Helix Piercing Cost: Average Prices & Cost Factors

A helix piercing goes through the cartilage on the upper outer rim of the ear. Studios often price cartilage piercings above a standard earlobe piercing, and the jewelry is quoted separately or as part of a starting total.

The figures come from several studio price lists, Claire's guide, and Booksy, checked Oct 11, 2026. They cover a handful of shops, so prices in your city may be higher or lower.

In our data the service fee ranges from $30 to $50.

Infinite Body's price is for a single outer helix. A double or triple helix, a forward helix, and other cartilage piercings are priced differently, so ask about the exact placement you want.

The Claire's number is a kit price, and Claire's says the piercing is free with the kit at select stores. That is not the same as a studio total, so compare the full cost.

Starter jewelry is the studio's basic option. A different metal or a decorative piece costs more.

• Studio and city.
• Single, double, or other helix placements.
• Jewelry material and style.
• Whether the quote is a fee or a total.
• Tips, which are separate from the quoted price.

A studio charges for the service and the jewelry, usually through a needle procedure by a professional piercer. A mall kit bundles the jewelry and waives the piercing at select stores. Cartilage piercings are not offered at every Claire's, so check availability. Ask either option about the process, the jewelry material, and what is included in the price.

Follow your piercer's aftercare instructions. If you notice signs of infection, such as swelling, heat, or discharge, see a doctor. Ask whether a downsize or a follow-up visit costs extra.

Ask exactly what is covered.

• The service: the piercer's time and the procedure.
• Starter jewelry: sometimes included in a starting total.
• Aftercare supplies: included at some shops.
• Not included: tips and sales tax.

A quote for a single helix is not a quote for several. Say how many piercings you want.

Cartilage piercings on the ear go by several names, and a shop may price them separately.

• Outer helix: the upper outer rim of the ear, as in Infinite Body's price.
• Double or triple helix: more than one piercing, so the service costs more.
• Forward helix and other cartilage placements: priced by the shop, so ask for the exact quote.

If you have a placement in mind, give the shop its name and ask for a price.

• A professional piercing studio: the usual choice for cartilage.
• A tattoo shop with a piercer.
• Select Claire's stores: Claire's lists a kit with the piercing free at select stores, so call to confirm.

Ask about sterile practices, read reviews, and check the jewelry material.

• What does the quote include?
• Do you use a needle, and how do you sterilize?
• What is the starter jewelry?
• What does a later change cost?
• Is a follow-up visit free?
• What aftercare do you recommend?

Follow your piercer's aftercare instructions. If you see signs of infection, see a doctor.

• Start with basic jewelry.
• Ask for a total.
• Compare two or three local shops.

Plan for aftercare supplies and a later jewelry change. A swap to a different post may cost extra.