Men’s eyebrow piercing is a controversial topic. Come to think of it – any kind of piercing can seem a little odd for a guy. Today, we’re going to explore the complex subject of eyebrow piercing for men. So, let’s get started…
How you feel about piercing often depends on your culture. For someone brought up in a religious, western family, an eyebrow piercing for a guy would be a huge no-no. In various parts of Africa, on the other hand, an eyebrow ring would be tame – even boring.
In most parts of the US, UK, Europe, and Australia, piercings tend to be more common among girls. However, they can also be an excellent way to symbolize your commitment to certain sub-groups. No-one would look twice at a rocker, punk, or metal-head with a few piercings, right?
Eyebrow piercing for men is also becoming increasingly popular as guys get more confident about shaking up their appearance. Like shaping your beard or dying your eyebrows, piercings make a statement.
So, what do you need to know if you’re planning a piercing?
Men’s eyebrow piercing: Eyebrow piercing types
Generally, eyebrow piercing isn’t something you should do on a whim after a long night out. Sure, it’s funny when your friend wakes up with an unexpected ring somewhere on his face – but it’s not as fun when it happens to you.
Eyebrow piercing for men is gradually making its way into the mainstream. Piercing for guys isn’t as unusual as it used to be, with leading celebs like Harrison Ford and Colin Farrell showing off their own piercings of late.
But you should still think carefully about what kind of piercing is right for you.
The most common type of eyebrow piecing is a simple, vertical piercing which cuts through the eyebrow, often with an accompanying ring or stud.
Let’s look at your options.
Horizontal eyebrow piercing
Otherwise known as a sideways eyebrow piercing, a horizontal eyebrow piercing is almost as common as a vertical piercing. Usually, it involves placing a stud towards the outside corner of the eye.
You can also use rings, spikes, and other kinds of jewelry to create a unique kind of look. Horizontal piercings tend to sit just above the far edge of the eyebrow.
Vertical eyebrow piercing
Vertical eyebrow piercing is the standard eyebrow piercing style for most guys. You can have the piercing done pretty much anywhere along the ridge of your eyebrow. Even better, if you really like the look of this piercing, you can also get multiple piercings done at once.
Some people just have a single stud, while others have multiple – reaching all the way up to 7 or 8 rings in a row.
What does an eyebrow piercing symbolize?
An eyebrow piercing doesn’t have to mean anything.
Generally, the purpose of this piercing is to showcase your unique style – just like any kind of piercing, or hair dye choice. A piercing can by a symbol of your punk-rock status, or it might just indicate you’re a fun and interesting kind of person.
There’s no real meaning behind an eyebrow piercing in the Western world, although some people attribute it to rebellion.
What side should a guy get his eyebrow pierced?
Once again, there’s no specific rule here. You don’t necessarily send out some kind of secret message to guys or women if you have your eyebrow pierced on the left or right. When it comes to choosing a male eyebrow piercing, left or right are both fine options.
Generally, the best place to get an eyebrow piercing will depend on the kind of piercing you’re getting. Most people start on the edge of the eyebrow, towards the outer side of the eye. This is common for both vertical and horizontal piercings.
The best spot for eyebrow piercing will generally depend on you. For instance, if you have hair covering some of the eye on your right side, you might opt for a piercing on the left.
Eyebrow piercing pros and cons
Getting an eyebrow piercing is just like getting a tattoo or deciding to start shaving your legs. It’s a personal choice, based on your preferences.
A few basic pros and cons if you’re weighing up your options might include:
Pros:
- Can be less painful than some piercing types
- Looks attractive and stylish
- Looks great on men and women
- Pretty easy for maintenance
Cons:
- Permanent face scarring
- Jewelry can get trapped
- Jewelry migration is a possibility
How do eyebrow piercings work?
Eyebrow piercings are pretty simple for both men and women. Generally, the piercing process involves a professional using a clamp on your skin to hold it in place while a needle is passed through, creating the pierced section.
The professional places a ring or stud in the hole to stop it from closing up. You’ll also get some instructions on how to care for your eyebrow.
In general, aftercare is pretty simple for an eyebrow piercing, however, you won’t be able to change the jewelry for at least 2-3 months, while the hole closes properly.
How painful are eyebrow piercings? And other questions
All piercings aren’t exactly comfortable.
Most pros agree eyebrow piercings aren’t quite as uncomfortable as other piercings. You will probably feel some pressure and a slight pinch, but it won’t be unbearable. You might, however, feel some swelling and discomfort after you get the piercing done.
It’s going to take a while for any bruising and swelling to go down, because the skin around your eyebrow is often pretty taut. Here are some other questions and answers to guide you:
Eyebrow piercing: Gun or Needle
Guns are almost never the right choice for any kind of piercing – they’re prone to getting stuck and aren’t the most reliable tools. Don’t just go to the mall to get your piercing, find a tattoo or piercing parlor to do the job properly – with a needle.
Yes, it seems scarier, but buy using a gun, you’re creating a hole with blunt force – forcing a piercing through the lobe tissue – this causes way more trauma than a needle.
How long do eyebrow piercings last?
An eyebrow piercing can last a long time – if you look after it. However, despite what most people think, it isn’t exactly “permanent”. The skin on your face changes over time, and the hole may eventually close up after a few years. It all depends on you and your anatomy.
Of course, you can always get your piercing done again if you want to.
Will eyebrow piercing leave a scar?
Once again, if you get the piercing done by a professional, and you care for it properly, then you shouldn’t have much scarring. However, there’s a good chance you will be able to tell where the piercing was in the future – even after it’s closed up.
If your piercing migrates, or your body rejects the piercing, this could lead to increased scarring.
Eyebrow piercing alternative: What are your options?
If you want to get a piercing, but you don’t think your eyebrow is a good choice, there are tons of alternative options. You could consider getting an ear pierced, pierce your nose, or even experiment with something a little more unusual.
Just make sure you do your research and think carefully about what might look good for you before you commit.
Which material is best?
If you’re getting a piercing from a professional, you should be able to rest assured the stud or ring will be a good quality product. Titanium is usually the most effective option for an eyebrow piercing as it’s hypo-allergenic, and it’s rare most people would have a reaction to it.
Men’s eyebrow piercing: Is it worth it?
Men’s eyebrow piercing won’t always be the right choice for every guy.
Getting a piercing hurts, no matter how big and manly you claim to be. You’re going to have a pretty uncomfortable patch of skin on your face for the first few weeks, and there’s always a risk you could end up with an infection, so you have to be extra careful about cleaning the brow.
Another point to keep in mind is eyebrow piercing can be more expensive than other piercings. You do however get what you pay for – higher quality piercings do come with a bigger cost.
If you’re into the idea of eyebrow piercing for men, and you don’t mind dealing with the discomfort while you’re piercing heals – there’s nothing to stop you from getting it done. Yes, it’s going to be uncomfortable at first – but it should look pretty badass when it heals.
Blitz yourself better!
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