August 04, 2024

Eyebrow Piercing Types: Different Eyebrow Piercings and Their Placement, Healing, Cost, Pain, Jewelry, Pros and Cons

An eyebrow piercing is a piercing technique done on any part of the eyebrow. It can be horizontal or vertical depending on your preference.

There are multiple types of eyebrow piercings. Each has its own placement. The majority of eyebrow piercing lovers prefer to have the piercing just above the arch of their eyebrows.

Eyebrow Piercing Types

What are the different types of eyebrow piercings? Different types of eyebrow piercings mainly include the vertical eyebrow piercing (the most common), the anti eyebrow piercing, and the horizontal eyebrow piercing.

Other eyebrow piercing types like the spiral eyebrow piercing and the T-shape eyebrow piercing are less popular.

1. Vertical Eyebrow Piercing

The vertical eyebrow piercing is a common type of eyebrow piercing and is carried out on any part of the eyebrow's ridge. Most people prefer to have a single vertical piercing on their eyebrow.

However, there are others that prefer multiple vertical piercings, up to 10. This type of piercing is determined by the kind of jewelry you desire to wear on your eyebrow.

If you desire to have a piece of jewelry looped through your eyebrow, then vertical eyebrow piercing may be the style you're looking for. The best type of eyebrow piercing for the vertical eyebrow piercing is the curved barbell jewelry.

Since the piercing takes place on the surface of the skin the wound may take about 6 to 8 weeks to heal. Vertical piercings are prone to migration, whereby the piercing may shift from its original position over time as the skin adjusts.

The most common type of eyebrow piercings
Placement: It is carried out on any part of the eyebrow's ridge
Healing: 6-8 weeks.
Pain scale: 3 on a pain scale of 1-10.
Cost: $30-$40.
Jewelry: Curved barbells.
Sizes: 14G or 16G.
Risks: The tendency to migrate is high.

2. Horizontal Eyebrow Piercing

A horizontal eyebrow piercing is a surface piercing that goes from side to side at your eyebrow. It’s often positioned just above or below your eyebrow but some people opt to place it right within the eyebrow.

Horizontal eyebrow piercings are an edgy alternative to the traditional vertical eyebrow piercing. They have a variety of jewelry options and tend to be low on the pain scale.

Horizontal eyebrow piercings are likely to last from a few months to several years. This is because they are surface piercings and will typically migrate slowly to the surface of your skin.

There are two main types of jewelry piercers will suggest for horizontal eyebrow piercings: surface barbells (flat) and curved barbells. The curved or staple-line design can help slow or prevent the migration of surface piercings by creating less tension against your skin.

Placement: It’s often positioned just above or below your eyebrow.
Duration: A few months to several years.
Healing: Typically, they can heal within 6-8 weeks.
Pain scale: 2 or 3 on a pain scale of 1-10.
Cost: $30-$40.
Jewelry: Surface barbells (flat).
Sizes: 16G piercings and jewelry are the most common.
Risks: The tendency to migrate and reject is high.

3. Anti Eyebrow Piercing

An anti eyebrow piercing is a horizontal facial piercing placed just below the eye on the cheekbone. It is also known as a butterfly kiss piercing or a teardrop piercing. Although it is gaining popularity, it is one of the more unique facial piercing options.

This type of eyebrow piercings are usually done with a surface bar. They have an entry and exit point and can be vertical or diagonal.

On average, anti-eyebrow piercings can last anywhere from a few months to several years. It's rare to maintain this type of piercing for a lifetime because the piercing travels through the skin directly under its surface rather than going from one side to the other, such as an earlobe piercing.

Placement: It’s placed just below the eye on the cheekbone.
Duration: A few months to several years.
Healing: Typically, they can heal within 6-8 weeks.
Pain scale: 3 on a pain scale of 1-10.
Cost: $40-$60.
Jewelry: Surface barbells (flat), dermal anchors.
Sizes: 14G and 16G piercings and jewelry are the most common.
Risks: The tendency to migrate and reject is high.

4. Double Eyebrow Piercing

The double eyebrow piercing technique involves getting two piercings on each eyebrow instead of one. Depending on your fashion sense, you can go for two consecutive vertical piercings or horizontal piercings. The most preferred location for double eyebrow piercings is the outer end of the eyebrow near the arch.

If you prefer double vertical eyebrow piercings, you can use straight or curved barbells. In case you would rather go for double horizontal piercings you can use surface bar jewelry. The double eyebrow piercing takes about 7 weeks to heal.

