Eyebrow Piercing

The Ultimate Guide to Eyebrow Piercings

What is an Eyebrow Piercing?

An eyebrow piercing is a distinctive type of surface piercing that involves puncturing the eyebrow tissue to create a fashionable and unique aesthetic. The placement of the piercing can vary, either horizontally or vertically, depending on personal preference and desired style. This unisex adornment allows for a wide range of creative expression and can be situated anywhere along the eyebrow.

Eyebrow piercings are known for their distinctive appearance, but they also require careful consideration due to their complex nature. As surface piercings, they have a higher tendency to migrate or be rejected by the body if not performed correctly or if the jewelry is inadequate in size or weight. To ensure a successful eyebrow piercing, it is essential to work with a professional piercer and select appropriate jewelry that suits your anatomy and desired look.

Types of Eyebrow Piercings

Double Eyebrow Piercing

The double eyebrow piercing features two piercings placed closely together, typically on the outer edge of the eyebrow. This style creates a striking, eye-catching look that can be customized with various jewelry options. Double eyebrow piercings can be done vertically or horizontally, depending on personal preference and facial anatomy.

Jewelry options for double eyebrow piercings include curved barbells, straight barbells, and captive bead rings. Many people choose to use matching or complementary jewelry in both piercings to create a cohesive appearance.

Pain level: 3/10
Healing time: 6-8 weeks
Cost: $60-$120 (including jewelry)

Horizontal Eyebrow Piercing

In a horizontal eyebrow piercing, the jewelry is inserted horizontally along the brow line and lays flat against the skin. This unique placement creates a distinctive appearance that adds interest to the eye area. The ideal position for a horizontal eyebrow piercing varies based on individual eyebrow shape and size.

Jewelry options for horizontal eyebrow piercings primarily include surface bars and curved barbells. These types of jewelry are specifically designed for surface piercings and help minimize the risk of migration or rejection.

Pain level: 3/10
Healing time: 6-8 weeks
Cost: $40-$80 (including jewelry)

Vertical Eyebrow Piercing

The vertical eyebrow piercing is a popular style that runs vertically through the eyebrow. The jewelry enters at the bottom and exits at the top, creating a captivating look that accentuates the natural arch of the eyebrow. This piercing can be placed anywhere along the eyebrow, depending on personal preference and facial features.

Jewelry options for vertical eyebrow piercings include curved barbells, straight barbells, and captive bead rings. Various sizes and designs are available, offering numerous opportunities for self-expression.

Pain level: 3/10
Healing time: 6-8 weeks
Cost: $40-$80 (including jewelry)

Middle Eyebrow Piercing

The middle eyebrow piercing is placed in the center of the eyebrow, creating a bold, symmetrical appearance. This style stands out due to its unique placement, which may be well-suited for those looking to make a statement with their body modification.

Jewelry options for middle eyebrow piercings are similar to those for vertical eyebrow piercings, with curved barbells, straight barbells, and captive bead rings being the most common choices. A variety of designs and materials are available, allowing for customization and personal expression.

Pain level: 3/10
Healing time: 6-8 weeks
Cost: $40-$80 (including jewelry)

Anti-Eyebrow Piercing (Butterfly Piercing)

The anti-eyebrow piercing, also known as the butterfly piercing, is positioned just below the eye on the upper cheekbone area. This piercing is not on the eyebrow itself but creates an intriguing and unique look that can be a great alternative to traditional eyebrow piercings.

Jewelry options for anti-eyebrow piercings include surface bars, curved barbells, and dermal anchors. Surface bars are the most popular choice, as they are specifically designed for surface piercings and minimize the risk of migration or rejection.

Pain level: 4/10
Healing time: 8-12 week
Cost: $50-$90 (including jewelry)

Eyebrow Piercing Names	Placement	Healing Time	Pain Level	Cost
Double Eyebrow	Outer edge of the eyebrow, closely spaced	6-8 weeks	3/10	$60-$120
Horizontal Eyebrow	Horizontally along the brow line	6-8 weeks	3/10	$40-$80
Vertical Eyebrow	Vertically through the eyebrow	6-8 weeks	3/10	$40-$80
Middle Eyebrow	Center of the eyebrow	6-8 weeks	3/10	$40-$80
Anti-Eyebrow (Butterfly)	Just below the eye, upper cheekbone area	8-12 weeks	4/10	$50-$90

Pain Associated with Eyebrow Piercings

Eyebrow piercings are generally considered to be one of the less painful types of piercings when compared to other options, such as cartilage or dermal piercings. This is because there are not many nerves in the brow area, making the experience more comfortable for most individuals. In contrast, areas like the ear cartilage or the lips have a higher concentration of nerves, which can make those piercings more painful for some people.

