27 Industrial Piercing Jewelry Examples and Info Guide

Regarding piercings, ‘industrial’ is a term for any two or more piercings connected by a single, straight piece of jewelry.  The term is most frequently applied to a two-point project which involves the helix and forward helix of either ear.  However, the varieties of industrial piercings are nearly endless, limited only by the anatomy of the wearer and imagination of the artist.

The most well known and common of the industrial piercings is commonly referred to as a bar piercing, construction piercing or a scaffold piercing.  This is a very versatile piercing, as it can be worn as a true industrial, with a single piece of jewelry, or as two separate piercings each with their own piece.  Standard gauge for this piercing is 14, though they can be done larger or smaller based on anatomical need or wearer preference. This is a great piercing that is widely done by most piercers for someone looking for something a little different.

The most well known and common of the industrial piercings is commonly referred to as a bar piercing, construction piercing or a scaffold piercing.  This is a very versatile piercing, as it can be worn as a true industrial, with a single piece of jewelry, or as two separate piercings each with their own piece.  Standard gauge for this piercing is 14, though they can be done larger or smaller based on anatomical need or wearer preference. This is a great piercing that is widely done by most piercers for someone looking for something a little different.

Industrial Piercing Pain and Procedure

Procedurally speaking, every piercer has its own specific approach to any given piercing, and this one is certainly no exception to that.  Most commonly, you can look forward to the entire area being cleaned thoroughly (boys and girls, if you have long hair – please pull it back prior to your appointment!), and marks being placed with either a sterile surgical marker or gentian violet.

As with any piercing, your artist should always allow you to view and approve your placement prior to being pierced.  This, however, is one of those particular projects where anatomy plays a much large role in placement than personal preference, so you may only have a small amount of leeway regarding where the points will sit once all is said and done as your artist’s first and foremost concern should be proper healing and longevity of your piercing.  Ones the marks are set and approved; some artists will opt to clean the area again.  At this point, you can expect to be measured for jewelry. Some artists will do this purely by sight, some will use calipers.

With ANY project that involves multiple piercings, your piercer should be using one needle per hole.  Even with the absolute highest quality needles and flawless technique, these are single-use needles.  A lot of unnecessary tissue damage can be caused by using the same needle twice or more, particularly with tougher tissues like cartilage.  Here is where the differences in individual technique come into play.

Some piercers will puncture both points first, then insert the jewelry; whereas some will make the first puncture, slide the jewelry into place, then repeat a second time to complete the project.  One thing that should be noted, is that while it is popular to start with a single, long piece of jewelry; a much higher success rate and vastly reduced healing time is seen when patience is employed and the project is started as two (or more, depending on the specific industrial) separate pieces of jewelry.  This alleviates a great deal of pressure on the cartilage and surrounding tissues.

If you have any questions about the procedure that lies ahead of you, never hesitate to ask your piercer.  Professional Body Piercers take a great deal of pride in being able to answer all of your questions and make sure that the procedure is correct for your individual needs.

Industrial Piercing Cost

As with all piercings, the price of an industrial piercing hinges on a number of factors and varies widely based on geography, skill level, and credentials of your artist, and even your jewelry choice.  A two-point scaffold industrial may cost anywhere from $20-90, whereas in the same shop a three-point vertical industrial may carry an extra $30+ in cost. 

If you are considering this piercing, do your research on your artist, and once you find one that you trust, ask their price.  Do not fall into the temptation to just go to the cheapest place you can find – as, with many other things in life, cheap isn’t always good, and good isn’t always cheap.

Industrial Piercing Jewelry

Industrial Piercing Healing

As stated before, the healing times will vary greatly based on the actual placement and style of your industrial, as well as your own body and the care you take post-procedure.  For the basic Scaffold industrial, starting with two separate pieces of jewelry, healing will take place in about 6-8 weeks.  Starting the same project with a single piece of jewelry can extend that to 6-12 months or more.

Industrial Piercing Infection

Because of the area, these piercings are in, they are more prone to infection than a lot of people give them credit for.  Hair hanging down on the area or even becoming wrapped around jewelry can be hugely detrimental to healing, as hair carries a very high amount of bacteria even with regular hygiene employed.  Hats, sweaters being taken off and put on, and scarves all carry a lot of bacteria, as well as the risk of snagging your jewelry.

During a healthy healing period, you may notice some discharge (lymph), some tenderness, swelling in the immediate area and of course some basic red discoloration. Should the worst happen, and either an infection or rejection start to happen; the following can be signs of just that: Excessive swelling and pain, discharge that is notably discolored (yellow, orange, green), continual bleeding and/or any unusual smell.

