Industrial Piercing: Price and Aftercare

What is an industrial piercing?

An industrial (sometimes also called a “scaffold” or “bar piercing”) is a type of piercing where two holes in the upper ear cartilage are joined by a single piece of jewellery. Technically there are two separate cartilage holes; what links them visually is the straight barbell, about 3.5–4 cm long, that passes between them. That is why it looks like a diagonal line across the ear and creates a strong focal point in ear stacks.

The most common placement runs between a spot near the forward helix at the upper front of the ear and the helix on the back outer rim. On some ears, vertical or differently angled variations are possible; but your ear anatomy decides which variation is suitable, not the jewellery style.

Can every ear have an industrial?

No. The industrial is one of the most anatomy-dependent piercings. The cartilage between the two ends of the bar must not push the bar, and the jewellery must sit straight without pressing on the ear. In these cases the piercer may suggest another option:

• If the helix fold is not defined: If the upper rim of the ear is flat or very thin, the bar may not find enough to hold on to.
• If cartilage cuts across the bar’s path: If the inner fold of the ear (anti-helix area) sticks out enough to rest against the bar, constant pressure builds up; this can lead to bumps and a shifting angle.
• If the ear is very small: Standard bar lengths may be too long for the ear.

An industrial forced onto an unsuitable ear prolongs healing and can make the bar sit crooked. In that case, two separate helix holes (for example helix and forward helix) give a similar look with less risk; once healed, they can be linked with chain jewellery if you like.

How is the procedure done?

1. Anatomy check and marking: The piercer examines your ear, marks the two entry points and checks with you in the mirror that the bar path is straight.
2. Preparation: The area is cleaned; the sterile single-use needle and jewellery packs are opened in front of you, and new gloves are used for every procedure.
3. Two piercings: Cartilage is pierced with a needle, not a gun. First one spot, then the second is pierced, and the bar is passed through both holes.
4. Final check: The bar length and angle are checked and aftercare instructions are explained.

Because two holes are made, the procedure takes a little longer than a single cartilage piercing. The pain felt varies from person to person; because there are two piercings in a row, most people feel the second more than the first. For factors that affect pain, see how much does a piercing hurt article.

How to choose industrial piercing jewellery

• Jewellery type: A straight, one-piece barbell is used at the start. Rings, chain or angled styles are not recommended during initial healing.
• Thickness: Industrial bars are usually 1.6 mm (14G) thick.
• Length: Mostly 32–38 mm, chosen according to the distance between the two points on your ear. A bar that is too short squeezes; one that is too long catches and moves. For how sizing works, see piercing jewellery sizes article.
• Material: At our studio, standard surgical steel jewellery is included in the price. If you prefer titanium, the jewellery costs 350 TL and is added to the piercing price. For the differences between materials, see titanium piercing jewellery article.

Healing and aftercare

With an industrial, two separate cartilage holes heal at the same time and are linked by a single piece of jewellery. Irritation in one can affect the other, so the process is more delicate than a single helix hole. Initial healing usually takes 6–12 months; in some people the two holes heal at different speeds. To compare with other piercings, the piercing healing times table is useful.

• Cleaning: Once or twice a day, wet the area with sterile saline solution and gently pat dry with clean gauze. Details: how to clean a new piercing.
• Don’t play with the jewellery: There is no need to turn or slide the bar; this habit delays healing.
• Sleeping: Don’t sleep on the pierced side. A travel pillow with a hole in the middle helps a lot in the first months; our sleeping with a piercing article has practical tips.
• Hair, headphones, hats: A long bar catches easily on hair and over-ear headphones. In the first months, keeping your hair tied back and using in-ear headphones reduces pressure.
• Products: Don’t use products such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, ointments or creams on your own.

Possible problems and when to get help

The most common problem with an industrial is a small bump around one of the holes (irritation bump). It is usually caused by pressure, the jewellery catching or the wrong bar length, and it subsides once the cause is removed. Details piercing bumps in our article. If the bar starts to feel too long once the initial swelling goes down, have it checked at the studio rather than changing it yourself.

If you see any of these, see a doctor without removing the jewellery yourself: increasing and spreading redness, warmth and swelling; green-yellow, foul-smelling discharge; fever or feeling unwell. Signs of infection in cartilage should be taken seriously. To tell irritation from infection, see infection or irritation article.

Industrial or two separate helix piercings?

Industrial piercing at our studio

Cadde Piercing Studio is at İstiklal Mah. Mithatpaşa Cad. No:7B, Ümraniye Çarşı, Istanbul. Procedures at our studio are done by female piercers. For service details, see our industrial piercing page.

• Opening hours: We are open every day. Monday–Saturday 10:00–20:30, Sunday 11:00–20:00.
• Booking: You can book an appointment or walk in.
• Payment: Payments at the studio are cash only.
• Price: An industrial piercing is 650 TL (standard surgical steel jewellery included). Titanium jewellery is 350 TL; with titanium the total is 1,000 TL. For other prices, see our prices page; for questions, WhatsApp: 0533 250 01 77.

This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice. Ask your piercer or doctor about your personal situation.

Official and reliable sources

• APP: Minimum standards for initial jewellery
• APP: Piercing aftercare brochure (PDF)

FAQ

How long does an industrial piercing take to heal?

Initial healing usually takes 6–12 months, longer for some people. Because two separate cartilage holes are linked by one piece of jewellery, irritation in one can affect the other.

Can every ear have an industrial piercing?

No. The helix fold needs to be defined and the bar must sit straight without pressing on the ear. On unsuitable ears, two separate helix holes are a safer alternative.

How much is an industrial piercing?

At our studio an industrial piercing is 650 TL with standard surgical steel jewellery included. If titanium is chosen, the 350 TL jewellery price is added, for a total of 1,000 TL.

Is an industrial piercing done with a gun?

No. Cartilage is pierced with a sterile, single-use needle. The gun is used for lobes only.

What size should industrial jewellery be?

Bars are usually 1.6 mm (14G) thick and 32–38 mm long. The piercer chooses the length according to the distance between the two points on your ear.

Can I sleep on an industrial piercing?

Not recommended in the first months. Pressure can change the angle of the bar and increase bump formation. A pillow with a hole in the middle helps during this time.

This content is for general information only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.