Professional piercers often describe the eyebrow piercing procedure as easy and straightforward, using just a single needle and their fingers to perform the piercing. However, it is important to note that everyone’s pain tolerance varies, and some people may find the experience more painful than others. In comparison, tongue and navel piercings are often considered to be moderately painful, while piercings like the septum and nipples can be quite painful for some individuals.

To minimize discomfort during an eyebrow piercing, it is essential to choose an experienced piercer and avoid any skin irritations, such as sunburn, before getting the piercing. This will ensure a smoother and more comfortable experience overall.

Healing Time for Eyebrow Piercings

The healing time for eyebrow piercings typically ranges from 2 to 4 months, depending on several factors. One of the key factors in the healing process is an individual’s lifestyle. Activities that involve frequent contact with the piercing or expose it to potential trauma can delay healing. For instance, engaging in sports or hobbies that involve physical contact or movement, such as motorcycle riding, may not be ideal during the healing period.

Another crucial factor in the healing process is a person’s unique biology. Each individual heals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Developing a personal regimen that suits your body’s needs is essential for a successful and smooth healing process. Additionally, it is important to follow proper aftercare instructions provided by the piercer to prevent complications, such as migration or rejection, which can occur if the piercing is too shallow or if it is frequently disturbed during the healing period.

Downsizing Your Eyebrow Piercing for Optimal Healing

Downsizing the jewelry in an eyebrow piercing is a crucial step in ensuring a successful healing process and preventing complications. Initially, piercers use longer jewelry to accommodate swelling, facilitate cleaning, and allow for proper healing. However, once the piercing becomes more established and the swelling subsides, it is essential to downsize to a better-fitting piece of jewelry.

The longer initial jewelry is more susceptible to getting caught, snagged, or experiencing pressure from sleeping on it, which can lead to irritation bumps, migration, and other issues. By downsizing, you reduce the risk of these complications and promote a smoother, healthier healing process.

Typically, eyebrow piercings are done with a 16-gauge barbell, which provides sufficient thickness for the initial healing stage. Once the piercing has healed enough, your piercer may recommend downsizing to a shorter barbell or even a smaller gauge, depending on your individual needs and preferences.

To ensure a successful downsizing process, consult with your professional piercer about the appropriate time to downsize and the best jewelry options for your specific piercing. They will be able to guide you through the process and help you choose the right size and material to optimize your piercing’s long-term success.

Best Eyebrow Piercing Jewelry

When it comes to eyebrow piercings, there are several types of jewelry that are popular and widely recommended due to their comfort, style, and suitability for the piercing. Here are some of the best and most common eyebrow jewelry options:

Curved Barbells: Curved barbells are the most popular choice for eyebrow piercings because they sit comfortably against the skin and follow the natural curve of the eyebrow. They come in various materials, such as surgical steel, titanium, and gold, and can feature decorative elements like gemstones or charms.
Circular Barbells: Circular barbells, also known as horseshoe rings, are another popular option for eyebrow piercings. These versatile pieces of jewelry can be easily adjusted to fit the curvature of your eyebrow and feature two removable beads or balls on each end.
Captive Bead Rings (CBRs): Captive bead rings are a classic choice for eyebrow piercings. They consist of a circular ring with a small bead or ball that is held in place by the tension of the ring. CBRs are available in a variety of sizes, materials, and designs, offering plenty of customization options.
Microdermal Anchors: For those who want a more unique and subtle look, microdermal anchors can be an alternative to traditional eyebrow jewelry. These single-point piercings consist of a small anchor that is inserted beneath the skin, with a decorative top that sits flush against the surface. This option is less common but can create a distinctive appearance.