Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Last Updated on November 15, 2023 by Steal the Style
Since 1992, when Body Play magazine popularized the term “industrial piercings,” they have been a popular body modification option. However, the history of body piercing is much older than the nineties. As a matter of fact, the oldest mummy with pierced ears is over 5,000 years old.
Basically, an industrial piercing consists of two separate piercings joined by a single barbell. This is what barbell jewelry is all about.
As there are so few rules to follow, the options for modification are almost limitless. An elaborate bar is one option, as is something quite simple.
Keep on reading to learn everything you need to know about the different types of jewelry you can use for your body piercing, all under the barbell umbrella.
In This Post:
Industrial Piercing: What Is It?
Let’s start by covering the basics. The phrase “industrial piercing” describes any two piercings that are joined by a single barbell, regardless of their location.
Piercings known as industrial piercings, also known as bar or scaffold piercings, are two independent piercings performed on the ear and go through the cartilage at about an inch and a half apart. It’s always done with a needle, not a gun, and you should only trust a piercer who is both knowledgeable and competent.
You may do it in many different ways, but the most common is to use disposable needles and lengthy jewelry to puncture both sides at the same time. Once the second piercing had been made, the surplus space on the jewelry could then be moved to the second piercing that linked them.
Helix (or outer, upper-ear) and forward (or inner, upper-ear) barbells are the usual configuration of an industrial piercing. However, the piercing has so many varieties that you may make it uniquely yours with only two places on the ear and a barbell. It’s that simple when it comes to customizing body jewelry.
Duration of Healing and Pain Rating
Even if you’re afraid about how painful an industrial piercing will be, keep in mind that it’s just a pinch, therefore the discomfort will pass shortly. Because industrial piercings often feature two holes, you’ll have to cope with the discomfort twice as much as you would with a single hole. As a result, you may experience a range of sensations, from mild discomfort to excruciating agony.
Your piercings will begin to heal as soon as the needles are withdrawn from the piercing sites, and the tenderness you experience will not be acute or scorching.
Piercings, on the other hand, do not have a predetermined healing duration. Instead, the length of time it takes for each person to complete the procedure varies greatly.
Healing might take anywhere from six months to a year, depending on the patient’s immune system and the treatment they get following surgery. In a nutshell, if you’re healthy, you’ll get well faster.
If you’ve had a piercing done previously, you may have a better idea of what to expect. The healing process for industrial piercings, on the other hand, is unusual because of the presence of two independent holes.
The healing process might be slowed down by a variety of factors. It is possible for clothes or hair to become stuck in a piercing and irritate the skin. Keep your hair off of your face and be cautious while getting dressed in order to prevent any complications that might prolong the healing process.
The best approach to ensure that the healing process doesn’t be slowed down is to follow a good aftercare regimen, which ensures that it will recover as rapidly as your immune system permits.
Types and Materials for Barbell Jewelry
A deeper look at these metals and their specs are necessary to ensure that they are safe for the first piercing.
Let’s explore them one at a time.
Surgical Steel
For piercings, surgical steel is a popular choice. According to the APP (Association of Professional Piercers) website, 316L and 316LVM surgical steel have been proven to be the most suited in the industry for the first piercing.
Simply put, the “L” is used to indicate low carbon content.
All surgical steel contains some nickel. However, the metal is generally hypoallergenic to most individuals (except for those with very extreme nickel allergies). Only non-plated jewelry should be used for first piercings since surgical steel is commonly plated with a variety of hues.
Titanium
If you’re allergic to nickel, titanium is the finest alternative for you.
For first piercings, titanium that is implant certified and ASTM F-136 or ISO 5832-3 compliant, or commercially pure titanium, is acceptable, according to the APP website.
Using titanium in your piercings is safe since it is the same grade of titanium used in major replacement operations.
Niobium
There are many similarities between titanium and niobium. Yet, it does not meet the requirements for implant use.
Many various colors may also be safely anodized on it, including black. There is no way to anodize Titanium a second time.
Gold
Initial piercings should be done with 14kt or higher yellow, white, or rose gold that has not been nickel plated.
Using 18kt gold is a bad idea since it’s too pliable and may contain germs. In short, if it’s an initial piercing that hasn’t healed yet, you’ll want to go for the least irritating materials, not the prettiest ones on the market.
The World of Body Piercing: The Barbell Edition
If you’re new to the wide world of body piercings, things can be quite overwhelming. However, the more research you conduct, the better your decision-making will be.
Hopefully, our guide has shed some light on the nuances of industrial piercings and its attached barbell jewelry. When in doubt, you can always reach out to your trusted local piercing shop.
And, if you enjoyed reading our article, then you’ll love checking out our additional tips and explainers. You’ll find them all in our fashion and beauty sections.