How Are Eyebrow Rings Supposed To Lie?

Body piercings originated in the Middle East about 4,000 years ago, and were also used in ancient Mayan, Aztec and Incan civilizations. Eyebrow piercings became popular again in the 1990s, and come in various styles and colors. Excluding earrings, nearly 50 percent of Americans aged 21 to 32 have a body piercing, according to NashuaTelegraph.com. Piercers generally insert eyebrow rings on the outer part of the eyebrow, away from the bridge of the nose.

Features

Eyebrow piercings can be placed anywhere on the eyebrow, provided they're not inserted closer to the nose than directly above the eye, where major nerves are located, according to the Savage and Heads Tattoo and Body Piercing website. Piercers insert eyebrow piercings, usually ¼- to ¾-inch wide, at a shallow depth to avoid nerve damage. Initial eyebrow rings, also known as captive bead rings, consist of 18- to 14-gauge jewelry, 3/8 to 7/16 inches in diameter.

Facts

Piercers generally place eyebrow rings either perpendicular to the eyebrow, or at a slight 35-degree angle. When placed perpendicularly, eyebrow rings tend to protrude outward and stand away from your body. Placed at a slant, eyebrow rings lie flat, close to your skin. Consider selecting slanted eyebrow ring placement to avoid snagging the jewelry and tearing your skin. Special pliers may be required to remove or replace the bead when using a captive bead ring instead of a straight or curved bar.

Types

Most piercers use surgical steel eyebrow rings, but other materials include 18 carat gold, nobium, platinum and titanium. Avoid using 9 carat gold or silver, which can permanently stain your skin, recommends Body-Piercing.com.au. Eyebrow ring styles include flat barbells, curved barbells and captive bead rings. Using straight barbells on very flat eyebrows may cause pressure against the skin.

Considerations

Eyebrow rings have a tendency to migrate when the jewelry grows out of the skin and the tissue between the openings of the piercing becomes narrower. When the piercing migrates to the surface of the skin, this signals that the body has rejected the piercing, and it should be removed, according to the Association of Professional Piercers. When the area has fully healed, you can place another piercing in the same general area.

Maintenance

To avoid infection with an eyebrow piercing, keep the area clean, wash your hands before touching the ring and avoid fidgeting with your jewelry. Regularly wash your bedding to ensure cleanliness, and avoid trauma from clothing friction or excessive washing. Eyebrow piercings take six to eight weeks to heal, according to the Center for Young Women's Health, at which time you can change the style of eyebrow jewelry, if desired.