5. Spiral Eyebrow Piercing

The spiral eyebrow piercing is a unique eyebrow piercing technique because it involves using two or three holes. This type of piercing allows you to wear uniquely shaped eyebrow jewelry such as a twister ring.

You will simply loop the spiral jewelry through each of the holes so that it fits perfectly. Spiral piercing takes 7 weeks to heal.

6. Multiple Eyebrow Piercing (T-Shape Eyebrow Piercing)

The most unique eyebrow piercing style right now is the multiple eyebrow piercing technique. Depending on your preference, you can have multiple vertical piercings, horizontal piercings, or a combination of both vertical and horizontal piercings along your eyebrows.

The most popular type of multiple piercing is the T eyebrow piercing. It involves both the horizontal and vertical piercing overlapping, creating a T shape.

The recommended eyebrow jewelry for the multiple horizontal piercing is surface barbells. If you prefer multiple vertical piercings, you can opt for several curved barbells along your eyebrow. Multiple eyebrow piercing takes around 7 weeks to heal.

7. Middle Eyebrow Piercing

Just as the name suggests, the middle eyebrow piercing takes place at the middle of the eyebrow. The T shape piercing would really stand out at the middle of the eyebrow if you prefer a unique type of piercing.

Additionally, you can also have double piercings at the middle of your eyebrow to add an edgy look to your face.

Vertical piercing is the most recommended style of middle eyebrow piercing. Standard curved barbell jewelry compliments this type of eyebrow piercing. Middle eyebrow piercing may take up to 7 weeks to heal.

8. Bridge Piercing

This is the only type of eyebrow piercing that does not take place on the eyebrow. The bridge piercing is carried out on the ridge of the nose between the eyebrows. To find the best spot for the bridge piercing, find the spot where the bridge of the nose meets the ridge of the eyebrow.

The bridge piercing is usually horizontal in nature because of its location. This means that the jewelry will be visible on each side of the nose, between the eyes.

The bridge piercing is not suitable for everyone. For you to pull off the bridge piercing, the location of the piercing needs to be fleshy enough to hold the piercing in place. For most people, the area of the ridge of their eyebrows down to their noses' ridges does not have enough flesh to sustain the piercing.

If you get the piercing without the required facial characteristics, the jewelry may shift about easily, causing a lot of discomfort. It may also take the piercing area twice as much time to heal.

Due to the nature of the bridge piercing, the best type of bridge piercing jewelry is the straight barbell, which will fit easily and stay in place. The bridge piercing takes around 10 weeks to heal.

Eyebrow Piercing With Glasses?

Can you wear an eyebrow piercing if you have glasses? Yes, people with glasses can wear eyebrow piercings. However, consider the placement and the type of eyebrow piercings and where your glasses sit to avoid irritation or discomfort, especially as it heals.

Jewelry for Different Eyebrow Piercing Types

There are several jewelry options for different eyebrow piercing types. Before changing your jewelry, you must wait until it completely heals. The following are the most common types:

1. Eyebrow Piercing Surface Bars

Horizontal Eyebrow Piercing: Placement, Duration, Pain, Cost, Healing, Jewelry, Aftercare

Surface barbell with opal white blue purple green opal titanium surface bar piercings 16G $22.9, SHOP NOW.

Horizontal and anti eyebrow piercings are usually done with a surface bar. The post of the surface bars bends at a 90-degree angle, allowing them to sit flat against the skin. Surface bars snag less often than other jewelry types and create a sleek aesthetic.

Note: Choose a flat surface bar instead of a round one to avoid seeing the bar under your skin.

2. Curved Barbells

Curved barbell eyebrow piercing 16G 6mm 8mm 10mm titanium diamond eyebrow barbell gold silver $22.9, SHOP NOW.

Curved barbells are popular for vertical eyebrow piercings. They are NOT recommended for anti-eyebrow piercings or horizontal eyebrow piercings as they are more likely to be rejected. But some choose this style as there are a larger variety of design options.

3. Dermal Anchors for Dermal Anti Eyebrow Piercings

Dermal Anchor With CZ for Dermal Piercing Implant Grade Titanium 14G $17.9, SHOP NOW.

You can create the illusion of an anti-eyebrow piercing by choosing dermal anchors. A dermal anchor features one end that sits below the skin, anchoring it in place while the other end stays exposed.

