Everything You Need to Know About Industrial Piercings

Ear piercing is an art, and one that can extend far past the adornments you wear on just your lobes.

There are many types of ear piercings out there, ranging from the delicate daith piercings to the often-misunderstood tragus piercing and beyond. For the well-seasoned ear piercing aficionado, though, there's another style of piercing out there that may be worth your attention: Industrial piercings.

So, what exactly are industrial piercings, and what should you prepare for if you want to get one? We've got the basics for you here, so read on for your guide to everything you need to know about industrial piercings.

What Is an Industrial Piercing?

Industrial piercings are unique for many reasons, one of which is that fact that each one actually requires two piercings. We don't mean in the way that you would typically get both lobes pierced at the same time, but rather that to wear the piercing—or the earring in it anyway—at all, two holes need to be made in your ear for the jewelry to go through. Essentially, an industrial piercing looks like a bar that is worn across the upper edge of the helix (the cartilage area of the ear). The two piercings are connected by a single piece of jewelry, most often a barbell.

Historically, this type of piercing first emerged in the early '90s. They rose to some popularity thereafter, mostly fort heir association with the "grunge" style of that time. These days, though, the customizability of an industrial piercing is virtually limitless, so you hardly need to lean towards a more punk style to appreciate the edgy aesthetic that one provides.

(via Shutterstock)

 

Also Read About: A Piercing Professional Reveals What You Should Know Before Getting an Ear Piercing

 

How Bad Does It Hurt?

Like with all piercings, the pain level of getting an industrial piercing will vary depending on your personal pain tolerance level. However, what you need to know about industrial piercings is that the double-pierced nature of it will require twice the pain of a regular helix piercing, no matter which area of your cartilage you choose to have it placed on, simply because the cartilage will be pierced two times. This is why it's important to do your research and go to a professional piercer for this style, as they will be able to use the correct tools (a piercing needle needs to be used for this type of piercing rather than a gun) and help you understand the pain you should expect.

(via Shutterstock)

 

Also Read About: A Definitive Ranking of Ear Piercings, From Least to Most Painful

 

How Long Does It Take to Heal?

After you have your industrial piercing in place comes the real heavy lifting: the aftercare. Caring for a new piercing requires some work to get right, which is why you cannot discuss everything you need to know about industrial piercings without mentioning how to care for one to promote healing. While the pain of the piercing will happen in a pinch, you'll need to take the time afterwards to protect the fresh piercing by:

• Using sea salt solution to keep the piercing clean
• Avoiding getting the piercing caught on anything that may tug at it (this can be more difficult considering the barbell-nature of an industrial piercing)
• Not taking any pain medication before you get your piercing as these may thin your blood
• Not sleeping on the side you got your piercing on to prevent irritation

All in all, with proper care it should take about four to six months for an industrial piercing to heal completely—but keep in mind that you have two holes that need healing with this type of piercing, so proper care will need to be taken for both. What you need to understand about industrial piercings is that they do require extra work, and you'll have to keep the piercing clean every day while it heals (basically, they're a big responsibility).

(via Shutterstock)

 

Also read about: Everything You Should Know About Ear Piercings

 

In Conclusion

So, there you have it—the everything-you-need-to-know guide on industrial piercings. If it sounds like something you're ready to add to your own personal piercing collection, go to a specialist first to discuss what you'll need to know more in-depth.

And if all this is making you second guess if an industrial piercing is the right option for you, you might want to consider a helix piercing instead. Click HERE for everything you need to know about that type of piercing, which may be the perfect simplistic alternative.