Thinking about getting an eyebrow piercing, but not sure what you’re signing up for? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. From picking the right eyebrow piercing jewelry to figuring out aftercare, there’s a lot to know.
Consider this your handy Eyebrow Piercing FAQ. We’ll cover everything from starter gauge sizes and how to handle common healing hiccups to the best styles of eyebrow rings out there.
Common Eyebrow Piercing Questions
Q. What’s the ideal starter size for eyebrow piercing jewelry?
Q. Am I stuck with eyebrow rings, or are there other styles of eyebrow piercing jewelry I can wear?
Q, Where should I go to get my eyebrow pierced?
Q. How much do eyebrow piercings cost?
Q. What if I’m under 18? Do I need to bring my mom, dad or anything special to get pierced?
Q. Can I get a double eyebrow piercing in one sitting?
Q. What does proper eyebrow piercing aftercare involve?
Q. What kind of problems can come up with a new eyebrow piercing, and how do I handle them?
Q. How long will my eyebrow piercing take to heal?
Q. When can I change my eyebrow piercing jewelry myself?
Q. How is an eyebrow piercing different from an anti-eyebrow piercing?
Q. Is there special eyebrow piercing jewelry for guys?
Q. If I’m not ready for a real piercing, how can I get a fake eyebrow piercing?
Answers to Common Eyebrow Piercing FAQs
Q. What’s the ideal starter size for eyebrow piercing jewelry?
A. Most brow piercings are done with jewelry between 12g and 18g. Here’s the deal: the thicker the gauge, the better your chances of keeping your eyebrow piercing for the long haul. Since eyebrow piercings are technically surface piercings (they don’t go straight through like an earlobe piercing), your body treats the jewelry kind of like an unwanted guest. It slowly tries to push it out, the same way it would a splinter.
That’s why starting with a sturdier piece of eyebrow piercing jewelry, like a 12g or 14g curved barbell, helps reduce the risk of migration and rejection. In general, piercing a little deeper and using the heaviest gauge gives your piercing the best chance at healing happily.
Q: Am I stuck with eyebrow rings, or are there other styles of eyebrow piercing jewelry I can wear?
A: Nope, you’ve got options! Rings are popular, but they’re not your only choice when it comes to eyebrow piercing jewelry. If you choose the ring route, you’ll find plenty of variations to play with, like captive bead rings, seamless rings, D-rings, segment rings, and even spiral rings if you’re feeling adventurous.
Not a ring person? You can rock a classic curved barbell or a circular barbell, which has that horseshoe vibe. Between these main styles and all their sub-styles, you’ve got plenty of ways to customize your look.
Q. Where should I go to get my eyebrows pierced?
A: Straight to a professional piercer—no exceptions. A skilled piercer knows exactly how deep to place your brow piercing to help minimize the chances of migration or rejection (remember, eyebrow piercings are surface piercings, so placement really matters).
Look for a reputable tattoo and piercing studio with solid reviews. A professional will follow strict safety standards, which means:
- Autoclaving your eyebrow piercing jewelry right in front of you
- Setting up a sterile tray with all the tools still sealed in their packaging
- Only opening those tools once your skin is prepped and they’ve put on a fresh pair of gloves
Never let anyone pierce you with anything but a sterile, single-use piercing needle that’s unwrapped right before use. Needles are inexpensive, so there’s zero excuse for reusing or “re-sterilizing” them. Your health and safety should always come first.
Q. How much do eyebrow piercings cost?
A: On average, a single brow piercing runs about $40 in most cities, though prices can be higher or lower in upscale areas and smaller towns, respectively. If $40 feels a little steep, remember that your piercer isn’t pocketing all of it. Out of that fee, they’ve got to cover the cost of sterile tools, professional-grade eyebrow piercing jewelry, and the shop’s commission (unless they’re the owner). Since most piercers work on commission rather than salary, tips are a huge part of their income.
As a rule of thumb:
- 15% tip = smallest baseline (unless the experience was awful)
- 20–25% tip = solid, respectful thank-you for great work
Q. What if I’m under 18? Do I need to bring my mom, dad, or anything special to get pierced?
A. Short answer: probably yes. Long answer: it depends on where you live. Piercing laws for minors vary state by state and sometimes even city by city. For more details, check out our Piercing Minors and Piercing Tips for Minors articles.
Here are a few key things to know:
- If you want a nipple or genital piercing and you’re under 18, that’s a hard no: you’ll have to wait until your birthday.
- Some states (like New Mexico, Washington, Vermont, and Nevada) don’t have strict statewide rules for other piercings, but most reputable shops will still require a parent or legal guardian’s written consent, and many also require them to be present during the procedure.
- Even with parental permission, some shops set their own age minimums. For example, a studio might only pierce eyebrows if you’re 15 or older.
Before you pick out your first piece of eyebrow piercing jewelry, make sure you:
- Check your state’s regulations: (we’ve got a handy Piercing Minors page that breaks it down).
- Look into local city/county rules in case they’re stricter.
- Ask your piercer directly: every shop can set its own policy, and it’s always better to know before you show up.
Q. Can I get a double eyebrow piercing in one sitting?
A: Yep! There’s no rule against getting two eyebrow piercings at once. Pain-wise, an eyebrow piercing isn’t usually at the top of the most painful piercings list. Plus, your adrenaline will likely kick in right before the needle goes through, giving you a natural boost of numbness.
