Eyebrow piercings come in several types, including standard, horizontal, anti-eyebrow, bridge, spiral, and multiple piercings, each offering a unique style and placement. Whether you’re looking for something subtle or bold, understanding these different options can help you choose the right piercing for your look.
Below, we will discuss the most common eyebrow piercing types, including placement, jewelry, and healing times.
6 Types Of Eyebrow Piercings
Standard Eyebrow Piercing
The standard eyebrow piercing is the most common type. It is usually placed vertically through the eyebrow, on the outer edge. This placement allows for a barbell or a curved barbell as jewelry. The healing process for this type of piercing typically takes around 6-8 weeks. However, it can vary depending on individual aftercare and skin type.
Jewelry: Curved barbells or rings are most commonly used.
Healing Time: 6-8 weeks.
Horizontal Eyebrow Piercing
The horizontal eyebrow piercing is similar to the standard but differs in placement. Instead of going through the eyebrow vertically, this piercing runs horizontally above or below the eyebrow. It offers a more unique look compared to the standard piercing.
Jewelry: Curved barbells are commonly used, but straight barbells can work depending on the placement.
Healing Time: 6-10 weeks, slightly longer due to the positioning.
Anti-Eyebrow Piercing
An anti-eyebrow piercing, sometimes called a “teardrop” or “butterfly” piercing, is placed below the eye, on the upper cheekbone. Though it is not technically on the eyebrow, it is associated with eyebrow piercings. It offers a striking look that stands out due to its unusual placement.
Jewelry: Surface bars or curved barbells are used to reduce pressure on the skin.
Healing Time: 6-12 weeks. This placement tends to heal more slowly.
Bridge Piercing
A bridge piercing, also called an “Erl” piercing, is located between the eyes, just above the bridge of the nose. Like the anti-eyebrow piercing, it’s not exactly on the eyebrow but is often included in discussions about eyebrow piercings. This type of piercing creates a bold, symmetrical look.
Jewelry: Surface bars or straight barbells are most commonly used.
Healing Time: 8-12 weeks. Bridge piercings tend to be slower to heal due to the skin’s tightness in this area.
Spiral Eyebrow Piercing
The spiral eyebrow piercing is more decorative than functional. It involves multiple piercings along the eyebrow, creating a spiral effect. These piercings are placed close together to allow for one continuous piece of jewelry, usually a spiral barbell.
Jewelry: Spiral barbells are the preferred choice to create a unique look.
Healing Time: 8-12 weeks, depending on how many piercings are involved.
Multiple Eyebrow Piercings
For those who want a more intricate look, multiple eyebrow piercings are an option. You can get two or more piercings along one eyebrow, either vertically or horizontally. These combinations can be customized to suit your style.
Jewelry: Curved barbells or rings, depending on the placement.
Healing Time: Each piercing will heal at its own rate, typically between 6-12 weeks.
What Are The Do’s And Don’ts After An Eyebrow Piercing?
After getting an eyebrow piercing, proper care is crucial for preventing infections and ensuring fast healing. Here are some basic aftercare tips:
- Clean the piercing twice a day using a saline solution.
- Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands.
- Don’t change the jewelry until the piercing is fully healed.
- Avoid makeup or skincare products near the piercing to reduce irritation.
Healing times can vary based on individual factors, including skin type and how well you follow aftercare instructions.
Choosing the Right Eyebrow Piercing for You
Selecting the right eyebrow piercing depends on your personal style and pain tolerance. Some types of eyebrow piercings may be more painful than others, especially those that involve thicker skin or multiple piercings. If you’re unsure, it’s best to consult with a professional piercer. They can guide you through the process and help you decide which type of piercing suits you best.
What To Know Before Getting An Eyebrow Piercing?
Before getting any type of eyebrow piercing, consider the following factors:
- Pain level: Eyebrow piercings are generally considered to be low to moderate on the pain scale, but this can vary.
- Facial structure: Your facial structure may affect how certain piercings look. Some may be more flattering than others.
- Jewelry options: The type of jewelry you prefer may dictate which piercing you get.
- Healing time: Some piercings take longer to heal than others, which may affect your decision.
- Scarring: Some types of piercings may leave more noticeable scars if removed, especially surface piercings like the anti-eyebrow or bridge piercing.
Eyebrow Piercing FAQs
What Are the Risks of Eyebrow Piercing?
Eyebrow piercings, like any body modification, carry certain risks. Common risks include infection, swelling, and rejection, where the body pushes the jewelry out of the skin. Scarring and keloid formation can also occur, especially if the piercing is not properly cared for.
Allergic reactions to certain metals, like nickel, are possible, and improper placement can lead to nerve damage. Always visit a professional piercer and follow aftercare instructions to minimize these risks.
How Do You Shower with an Eyebrow Piercing?
When showering with a new eyebrow piercing, avoid getting harsh soaps or shampoos on the piercing. It’s best to rinse the area gently with warm water, then carefully pat it dry with a clean, disposable paper towel.
Make sure to avoid scrubbing the piercing or letting water pressure directly hit the area. After showering, continue to clean the piercing with saline solution as part of your aftercare routine.
Do Eyebrow Piercing Scars Go Away?
Eyebrow piercing scars can fade over time, but they often don’t completely go away. The severity of the scarring depends on factors like how long you kept the piercing, whether it became infected, and how your body heals.
Hypertrophic scars and keloids can also form, especially if the piercing was removed improperly. Scars can be minimized by removing the jewelry carefully and using scar treatments, but they will likely always be somewhat visible.
Can I Use Salt Water on My Eyebrow Piercing?
Yes, you can use a saline solution (salt water) on your eyebrow piercing. It’s one of the best ways to clean the area and promote healing. Use a non-iodized sea salt solution, mixing about 1/4 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water.
Gently clean the piercing with this solution twice a day to prevent infection and aid in the healing process. Avoid using overly strong salt concentrations, as this can irritate the skin.
Do They Shave Your Eyebrow Before Piercing?
No, they typically do not shave your eyebrow before piercing. The piercer will mark the placement of the piercing using a sterile pen and clean the area, but shaving is unnecessary.
However, if the hair in the area is very thick, they may trim it slightly to ensure proper placement and cleanliness during the piercing process.
Can I Get a New Eyebrow Piercing Wet?
It’s generally safe to get a new eyebrow piercing wet, but avoid submerging it in water, especially in pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water like lakes or oceans. These environments can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
In the shower, use clean water and avoid harsh products. After getting the piercing wet, make sure to dry it carefully and continue with your saline solution cleaning routine.
A Summary
There are several types of eyebrow piercings to choose from, each offering a unique look and style. Whether you prefer the classic standard eyebrow piercing or want something more unique like a spiral or bridge piercing, the choice is yours.
Ensure you consider factors like pain level, healing time, and jewelry options before making your decision. Consult with a professional piercer to ensure that your piercing is done safely and to your liking.
