October 13, 2024

Vertical Eyebrow Piercing: Everything You Need to Know

Fast Facts

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 (banana barbells).
Sizes: 14G (1.6mm) or 16G (1.2mm)
Risks: The tendency to migrate is high

What Is a Vertical Eyebrow Piercing?

This is a common form 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 6-8 weeks to heal. Vertical piercings are prone to migration, whereby the piercing may shift from its original position over time as the skin adjusts.

Vertical Eyebrow Piercing: Everything You Need to Know

Variant: Double Vertical Eyebrow Piercing

The double vertical eyebrow piercing technique involves getting two piercings on the eyebrow instead on one. The most preferred location for double eyebrow piercings is the outer end of the eyebrow near the arch.

Horizontal or Vertical 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 (1.2mm) piercings and jewelry are the most common.
Risks: The tendency to migrate and reject is high.

Vertical Eyebrow Piercing Healing

Vertical eyebrow piercings take between 6 to 8 weeks to heal. However, it may take longer depending on how well you follow aftercare instructions and if any complications arise.

Vertical Eyebrow Piercing Pain

In terms of piercing pain, many people find the pain associated with vertcial eyebrow piercings is minimal, with a score of 3 out of 10 on a pain scale. However, the discomfort you feel also depends on your piercer's experience.

Vertical Eyebrow Piercing Cost

How much are vertical eyebrow piercings? Vertical eyebrow piercings usually cost between $30 and $40, depending on the piercing studio. Your jewelry will also affect the overall cost.

Vertical Eyebrow Piercing Jewelry Type:

1. Curved Barbells (Banana Barbells)

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

The best type of eyebrow piercing for the vertical eyebrow piercing is the curved barbell jewelry. Their design prompts optimal healing.

2. Hoops

16 gauge nose ring captive bead Rosery Poetry

Implant-grade titanium captive bead ring $18.9, SHOP NOW.

Some prefer hoops like captive bead rings for an eyebrow piercing, especially the vertical eyebrow piercing.The captive bead ring is known as a universal jewelry because it can be worn in any type of piercing in the body whether tongue, eyebrow, ears, and nose.

This jewelry consists of a circular rod with a bead or ball that fits in an opening in the ring's circle.

Vertical Eyebrow Piercing Size

Gauge: 14G (1.6mm) or 16G (1.2mm).
Length: The standard length is 5/16"(8mm), but 3/8"(10mm) and 1/2"(12mm) are also available.

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 Vertical Eyebrow Piercing Jewelry

1. Titanium: About $20-$40

Spike curved barbell titanium 16G $18.9, SHOP NOW.

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

Even surgical-grade steel contains small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions in those with skin sensitivities. 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.

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 Vertical Eyebrow Piercings (Step by Step)?

It is recommended to use sterile saline that you buy from the store, rather than homemade saline, for cleaning your piercings. Homemade saline may be too salty for delicate piercing sites, leading to dryness and delayed healing.

Using mild, fragrance-free soap and water to clean your piercing site is also an option.

If you prefer homemade salt solution. You can start by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt with one cup of distilled or boiled (for at least 20 minutes) water. You may choose to use less of the salt mixture like 1/4 to 1/8 teaspoon if you want a weaker solution that’s less likely to burn or sting. Stir the solution until it dissolves.

If you see signs of infection, you can also use antiseptic solutions, such as betadine, isopropyl alcohol, or diluted hydrogen peroxide. However, avoid using them for daily cleaning as they can damage cells.

Then proceed with the following steps to clean your piercing:

Soak a cotton ball, a paper towel, or a non-plush cloth with the solution. Avoid fabrics that could snag and pull the jewelry or leave fibers behind. Gently saturate the piercing and cleanse it. Don't remove the jewelry!
If you have a sterile saline wound wash that you buy from stores, then spay it while healing.
Ensure you cleanse the piercing of any discharge or crusty material.
Take clean gauze or cotton swabs and pat the area dry.

Your piercer should give you detailed instructions on how to keep your piercing clean once it has been placed.

Vertical 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:

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 using hairspray, gels, and cosmetic products as they may transmit bacteria to the area.
Take care to avoid contaminating the piercing.
Avoid touching it or applying makeup very close to it.
Avoid getting in the water that might be dirty.
Clean your piercing twice per day using a saline solution made for wound cleaning or soap and water to prevent infection.
Avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation.
And of course, make sure to avoid snagging on clothes or towels.
Wear loose clothing. Avoid wearing tight clothing or clothing that may rub against the piercing, as this can cause irritation and slow down the healing process.
Use hypoallergenic jewelry like implant-grade titanium and 14- or 18-karat gold. Surgical-grade steel may contain small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions.
Don't move the piercing unless you're cleaning it. Pulling on a piercing early in healing is painful, but it also can get in the way of healing or damage the piercing itself.
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.

You should ensure you get pierced by someone experienced and reliable who utilizes the right cleaning and sterilization procedures. You’ll also need to choose high-quality jewelry that you aren’t allergic to. After you get your piercing, be sure to follow all instructions from your piercer.