Industrial Piercings
Industrial piercings use a longer bar that passes through two separate piercings, typically positioned along the outer edge of the upper ear cartilage. The most common bar length is 38mm with a 1.6mm gauge, making industrial bars considerably longer than standard cartilage or tragus jewellery.
Industrial piercings may also be referred to as scaffold or scaffolding piercings, as well as scaffold bars, but these terms generally describe the same style of piercing. It is also worth noting that standard barbells in the appropriate length can also be suitable for industrial piercings.
Types of Industrial Piercings
There are thousands of different industrial piercing bars available, with styles to suit everything from a simple, understated look to more decorative and eye-catching designs. Some of the most popular options are outlined below:
- Straight Barbells – The classic and most straightforward choice for an industrial piercing, featuring a straight bar with ball ends. Available in a variety of materials, including 316L Surgical Steel, titanium and acrylic, straight barbells are a popular option for both new and established industrial piercings.
- Decorated Industrial Barbells – These designs feature a decorative attachment positioned along the centre of the bar. They can create a particularly eye-catching look, with the central decoration sitting neatly within the upper cartilage area of the ear.
- Dangle Industrial Barbells – As the name suggests, these designs feature a decorative element that hangs from the bar. Some have a smaller attachment that hangs just a few centimetres below the piercing, while others feature longer chains or decorative details that extend towards the ear lobe.
Getting an Industrial Piercing
One of the first questions many people ask before getting an industrial piercing is whether it hurts. The answer is always subjective, as everyone experiences pain differently. The procedure involves cartilage and two piercing points, so the experience can vary from person to person. A professional piercer can advise you on what to expect and whether an industrial piercing is suitable for your ear anatomy.
After getting an industrial piercing, some redness, swelling and tenderness can be normal during the initial healing period. If you have concerns about your piercing, experience persistent or worsening symptoms, or notice anything unusual, it is always advisable to seek advice from a qualified piercer or healthcare professional.
When choosing jewellery for a new industrial piercing, a simple and lightweight barbell is often the most practical option. More elaborate designs and dangles can add unnecessary weight or increase the chance of the jewellery catching on clothing or hair, which may cause irritation during the healing process.
Caring for your Industrial Piercing
As with any piercing, it is important to follow appropriate aftercare advice and pay close attention to the piercing while it heals. General care may include:
- Clean the piercing regularly – Follow the aftercare guidance provided by your professional piercer. A sterile saline solution is commonly recommended for cleaning during the healing process.
- Avoid unnecessary touching or twisting – Try not to play with, rotate or disturb the jewellery, as this can cause irritation and potentially prolong healing.
- Take care around water – Follow your piercer's advice regarding swimming and water exposure while the piercing is healing, as exposure to pools, hot tubs and natural bodies of water may increase the risk of complications.
- Avoid catching the jewellery – Take extra care when brushing your hair, getting dressed or wearing headphones and other accessories that could pull on the piercing.
If you are looking for more than just a scaffold piercing, explore our extensive range of labret bars, nose piercings and segment rings.