Helix piercing removal

[NeonFlamingos]

Hello, looking for some advice please. I had my helix (cartilage at top of ear) pierced over a year ago.
I was told it could take up to a year to heal, however it's never been right and quite painful at times.
I really like the look but it needs to come out. I just can't get it out! It's not loosening at all and even with latex gloves on I can't get it to budge. The salon where I got it pierced has closed or I'd go back there. Does anyone know any good tips to remove these stubborn bars? Thanks

Tweezers with rubber at the tip

What sort of back is on it? Does it unscrew?

@dementedpixie

What sort of back is on it? Does it unscrew?

It's a flat back and I'm guessing it's the ball at the front that unscrews? Or at I completely wrong?

@daffodilheart

Tweezers with rubber at the tip

Thank you

It could be the back that unscrews or it could be both ends

Using a rubber or latex glove helps!

It sounds like it might be “crusty”, so a sea salt soak would help to loosen any nasties

My bars have a back and front that unscrews although mine has a ball at the back. I only know they both unscrew as I got a shorter bar in one of mine and they transferred front and back onto the new bar

It’s most likely the ball that unscrews if it’s the same bar you had when it was initially pierced

Can you post a photo of it?

Get in touch with a reputable piercing studio, they will be able to advise you, my local one would book you in to see it.

Thanks everyone. Think I'll call some places tomorrow as been trying too long now and it's getting angry!

It's usually the ball that unscrews on those. You need to remember to unscrew it the right way, I always have to think about it for my tragus, and imagine I'm facing the piercing. For healing small hoops or bars with balls on both ends are best. Hope you get it sorted.

i couldn’t get mine out either. the balls on the front are so stiff. my sister ended up doing mine with a small pair of pliers - which i definitely don’t recommend! i now go to the local piercing studio and they remove and replace my piercings for a small charge.

It definitely unscrews - maybe watch some YouTube tutorials. Highly recommend soaking your piercing as 1. It will provide some relief (it does look angry!) and 2. It will remove any crusting that could be hindering the removal of the bar

Mine was still angry after a year! I don't think the bar it was pierced with was big enough. I found sleeping on the opposite side really helped. Once it healed I changed it for a horseshoe, I find bars really irritate it now, especially if I lay on it. Helix peircings are not the easiest of things to heal, I nearly took mine out on numerous occasions. Keep it clean but don't over do it. Preserve with it! (My anti tragus took much longer to heal!)

And yes the front of your labret bar unscrews!

Yeah the ball should screw off. I also find bars are abit sore and I've had mine pierced about 18 years now! Maybe a ring will help it heal abit better ?

Is there someone who could help you with a small pair of pliers?

I have multiple helix piercings and agree that rings are infinitely more comfortable!

I feel like labret bars are uncomfortable to sleep on (side sleeper) and used to easily get aggravated eg if my hair or clothing got caught. There was always a slight bump on the back of me ear, even when it was fully healed. I have none of these issues since switching to rings.

I was contemplating taking mine out at the weekend too. Had it done at the beginning of July and it's still so sore .... think I might see if I can change to a ring, not that I can get the stud out!

If you want to keep it you can go to any piercer and have it changed to a ring, usually for just the cost of the jewellery itself. Mine healed much better with a ring as PPs have said

This type of stud is really good too, and sooo much easier to remove. It has a hinge on it. I can't remember what they're called though for you to look for one. Anyone know?

Andralok studs. It's just come to me!

I have the same in one of my piercings. I had to have tape over it for my c-section because I couldn't get it out. My piercer is able to change them easily. Much less hassle.