10 Different Types of Eyebrow Piercings

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An expert-backed guide to the most popular eyebrow piercings and their variations
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Eyebrow piercings are a cool, fun way to change up your look. And with so many variations, you can customize your piercing to perfectly suit your style. We’re here with everything you need to know about eyebrow piercings, including the different placements , what to expect at your appointment, and whether they hurt . We also talked to professional piercers to find out what you need to know to help your eyebrow piercing heal properly .

Types of Eyebrow Piercings

  • Vertical eyebrow
  • Horizontal eyebrow
  • Inner eyebrow
  • Center brow
  • Anti-eyebrow
  • Bridge
  • Double eyebrow
  • T-shaped eyebrow
  • Forehead dermal
  • Spiral eyebrow
Section 1 of 7:

Eyebrow Piercing Types

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  1. Vertical piercings are the most common type of eyebrow piercing. They run from just above your eyebrow to just beneath it, and they can either be straight up and down or slanted slightly to one side or the other. They’re most commonly placed on the outer third or quarter of your eyebrow, but they can be placed pretty much anywhere along the brow. [1]
    • Time to heal: 6–12 months, or sometimes a little longer
    • Jewelry: Curved barbell. 14g and 16g are the most common. After the healing process, you can change the tops on the barbell to gems, spikes, or other decorative items, or you can switch to a captive ring (a ring that’s secured by a small ball) or a seamless clicker ring (a solid ring that clicks open and shut).
  2. 2
    Horizontal eyebrow piercing Horizontal piercings usually go just above the outer tail of your brow. They’re placed horizontally, sometimes straight across but usually at a slight slant. [2]
    • Time to heal: 6–12 months
    • Jewelry: 16g surface bar. Use flat tops while healing, but you can switch out for gems, balls, or other decorative items afterward.
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  3. 3
    Inner eyebrow piercing Sometimes called spider eyes or forward eyebrows, these are vertical piercings that are placed closer to the inner eyes. It’s especially important to use a qualified piercer for these because of the presence of the supraorbital nerves in that area.
    • Time to heal: 6–12 months
    • Jewelry: 14–16g curved barbell
  4. 4
    Center brow piercing Center brow piercings are vertical eyebrow piercings that are located (like the name suggests) right in the center of your brow. They’re usually placed straight up and down, and they’re often done in pairs for symmetry.
    • Time to heal: 6–12 months
    • Jewelry: 14–16g curved barbell
  5. 5
    Anti-eyebrow piercing/Teardrop piercing The anti-eyebrow piercing isn’t actually an eyebrow piercing—it’s located beneath the eye just above the cheekbone. These are usually placed at a slight slant to follow the line of the cheekbone. [3]
    • Time to heal: 6–12 months or more. These are harder to heal than most eyebrow piercings, and they’re more likely to result in complications.
    • Jewelry: Flat surface barbell with flat discs initially. The discs can be changed out after healing.
  6. 6
    Bridge piercing A bridge piercing runs horizontally between the eyebrows, just above the bridge of the nose. This one is highly anatomy-dependent—you need a thick enough ridge of skin to support the piercing. Also, this piercing is especially likely to leave visible scarring. [4]
    • Time to heal: 6–12 months
    • Jewelry: Usually a surface bar, but it can be done with two subdermal anchors implanted under the skin. Some people wear straight barbells here.
  7. 7
    Double or multiple eyebrow piercing Vertical piercings are placed in pairs or even in groups of 3 along the eyebrow. These are great for creating a bold statement, but the added inflammation in the area can make them harder to heal. [5]
    • Time to heal: 6–12 mo
    • Jewelry: 14–16g curved barbell
  8. 8
    T-shaped eyebrow piercing This one is a fairly new trend. First, a horizontal piercing is placed, then a vertical piercing is added to intersect it, creating a T shape. T-shaped piercings require a skilled piercer and are highly anatomy-dependent. The friction between the two piercings can also make them more likely to be irritated or be rejected.
    • Time to heal: 6–12 months or more
    • Jewelry: Either a curved barbell (vertical) and a surface bar (horizontal) or a curved barbell and two dermals (to create the look without having the jewelry touch).
  9. 9
    Forehead dermal piercing/Forehead surface piercing This is another one that isn’t exactly an eyebrow piercing—it’s a single piercing in the center of the forehead. The piercer creates space with the needle, then inserts a flat piece called a subdermal anchor under the skin. The anchor has a post, and the visible part of the jewelry is screwed onto the post. These are considered long-term temporary, as eventually the anchor will make its way out of the skin.
    • Time to heal: 6–12 months
    • Jewelry: A dermal anchor with a flat disc initially, but the disc can be switched out for a ball, gem, or other top after healing.
  10. 10
    Spiral eyebrow piercing This variation is created specifically for spiral-shaped jewelry. The piercer will make multiple holes, then connect the holes by threading a spiral eyebrow ring through them. [6]
    • Time to heal: 6–12 months
    • Jewelry: Spiral ring, but the piercer may use curved barbells for healing then replace those with the spiral jewelry later.
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Section 2 of 7:

