When you find your favorite piercing, you feel sparks in your bones. Never has there been a love greater than ours for the industrial piercing.
Not into conventional piercings? Then the Industrial Piercing is perfect for you. This type of piercing, (sometimes referred to as the “construction” or “scaffolding” piercing due to its appearance) refers to two pierced holes that are then connected by a barbell. While this can refer to several different areas of the body that accepts piercings, this term is commonly used to refer to the area between the upper part of the ear cartilage and the lower ear. Pierced either horizontally, angled, or vertical between the ear and the ear cartilage, this industrial piercing creeps at the edge of an alternative and classic style piercing. With many styles to choose from, this unisex piercing lets you go from casual to outrageous all with the change of a piercing. Let this simple precious spice up your look with ease.
What Is Industrial Piercing?
Industrial piercing is a common type of body modification piercing usually used in the ear’s cartilage piercing. This kind of ear piercing is placed between two holes on each side of the cartilage.
These are done in the ear’s cartilage and then placing a single piece of jewelry, joining those two holes together.
The most used industrial piercing jewelry is definitely the barbell. It’s called like this because it actually looks like a dumbbell.
Industrial piercings are popular because they give a fresh, unique, and original look, so it has become really popular among youngsters, both men, and women.
Before talking about jewelry and more, let’s first take a look at how an industrial piercing is done.
First of all, let’s start with the precautions, in order to get a successful industrial piercing we have to make sure that all of the precautions are being taken so we won’t have to worry about future infections or problems.
You have to make sure you are getting this piercing with the right piercer or specialist; you can kindly ask people with this piercing, where they got it and other doubts.
We are pretty sure they will have no problem answering you, and plus that, you will get hints of where to find good piercing shops.
But remember, the first thing you always have to keep in mind is that hygiene and safety have to be always first, no matter what.
You may have to pay a bit more money, but the truth is, that won’t matter because you won’t have to worry about problems anymore.
Once you found the right piercer or specialist, make sure you feel comfortable with that person, that way, you will be able to trust him/her, and it will make the job way easier.
Now, let’s jump onto where the magic happens. Of course, sometimes, the process may change between specialists, but the general process is pretty much the same everywhere.
How an industrial piercing is performed
Getting pierced should take no more than 15 minutes. The process is very simple. First, your piercer will arrange all needed items to perform the piercing. These items will include cotton pads, sterile hollow needles, piercing needles, antiseptics, and of course: your body jewelry.
Next, your piercer will adhere to hygienic rules of piercing by washing his hands, putting on a pair of medical gloves, and disinfecting your ear. Your piercer will then decide the best angle at which to pierce your ear and make a mark of it on your ear. Your piercing expert will know the exact angle that won’t cause burst cartilage or infections.
The next step is to pierce! Using a disinfected needle, your piercer will puncture two aligning holes in your cartilage and ear, and insert the jewelry through both holes. This process will pinch a little, but should not be overly painful. The best part is that after just a little cleaning up, you’re done! Now, all there is left to do is admire your new handiwork!
Scheduling an appointment and Piercing Cost
The average cost in USD for any upper ear cartilage piercing ranges from $25-75. Shops often double the price of one upper ear cartilage piercing to account for the entire industrial ear piercing. Before you schedule an appointment to get your scaffold piercing done, you’ll want to call around different piercing shops and tattoo parlors first.
Have a list of questions ready beforehand. Having your questions answered, and getting a step-by-step explanation of how that studio will perform the piercing will ease any reservations you might have. This will also give you a better idea of the different prices available and give you an opportunity to get to know your piercing expert better. It’s important to feel comfortable with your piercer and to trust in their abilities. If possible, ask to see piercing pictures of their past work. This will give you a better idea of who you want your piercer to be.
How much does an industrial piercing cost?
How much an industrial piercing cost is a common question about this popular piercing. We’re taking the mystery out of piercing prices!
The scaffold piercing, or “industrial piercing” is a bar placed in the ear between two separate holes. This bar is held in place by a barbell. This piercing may take anywhere from 6-12 months to heal and requires committed aftercare. Not to mention, it looks pretty badass. This alternative piercing has the opportunity to give off a progressive look, while still being able to remain relatively hidden (unless, of course, you have no hair!) So now you know the details of the piercing, but how much does it cost?
This is one of the top searches when it comes to industrial piercings, yet no one can find a definitive answer. We’re solving the industrial piercing cost mystery, looking at other restrictions when it comes to industrial piercing, and examining why it’s so hard to nail down a proper price!
Pain, Healing process and Aftercare
As with any piercing, you may feel a little pinch of pain during the piercing process. However, with proper aftercare, your piercing should feel completely normal within 3 months. The full healing process may take anywhere from 3 months to a year. This depends much on your body’s healing rate, as well as how well you’re taking care of the little guy!
Remember, taking care of your jewelry is completely in your hands. After your piercing is complete, your piercer should give you an informed list of aftercare procedures. These often involve using sea salt rinses and approved cleansers on your piercing, twice daily. Other methods involve using mild antibacterial soap around the upper ear cartilage, and only touching the piercing with well-washed hands. It is also suggested to avoid sleeping or putting unnecessary pressure on the newly pierced ear.
