A diagram on a female face showing the locations of the eyebrow piercings.

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Eyebrow Piercings: Top To Bottom Specifics

Eyebrow piercings are typically located above the eye and through the skin of what is considered the eyebrow. It is usually placed at the thickest part of the eyebrow towards the temple.

Three main types of eyebrow piercings sit close to the eyebrow. These include the vertical eyebrow piercing, horizontal eyebrow piercing, and finally anti-eyebrow piercing. The main difference between the vertical and horizontal is the direction in which the piercing goes through the skin. The anti eyebrow is a little different though, it goes through under your eye. The horizontal eyebrow piercing involves placing a barbell through the skin horizontally above the eyebrow while the vertical eyebrow piercing goes through the skin vertically entering above the eyebrow and exiting below it.

It’s important to note that not all people’s eyebrows and undereye are suitable for these three types of eyebrow piercings, and it is best to consult with a professional piercer before making a decision.

Woman with eyeshadow and an eyebrow piercing that has a curved barbell in it.

THE LONG HISTORY OF EYEBROW PIERCING

Ladies and gents, it’s time for a little history lesson about eyebrow piercing. Brace yourselves, we’re about to travel back in time to ancient cultures like the Aztecs, Mayans, and tribes in Africa and the Middle East. That’s right, even our ancestors knew how to rock a bedazzled brow way before it was cool.

In ancient Aztec and Mayan cultures, facial piercings were a common practice, and eyebrows were often pierced as a way of identifying one’s social status or religious affiliation. For example, the Maya elite pierced their right eyebrow as a sign of their rank in society.

Eyebrow piercing was also practiced by Bedouin tribes as a sign of their male members reaching sexual maturity, and a woman in the Beja tribe in Sudan would have her eyebrows pierced at the age of six in preparation for marriage.

In modern times, eyebrow piercing gained popularity in Western culture during the punk and goth movements of the 1970s and 1980s. Largely a form of self-expression and fashion, today many people choose to get pierced simply because they like the way it looks.

MYTHS & MISCONCEPTIONS

Here are some myths and misconceptions about eyebrow piercings:

Eyebrow Piercings Always Hurt: Sure, pain is subjective and some people handle it like a champ while others scream louder than a siren at the slightest prick. But seriously, when it comes to body piercing, eyebrows are like the vanilla ice cream of the bunch – not too thrilling but not too painful either.
Eyebrow Piercings Lead To Vision Problems: Another common misconception is that an eyebrow piercing can damage the eyes or lead to vision problems. This is not true, as long as the piercing is done correctly and proper aftercare is followed.
Eyebrow Piercings Are Only For Alternative People: This is also false. Eyebrow piercings are a popular form of self-expression and can be worn by anyone, regardless of their style or personality.
Eyebrow Piercings Always Get Infected: Most of the time, infection occurs only if proper aftercare is not followed, and eyebrow piercings are not any more prone to infections than other types of piercings.
Eyebrow Piercings Always Leave Scars: Although all piercings have the potential to leave scars, proper aftercare and removal can prevent scarring from an eyebrow piercing.

If you’re thinking about getting an eyebrow piercing, don’t be a ding-dong and just do it yourself in your bathroom with a safety pin. No, no, no. Do some detective work, ask around, and find yourself a professional piercer who knows what they’re doing. Trust me, you don’t want to end up looking like a hot mess with a crooked or infected brow. A little bit of research can save you from a lot of trouble, Your beautiful brows will thank you!

JUST WHO LOVES IT MOST?

Both men and women favor eyebrow piercing, particularly those aged 18 to 30, although individuals of all ages opt for this trend.

Generally, anyone over the age of 16 can get an eyebrow piercing with parental or guardian consent, while those over 18 can get one without any consent. It’s always important to check the legal requirements and regulations of your specific location and piercing studio before getting one.

A bald man showing off his horizontal brow.

RISKS OF EYEBROW PIERCINGS

There are several risks and complications associated with getting both vertical and horizontal eyebrow piercings. These include:

Infection: Using unsterilized equipment during the piercing process or failing to follow proper aftercare instructions poses a risk of infection, with symptoms including redness, swelling, pus, and pain.
Migration: Sometimes, the jewelry can migrate from the original piercing site to another location. This can lead to scarring and damage to surrounding tissue.
Allergic Reactions: Certain metals used in eyebrow jewelry can cause an allergic reaction, leading to itching, burning, and inflammation.
Nerve Damage: An inexperienced piercer or improper piercing technique can damage nerves in the eyebrow area, causing numbness or loss of sensation.
Keloids: Some people may be prone to developing keloid scars, which are raised, thickened areas of scar tissue that can form around the piercing site.

