Eyebrow piercings have become a popular way for individuals to express their style, whether they desire a subtle change or a bold statement. You're not alone if you're considering getting an eyebrow piercing! Celebrities, influencers, and friends are sporting them. However, before taking the plunge, it's essential to understand the procedure, healing process, and potential risks involved.
An eyebrow piercing involves creating a small hole through the skin of the eyebrow, typically at an angle. While many opt for placement on the outer edge, oriented vertically, variations like surface piercings or anti-eyebrow piercings (slanted across the cheek or under the eye) offer unique stylistic choices.
One of the first questions many people ask is about the pain factor. On a pain scale of 1 to 10, most people rate eyebrow piercings between a 3 and 5. This indicates a manageable level of discomfort, often described as less painful than cartilage piercings on the upper ear. The procedure is also very quick, with the pain from the needle being brief and tolerable.
An eyebrow piercing typically heals within 6 to 8 weeks, although individual healing times may vary. Patience is key as your body adjusts to the new jewelry. In the initial days, some swelling, redness, or bruising is normal.
Proper aftercare is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring successful healing. Clean the piercing twice daily with a gentle cleanser or saline solution, as recommended by your piercer. Avoid twisting or moving the jewelry, and keep makeup away from the area until fully healed.
Read also: Comprehensive Eyebrow Piercing Guide
Selecting jewelry is a significant part of the eyebrow piercing experience. Initially, piercers usually use a simple barbell made of stainless steel. Once healed, you can explore different styles like beaded designs, curved barbells, or rings. It's crucial to use high-quality body jewelry made of materials like gold, stainless steel, or titanium to minimize the risk of allergic reactions or complications.
While eyebrow piercings can be a great way to express yourself, it's important to be aware of the potential risks involved.
Sometimes, the body may reject the piercing, attempting to push the jewelry out. This is more common with surface piercings like the anti-eyebrow. Incorrect placement or discomfort can also trigger rejection. If rejection occurs, removing the jewelry promptly and properly can minimize scarring.
It's safe to shower after getting an eyebrow piercing, but avoid shampoo, soap, and conditioner, especially during the initial healing weeks. Follow your aftercare routine after showering, gently rinsing the piercing with water and cleaning it with your aftercare solution.
There's no right or wrong side for an eyebrow piercing; the choice depends on personal preference. Many people consider their hairstyle, face shape, or existing piercings when deciding on placement.
Read also: Causes and Relief for Eyebrow Pain
Some initial movement of the jewelry is normal. However, excessive movement or the jewelry coming too close to the surface of the skin could indicate rejection.
Eyebrow piercings can be more sensitive than ear piercings.
The eyebrow piercing is a modern invention, tracing its roots back to the punk rock subculture of the 1970s. Early piercings were often self-administered using unsafe methods like safety pins. The modern, professional version emerged in the late 1980s, gaining popularity through alternative music in the early 1990s.
Eyebrow piercings have a reputation for migration, but this is often unfounded. Proper placement, suitable anatomy, and appropriate jewelry are crucial. An ideal candidate should have loose, padded skin in the brow area.
Placement typically involves the edge of the eye, intersecting the curve of the brow. Experienced piercers assess the brow structure before marking the entry and exit points, considering the individual's facial structure and expressions.
Read also: Everything about Anti-Eyebrow Piercings
Groupings of multiple piercings can be done on the outer third of the brow if anatomy allows. However, piercings closer to the center carry risks like nerve damage and increased migration.
Alternative placements, such as horizontal piercings, bindi piercings, teardrop piercings, and Erl piercings (through the bridge of the nose), are essentially surface piercings prone to migration and are generally not recommended.
Choosing the right jewelry is crucial for successful healing and long-term comfort.
For eyebrow piercings, 16g jewelry is often the best option, providing a balance between minimizing migration and reducing stress during healing. The width of the jewelry should match the depth of the piercing, typically around 3/8th to 7/16th of an inch.
A professional piercer will typically use forceps to pull the tissue away from the body, support it, and ensure the correct angle for the piercing. Piercing from the bottom up minimizes the risk of the needle contacting the eye. Closing the eyes during the procedure can reduce stress and reaction.
Eyebrow piercings are prone to bleeding, bruising, and swelling, which usually subside within a few days.
Infections, though rare, can occur. Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw can be a sign of infection. Consult a doctor immediately if you suspect an infection.
Piercings can migrate when the body rejects them, causing them to move from their original site. Factors contributing to rejection include shallow or small holes, poor aftercare, and harsh cleaning chemicals.
Allergic reactions can occur due to nickel in gold-plated jewelry. If you're allergic to nickel, consult a doctor or dermatologist if a reaction occurs.
Sterilizing equipment is extremely important. Boil needles for 5-10 minutes and keep needles and jewelry in rubbing alcohol. Even if newly bought, sterilize equipment to be safe.
Evenly mark two points using a pen or marker where you want the piercing to be.
A needle designed for piercings is ideal, usually a 14 gauge needle, as you put in 16 gauge jewelry. It also helps to use the 14 gauge hollow needle, as then you can slide the jewelry into the needle so it follows through to the other side.
Wash your piercing twice a day with saline solution.
Clean your piercing every day to avoid infection. If your piercing does get infected, refrain from taking it out.
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