If you’re feeling antsy about it, ask your piercer if they can apply a topical anesthetic like Recovery Numbing Spray. It has 5% lidocaine, which helps numb the skin and makes the whole experience a lot more manageable.
So, if you’re set on double brow piercings right away, go for it. Just make sure you’re prepared to handle the healing process for two fresh piercings at the same time.
Q. What does proper eyebrow piercing aftercare involve?
A: Taking care of your new eyebrow piercing isn’t complicated—it’s mostly about keeping things clean, leaving your jewelry alone, and giving your body the best shot at healing. Here’s the breakdown:
The Basics
- Saline spray is your best friend. Your piercer will likely recommend something like Recovery Piercing Aftercare Spray. Mist it on your piercing 3–6 times a day to flush away debris and bacteria.
- Hands off the jewelry. Resist the urge to twist, turn, or slide your eyebrow piercing jewelry. It doesn’t help healing and can push bacteria into the fistula (the piercing channel).
- Dealing with “crusties.” Totally normal! They’re just dried lymph fluid. If your jewelry feels stuck, soften the crusties with saline, then gently wipe them away with a clean tissue.
Things to Avoid
- No soap or harsh cleansers. Scented soaps can dry out your skin and delay healing.
- Skip the alcohol and nicotine. Both slow down your body’s natural healing process (and alcohol can make bleeding worse if a scab comes loose).
Healing Helpers
- Eat well and sleep well. A strong immune system means faster healing. Prioritize nutrition and rest.
- Stay hygienic overall. Clean sheets, clean pillowcases, and good daily hygiene all help your new piercing stay happy.
Q. What kind of problems can come up with a new eyebrow piercing, and how do I handle them?
A: Most brow piercings heal just fine, but a few bumps in the road can happen. The good news? With the right aftercare (and some quick action), most issues are easy to fix.
- Allergic Reactions: If the skin around your piercing gets red, itchy, or overly swollen, you might be having a reaction. The fix? Have your piercer swap it out for titanium or a hypoallergenic option like BioPlast (PTFE). These materials are far less likely to irritate your skin than low-quality metals.
- Red Bumps: That bump near your eyebrow piercing jewelry—hypergranulation—(extra tissue caused by pressure + moisture). If your jewelry is too tight, ask your piercer to switch it for a slightly longer barbell right away. Ignoring it can cut off circulation to the tissue (necrosis), which can lead to infection.
- Infection: If you notice these symptoms, ramp up your aftercare immediately:
- Red streaks radiating from the piercing
- Skin that feels hot to the touch
- Thick yellowish pus
- Fever
Make sure you mist your piercing morning, noon, and night with aftercare spray, and any time it feels irritated. Add in two sea salt soaks a day: just press cotton balls soaked in saline against your piercing (front and back) for 5 minutes.
👉 Pro Tip: If your skin is dry or cracked, add a drop of tea tree oil to the cotton ball before pressing it on. It’s a natural antiseptic and moisturizer that can help calm irritation.
If things don’t improve within a couple of days or if symptoms get worse, see your doctor. You may need antibiotics to fully clear the infection.
Q. How long will my eyebrow piercing take to heal?
A: Your eyebrow piercing might look healed after about 6 weeks, but don’t be fooled. It still needs more time on the inside. To be safe, give it at least 3 full months before you try changing your brow piercing jewelry yourself.
Here’s why: the fistula (that’s the piercing channel) needs time to thicken and strengthen so it’s not constantly irritated when new jewelry is pushed through. The longer you leave your starter jewelry alone, the smoother your healing will be, and the better your chances of keeping your eyebrow piercing long-term with fewer problems.
Q. When can I change my eyebrow piercing jewelry myself?
A: Changing out your starter jewelry can be tricky the first time. If you’re itching for new jewelry at the 6-week mark, let your piercer handle the swap (even if there’s a small fee). Even after 3+ months, you might want a helping hand the first time you change your eyebrow ring, just to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Still wanna go solo? A couple of tools can make the process easier:
- Threaded taper: Grab one that matches your jewelry size. Attach your new piece of eyebrow piercing jewelry to the taper, add a drop of water-based lube (like Emu Oil) to the tip, and gently guide it through.
- Thread match trick: If your current barbell is externally threaded, find an internally threaded piece with a matching thread pattern—or use a converter post. That way, the new jewelry pushes the old jewelry right out.
Q. How is an eyebrow piercing different from an anti-eyebrow piercing?
A: An eyebrow piercing sits along the ridge of your eyebrow—pretty straightforward. An anti-eyebrow piercing, on the other hand, is placed just below the outer corner of your eye.
Anti-eyebrows can be done a couple of different ways:
- With a surface barbell (similar to eyebrow piercing jewelry but designed for flatter placements)
- With a dermal anchor (a single-point piercing that sits under the skin)
Some people go for just one small dermal below the eye, creating a “teardrop” effect that looks like permanent jewelry.
Q. If I’m not ready for a real piercing, how can I get a fake one?
A. Want the look without the commitment? Fake it with a captive bead ring. These are real piercing rings that can double as faux eyebrow piercing jewelry with a simple trick.
Here’s how:
- Pop out the captive bead.
- Pinch the skin where you want your “piercing” to sit.
- Slide the ring on.
- Gently squeeze the ends together until it stays put.
You may need to test a few different diameters to find the most natural fit, but it’s usually an inexpensive experiment. Stick with a manageable gauge, like 14g, 16g, or 18g.
👉Pro Tip: Hang onto those beads! If you ever decide to go for the real deal later, you’ll already have jewelry ready to go.