The top on the exposed end can be changed out for gems, balls, or spikes, making them a versatile option for those who like anti-eyebrow piercings but want to avoid surface piercings.

When Can I Change My Eyebrow Piercing?

It takes about 6-8 weeks for initial healing. However, at 6-8 weeks the piercing might still close up if you leave it open for too long. After about 6 months to a year, you will be able to take off your eyebrow jewelry without worrying the piercing might close up.

Recommended Materials for All Eyebrow Piercing Types

1. Titanium: About $20-$40

Titanium has a reputation for being the best metal for piercings for many reasons. It is lightweight, hypoallergenic, durable, nickel-free, non-corrosive, and won’t tarnish.

Its non-porous nature reduces places bacteria can hide, promoting healing.

Titanium is also hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely to cause allergic reactions. Titanium is nickel-free.

Its high density-to-strength ratio means your jewelry is very durable.

A lower density also makes titanium lightweight, a big plus for many users. Finally, the metal comes in many colors because you can anodize it.

The only real downside to titanium jewelry is that you will pay more for all those positive traits. Shop for implant-grade titanium with designations like ASTM F-136, ASTM F-67, or ISO 5832-3.

2. Solid Gold: About $40-$200

This metal will not rust or tarnish. It is also easy to decorate and shape. The added alloys in 18k, and especially 14k, make them more durable than 24k gold pieces.

One downside to gold jewelry is the price tag, which is expensive. Another concern will be that the metal is soft, making it susceptible to bends, breaks, and gouges. Gold can also be heavy, especially with more pure karat ratings.

3. Surgical Steel: About $5-$30

Although surgical steel is nonreactive, it can contain nickel. Choose a different option if you are concerned about irritation or a nickel allergy.

Steel combines iron and carbon, improving its strength and ability to resist fracturing.

However, this silver alloy can contain other elements, including nickel. Make sure to buy surgical-grade steel jewelry. These will have ratings: ASTM F-138, ISO 5832-1, ISO 10993-6, ISO 10993-10, or ISO 10993-11.

One of the pros most people cite for steel jewelry pieces is the lower price point. Steel is also a durable option. These pieces are low maintenance because the steel does not corrode, rust, or tarnish.

Weight is the top complaint for those using steel jewelry pieces. Steel can be less comfortable if worn in piercings for long periods.

4. Niobium: About $20-$60

Niobium is a light grey metal known for its hardness that is like titanium. The metal resists corrosion and tarnishing like others on the list, creating minimal maintenance for you.

It might be the best metal for a piercing if you want titanium-like durability with more malleability. That extra pliability makes it easier for jewelers to shape pieces. Niobium can come in various colors as it is something that you can anodize.

The only real downsides are that it weighs a bit more than titanium and you will likely pay a bit more due to the process involved in manufacturing this metal.

How to Clean Eyebrow Piercings (Step by Step)?

You should start cleaning your piercing the same day you receive it, regardless of the eyebrow piercing types. Be sure to take the following steps to keep it clean and reduce potential risks:

Wash your hand before touching the piercing.
Clean the area 2 times daily using a sterile saline solution, warm sea salt water, a piercing aftercare spray, or a wound wash.
Soak a clean paper towel in whichever solution you choose and hold it against your piercing for 2-5 minutes.
When you shower, allow the water to flow over your piercing for about 30 seconds. This process can also wipe away any crust that appears.
Do not use moisturizers, as they can clog up pores near the piercing and cause infection.

Eyebrow Piercing Aftercare

Adhering to appropriate aftercare techniques is essential, regardless of the eyebrow piercing types. By following these tips, you increase your chances of a smoother healing process:

Do not touch the piercing to avoid irritation and risk of infection.
Clean the area 2 times daily using a sterile saline solution, warm sea salt water, a piercing aftercare spray, or a wound wash.
Keep hair away from the piercing to prevent tangling and pulling.
Try to avoid sleeping on the side of the piercing to prevent irritation and pressure.
Avoid wearing makeup until your piercing heals.
Avoid using hairspray, gels, and cosmetic products as they may transmit bacteria to the area.
Do not use harsh chemicals to clean the piercing such as hydrogen peroxide.
Do not use a swimming pool, sauna, or hot tub while your piercing is healing.
Wait until your piercing heals before changing out your jewelry.
Watch for potential signs of infection and consult your piercer or doctor if it becomes infected.