Industrial Piercing Aftercare

Just like any other type of piercings, your piercer will likely give you some instructions on industrial aftercare specifically on how to soak your new piercing with a sea salt solution. This must be done twice a day after having your piercing. This can help in healing your piercing quickly. At the same time, it can keep the piercing area clean. In case there is an occurrence of bacteria in your piercing, then the sea salt solution can help in flushing it out before it becomes a bigger issue.

Aftercare for industrial ear piercings can be done by making your own sea salt solution  All you need is a quarter teaspoon of sea salt, then mix it with 8 ounces of warm water. The water must be warm enough so the sea salt can dissolve quickly. However, it should be cool enough so you’ll be able to place it on your ear without causing any pain. Nevertheless, if you do not want to make your own sea salt solution then you can purchase a pre-made mixture that is effective in industrial piercing aftercare healing.

Industrial Piercing Aftercare Instructions

After getting your industrial piercing, you must be very careful with your industrial barbell aftercare in order to avoid any infection. Also, you should do your best aftercare for industrial piercing especially in cleaning the piercing area.

• Clean your Hands
  Before touching the piercing area, you should make sure that your hands are clean.
• Wash your hands with Soap
  Wash your hands with an antibacterial soap in order to protect yourself from infection.
• Use warm water
  In order to loosen up the crusts and the dried skin, just place your head under a faucet and let the warm water run through your ear. Do this for 30 seconds.
• Rub the metal rod
  Lather it up with antibacterial soap and warm water. Gently rub the metal rod while twisting the piercing around so it can be coated with soap.
• Rinse with water
  Rinse it with water until there is no more soap from your piercing and jewelry.
• Dry your piercing
  Dry your piercing area with a disposable paper towel.
• Use aftercare sea salt
  An effective method of cleaning your pierced area is industrial piercing aftercare sea salt.

Suggested Aftercare Products For Industrial Piercing

Frontier Natural Sea Salt

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The best thing that you can do for your industrial piercing is to have regular saltwater soaks. This procedure will help in drawing out discharges, encourage blood circulation, and alleviate irritations. It is strongly recommended that you should soak your piercing at least twice a day. However, if healing is difficult, then you can do it more often.

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You can make your own soaking solution by combining sea salt and distilled water. It is very important to use pure sea salt like Frontier Natural Sea Salt. Avoid using table salt since it contains some chemicals which can cause irritation to your piercing and dextrose which can lead to yeast infections.

H2Ocean Sterile Saline Spray

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If you are traveling, then soaking may not be the best option. You can use popular products like H2Ocean Sterile Saline Spray. It is very easy to use. Simply spray the solution to completely cleanse your industrial piercing. You don’t have to rotate your jewelry and you don’t need to rinse off the sterile saline solution. This is a mixture of sea salt and lysozyme. H2Ocean is very convenient and portable too since you can bring it anywhere. It is formulated with natural enzymes and 82 trace elements. It is primarily used as a spray, however, you can also use it as a soak when needed.

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H2Ocean – Blue Green Liquid Soap

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It is very important to wash your hands before touching your piercing. H2Ocean – Blue Green Liquid Soap is the best soap to use since it is antibacterial and antimicrobial. It is free from paraben and fragrance. This soap is vegan-friendly and also includes aloe vera.

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Recovery Piercing Aftercare Purified Saline Spray

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Recovery Saline Wash can clean, rinse and refresh your new industrial piercings. It is made only of natural ingredients and is suitable for both external and internal use. This saline solution can heal and protect your piercing by getting rid of dirt and debris. It gives you a soothing, cool feeling while eliminating the pain of your new piercing.

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Industrial Aftercare Piercing Tips

ALWAYS follow the proper aftercare for industrial piercing instructions given to you by your artist religiously.

• Never touch the area with dirty hands as it can lead to infection.
• Avoid allergic reactions from your body by using gold and titanium jewelry.
• Never sleep on the side where the piercing is placed.
• Regularly clean the area with saline water (1 cup of lukewarm water and 1/2 tsp. of sea salt).
• Carefully dip the solution with the help of a cotton bud or cotton swab.
• Clean the area twice or thrice a day.
• Never use disinfectant soaps and hydrogen peroxide unless recommended by a doctor.

Industrial Piercing Frequently Asked Question

Getting an industrial piercing is an easy and quick process most of the time. Many people love to get piercings because they are a less permanent way to express themselves. If you are on the fence about getting this piercing, you probably have some questions. Here are some of our most commonly requested piercing inquiries.

Industrial Piercing Final Thoughts

You have to have enough knowledge of the perils of piercing to ensure you survive the whole healing process without any problem and complication. Let us know your experiences with the industrial piercings in the comments! Which one is your favorite?