If you do decide to go with a professional, make sure that they use proper sanitation procedures. Most establishments will have photo books of piercings they’ve done. Check them out to make sure this is the piercing for you. Now is not the time to go for the cheapest option or to rush. Pick a place you feel comfortable with.
Do not share needles with other people as this could lead to infection. Make sure to use a needle that is at least one gauge bigger than the earring that you plan to wear. Many places use 16 gauge needles for forward helix piercings. There are piercing packages for sale, which normally comes with two piercing earrings that have been loaded into a spring puncher. You can purchase these online or at beauty supply stores. Follow the directions as closely as you can. Avoid piercing earrings. Some locations sell earrings with sharp needles affixed to them. These are used for piercing, but should not be used to pierce your forward helix. The cartilage in your helix is far too thick for these piercing earrings to work properly. Be careful. Some people have allergies to certain kinds of metals — mainly nickel and gold-plated materials. If you have the money, spring for a higher quality metal like silver or titanium.
If you are using a non-factory sealed sterilized needle, sterilize it over an open flame. Hold it there until the tip becomes red hot. Wear sterile latex gloves while sterilizing your instruments, so you don’t get germs on the needle after sterilizing it. Wipe the needle clean with 10%+ rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. This will kill 99% of the germs on the needle. You could also sterilize the needle with boiling water. Boil water and place the needle in it for 5 to 10 minutes. The hot water will kill off most of the germs on the needle. Remove it with tongs and only hold it with sterile latex gloves. Be careful, the needle will be hot for a minute or two.
You can also use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to sterilize your ear. Brush your hair out of the way as well. Your hair is covered in dust, grease, and germs. Take precautions to keep your hair away from the piercing site once it has been cleaned. If possible, tie your hair up and away from your ear. Use bobby pins to hold in place.
Take into account other piercings as well. You’ll want them to be evenly spaced.
If possible, don’t pierce your forward helix yourself or by yourself. Have a friend help you with the piercing. The forward helix, in particular, is difficult to get to, especially if you are looking in the mirror. This whole process is much easier to do when you have someone there to help you.
Most likely, your ear will start to bleed. Dab the blood away with a cotton ball covered in hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol. Alternatively, you can use an alcohol swabs. Do not wipe up the blood with anything that hasn’t been properly sterilized or might lead to infection.
Dipping a cotton bud/Q-tip in the warm salt water solution and rubbing it around and against the piercing can also do the trick. [7] X Research source Buy antiseptic solutions specifically made for newly pierced ears. You can buy them at beauty stores and pharmacies. Dip a cotton ball in the solution and rub gently around the piercing. Make sure to clean both sides of the piercing as well to insure that it remains free of harmful bacteria.
