November 19, 2025

Vertical Industrial Piercing: Everything You Should Know

If you want to switch up your look this year, why not try a new piercing? Piercings offer a bold and creative way to express yourself, especially when they move beyond the traditional earlobe. For something that makes a big statement while showing off your personal style, consider the Vertical Industrial piercing.

What Is a Vertical Industrial Piercing?

A Vertical Industrial piercing actually consists of two piercings placed in the upper and lower parts of the conch, which is the bowl-shaped part of the outer ear. Typically, the two piercings are connected with a single piece of jewelry, forming a vertical line.

Vertical Industrial Piercing Variants

Double Vertical Industrial Piercing

A double Vertical Industrial piercing is similar to the regular version, except there are additional piercings placed directly adjacent to the original piercings, resulting in a total of four holes. Once jewelry is inserted, the double Vertical Industrial piercing creates two vertical, parallel lines instead of just one.

Trident Vertical Industrial Piercing

A trident Vertical Industrial piercing starts off as a normal vertical piercing with the addition of two extra piercings in the upper cartilage. This results in three upper piercings and one lower piercing. To connect them together, you must use a specialized, trident-shaped piece of jewelry.

Vertical vs. (Horizontal) Industrial Piercing

As the name suggests, the (horizontal) Industrial piercing (the traditional Industrial piercing) consists of two piercings that create a horizontal line after being fitted with jewelry. The placement for a (horizontal) Industrial piercing is usually in the upper part of the conch, where the cartilage is a little softer. For this reason, (horizontal) Industrial piercings are known to be less painful than the Vertical Industrial piercing.

What's Special About This Piercing?

Vertical Industrial piercings are unique and eye-catching. Because horizontal Industrial piercings are less painful, they tend to be more common, making Vertical Industrial piercings a little more unexpected in comparison.

Vertical Industrial piercings also require a more specific ear anatomy. In many cases, a reputable piercer may decide that a client's ear anatomy isn't ideal for a true Vertical Industrial piercing and instead create a slightly slanted Industrial piercing, sometimes requiring a custom-bent barbell.

Aesthetically, Vertical Industrial piercings are highly customizable and ideal for anyone who wants to stand out. Thanks to the wide variety of jewelry options, they offer an additional outlet to show off your personality, especially because they are somewhat rarer than the more "traditional" horizontal Industrial piercing.

Do Vertical Industrial Piercings Hurt?

On an average 1-10 pain scale, people who have received this piercing report a pain level of about 6-8 for the piercing itself and 4-6 for the healing process. Keep in mind that the nature of the piercing requires two holes instead of one, and both piercings must take place at the same appointment.

Vertical Industrial Piercing Healing Time

It takes an average of 4-6 months for a Vertical Industrial piercing to heal. If there are complications, it may take up to 12 months. Because the piercing involves two holes in the cartilage area, most people will experience a longer healing period compared to other common piercings.

To ensure fast and safe healing, it's important to follow all aftercare instructions that have been provided to you by your piercer.

How Much Does a Vertical Industrial Piercing Cost?

Expect a price tag of $60-$100 for the piercing itself, excluding the jewelry. Since this piercing requires two holes and specialized knowledge, the price tends to be higher than other piercing types.

The price you end up paying will depend on your specific location, the experience level of your piercer, and the quality of your jewelry.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Unique and makes a fashion statement
Enhances the shape of the ear
Highly versatile

Cons

Somewhat painful compared to other piercings
Longer-than-average healing time
Requires an experienced piercer
Requires very specific ear anatomy
Limited jewelry choices

Vertical Industrial Piercing Jewelry Types:

The Most Common: Straight Barbells (Vertical Industrial Bar Piercing)

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A straight barbell consists of a rod with a screw-on ball on each end. This is considered to be the standard jewelry type for a Vertical Industrial piercing.

It's highly recommended to wear a straight barbell as your first piece of jewelry after receiving this piercing. This is because the barbell stabilizes your ear during recovery and ensures each hole can heal in the correct position.

Curved Barbells (Banana Barbells)

Curved or bent barbells are recommended if you don't have the anatomy for a true Vertical Industrial piercing. With the guidance of their piercer, some people may decide to switch to a curved barbell to accommodate swelling during the healing process.

Chains

Chains for Vertical Industrial piercings typically involve two studs or barbells connected by a chain. When worn, they create a draped, textured look that can add a little more visual interest to the ear.

Because chains are less stable and can easily get snagged on foreign objects, most experts recommend wearing them after your piercing has healed completely.

Vertical Industrial Piercing Jewelry Size

Gauge

The gauge, or thickness, of a barbell depends on the needle size used for the piercing itself. A gauge of 14g, or 1.6mm, is the recommended size for this piercing.

Length

Due to individual differences in anatomy, you will also see barbells ranging from 30 to 52mm in length. For best results, get your ear measured and look for a barbell that fits snugly without pulling on your skin.

Recommended Metals Vertical Industrial Piercings

The best materials to select for your Vertical Industrial piercing are implant-grade titanium, 14-karat or 18-karat gold, and surgical stainless steel.

1. Implant-Grade Titanium: About $20-$40

Titanium piercing jewelry is strongly recommended. Titanium is a corrosion-resistant, shiny metal prized for its low weight and strength. It has a reputation for being the best metal for piercings for many reasons. It is hypoallergenic, lightweight, nickel-free, and won’t tarnish.

To be detailed, titanium is hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely to cause allergic reactions. It’s often recommended for those who are allergic to brass, nickel, and other metals common in jewelry.

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.

2. 14-Karat and 18-Karat Gold: About $40-$200

14-karat and 18-karat gold ear piercing jewelry can offer an elevated look. 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. Also, consider if you have allergies, such as an allergy to gold.

3. Surgical-Grade Stainless Steel: About $5-$30

If you opt for stainless steel, you should opt for surgical-grade steel. It often contributes to a smooth healing process and is extremely durable. However, even surgical-grade steel may contain small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions in those with skin sensitivities.

Talk through all material options with your piercer to figure out what’s best for you and your skin.

Aftercare

You will need to take extra care to clean and sterilize your new Vertical Industrial piercing every day. Skimping on the cleaning can lead to an ear infection, scarring, and could even make it impossible to ever get your daith pierced again.

Avoid sleeping on the ear you had pierced.
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.

Cleaning

You should start cleaning your Vertical Industrial piercings the same day you receive them. Be sure to take the following steps to keep it clean and reduce potential risks:

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 a 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 spray 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.