A barbell piercing is a type of body jewelry that consists of a straight or curved bar with a ball or decorative end on each side. It is commonly used in various piercings, including tongue piercings, nipple piercings, industrial piercings, eyebrow piercings, and more. This versatile jewelry style is popular due to its secure fit, comfortable design, and wide variety of styles.
If you’re considering getting a barbell piercing or just want to learn more, this guide covers everything from types and placement to healing and aftercare.
What Is a Barbell Piercing?
A barbell piercing refers to any piercing that uses a barbell-style piece of jewelry. The name comes from its resemblance to a weightlifting barbell. It consists of:
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A straight or curved bar
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Two removable end balls (or decorative ends) that screw onto the bar
This type of jewelry is known for being secure, easy to clean, and customizable with different materials and styles.
Types of Barbell Piercings
There are several variations of barbell piercings, each designed for different placements on the body.
1. Straight Barbell
✔ Commonly used for: Tongue piercings, industrial piercings, nipple piercings
✔ Design: A straight metal bar with balls on each end
✔ Best for: Areas that require a secure and stable fit
2. Curved Barbell
✔ Commonly used for: Eyebrow piercings, rook piercings, daith piercings
✔ Design: A slightly curved bar with balls on each end
✔ Best for: Piercings that follow the natural curve of the body
3. Circular Barbell (Horseshoe Barbell)
✔ Commonly used for: Septum piercings, lip piercings, daith piercings
✔ Design: A horseshoe-shaped barbell with removable ends
✔ Best for: Flexibility in flipping the jewelry up or down
4. Surface Barbell
✔ Commonly used for: Surface piercings, dermal piercings
✔ Design: A flat, U-shaped bar with 90-degree angles at the ends
✔ Best for: Preventing migration or rejection in flat areas
5. Industrial Barbell
✔ Commonly used for: Industrial piercings (ear cartilage)
✔ Design: A long straight bar connecting two cartilage piercings
✔ Best for: Creating a unique and bold look
Popular Piercings That Use Barbell Jewelry
Barbells are one of the most versatile types of jewelry. They can be used in many different piercings, including:
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Tongue Piercing – Straight barbells help reduce swelling and allow for easier healing.
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Nipple Piercing – Straight barbells provide comfort and prevent irritation.
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Eyebrow Piercing – Curved barbells follow the natural curve of the brow.
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Industrial Piercing – A long barbell connects two cartilage piercings in the ear.
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Septum Piercing – Circular barbells allow for easy flipping when needed.
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Rook and Daith Piercings – Curved barbells reduce pressure in cartilage piercings.
How Is a Barbell Piercing Done?
The process of getting a barbell piercing is straightforward, but it must be done by a professional piercer to ensure safety and proper healing.
1. Choosing the Piercing Placement
The piercer will examine your anatomy and determine the best spot for the piercing.
2. Sterilization
All equipment, including the needle and jewelry, is sterilized to prevent infection.
3. Marking the Area
The piercer will mark the exact spot where the needle will go through.
4. Piercing the Skin
A hollow needle is used to create a clean hole for the jewelry. The barbell is then inserted immediately.
5. Securing the Jewelry
The piercer will screw on the barbell ends and clean the area.
6. Aftercare Instructions
You’ll receive instructions on how to clean and care for your new piercing to promote healing.
How Long Does a Barbell Piercing Take to Heal?
Healing time depends on the location of the piercing and your body’s ability to heal. Below are general healing times for common barbell piercings:
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Tongue Piercing – 4 to 6 weeks
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Eyebrow Piercing – 6 to 8 weeks
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Industrial Piercing – 6 months to 1 year
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Nipple Piercing – 6 to 12 months
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Septum Piercing – 6 to 8 weeks
Barbell Piercing Aftercare Tips
To ensure your piercing heals properly, follow these aftercare tips:
✔ Clean the piercing twice a day with saline solution.
✔ Avoid touching the piercing unless necessary.
✔ Do not rotate or remove the jewelry until fully healed.
✔ Avoid sleeping on the piercing to prevent irritation.
✔ Stay away from pools, hot tubs, and lakes to reduce infection risk.
✔ Eat soft foods if you have a tongue or lip piercing to reduce irritation.
Common Issues with Barbell Piercings
Like any piercing, barbell piercings can have some complications if not cared for properly.
1. Swelling and Redness
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Normal in the first few days
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Can be reduced with cold compresses and saline cleaning
2. Infection
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Symptoms: Pus, severe redness, pain, and fever
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Solution: Clean with saline and consult a doctor if needed
3. Migration or Rejection
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Happens when the body pushes the jewelry out
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Solution: Use hypoallergenic metals and avoid excessive movement
4. Jewelry Irritation
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Caused by cheap or low-quality materials
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Solution: Use titanium, surgical steel, or gold
Best Jewelry Materials for Barbell Piercings
Choosing the right material reduces irritation and promotes healing.
✔ Titanium – Hypoallergenic, lightweight, and perfect for sensitive skin
✔ Surgical Steel – Durable and widely used in professional piercings
✔ Gold (14K or higher) – Elegant and safe, but expensive
✔ Bioplast or PTFE – Flexible and great for reducing swelling
Can You Change Your Barbell Jewelry?
Yes, but only after the piercing is fully healed. Changing it too soon can cause irritation, infection, or closure of the hole.
Steps to Change Barbell Jewelry
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Wash your hands thoroughly.
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Sanitize the new jewelry with saline solution.
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Unscrew the current jewelry carefully.
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Gently insert the new barbell without forcing it.
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Clean the area again after changing the jewelry.
A barbell piercing is a stylish and versatile choice for many body piercings. Whether you choose a straight barbell, curved barbell, or circular barbell, proper aftercare and high-quality jewelry will ensure a smooth healing process.
Before getting pierced, consult a professional piercer to discuss the best options for your anatomy and lifestyle. With the right care, a barbell piercing can be a beautiful and long-lasting addition to your body jewelry collection.