An industrial piercing, also known as a scaffold piercing, is a unique type of body piercing that involves connecting any two separate piercings with a single piece of jewelry. The most common style for an industrial piercing is a straight barbell that goes across the flat part of the ear. However, there are many different placements and arrangements for industrial piercings.
This creates a visually striking and edgy look that has gained popularity in recent years.
The term "industrial piercing" was coined by piercer Erik Dakota in the early 1990s. Dakota's innovative creation caught attention and was featured in the 1992 edition of Body Play magazine, where it was referred to as the "industrial ear project." Since then, the name stuck, and the industrial piercing has become an iconic look in the world of body piercing and body jewelry.
While the classic industrial piercing features a straight barbell passing through the helix at two points and crossing over the flat part of the upper conch, there are various customization jewelry options available to make it your own personal style. You can choose to add a center charm, shaped ends, or even opt for chained or floating barbells to personalize your industrial piercing. This piercing is a cartilage piercing, because it goes through the cartilage of the ear, and therefore requires longer to heal.
Because this piercing is tricky and a little tough to heal, it's important to go to a professional and experienced piercer.
Can you get an industrial piercing on your ears? It depends on your anatomy. The first thing your piercer will do is determine if your ear has the helix shape to support an industrial piercing. This piercing is extremely anatomy dependent and if your ear can't support it, your piercer can recommend related alternatives to an industrial piercing.
If you do have the correct anatomy, your piercer will mark both places where you will be pierced. It's crucial for this type of piercing project to be properly aligned, so your piercer may take extra time to ensure the placement is correct.
A hollow point needle will be used pierce you, and the initial industrial piercing jewelry size will be a 14g straight barbell. This barbell will be extra long to accommodate for potential swelling. Opt for high-quality jewelry materials, like implant-grade titanium for this cartilage piercing.
Before you leave the piercing shop, ask your piercer about the industrial piercing gauge and length of the final straight barbell you will use.
An industrial piercing's price can vary between piercing studio, but on average the price will be between $30-$80. This does not include the price of jewelry. Choose high quality industrial piercing jewelry like implant grade titanium to help the piercing heal properly. Add additional budget to downsize your jewelry once the swelling goes down and for aftercare products.
So, how badly does and industrial piercing hurt? Unfortunately, this piercing is located higher on the pain tolerance scale. This is partly because you must be pierced twice in one sitting and also because it goes through cartilage. While it is manageable, be prepared for some pain during the piercing process, as well as some possible discomfort during healing.
The healing time for an industrial piercing ranges between 6-12 months, though it can take longer if you have any complications. After getting pierced, the area will swell and feel tender, and you may also get some bleeding and discharge. This is normal, but if it doesn't get better, have the piercer take a look.
Once the swelling goes down, you will need to downsize your jewelry to a shorter barbell. This will help prevent snagging for better healing.
Proper aftercare is a must for any piercing to heal, but industrial piercings can be especially touchy, making aftercare especially important.
Keep your piercing clean and dry. Clean your piercing twice a day with a saline spray or a saline solution and let it air dry.
Do not play with or adjust your piercing, or change out your jewelry before you are healed. If you absolutely need to change your jewelry before then, go to your piercer for assistance.
Avoid getting hair products on your new piercing, and if you have long hair, be careful not to get it snagged on your jewelry. Also be careful when washing or styling your hair.
Be careful not to put pressure on this piercing while it heals. This may mean using a donut pillow to sleep on, and avoiding hats and over-the-ear headphones.
Avoid bodies of water like the pool, beach, lakes and spa's. These places are full of bacteria that can lead to an infection.
How do I know when my industrial piercing is healed?
You'll know your industrial piercing is healed when the area no longer feels sore or tender, and there's no swelling, redness, or discharge. Make sure you wait the entire healing period and then wait a couple of more weeks to ensure it's healed before considering a jewelry change. It's important not to remove or change the initial jewelry until you're sure the piercing is fully healed. If you're ever unsure, it's best to check with your piercer for confirmation.
So, you just got an industrial piercing—awesome! But now you’re probably wondering, “Can I sleep on my industrial piercing while it’s healing?” The short answer is a big, resounding no.
Your industrial piercing isn’t just one piercing—it’s actually two connected by a barbell. And since both piercings go through cartilage, healing takes time and care. Sleeping on your fresh piercing can cause some serious issues.
Don’t worry; you don’t have to sleep standing up! Here are a couple of tricks to avoid putting pressure on your piercing:
If you usually sleep on the side of your piercing, try switching to the other side. It might take some getting used to, but your piercing will thank you.
These pillows are game-changers. A doughnut pillow or an inflatable travel pillow can create a comfortable space for your ear, keeping pressure off the piercing.
Pro tip: You can even check out product number 44902 on our site for a handy inflatable travel pillow designed just for this purpose.
Healing an industrial piercing can take a while, but being mindful of how you sleep can make a huge difference. Keep that pressure off, and you’ll be rocking your healed piercing in no time.
When can you change your industrial piercing jewelry? You'll have to wait to switch to that cool industrial piercing jewelry until it completely heals!
The standard jewelry for an industrial piercing is a straight barbell. On average, the size for industrial piercing jewelry is 14g, and 1-1/4"-1-1/2" in length. Have your piercer measure you to ensure a comfortable fit.
Despite there being only one kind of jewelry for this piercing, you have a variety of cool industrial piercing bar styles to choose from, including gemmed bars, center design bars, and even floating barbells!
So if your piercing has healed, and your looking for straight barbells or as some people call them industrial piercing earrings or industrial ear piercings, you can find them at Bodyartforms.
SHOP OUR INDUSTRIAL COLLECTION HERE
If you don't have the anatomy for a particular industrial style, it's best to consider other options. Forcing a piercing on a part of your body that isn't suited for it is only asking for trouble.
It's also best to reconsider if you are prone to keloids or rejection. An industrial is already a somewhat more difficult piecing to heal, and bodies more prone to piercing complications will likely make things worse.
If you won't be able to commit to the long aftercare period, you might consider getting a different piercing as industrials can be very delicate.
We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with valuable insights into industrial piercings. Remember, it's important to consult with a professional piercer, consider your own preferences, and be aware of the potential pain and healing process before deciding to get an industrial piercing.
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