NOW FOR THE COMPLICATIONS

Alright folks, before you go poking holes in your precious eyebrows, let’s take a moment to consider your medical conditions. We don’t want any surprise infections or complications. Some of these conditions include:

Diabetes: People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing infections. Proper blood sugar control and careful wound care are important.
Skin Disorders: People with existing skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema may experience issues with healing and skin irritation around the piercing site.
Blood Disorders: Blood disorders such as hemophilia increase the risks of excessive bleeding. Discuss the eyebrow piercing with a healthcare provider before considering one.

Even though the risks and complications for all three types of eyebrow piercings are practically the same, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before getting any piercing to discuss other potential risks and complications that may not be mentioned here.

CAN EYEBROW PIERCINGS BE REVERSED?

Alright folks, let’s address the elephant in the room – can you reverse an eyebrow piercing? Well, I hate to break it to you, but there’s no magic spell that can undo your rebellious moment. It’s not like getting a tattoo of your ex’s name on your forehead though. Just remove the jewelry and allow time for the hole to heal.

Now, how long does it take to heal and does it leave a scar? Healing time may vary from around 4 to 8 weeks. And as for scars… What scars? Well, if anyone gets that close to your eyebrow to scan for scars, they’re clearly into you. So, otherwise don’t worry about the possibility of people seeing a scar.

A man resting his chin on his hands against a light color background.

PAIN AND PAIN MANAGEMENT

The level of pain experienced during an eyebrow piercing can vary depending on individual pain tolerance. Some people may experience minimal discomfort, while others might experience sharper or more intense pain. The area around the eyebrow is also quite sensitive, so it’s important to expect some level of pain during the piercing process.

Here are some suggestions to manage pain during the eyebrow piercing procedure. Try one or more of the following:

Pain Medication: Take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen before the piercing. This can help to reduce any discomfort or pain you may feel. Make sure to stay away from aspirin though due to its blood thinning property.
Topical Numbing Cream: Use topical numbing cream before the piercing to help numb the area. Most piercing studios carry numbing cream, but it’s best to call ahead and ask if they offer it.
Relaxation Techniques: Try to stay relaxed and calm during the piercing. Deep breathing and focusing on something else, like music or a conversation, can help take your mind off any pain or discomfort you may feel.
Ice Packs: After the piercing, you can use ice packs or a cold compress to help reduce any swelling and soothe the area.

WHAT’S THE ESTIMATED PRICE OF EYEBROW PIERCINGS?

Get ready to open your wallet because the price of an eyebrow piercing can vary wildly depending on several factors. You might want to skip the fancy coffee drinks for a while because this piercing could set you back! Here are the average piercing costs in each of these regions across the country:

South: In cities like Atlanta, Houston, and Miami you can expect to pay around $40 to $80 for an eyebrow piercing with Miami being the most expensive.
East Coast: In the large cities of New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. you will find an estimated price between $40 to $100 with New York being the most expensive.
West Coast: In San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle you may pay upwards of $80 with around $50 being the minimum.
Midwest: In the Midwest in cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and Minneapolis you can expect to pay between $40 to $80 for a brow piercing. Which is similar to some southern cities. St. Louis is in the lowest price bracket.

These prices are based on estimates and can vary depending on the location of the studio, the experience of the piercer, the quality of the jewelry, and other factors. Do research and compare prices at different piercing studios before you decide on a specific one.

THE EYEBROW PIERCING PROCEDURE: A BROW-TASTIC ADVENTURE

Attention, eyebrow piercing rookies! Piercers typically use a nice and moderate 16 to 18 gauge needle for adding some bling to your brows—neither too big nor too small.

These are the main steps that most piercers follow with some using minor variations. Let’s begin:

Consultation: The piercer will have a consultation with the client to discuss their desired placement, jewelry options, risks, aftercare, and any medical considerations.
Preparation: The piercer will wash their hands, put on gloves and a mask, and clean the client’s eyebrow area with an antiseptic solution.
Marking: The piercer will mark the placement for the piercing using a sterile pen or marker. This ensures symmetry and a centered position. The client can approve the markings before the piercing.
Piercing: The piercer will use a sterilized needle to create the hole, usually from the bottom to the top of the brow. They will quickly insert jewelry of the client’s choice and adjust as necessary. There may be some discomfort or mild pain.
Aftercare: The piercer will give instructions on aftercare, such as cleaning the piercing, and a large list of to do’s and not to do’s.

