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Your forward helix piercing is fully healed
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You want to switch from starter jewellery to a hoop
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You are choosing between 6mm, 7mm and 8mm in 18G or 20G
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You are unsure whether the hoop should sit snug or slightly loose
This guide is for healed forward helix piercings only
A forward helix goes through cartilage and should only be switched to a hoop once it is fully healed and stable. If the area is still sore, swollen, crusting, or reactive, wait before changing jewellery and ask your piercer to confirm it is ready. Forward helix healing can take time, and switching too early may cause irritation.
What size forward helix hoop should I buy?
For many healed forward helix piercings, 7mm is the best starting point.
Choose 6mm for a very snug fit. Choose 7mm for a close everyday fit. Choose 8mm if you want a little more room.
Forward helix jewellery is usually chosen for a delicate cartilage fit, so small changes in diameter can make a noticeable difference. 20G is the most common gauge, while 18G is a slightly thicker option.
Which forward helix hoop size fits best?
Forward helix hoop size chart
| Diameter | Look | Best for | Choose this if… |
|---|
| 6mm | Very snug, close fit | Small anatomy or a tight look | You want the hoop to sit close to the ear |
| 7mm Best starting point | Balanced close fit | Many healed forward helix piercings | You want the most versatile starting point |
| 8mm | Slightly roomier | A little more movement | You want more space than 7mm |
Not sure between two sizes?
The larger size is usually the safer option for comfort. A forward helix hoop should sit close, but it should not pinch or press into the cartilage.
Should you choose 18G or 20G?
Gauge is the thickness of the wire, not the hoop diameter. For a forward helix hoop, 20G is lighter and more delicate, while 18G is slightly thicker and feels more substantial. Both gauges are standard in forward helix jewellery, and the right choice depends on your healed piercing and the look you want.
| Gauge | Thickness | Best for | Notes |
|---|
| 20G Most common | 0.8mm | Delicate, lightweight wear | Best if you want a fine everyday hoop |
| 18G | 1.0mm | Slightly thicker look | Good if your piercing already accommodates it comfortably |
If your forward helix was originally pierced at 18G, a 20G hoop may still fit once healed, but it can sit a little differently than what you are used to.
When can you wear a forward helix hoop?
A forward helix piercing goes through cartilage and usually needs time to fully settle before a hoop feels comfortable. Switching too early can cause irritation or delay healing.
Before changing jewellery, make sure your forward helix shows no pain, swelling, crusting, or discharge. If it still feels tender or reactive, wait longer and ask your piercer to confirm healing.
Why does my forward helix hoop feel tight?
If the hoop feels pinched or presses into the ear, the diameter is too small and you should move up one size. For a close fit, most people should start at 7mm. If the hoop sits farther out than you want, try one size smaller only if it still feels comfortable.
How do I measure my forward helix for a hoop?
If you already own a forward helix hoop that fits well, place it flat on a surface and measure straight across the inside opening in millimetres. That measurement is the inner diameter you should order.
If you do not have a hoop to measure, the most reliable approach is to ask your piercer. They can assess your anatomy and recommend the best inner diameter. If you prefer to estimate at home, compare the fit to how close you want the ring to sit against the ear.
Why choose 14K solid gold?
A healed cartilage piercing often does best with high-quality jewellery for long-term wear. 14K solid gold is durable, polished, and suitable for everyday use. For many customers, it offers the best balance of beauty, durability, and comfort.
Shop forward helix hoops
Know your size? Go straight to the right hoop. Available in 6mm, 7mm and 8mm, in 18G and 20G, in solid 14K yellow gold.
6mm
Very snug fit
Best for a close, fitted look on small anatomy.
Shop 6mm →
7mm
Best starting point
The most balanced, versatile choice for many healed forward helix piercings.
Shop 7mm →
8mm
Slightly roomier
A little more space and movement than 7mm.
