How to Get an Eyebrow Piercing

Reminiscent of the late 20th-century British punk scene, eyebrow piercings have now entered mainstream culture. Skip the safety pins and paper clips and opt instead for a barbell-shaped stud or a ring.

Things You'll Need

• Ponytail Holders
• Piercing Locations

Instructions

1. Choose a piercer that is licensed or has apprenticed for many years. Confirm that he or she works with sterilized equipment and disposable hollow needles and wears new latex gloves for each client, offers only piercing quality jewelry and is accessible post-treatment should you have any questions or concerns.

2. Wear a button-down shirt to your appointment. This way you won't be obligated to pull a shirt over your head - and your new jewelry - when you're ready to change.

3. Bring clips and, if necessary, a ponytail holder to keep hair away from your eyes. Until your piercing heals, you'll want to keep your hair off your face, as it may get caught or tangled in the ring or stud.

4. Close your eyes when the procedure begins. Trying to watch may cause you to tense up or jerk at the sight of the needle. Take long deep breaths to keep calm as the steady hand of your piercer slips the needle in, followed by your new jewelry.

5. Take the aftercare advice of your piercer very seriously. It takes about six weeks to two months for an eyebrow piercing to heal, and in the meantime, it's very susceptible to infection.

Tips & Warnings

• Go with the jewelry that your piercer offers, provided that it's titanium, stainless steel or niobium - the metals least likely to promote infection. The properties of gold may not mesh with your body chemistry.

• When any slight pain subsides, you may forget you've had your eyebrow pierced. Try to remember to take sepcial care when inserting contact lenses, blow drying hair or wearing hats or masks.

• Should you experience excessive swelling, prolonged redness, throbbing pain or sensations of heat in the pierced area, seek immediate medical attention.

• Never remove your ring or barbell if you suspect infection, unless under a physician's recommendation. The bacteria causing the infection may get trapped in your system as the hole begins to seal.

• Piercing can cause nerve damage if the jewelry is positioned improperly, and communicable diseases spread during the procedure if performed with unsterilized or used equipment.