Eyebrow Piercing Process

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  1. 1
    First, you’ll consult with the piercer. During your consultation, you and your piercer will talk about the style and placement of your piercing. The piercer will examine the anatomy around your brows and determine whether it’s suitable for an eyebrow piercing. The consultation usually occurs at the beginning of the piercing appointment—you don’t usually need to book a consultation and a piercing separately. [7]
    • Eyebrow piercings are anatomy-dependent. You need enough of a ridge along your brow to support the jewelry, and the tissue must be thick enough to pierce. Anti-eyebrow, bridge, and forehead surface piercings may also be anatomy-dependent.
  2. 2
    The piercer will mark and sterilize the area. They’ll use a sterile marker or pen to place dots where the needle will enter and exit your skin. Usually, the piercer will ask you to check the spot to make sure you’re happy with the position and angle.
    • They’ll also use an antiseptic solution to clean the area they’re about to pierce.
  3. 3
    They’ll pierce your eyebrow with a sterilized, hollow 12-18g needle. The most common sizes are 14g or 16g (the larger the number, the smaller the diameter of the needle). They may use a clamp to hold the skin around your eyebrow, or they may just hold the skin in place with their fingers while they pierce. [8]
    • After the piercer creates the hole, they’ll push the jewelry through the piercing and secure it.
    • Typically, piercers will use slightly longer jewelry in a new piercing to leave room for swelling. They may give you instructions for when to come back in for “downsizing,” or switching to a shorter barbell. This will usually be 6–8 weeks later, after the initial healing period.
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Section 3 of 7:

Types of Jewelry Used for Eyebrow Piercings

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  1. This is a half-moon-shaped bar with balls on either end. These are used for all vertical eyebrow piercings. [9]
    • Surface bars are used for horizontal, bridge, and anti-eyebrow piercings. These look almost like a staple—the visible discs, balls, or gems sit on top of two posts connected by a straight bar.
    • Dermal anchors are used for forehead surface piercings and sometimes for bridge piercings.
    • Captive bead rings or clicker rings can be used in eyebrow piercings after the initial healing period.
    • Spiral twist jewelry can be worn in spiral piercings after the initial healing period.
  2. 2
    Always wear high-quality, pure metals in a new piercing. This will help prevent infection and irritation. It may also reduce the risk of rejection, especially in a surface piercing like an eyebrow piercing. (Note: The cost of the jewelry may not be included in the price of your piercing.) Be sure your piercer fits your piercing with jewelry made from a metal like: [10]
    • Titanium
    • Solid gold
    • Steel
    • Niobium
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Section 4 of 7:

Do eyebrow piercings hurt?

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  1. Most people rate them about a 2–4 out of 10. All piercings hurt a little—there’s not really a way around that. But most people who’ve had an eyebrow piercing compare it to a pinch, especially compared to more tender areas like cartilage.
    • Professional piercer Natalie Nourick says, “To reduce the pain of a new piercing, take an over-the-counter medicine like ibuprofen, or put a warm or cold compress on it.”
Section 5 of 7:

What are the risks of eyebrow piercing?

