Body piercings have long been a symbol of personal expression and style, evolving from classic earlobe piercings to more adventurous choices. Among these, eyebrow piercings have surged in popularity, offering a bold way to flaunt your individuality. If you’re considering joining the eyebrow-piercing trend, here’s everything you need to know from expert insights to post-piercing care.
What is an Eyebrow Piercing?
An eyebrow piercing is a surface piercing that sits on or across your eyebrow’s rim, explains Jim Kelly, piercing training program manager at Banter by Piercing Pagoda. Unlike other facial piercings like the lip or nostril, which traverse from one side to another, eyebrow piercings have both entry and exit points on the same skin plane.
Choosing Your Style
Eyebrow piercings come in various styles:
- Vertical Eyebrow Piercing: This standard style has one end above the eyebrow ridge and the other below the outer brow curve.
- Horizontal Eyebrow Piercing: Located atop the eyebrow, this style runs horizontally across the ridge.
- Nonstandard Positions: These piercings are vertical but located centrally or towards the inner eyebrow ridge.
- Multiples: As the name suggests, this style features multiple piercings, either close together or at different points along the brow.
- Anti-Eyebrow Piercing: Situated not on the eyebrow but near the outer eye edge on the cheek, giving the illusion of a brow where there isn’t one.
The Piercing Process
The eyebrow piercing process is quite uniform, regardless of your piercer’s style. Expect the use of hollow-point, single-use needles and pre-piercing skin preparation with an antiseptic. Piercers may use forceps or freehand techniques, smoothly transitioning the jewelry through after the needle. Kelly emphasizes that post-piercing, the jewelry is secured by screwing on the top piece.
Jewelry Options
For eyebrow piercings, gold or platinum jewelry is highly recommended. Curved barbells are ideal for vertical piercings, while surface bars are best for horizontal and anti-eyebrow styles. Kelly advises against hoops for eyebrow piercings due to their higher rejection risk.
Pain Factor
Everyone’s pain tolerance varies, but eyebrow piercings generally rank low on the pain scale. Kelly compares it to a “two out of 10,” notably less painful than piercings in more nerve-rich areas like the lip.
Risks and Rejection
Eyebrow piercings, especially horizontal and anti-eyebrow styles, have a higher rejection rate. Kelly advises careful monitoring for signs of rejection, like increased visible skin after the swelling subsides. If you suspect rejection, removing the piercing to avoid heavier scarring is best.
Aftercare Essentials
Proper aftercare is crucial. Kelly suggests cleaning the piercing twice daily with a clean cotton Q-tip or gauze, using recommended products like Studex Advanced Piercing Aftercare & Cleanser or H2Ocean Piercing Aftercare Spray. Allow crust to naturally fall off in the shower and avoid sleeping on the pierced side to reduce rejection risk.
Final Thoughts
Eyebrow piercings are a striking way to express your style. Whether you opt for a classic vertical piercing or something more unconventional, the key to a great experience lies in understanding the process, choosing the right jewelry, and diligent aftercare. Embrace this edgy trend and add an extra dimension to your personal style statement!
