What is an Industrial Piercing
What is an Industrial Piercing?
An industrial piercing is a striking and unique piercing that connects two piercings in the cartilage of the upper ear with a single long barbell. The piercings are usually placed in a straight line, with one piercing in the upper ear and the other closer to the outer edge. The long barbell passing through both piercings creates a distinctive "bridge" in the ear, creating a bold, edgy look.
This piercing is often chosen by those who want to express their love for alternative styles and fashion. It's considered one of the most visually striking ear piercings and can be customized with various types of jewelry.

Features of an Industrial Piercing
An industrial piercing has some unique features that distinguish it from other ear piercings:
1. Two Piercings Connected by One Piece of Jewelry
The most distinctive aspect of an industrial piercing is that it consists of two separate cartilage piercings connected by a single long barbell. This creates a striking look that stands out from other types of piercings.
2. Placement in the Cartilage
Industrial piercings are placed in the ear cartilage, meaning the healing time is longer than, for example, earlobe piercings. This is because cartilage has less blood flow, which slows the healing process.
3. Customizable Jewelry
The straight barbell that goes through the piercings can be customized to your preference. Numerous styles are available, from simple metal bars to jewelry with embellishments such as beads, gemstones, or geometric designs.
Types of Industrial Piercings
While the classic industrial piercing uses a straight barbell, there are several variations and styles that can change the look:
1. Vertical Industrial Piercing
With the vertical industrial piercing, the two piercings run vertically through the ear instead of horizontally. This creates a unique look that's even less common than the classic version.
2. Styles with Arches or Curls
Instead of a straight barbell, the industrial piercing can also be adorned with curved or curled jewelry. This adds a playful and artistic touch to the classic look.
3. Double Industrial Piercing
Some people choose to get two industrial piercings, each with its own barbell. This enhances the edgy look and offers more room for creativity with jewelry.
Jewelry for Industrial Piercings
The choice of jewelry for an industrial piercing can significantly impact the piercing's appearance. Here are some popular options:
1. Straight Barbell
The most traditional choice for an industrial piercing is the straight barbell, usually made of stainless steel , titanium , or gold . This straight bar is simple yet powerful in its design and offers the classic "bridge" look that characterizes the industrial piercing.
2. Decorated Barbell
For those who prefer a little more flair, decorated barbells are available. These can be encrusted with gemstones, adorned with unique designs, or even feature personalized elements.
3. Curved Barbells or Spirals
Although less common, curved or spiral jewelry can be used to add an artistic twist to the industrial piercing. This jewelry adds a playful and creative touch.
Healing time and aftercare
An industrial piercing heals more slowly than other piercings, mainly because it involves two cartilage piercings that need to heal simultaneously. The average healing time varies between six months and a year, depending on how well the aftercare is followed and how the body heals.
Aftercare Tips:
-
Clean regularly : Use a saline solution to clean the piercing twice a day. This helps prevent infection and promotes rapid healing.
-
Avoid movement : Try not to move the barbell too much during the healing period. This can slow the healing process and increase the risk of irritation.
-
Sleep carefully : Avoid sleeping on the ear where the piercing is located to prevent pressure on the piercing.
-
Do not touch the piercing unnecessarily : Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands, as this can introduce bacteria that can cause infections.
Frequently Asked Questions about Industrial Piercings
Does an industrial piercing hurt?
Getting an industrial piercing can be more painful than a regular earlobe piercing because it pierces the cartilage. However, the pain varies from person to person, depending on their pain threshold. It's generally described as a sharp, quick pain, followed by a throbbing sensation.
How long does it take for an industrial piercing to heal?
The healing time for an industrial piercing can vary from six months to a year. It's important to follow proper aftercare and give the piercing enough time to heal completely.
Can I get an industrial piercing if I already have other ear piercings?
Yes, you can get an industrial piercing, even if you already have other piercings in your ear. However, keep in mind that placement may vary depending on the available space in the cartilage.
What kind of jewelry is best for a new industrial piercing?
For a new piercing, we recommend choosing hypoallergenic jewelry like titanium or surgical steel . These materials are safe for the skin and help promote the healing process.
Conclusion
An industrial piercing is a striking and bold choice for those who want to express their personal style with a unique and daring piece. With the right aftercare and jewelry, an industrial piercing can be a beautiful addition to any jewelry collection. Whether you choose a classic straight barbell or an ornate design, the industrial piercing offers endless possibilities for personalizing your look.
Industrial piercing posts can be made of various materials, with titanium and surgical steel being the most popular choices. Both are safe, but titanium is often recommended for people with sensitive skin.
Maintenance and care
After learning more about the piercing and its materials, it's important to know how to care for it. Like other earrings, an industrial piercing requires regular maintenance for proper healing. Clean the piercing daily with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly with water to prevent infection.
Final thoughts and tips
If you are interested in an Industrial piercing, we recommend going to a professional piercer for the best results.