Just a friendly reminder that if you’re planning on getting an eyebrow piercing, you wanna make sure you go to someone legit. Someone who doesn’t just wing it and takes hygiene seriously. Trust us, you don’t wanna end up with a crooked brow piercing or some funky infection.

WHEN CAN I EXPECT IT TO BE HEALED?

Your new bling might look swanky but don’t get too excited just yet. You gotta give that little guy some time to heal, around 6 to 8 weeks on average. And during the first 24 hours, treat it like it’s a newborn baby that you gotta protect from the world. No sweating, no friction, and especially no touching! Your piercing might feel sore, swollen, and even crusty, but that’s just part of the process. Kinda like suffering through a bad sunburn or breaking into new shoes. Just be gentle with it, clean it with care, and soon enough it’ll be ready to show off to the world!

BROW PIERCING AFTERCARE TIPS

Keep these aftercare tips in mind while you are waiting for your horizontal or vertical eyebrow piercing to heal:

Keep Your Piercing Clean: Clean the piercing regularly. Gently clean the piercing with saline solution or another piercing-friendly solution at least twice a day to help remove bacteria, dirt, and any discharge that may occur.
Do Not Touch Your Brow: Avoid touching the piercing as much as possible. Touching the piercing can introduce bacteria and cause irritation.
Do Not Sleep On The Piercing: Sleeping on the pierced area will not only smother the piercing and limit its ability to heal, but it can also cause discomfort.
Don’t Twist Or Turn The Piercing: Twisting or moving the jewelry can lead to complications like irritation or even infection.
Do Not Submerge Your Piercing: Avoid getting the piercing wet during the first couple of days. Keep the piercing dry to better promote healing
Avoid Irritants: Until the piercing heals, stay away from makeup, lotions, or other beauty products. Beauty products can irritate the piercing.
Be Patient: Healing times can vary between individuals, depending on factors such as immune system, aftercare adherence, and lifestyle. It can take a couple of months before the piercing fully heals.

Remember, don’t get too excited too fast, because if you start looking like a pufferfish or start oozing like a jelly donut, it’s time to call in the experts. Keep a watchful eye out for any crazy swelling, pus, redness, or pain because you never know what kinda funk might infect your new piercing. Stick to the script and show that eyebrow piercing some love, and soon enough you’ll be the envy of all your friends!

WHO WANTS NEW JEWELRY?

The standard waiting time before changing the jewelry in a new eyebrow piercing is 6 to 8 weeks. However, it’s important to note that healing time can vary from person to person. Furthermore, if you have any question about your current healing stage, speak to a professional piercer.

When changing the jewelry in an eyebrow piercing, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

Be Gentle: Take your time and don’t be rough. Avoid rushing the process or using too much force, as this can damage the piercing or cause discomfort.
Fit Is Important: Make sure you are comfortable with the jewelry you have put in so you don’t have to change it out after an hour. Make sure the gauge size is correct and the length is long enough to leave a little wriggle room.
Clean The Eyebrow & Jewelry: Soak both your piercing and new jewelry in some saline solution or unscented soap both before and after the jewelry change.
Monitor Your Brow: Don’t be caught off guard by any sneaky shenanigans going on with your piercing. Redness? Swelling? Discharge? That’s just not right. If you see any of these “perks” popping up, it’s time to seek help from a professional.

Keep in mind that swapping out jewelry in your eyebrow piercing can be a tricky task. It should only be tackled once the piercing is totally healed. Feeling hesitant or uncertain about how to change the jewelry safely and effectively? Don’t hesitate to enlist the help of a pro piercer. They’re trained to handle all sorts of piercings and can make the process a whole lot smoother.

