Collection: .Industrial Piercing

All our jewellery is manufactured from High Polish Implant Grade Titanium (Ti-6AL-4V-ELI ASTM F136).

🖤 Thinking About an Industrial Piercing? Here's What to Know Before You Commit

Industrial piercings are bold, edgy, and undeniably eye-catching — but they’re also not for the faint of heart (or ears). If you’re thinking about getting one, it’s important to know what you’re signing up for — from healing time and aftercare, to anatomy checks and pain levels.

Before you take the plunge and get that iconic barbell across your ear, here’s everything you should consider before getting an industrial piercing.

🧬 1. Your Ear Anatomy Might Not Be Suitable

This is not a one-size-fits-all piercing.

Industrial piercings require specific anatomy — particularly the right angle and depth in both the helix and forward helix (the two points connected by the barbell). If your ear shape doesn’t support the correct alignment, the piercing might:

• Heal poorly or not at all

• Migrate or reject

• Cause constant discomfort

👂Pro tip: Always have a consultation first. A professional piercer will assess your ear to see if an industrial is possible and safe.

⏳ 2. It Has a Long Healing Time

Industrial piercings are essentially two cartilage piercings healing at the same time — with the added challenge of being connected by a single piece of jewellery. This means:

• Healing can take 6–12 months (sometimes longer)

• You’ll need to be very strict with aftercare

• Swelling, tenderness, and crusting can last for weeks

It’s not a quick-heal piercing — so patience is a must!

💥 3. It’s More Painful Than a Lobe Piercing

Cartilage piercings tend to hurt more than soft tissue ones — and with an industrial, you’re getting two piercings back-to-back. Expect:

• A sharp, quick pinch (x2!) during the procedure

• Pressure or soreness for a few days after

• Tenderness when sleeping on that side for weeks — even months

Pain tolerance varies, but be prepared for some initial discomfort.

🛌 4. Sleeping Will Be a Struggle

If you’re a side sleeper, this is your warning: you can’t sleep on your industrial piercing while it heals.

Pressure can:

• Delay healing

• Cause swelling and pain

• Lead to bumps or migration

Plan to sleep on the opposite side or invest in a travel pillow or donut pillow to avoid pressure on the ear.

🧼 5. Aftercare is Non-Negotiable

You’ll need to stick to a consistent, gentle aftercare routine for the best chance of a smooth healing process.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Clean twice daily with sterile saline solution or a piercing-specific aftercare spray

• Do NOT twist, turn, or rotate the barbell

• Avoid touching it with dirty hands

• Watch out for hair products, shampoo, and makeup near the area

And remember: just because it "looks" healed doesn’t mean it is. Stick with aftercare until it's fully closed and pain-free.

🚫 6. It’s Not Ideal for a First Piercing

If you’ve never had a cartilage piercing before, an industrial may be a lot to handle. Between the pain, long healing time, and limited sleeping positions, it can be overwhelming as a first experience.

You might consider getting the two piercings individually first (with separate jewellery), and once they’re healed, switching to a barbell later.

💎 7. Jewellery Choice Matters

During healing, you’ll be pierced with a longer bar to accommodate swelling. Once healing is complete (or well underway), your piercer may recommend downsizing for comfort and aesthetics.

Avoid cheap or low-quality jewellery — opt for:

• Implant-grade titanium

• 14k or 18k gold (if you're not sensitive)

Quality materials reduce the risk of reaction and help your piercing heal better.

🩹 8. Bumps and Irritation Are Common

Even with perfect aftercare, you might experience:

• Redness or tenderness

• Small fluid-filled bumps

• Dryness or crusting

Don’t panic — these are common. But never try to “pop” a bump, and avoid over-cleaning (it can dry out the skin and worsen irritation).

If anything looks unusual or gets worse over time, see your piercer.

🖤 Final Thoughts

An industrial piercing is a serious commitment — but if you’re ready to care for it properly and give it time to heal, it can become one of the most striking and unique pieces of jewellery you’ll own.

✨ TL;DR:

• Check your anatomy

• Be ready for a long heal

• Don't sleep on it

• Stick to your aftercare

• Choose high-quality jewellery

• Ask your piercer all your questions

Thinking about getting one? Book a consultation to see if your ear is a good fit — and get all the expert advice you need before committing to the barbell life.