Flatback labrets are a popular choice for forward helix piercings because they offer a neat, low-profile fit and come in a wide range of decorative styles. Once your piercing is fully healed, a suitable clicker may also be an option depending on your anatomy and piercing placement.
Can you wear a ring in a forward helix piercing?
Yes, a suitable forward helix ring can be worn in some fully healed piercings. Whether a hoop will work depends on your anatomy, piercing angle and the diameter of the jewellery, so ask a professional piercer if you're unsure whether one is suitable for your placement.
Is titanium good for forward helix jewellery?
Yes. Implant-grade titanium is lightweight, hypoallergenic, waterproof and tarnish-resistant, making titanium forward helix jewellery a popular option for everyday wear and for those who prefer jewellery designed with sensitive skin in mind.
How do I choose delicate or unique forward helix jewellery?
For a delicate look, try small gemstones, minimalist shapes or fine decorative details that work naturally with the compact placement. If you prefer something more unique, look for distinctive shapes, colourful stones, clusters or celestial designs. Consider the jewellery elsewhere in your ear stack so your forward helix stands out without feeling disconnected from the overall look.
