After collecting a variety of ear piercings, you may be tired of the traditional options. An industrial piercing may be for you if you’re looking to add something unique and complex to your look! Read on to learn more about industrial piercing procedure, aftercare and pain levels.
What is an Industrial Piercing?
Industrial piercing is the double perforation of the upper ear cartilage with a single long barbell.
Other names like bar or scaffold piercing may be used in different parts of the world, but all of these names describe the same piercing.
A few different variations exist of the industrial piercing, including the double, triple, and three point industrial.
Should You Get an Industrial Piercing?
Pros
- Industrial piercings are considered unisex and are great for both men and women. This piercing is a unique piercing that isn’t afraid to stand out, and it’s perfect for anyone looking to showcase their individuality.
- Along with the variations shown above, the industrial piercing is extremely customizable. Vertical, horizontal, reverse and surface versions serve to make this piercing specific to you and your needs.
Cons
- Industrial piercings are technically two piercings in one, and it’s recommended you make sure you know what you’re in for before committing to the process. This means twice as much work with aftercare and keeping your piercing safe. However, experienced piercing enthusiasts should have nothing to worry about.
- Since this piercing requires precise angles and perforation, it’s recommended that you find a reliable piercer that you trust. This piercer should be just as thorough in explaining your aftercare routine, as following these guidelines will keep your piercing protected.
Piercing Procedure
Before the actual procedure, your piercer needs to glove up and sterilize everything involved: their instruments, the piercing location and your chosen jewelry.
The next step is marking your ear with a surgical pen. Each entry and exit spot is marked, as well as the connected line where the bar will be. This allows you to see the final arrangement of your new piercing and gives you a chance to change the positioning before moving forward.
Once you’ve agreed on the placement of your industrial, your piercer will puncture the first hole with 14 gauge needle. The barbell is then inserted through the first hole before the second piercing. After the second puncture, the barbell is pulled all the way through to the outer cartilage and fastened. As a precaution, the piercing is cleaned at the entry and exit points to avoid a higher risk of infection.
See more about the exact procedure in the videos below.
See the complete guide on DIY piercing safety.
How Bad do Industrial Piercings Hurt?
Industrial piercing pain level – 6 of 10
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Industrial piercings get a 6 out of 10 on the pain scale since cartilage contains fewer nerve endings.
See more on pain levels for different piercings.
Since this piercing requires two punctures, it has a slightly higher rating compared to single piercings.
Try focusing on something else in the moment to distract yourself. Additionally, talk to your piercer if you’re concerned about the level of associated pain. They may recommend taking a mild pain reliever like ibuprofen to ease your worries.
Healing
You will feel two moments of sharp pain during the procedure. You may also experience ear swelling or soreness immediately after the procedure. This is normal and typically these issues go away after a few days of healing.
Industrial piercings take anywhere between 3 to 9 months to heal completely, depending on your body and overall health.
Aftercare
In order to avoid piercing issues like ear bumps or infected ear cartilage, the recommended guidelines below should be followed during the healing period:
- Always wash your hands before touching your piercing.
- Do not move, spin or change your jewelry during the initial healing phase. Consult your piercer before making any changes, as taking jewelry out can cause your piercing to close.
- Sleep on the opposite side in order to avoid irritating your new piercing.
- Be extremely careful when fixing your hair and getting dressed. Your jewelry can easily get snagged and cause damage and unnecessary pain.
Remember that abiding by proper aftercare guidelines will save you from multiple risks and potential infections.
Recommended Aftercare Products
Sea salt
This sea salt mixture is ideal for keeping your piercing clean and happy.
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Piercing aftercare spray
Saline spray is a great on-the-go alternative for cleaning your piercing.
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How to Clean Your Industrial Piercing
It’s recommended that you routinely clean your piercing to avoid potential issues or infections. Use 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt mixed with 8 ounces of warm water for cleaning your industrial piercing twice per day. Put some of the saline mixture onto a clean towel and hold it on your piercing to dislodge any debris that may be present. Carefully remove these and clean the ends while moving the jewelry as little as possible.
Read more about piercing aftercare routine here.
How to Remove Your Industrial Piercing
Do not remove your initial jewelry until the healing process is complete. Consult your piercer if you are unsure.
If your piercing is healed but still sensitive, you can use warm saline compresses for a few minutes before moving the jewelry around.
Wash your hands thoroughly before removing your jewelry. Disposable gloves can come in handy for sanitation and extra grip. Proceed to unscrew one side of the jewelry and pull the bar out.
Be sure to sanitize the jewelry while it is out of your ear to keep it clean. Use saline solution to clean your piercings thoroughly. Note that it is normal to feel some discomfort while removing your jewelry for the first time.
Below are some handy jewelry changing videos for reference
Best Jewelry for Industrial Piercings
Barbells are the most common jewelry for industrial piercings. However, piercings are all about individuality. You can always treat your industrial as two separate piercings and use rings, circular barbells or studs to change things up.
Below are some jewelry options to get you started on your industrial journey:
- (3PCS)Antique Synthetic Opal Turtle,Turquoise Owl,Lucky Elephant Industrial Barbells14G
- Antique Gold Plated Snake Industrial Barbell
- Body Candy Gold Anodized Steel Clear Accent Flowing Lotus Dangle Industrial Barbell 14 Gauge 38mm
- 14 gauge Stainless Steel Moon and Opal Charm Industrial Barbells Piercing Jewelry
- Bow Industrial Barbell Dangling 14ga Body Jewelry Ear Jewelry Double Piercing Scaffold Bar
- Surgical Steel Sterling Cross Industrial Barbell
- Inspiration Dezigns Industrial Barbell Golden Vibrant Dreamcatcher Dangle Feathers
- Charisma Stainless Steel Cartilage Stud Earrings For Women Screw Back Earrings Cubic Zirconia Helix Tragus Barbell (3 Pairs / 4 Pairs)
- 316L Surgical Steel Batman 1 1/2″ 14g Industrial Bar Barbell
See this video for more jewelry ideas
How Much Does an Industrial Piercing Cost?
- Industrial piercings in the UK vary between £25 to £70.
- Industrial piercings in the US vary between $40 – $100.
- Industrial piercings in Europe vary between €20 – €85.
The cost often depends on the initial jewelry you choose and the experience of the individual shop or piercer.
Industrial Piercing Image Gallery
Christina Andrusenko
It pisses me off when I can’t find proven information about piercing type I interested in. That is why Piercee was created.
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