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  1. 1
    Bruising Because eyebrow piercings are so close to your eye, there’s a risk of some bruising. Some people even experience a slight black eye after the piercing—although this should heal within a few days. [11]
  2. 2
    Irritation bumps You may experience inflammation or raised bumps around the piercing site. This can occur immediately after the piercing or later in the healing process. “Sometimes you can even get an irritation bump if you get a cold,” says Nourick. “That happens because your immune system is more focused on healing your cold than on healing your piercing.”
    • Some people also experience keloids, which is a buildup of scar tissue in the piercing area. [12]
  3. 3
    Infection Any piercing is susceptible to infection. According to Nourick, the most common signs of infection are that the piercing site feels hot to the touch and is painful. You may also see pus coming from the piercing.
    • To reduce the risk of infection, have your piercing done at a reputable studio. Afterward, keep the piercing site clean and avoid touching it as much as possible. [13]
    • “If you see signs of infection, go to a doctor immediately,” urges Nourick. “Piercers are not equipped to handle infections.”
  4. 4
    Allergic reaction Some people experience allergic reactions to the metals used in piercing jewelry. While this is fairly uncommon, see your piercer to have your jewelry removed if you experience itching, burning, or swelling at the piercing site. [14]
  5. 5
    Migration or rejection Eyebrow piercings are surface piercings, meaning they go under the skin (as opposed to a piercing with a clearly-defined front and back, like an ear or nose piercing). Surface piercings have a tendency to drift out of place (migration) or to push up through the surface of the skin (rejection). [15]
    • Both migration and rejection can increase your risk of being left with visible scars.
    • If you see any signs that your piercing is moving out of place, or if the skin above your piercing starts to look thin—especially if you can see the piercing through the skin—see your piercer immediately.
  6. 6
    Nerve damage Nerve damage is fairly uncommon with eyebrow piercings, but it is a risk. However, as with all piercings, your risk of nerve damage or injury is higher if you have your eyebrow piercing done by an inexperienced piercer. A properly trained piercer will be educated on where the nerves are located and will be able to avoid them. [16]
    • Nerve damage is more common with inner eyebrow piercings due to the location of the supraorbital nerves.
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Section 6 of 7:

Eyebrow Piercing Aftercare

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  1. Professional piercer David Wilkins says, “Clean your eyebrow piercing twice daily with a sterile saline spray. Just spray it on there and let it stay in contact for about 5 minutes, then pat it dry. You can also let water flow over the area for about 30 seconds while you’re in the shower.”
    • Nourick agrees, adding: “Always wash your hands before you clean your piercings. Only use saline. Don’t use antiseptics, alcohol, or peroxide because they’ll cause more trauma to the piercing. And afterward, gently pat it dry with a paper towel—regular towels have loops that can snag the piercing and cause irritation, especially during the first two weeks.”
    • Avoid submerging your piercing in water—especially in water sources that could contain bacteria, like beaches, lakes, rivers, or pools.
  2. 2
    Avoid touching or turning your piercing. Piercing specialist Roger Rodriguez says, “Leave your piercing alone. Never twist, turn, rotate, or move it back and forth. If you do that, you’re picking off the scab, and the piercing is eventually going to bleed and scab over again and eventually scar.”
    • “The more you keep your hands away from your jewelry, the better it’s going to heal,” agrees piercing specialist Stephanie Anders.
    • Also, avoid anything that could irritate the skin around your new piercing, including moisturizers, sunscreen, makeup, and waxing or threading your brows.
  3. 3
    Be careful not to snag your piercing on anything. Nourick says, “When you’re getting dressed or undressed, be mindful that your piercing is there. Also, be careful around phones, headphones, eyeglasses, scarves, and headbands.”
    • “Don’t sleep on your piercing,” Nourick adds. “That will shift the angle of your jewelry, which can cause your piercing not to heal. And make sure your bedding is clean to avoid infection.”
  4. 4
    Wait until you’re fully healed to change your jewelry. It will take at least 6–8 weeks before the piercing site is healed enough to change out the jewelry. And it will typically be about 6 months before you’re able to take the jewelry out for any amount of time without the risk of it closing back up.
    • Nourick says, “Never take your jewelry out. If it comes out, immediately go to your piercer to have it put back in. The hole can shrink and close in a matter of hours, especially if it’s new.”
  5. 5
    Contact your piercer or doctor if you see signs of infection or rejection. If your skin looks red, shiny, or thin over the piercing site, your body could be rejecting the piercing. See your piercer to have the jewelry removed right away. Acting quickly can help minimize scarring. [17]
    • If your piercing site feels swollen, hot, or painful, especially if there’s pus, you may have an infection. See your doctor for treatment right away.
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Section 7 of 7:

FAQs

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  1. 1
    What do eyebrow piercings symbolize? Eyebrow piercings were popularized during the 1970s, and they were frequently associated with punks and an alternative lifestyle. Today, though, they’re an aesthetic choice like any other, and they don’t necessarily symbolize anything.
  2. 2
    Should eyebrow piercings be straight or curved? Curved barbells are usually worn in eyebrow piercings. The curve follows the natural curve of your brow bone, so the piercing sits in place more comfortably.
  3. 3
    How do you know when an eyebrow piercing is fully healed? You’ll know your eyebrow piercing is fully healed when there’s no more irritation, swelling, redness, or discharge. This can take up to a year. [18]
  4. 4
    Are eyebrow piercings permanent? No, they’re what’s called “long-term temporary.” Most eyebrow piercings will eventually migrate or move to the surface of the skin. However, they can last up to several years, and you can have them re-pierced once the original piercing has fully healed. [19]
  5. 5
    Can you use a surface bar in a vertical eyebrow piercing? No, you need to use a curved barbell in a vertical eyebrow piercing. Surface bars are better for horizontal, bridge, and anti-eyebrow piercings.
  6. 6
    Can you wear an eyebrow piercing if you have glasses? Yes. Just bring your glasses with you to your appointment so your piercer can take them into consideration when choosing the placement of your piercing.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.cleopatraink.com/en/blog/eyebrow-piercing-guide-what-to-know
      2. ↑ https://www.cleopatraink.com/en/blog/eyebrow-piercing-guide-what-to-know
      3. ↑ https://www.cleopatraink.com/en/blog/eyebrow-piercing-guide-what-to-know
      4. ↑ https://www.cleopatraink.com/en/blog/eyebrow-piercing-guide-what-to-know
      5. ↑ https://www.cleopatraink.com/en/blog/eyebrow-piercing-guide-what-to-know
      6. ↑ https://www.cleopatraink.com/en/blog/eyebrow-piercing-guide-what-to-know
      7. ↑ https://piercingya.com/piercings/eyebrow-piercings/
      8. ↑ https://piercingya.com/piercings/eyebrow-piercings/
      9. ↑ https://piercingya.com/piercings/eyebrow-piercings/
      1. ↑ https://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-care/cosmetic/eyebrow-piercing/
      2. ↑ https://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-care/cosmetic/eyebrow-piercing/
      3. ↑ https://piercingya.com/piercings/eyebrow-piercings/
      4. ↑ https://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-care/cosmetic/eyebrow-piercing/
      5. ↑ https://piercingya.com/piercings/eyebrow-piercings/
      6. ↑ https://piercingya.com/piercings/eyebrow-piercings/
      7. ↑ https://piercingya.com/piercings/eyebrow-piercings/
      8. ↑ https://www.health.com/condition/skin-conditions/piercing-rejection
      9. ↑ https://www.whitethornpiercing.co.uk/stages-of-healing
      10. ↑ https://infinitebody.com/pages/eyebrow-piercing-faq

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