THE BEST JEWELRY MATERIALS

The following materials are all perfect choices for eyebrow piercings. Each one offers unique benefits depending on your preference or your piercer’s suggestions:

Surgical Stainless Steel: This is the most commonly used material for body jewelry. It is durable, hypoallergenic, and can be sterilized multiple times without losing its luster.
Titanium: Many people prefer titanium over stainless steel because it is lighter and hypoallergenic. It is also stronger and more durable than steel, and its color does not tarnish or fade easily.
Gold: Gold is a popular option for body jewelry. However, it is important to choose high-quality gold that is nickel-free and at least 14 karat. This type of gold is less likely to cause an allergic reaction or skin irritation. Gold also does not tarnish or corrode, making it a long-lasting choice.
Niobium: Similar to titanium, niobium is both lightweight and hypoallergenic. However, niobium is more malleable than titanium, making it easier to shape and customize. Niobium is also a good choice for those with metal allergies or after new piercings.
Biocompatible plastics: Materials such as PTFE and BioFlex are often used in initial piercings or as retainers. These materials are soft and flexible, which can be beneficial for healing piercings. They are also hypoallergenic, and their flexibility makes them less likely to get caught on clothing or hair. However, these materials are not suitable for permanent jewelry.

It is important to note that the above materials are recommended by professional piercers. This is because they are biocompatible, durable, and can withstand frequent sterilization. However, it is also important to consult your piercer about which material is best for you based on your individual needs.

Three pieces of jewelry you would use in an eyebrow.

THE BEST JEWELRY STYLES FOR EYEBROW PIERCINGS

There are a variety of jewelry styles available for eyebrow piercings, and the best choice depends on personal style, comfort, and the stage of healing.

Curved Barbell: Once the piercing has healed, a curved barbell can be used. This style of jewelry has a curved design that contours to the shape of the eyebrow. The size of the jewelry varies depending on the size of the piercing.
Captive Bead Ring (CBR): The CBR jewelry consists of a metal hoop with a bead or ball in the center that is held in place by the tension of the hoop. This style of jewelry allows for easy removal and is a popular choice for those who often swap out their jewelry.
Circular Barbell: A circular barbell is similar to the CBR but has a horseshoe-like shape. It doesn’t have the tension of a CBR but closes with a ball on each end of the horseshoe. This style is also customizable with decorative ends.
Spiral Twist Jewelry: Twist jewelry, as the name indicates, is a twist of metal with two decorative ends. This can take the form of a spiral design or a simple curve.

When choosing jewelry, it is important to consider the size and comfort level. Jewelry that is too small or too large can cause irritation or migration.

CELEBRITIES LOVE EYEBROW PIERCINGS

If you have been checking out celebrities to find ones with eyebrow piercings, you will enjoy this list of singers, actresses, and models that rock a brow piercing.

Ke$ha: The pop singer-songwriter used to have a silver barbell in her eyebrow piercing. She often styles her eyebrow jewelry with different colors of glitter or sequins to create a fun and unique look.
Cara Delevingne: The model and actress has a silver barbell in the outer portion of her left eyebrow.
Chris Brown: The R&B singer and dancer has a single silver hoop on the outer edge of his left eyebrow. He often styles his piercing in combination with other piercings on his face and ears.
Lenny Kravitz: The rock singer and musician has a gold hoop in his right eyebrow piercing. He often wears minimalistic jewelry and the hoop.
Tommy Lee: The rock musician and drummer of Motley Crue has a silver barbell located near the center of his right eyebrow. His piercing is an essential part of his rock and roll image, and he has had it for several years.
Mike Tyson: The former professional boxer has had several eyebrow piercings in the past. He has sported silver barbells and hoops in different locations, but he has since removed them for unknown reasons.
Slash: The iconic guitarist of Guns N’ Roses has his right eyebrow pierced with a silver hoop. The piercing has become a recognizable part of his image, along with his signature top hat and sunglasses.

These celebrities with eyebrow piercings demonstrate the versatility, style, and creativity that are possible with this type of body modification. They serve as inspiration for those looking for unique and eye-catching ways to express themselves through body jewelry.

TO PIERCE OR NOT TO PIERCE

Horizontal, vertical, and anti-eyebrow piercings are three popular styles of eyebrow piercings with distinctive looks and placement. They each require proper aftercare and attention to avoid complications and ensure a successful healing process. It is essential to choose a professional piercer and high-quality jewelry to minimize risks and achieve optimal results. By considering factors such as facial anatomy, skin type, and personal style, one can decide which style of eyebrow piercing is right for them. With the proper care and attention, these eyebrow piercings can provide a unique and eye-catching way to express oneself while enhancing one’s overall appearance. Are you ready for a new eyebrow piercing?

Need to find a piercer? Check out the Association of Professional Piercers.

Author: Scott S.

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