Ultimate Guide to Industrial Piercing Barbells, Sizing Styles and Aftercare Tips

If you are searching for a piercing option that is very hard to ignore, you might want to look for industrial piercings. These statement pieces are totally stunning with their edgy design and unique placement.

With two balanced and connected pieces going through your ear cartilage, it needs special care.  

So, from picking the correct size to finding your way through aftercare, here's the lowdown on everything you should know about industrial piercing barbells.

What's the deal with Industrial Barbell?

It is a straight piercing jewelry for ear that is actually a distinctive setup. With the barbell extending across the ear cartilage, it offers two points to show off your favourite gem.

Industrial barbell piercings come in many comfortable sizes, amazing shapes and durable materials. Though most people choose surgical steel industrial barbells due to surgical steel's hypoallergenic features, you can boldly go for one in either silver or gold (obviously, if you do not have a nickel allergy. The choice is entirely yours.  

Choosing the Right Size for Your Industrial Piercing

When choosing the right size for an industrial piercing barbell, consider a few offbeat yet practical factors to ensure the most comfortable fit. Try the “snag test”: before finalising a barbell length, gently snag it on soft materials like a cotton swab or thin fabric to see how prone it is to catch on things. This can help you gauge if a longer bar will irritate you during daily wear.

Another quirky but essential factor is ear flexibility. Your ear has a bit of “give” depending on the cartilage thickness and shape. The more flexible your ear, the less likely it is to experience pressure points with a slightly shorter or longer barbell. Additionally, look at your lifestyle: if you’re often on the go, something more snug might be preferable to avoid accidental bumps or snags.

Styles to Rock with Industrial Piercing Barbells

The Classic Surgical Steel Industrial Bar remains a favourite, especially for first-time piercers. Its sleek, silver-tone finish and hypoallergenic properties make it a staple, offering durability and safety, perfect for those still in the healing phase.

For a bolder look, curved and spiral barbells are fun options that add a dynamic twist to the traditional industrial piercing without going overboard.

If you’re after a bit of sparkle, gemstone and opal barbells are here to elevate your piercing game. These pieces feature crystals or opals, bringing a touch of glamour to the edgy industrial look.

For those who love colour, anodized titanium bars provide an array of choices, from electric blues to rose gold. Titanium is both hypoallergenic and fade-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about the colour losing its vibrancy over time.

Finally, consider themed or shaped ends to personalise your look. With fun shapes like stars, hearts, or spikes, these industrial bars let you show off your creativity. And here’s a hot tip: go for barbells with screw-on ends to easily swap out different styles and colours, giving you endless ways to mix and match without the need to buy entirely new bars each time.

How to Care for Your Industrial Piercing

Whether it is industrial piercing or any other jewellery, proper piercing jewelry aftercare is the most important element to keep things tidy and shiny.

You might want to consider applying saline solution to your piercings. So what exactly is saline solution? It's just a mix of water with some salt.

Think of it as giving your piercing a mini spa day twice daily. A quick dab, no scrubbing, no fancy chemicals. And let’s make one thing clear: hands-off policy. No poking, no twisting.

The next big one is Snag patrol. That industrial bar is like a magnet for all the wrong things: hair, hoodies, even your bedsheets. Get yourself into a “hair up” routine for a bit, and if you’re a side-sleeper, it might be time to make friends with the travel pillow (trust, your ear will thank you). As for sleeping, try your best to give that side a break. Yeah, switching sides or sleeping on your back might feel a little awkward, but it’s way better than waking up with an angry, swollen ear.

So, here you have some unique and fun tips to keep your industrial barbell piercing up and shiny all the time. If you want trendy designs, there are so many piercing jewellery stores online that offer amazing designs. Make sure to know how to accurately measure your piercing jewellery for a snug fit. It will give you the freedom to be comfortable all the time.