Without proper aftercare, you run the risk of infection, which may result in a slightly irritated ear, bleeding, distention, soreness, and discharge, hard balls of skin/scarring around the piercing holes, as well as redness and swelling. You may also face piercing rejections, wherein the body will physically try to eject the piercing from the ear. This process happens slowly over time and can be very painful in nature. If you start to sense this is happening, be wary of signs that your jewelry is hanging loose, red or swollen skin around the area, thinning of the skin, enlarged pierced holes, or extreme sensitivity.
These can all be unpleasant symptoms. If not treated, the infection may lead to the removal of your construction piercing. This is why proper aftercare is so essential to avoiding piercing infections. Love your piercing? Then take care of it!
After Care Instructions:
The companies of piercing guns do NOT recommend their use for this industrial ear piercing.
- Healing Time: 6 – 12 months
- Do not touch your industrial ear piercing, or let others touch it while it is healing.
- Clean your healing industrial piercing only twice a day, with antibacterial soap.
- Never use alcohol swabs, hydrogen peroxide, or Betadine to clean your industrial piercing.
- Never use cotton balls or cotton swabs to clean your industrial ear piercing.
- If there is an infection, you will feel pain, redness, and even unusual discharge. Take a bit of advice from your piercer or a physician if you develop any of these symptoms.
- Take vitamin C and zinc to maximize your healing.
- Wait till your industrial ear piercing is healed before changing jewelry yourself.
Industrial Piercing Jewelry Options
Now that you have your industrial piercing pierced and healed, it’s time to accessorize! It’s recommended you not remove your initial single straight piece barbell for the first 9 months after piercing. This should be the appropriate healing time for the average ear piercing. There are plenty of alternatives, punk rock, rock ‘n roll, pretty, masculine, cute, and fun industrial piercing jewelry options available. Whatever your style, you’ll have something to rock in your ear.
Those who are finding the healing process is taking longer than desired may opt to pit in two separate stud earrings, instead of a barbell piercing. This will help the piercing heal faster and will be less likely to get caught by hair, clothing, or other objects such as a hairbrush. This will certainly aid in the healing process and will offer an amazing, alternative look. With two holes, there’s even more to accessorize!
Once you’re able to take your piercing out with no pain, you’ll find you have a growing collection of industrial piercing jewelry on hand. When changing your piercing, make sure to sanitize both your hands and the jewelry before bringing them into contact with your ear. This will prevent any unwanted infections. The most common industrial piercing is the barbell, simply held together by ball closures. Another unique option is the zig-zag industrial jewelry, wherein the barbell is twisted into shape between the ears. The corkscrew barbell, stripe barbell, loop barbell, triple industrial piercing, jeweled, diamonds, and shaped barbells are all fantastic options for your piercing.
Explore a new style today and jump onto the industrial piercing bandwagon.
If you’re thinking of getting an industrial piercing, or you already have one and are looking to further your love for alternative piercings, please continue to browse our website to find even more information on industrial ear piercings, jewelry, tips, tricks, articles, and more.
Age restriction for industrial ear piercings
One factor that is difficult to determine is what age you must be in order to get an industrial piercing. Without parental consent, or a parent accompanying you during the piercing process, age restrictions may vary. From country to country age restrictions range from 16-21 years old. Now that you know the age restriction, it’s time to figure out the average cost of industrial piercings.
How pricing is laid out
When it comes to industrial piercing costs, it’s important to keep in mind how the unit is priced out. The industrial is charged as not a single piercing, but two separate ones! That’s because the industrial piercing goes through two different holes, and requires two different sanitized needles. This usually makes pricing come across as double whatever you are quoted.
Why the mystery?
So How much does an industrial piercing cost, and why all the mystery overpricing? This statistic can be hard to pinpoint since the cost from parlor to parlor varies. Variants depend on the placement of the piercing, style, and material of the jewelry being used, and requested stretching options.
When you think about it, figuring out how much cash you’re going to be doling out during your visit to the piercing parlor should be as easy as picking up the phone and asking. However, the other problem is finding out the industrial piercing cost is that most piercing specialists are reluctant to let you know prices over the phone. Piercers would rather have you come in person and do a consultation before giving out the cost of an industrial piercing, for fear that you may go elsewhere.
Now that you know an industrial piercing is priced out individually, it’s time to learn what you’re going to be paying. The average industrial piercing cost will range anywhere from $40-80.
Schedule consultations or walk-ins at different piercing and tattoo parlors and check around not only for the best price but for the piercing professional you feel most comfortable with. Remember, this person is going to be in charge of a sensitive area of your body – trust is key! Industrial piercings can be painful, and the healing time may be longer than desired. If you’re absolutely certain, you’re willing to dish out the pain and the money to have an industrial piercing – go for it! The results are definitely worth the wait.
There are several factors that will affect how much your industrial piercing costs, so make sure you scope out a few different tattoo parlors and piercing joints before deciding which one works for you!
Industrial Piercing Procedure Video
Here there is a video reference of the procedure. Video embedded from YouTube.com and it’s copyrighted to its rightful owners.
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.