Shop 8mm →
6mm to 8mm
sizing
18G & 20G
options
14K solid gold
for long-term wear
Designed for
healed forward helix piercings
Made for healed forward helix piercings
14K Solid Gold Forward Helix Hoop
Handmade forward helix hoop. 14K solid gold, nickel-free alloy. Available in 18G and 20G. Sizes 6mm to 8mm. Ships from the UK.
Shop forward helix hoops →
Frequently asked questions
What size hoop is best for a forward helix?
For many healed forward helix piercings, 7mm is the best starting point. Choose 6mm for a very snug fit. Choose 8mm if you want a little more room.
Is 6mm too small for a forward helix hoop?
Not always. 6mm can work well if you want a very snug look or if your anatomy is small, but it may feel tight on some ears. If it feels pinched, move up to 7mm.
Is 7mm a good forward helix size?
Yes. 7mm is the most versatile starting point for many healed forward helix piercings. It gives a close everyday fit without being too tight.
Is 8mm too big for a forward helix?
Not necessarily. 8mm is a valid option if you want a slightly roomier fit or if 7mm feels too snug on your anatomy.
What gauge is a forward helix hoop?
The most common gauge options are 18G and 20G. Both are standard, and the right choice depends on your piercing and preferred look.
Is 18G or 20G better for a forward helix?
Neither is universally better. Choose 20G for a lighter, finer look, and 18G if you want a slightly thicker feel and your healed piercing already accommodates it comfortably.
Can I wear a hoop in my forward helix piercing?
Yes, but only once the piercing is fully healed and stable. A forward helix is cartilage, so switching too early can cause irritation.
How do I measure my forward helix hoop size?
Measure the inside diameter of a hoop that already fits you well, or ask your piercer to assess your anatomy and recommend a size.
Is a forward helix hoop supposed to be snug?
Yes, it is usually meant to sit close to the ear, but it should not pinch, press, or cause discomfort. Most people start at 7mm for a balanced close fit.
What is the standard forward helix hoop size?
Many people start at 7mm, with 6mm being snugger and 8mm being roomier.
What is the difference between 6mm and 8mm forward helix hoops?
6mm sits very close to the ear for a snug, fitted look. 8mm gives more room and movement. 7mm is in between and works for most people.
Is a forward helix hoop the same as a helix hoop?
Not exactly. A forward helix sits at the front of the ear near the face, while a standard helix is on the upper outer rim. They often use similar sizes, but placement and anatomy can differ.
Why does my forward helix hoop feel tight?
The diameter is probably too small for your anatomy. Moving up one size usually solves the problem.
Is 14K solid gold good for a forward helix hoop?
Yes. It is a durable, long-term material choice for a healed forward helix piercing.
Should a forward helix hoop be 6mm, 7mm, or 8mm?
It depends on your anatomy and how close you want the hoop to sit. 6mm is very snug. 7mm is the most versatile starting point. 8mm gives a little more room.
What size hoop should I get for a healed forward helix?
For many healed forward helix piercings, 7mm is the best starting point. Choose 6mm if you want a very snug fit, or 8mm if you want more room.
Is 20G standard for a forward helix?
Yes. 20G is one of the most common gauges for forward helix jewellery. 18G is also standard and slightly thicker.
Is 18G too thick for a forward helix hoop?
No. 18G is a standard gauge for forward helix piercings. It is slightly thicker than 20G but still very comfortable for healed piercings.
What happens if my forward helix hoop is too small?
It can feel tight, press into the cartilage, or irritate the piercing. If that happens, move up one size.
What happens if my forward helix hoop is too big?
It may sit farther out from the ear than you want. That is not always wrong, but it can look looser than a typical forward helix fit.
The gold forward helix hoop you’ll wear every day
14K solid gold. Fine fit. Made for healed forward helix piercings. Available in 18G and 20G, from 6mm to 8mm.
Shop forward helix hoops →
S
Stepoy
Piercing Jewellery Specialists
We craft handmade 14K solid gold forward helix hoops in 18G and 20G, from 6mm to 8mm. Every recommendation in this guide is designed to help customers choose the right size for a healed forward helix piercing.
