So, you’re ready for an anti-eyebrow piercing but where do you even start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Learn everything you need to know about placement, aftercare, and the best anti-eyebrow piercing jewelry for your new look. What’s an Anti-Eyebrow Piercing? Despite the name, anti-eyebrow piercings don’t actually go through your eyebrows. Instead, they’re a type of surface piercing usually placed along the curve of the cheekbone or vertically below the eyebrow (hence the name anti-eyebrow). Since they’re considered surface piercings, anti-eyebrow piercings are more prone to migration and rejection. This makes them more of a long-term temporary piercing than a forever commitment because they typically reject after a few years. How Much Do Anti-Eyebrow Piercings Hurt? Pain-wise, anti-eyebrow piercings are pretty middle-of-the-road. Most people rate their pain around a 2–4 out of 10. The first pinch from the needle is the worst part, followed by a brief sting as the jewelry is inserted. After that, it’s smooth sailing—just a bit of tenderness as your skin adjusts. How Much Do Anti-Eyebrow Piercings Cost? Prices usually start around $30–$40, but that can jump depending on your piercing location and/or anti-eyebrow piercing jewelry. Fancier materials or unique designs can easily push the total toward $100 or more. Also, if you choose dermal anchors to mimic an anti-eyebrow piercing, keep in mind you’re essentially paying for two piercings instead of one, potentially doubling the price. How Long Do Anti-Eyebrow Piercings Take to Heal? You’re looking at about 3–5 months for full healing. Everyone’s body is different, so your timeline may vary depending on factors like anatomy, aftercare, and how careful you are about bumping or snagging it. Typical Healing Stages 1-2 Weeks: Expect some redness, swelling, and mild soreness (totally normal). 3-4 Weeks: Things calm down, but you may notice some dried lymph (“crusties”) around the area. Don’t pick them! 5-6 Weeks: Your piercing might still feel tender, but healing is almost complete. By week seven, you should be good to go and can safely change your anti-eyebrow piercing jewelry. But always confirm with your piercer first. How Long Do Anti-Eyebrow Piercings Last? Anti-eyebrow piercings can stick around a while, sometimes for years, but they’re not forever. How long they last depends a lot on how long your body decides it wants to keep them, so to speak. Your body recognizes jewelry in a surface piercing as an invader, and eventually, it will push your jewelry out. That said, just because your body actively tries to rid itself of your anti-eyebrow piercing doesn’t mean it’s doomed from the start. Proper aftercare and choosing high-quality anti-eyebrow piercing jewelry can keep yours around longer (more on aftercare and jewelry selection later). What are My Anti-Eyebrow Piercing Placement Options? Anti-eyebrow piercings are generally located beneath the eyebrow and around your eye. That said, your piercer won’t slap your anti-eyebrow piercing just anywhere and call it a day. What Affects Anti-Eyebrow Piercing Placement? Before you get your anti-eyebrow piercing, your piercer will take a good look at your face. But not just anywhere. They’ll focus on your eye area, specifically the orbital sockets, since the skin there is thinner and more delicate (and way too close to your actual eyeball for comfort). Next, they’ll move down to the cheekbone area and see if there's enough tissue to safely hold the jewelry without putting extra stress on your skin. Why Facial Anatomy Matters If a piercing is placed too close to the orbital socket, or if the skin is too thin, it can lead to early rejection, infection, or in worst cases, eye-related complications. That’s why your piercer will do a careful anatomy check, often asking you to make a few funny faces to see how your skin naturally moves and folds. It might feel a little silly in the moment, but trust us: it’s worth it for a safe, comfortable, and long-lasting anti-eyebrow piercing. What are My Anti-Eyebrow Piercing Jewelry Options? When it comes to anti-eyebrow piercing jewelry, you’ve got a few options — each with its own pros and cons. It’s important to consider the piercing lifespan, placement options, risk of Scarring, and potential migration. However, which one you choose largely depends on what look you're going for. Surface Bars These are classic. Surface bars have two visible ends and tend to last longer—sometimes even years. They work best on flatter skin areas, where they can lie perpendicular to the skin and resist movement. However, they can leave more noticeable scars if they reject. Surface Anchors (Microdermals) These are single-point piercings that use a small base under the skin. They’re sleek, subtle, and great for smaller spaces. They usually last a year or two and leave minimal scarring, but they can lift over time. What About Curved Surface Bars? Curved surface bars used to be a thing with anti-eyebrow piercings. And while you could still use them, piercers generally say “nope.” That’s because the curved bar makes them susceptible to movement. Curved barbells greatly increase your risk of not only early rejection, but a nasty scar when it’s all said and done. Take it from your experienced piercer: curved barbells are a big no. If you want an anti-eyebrow piercing that lasts, opt for the surface bar instead. When trying to decide which jewelry is best for your anti-eyebrow piercing, it’s best to consult with your piercer. It’s also imperative that your piercer helps you understand that anti-eyebrow piercings will not last forever and will either reject or need to be Anti-Eyebrow Jewelry Options Your first piece of anti-eyebrow piercing jewelry should be simple and low-profile. Like a flat or beveled top that’s less likely to bump or snag. However, once healed, you can upgrade to something flashier that shows off your personality. You could choose a simple ball end for your surface bar or anchor, but they aren’t your only choice. Popular options include: Jeweled tops: opals, crystals, or clustered stones. Flat tops: minimalist circles or geometric designs. Fun shapes: Skulls, hearts, stars, or any other shape that fits your vibe. Aftercare Tips Like with all piercings, be gentle with your anti-eyebrow piercing during the first stages of healing. Clean your piercing regularly: But not with soap and water. Clean with piercing-safe products, like Recovery’s aftercare soap or sterile saline spray. Don’t pick your crusties: It’s tempting, we know. But seriously, resist—and rinse your piercing with Recovery Purified Saline Wash. This will soften the crusties enough to wipe away gently and safely with a clean cloth. Avoid excessive touching: Try not to touch, wiggle, twist, or move your piercing. If you must, make sure your hands are clean and dry before doing so. Protect your piercing: Take care not to snag or bump your piercing, especially during the first few weeks. Watch for infection: Notice any warmth, pain, or redness that’s lasted way longer than a few weeks that’s getting worse? Contact your piercer right away so they can find the problem and guide you toward a solution. Don’t change your piercing too soon: Be patient and wait until your piercing heals completely before changing to something you like. Ask for help: Changing your piercing for the first time can be tricky. There’s no shame in calling up your piercer and getting them to change your jewelry for you. Even after it’s healed, keep cleaning your piercing occasionally with piercing saline solution to prevent buildup or irritation. Final Thoughts Anti-eyebrow piercings are edgy, elegant, and a bold way to show off your style. Sure, it might not last forever, but that’s part of its charm. With the right care (and the right anti-eyebrow piercing jewelry), you can enjoy your look for months or even years before it’s time for the next adventure.
