EYNTK about the industrial bar piercing, along with inspo pics
An industrial bar piercing is a popular choice for those wanting to create a structural pierced ear look that's equal parts pretty and punk. A winning fashion formula, IMO. It's not only striking and a great stand-alone piercing, but it also looks great sat alongside both lobe and inner ear piercings. Because when it comes to piercings, more is definitely more!
Its grunge origins may seem like it's designed for the hardcore piercers among us, but there are many jewellery options which allow it to be super versatile. Not to mention, with our increased love for a curated earring stack, there are lots of ways you can customise this piercing. Just look to the long list of celeb fans for inspo, with Miley Cyrus, Willow Smith, Ashley Tisdale and Kylie Jenner all sporting the industrial bar over the years. Yep, your bejewelled ear will be in good company.
If you're debating whether this piercing is for you, there are a few key things to consider. That's where we come in. We're happy to help with that all-important pre-needle research, along with useful insights and tips from piercing expert Lucy at stylish boutique piercers Scared Gold.
What is an industrial piercing?
The industrial piercing is made up of two piercings – sometimes even more – connected by a piece of jewellery, typically a straight barbell through the ear cartilage. It's also referred to as a scaffolding piercing due to the jewellery's structural aesthetic. The most common industrial bar piercing enters through the helix and forward helix. For fact enthusiasts, it was named and made popular by piercer Erik Dakota, who also coined the rook and daith piercing around the same time in the early '90s. Pretty cool, huh?
How does the industrial piercing work?
Firstly, it requires two piercings in one sitting, as you've probably already guessed. So, if you're needle-shy or need to psyche yourself up before popping in the chair, this is a good thing to consider in advance. The two piercings are then connected by a rigid barbell, which is put in straight away once pierced.
Sadly, it doesn't work for all ear types as a defined ridge on your ear is crucial to making this piercing work. Lucy explains, “The piercing traditionally sits diagonally across the ear so you need very specific anatomy for this to work.” Your piercer will give you a consultation beforehand to check whether the industrial will work for your ear.
Does getting an industrial piercing hurt?
As an industrial piercing is simply a combination of two cartilage piercings it will feel similar to a helix piercing, for example. Lucy reassures us that as long as it's performed correctly, by a professional, these types of piercings are “quick with minimal discomfort.” It can be described as a small pinch and over in a flash. Phew!
How long does an industrial piercing take to heal?
Like many cartilage and inner ear piercings, the industrial does take a little while to heal. Yup, we know, not great news for us impatient piercing obsessives. Lucy recommends a period of six months to a year for it to fully heal, and with the right aftercare, this should go swimmingly.
How to take care of an industrial piercing?
The healing process always sounds like a bit of a drag, but it's worth it to achieve that edgy earscape you've been pining after. And without sounding too much like a protective parent here – the right aftercare will be your best friend.
Lucy insists that, like all cartilage piercings “industrials should be kept clean and dry, and not be touched,” which means unfortunately, you'll need to resist the temptation to fiddle or change the jewellery whilst you're waiting for it to heal. No mean feat.
Lucy also adds that, “it's very important not to sleep on these piercings as it can cause a lot of swelling,” which could guide your decision in which ear you choose for the industrial bar to sit.
What type of jewellery should you use for an industrial bar piercing?
The barbell is the classic jewellery used for the industrial, but Lucy lets us know that people have become much more creative with the look in recent years. “At Sacred Gold, we have solid gold barbells with beautiful gemstone designs in the middle or you can wear two rings with a chain attached.”
Plus, for those with anatomy that can't hold the classic industrial, she says you can use long pieces of jewellery in a standard flat piercing to create the illusion of an industrial, just like this example from Maria Tash using a conch or helix piercing.
Shop these stylish barbell jewellery for your industrial piercing
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