Eyebrow Piercing: Placement and Healing

What is an eyebrow piercing and where is it placed?

An eyebrow piercing is made through the soft tissue over the brow bone, between the eyebrow hairs. One end of the jewellery shows above the brow and the other below it. The most common placement is the outer third of the eyebrow, near the tail. There are two reasons for choosing this area: the jewellery sits more balanced on the face, and it stays away from the area on the inner side of the brow where nerves and blood vessels are concentrated.

A piercing on the cheekbone near the outer corner of the eye is called an anti-eyebrow ; despite the similar name, it is a different piercing. A horizontal piercing at the bridge of the nose, between the eyes, is known as a bridge piercing .

Vertical, angled or horizontal?

• Vertical: The most classic and popular placement. The jewellery sits perpendicular to the brow line.
• Slightly angled: A placement that follows the natural slope of the brow, giving the face a softer look. The angle is set according to your brow shape.
• Horizontal: A placement running along the brow. Because it behaves more like a surface piercing, the chance of the body pushing the jewellery out (rejection) is higher, so it is not recommended for everyone.

The thickness of the tissue in the brow area decides which placement suits you. The piercer gently pinches the tissue to check there is enough; if it is very thin, they may suggest a different placement or a different piercing.

How is the procedure done?

1. Choosing the spot: The entry and exit points are marked to suit your face and brow shape and checked together in the mirror.
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. Piercing: Facial piercings are done with a needle, not a gun. The piercing takes a few seconds, then the jewellery is inserted.
4. Aftercare briefing: We explain what to watch out for in the first days.

Because the brow area is not cartilage, most people describe this piercing as shorter discomfort than cartilage piercings; still, the sensation varies from person to person. For details, see how much does a piercing hurt article.

How to choose eyebrow piercing jewellery

• Jewellery type: At the start, a curved barbell (banana) is the most common choice. A ring moves more during healing, so it usually goes in after healing.
• Thickness and length: Eyebrow jewellery is mostly 1.2 mm (16G) or 1.6 mm (14G) thick. The first jewellery is chosen a little long to leave room for swelling. For how sizing works, see piercing jewellery sizes article.
• Top size: Very large, heavy tops can pull the jewellery down; small ball tops are better in the first months.
• 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, see titanium piercing jewellery article.

Healing and aftercare

Swelling and tenderness around the brow are normal in the first few days; some people also get mild bruising towards the eye. Initial healing usually takes between 6–8 weeks and 3 months. To compare with other piercings, see piercing healing times table is useful.

• Cleaning: Once or twice a day, wet it with sterile saline solution and gently pat dry with clean gauze. Details: how to clean a new piercing.
• Make-up: Don’t apply foundation, powder, brow pencil or brow gel around the piercing. Be careful not to touch the jewellery when doing eye make-up. Practical tips: piercings in everyday life.
• Brow treatments: During healing, pause treatments around the piercing such as tweezing, waxing, threading, brow lamination, tinting and microblading.
• Glasses, towels, clothes: Glasses frames should not press on the jewellery; take care it doesn’t catch when drying your face and putting on or taking off clothes.
• Don’t play with the jewellery: Turning or sliding the jewellery delays healing.

Signs of rejection (migration)

Because an eyebrow piercing sits in thin tissue over bone, the body can push the jewellery towards the surface over time. This is called migration or rejection. If you see these signs, have it checked at the studio:

• The distance between the entry and exit holes getting shorter,
• The skin over the jewellery getting thinner and the jewellery starting to show under the skin,
• The jewellery sitting looser or at a different angle than before.

If rejection is noticed early, removing the jewellery reduces scarring. Details are what is piercing rejection (migration) in our article. If you notice increasing and spreading redness, warmth, foul-smelling discharge or a fever, see a doctor without removing the jewellery yourself; to tell the difference, see infection or irritation article.

Does an eyebrow piercing close, does it leave a mark?

When the jewellery is removed, an eyebrow hole can close quickly, especially in the first years. A closed hole usually leaves two small dots; because they are among the brow hairs, they are usually not noticeable. With jewellery removed due to rejection, the mark may be more visible. For more on this, see do piercings close article.

Eyebrow 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 eyebrow 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 eyebrow piercing is 550 TL (standard surgical steel jewellery included). If you choose titanium jewellery, +350 TL is added, for a total of 900 TL. For other prices, see 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 eyebrow piercing take to heal?

Initial healing takes between 6–8 weeks and 3 months for most people. The tissue can take longer to fully settle; during this time, protect the area from make-up and brow treatments.

Where on the eyebrow is the piercing placed?

The most common placement is the outer third of the brow. The jewellery sits more balanced on the face and stays away from the sensitive area on the inner side of the brow.

How much is an eyebrow piercing?

At our studio an eyebrow piercing is 550 TL with standard surgical steel jewellery included. If titanium is chosen, the 350 TL jewellery price is added, for a total of 900 TL.

Can I get my brows done after an eyebrow piercing?

During healing, pause treatments around the piercing such as tweezing, waxing, threading, lamination, tinting and microblading. Brow care is possible in areas away from the piercing, as long as you are careful.

Can an eyebrow piercing reject?

Because it sits in thin tissue over bone, rejection is possible. The holes moving closer together or the jewellery showing under the skin are signs of it; in that case, have it checked at the studio.

Can I wear a ring in an eyebrow piercing?

A ring can be worn after healing is complete. At the start, a curved barbell moves less, so it usually heals more comfortably.

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