Classic Vertical Eyebrow Piercing
This is the most recognizable variant. The needle goes vertically through your eyebrow, usually along the edge, and finishes with a beautiful curved barbell with decorative ends above and below your brow. It looks striking and is relatively straightforward if your anatomy is right.
Placement: Vertically through your eyebrow, usually 1–1.5 cm away from your eye
Gauge: 1.2 mm standard
Healing time: 6–8 weeks
Jewelry: Curved barbell (1.2 mm, usually 10–14 mm long)
Your brow will be a bit swollen the first week and feel strange. Gentle salt water and a light touch are key – you want to keep it clean without constantly fussing with it.
Horizontal Eyebrow Piercing
This is a surface variant – the needle goes horizontally under your brow skin, roughly parallel to your hair growth. It looks subtle from some angles and dramatic from others.
Placement: Horizontally along your brow line
Gauge: 1.2 mm
Healing time: 8–12 weeks
Jewelry: Curved barbell or surface bar
The big risk here is migration – because it’s a surface variant, your body sometimes tries to push it out. Placement must be very precise. Sleeping on your face also worsens migration, so you’ll want to sleep on your back the first 6–8 weeks. Makeup and beauty products can also irritate and encourage migration – skip them during healing.
Anti-Eyebrow / Teardrop Piercing
This is a surface variant on your cheekbone, directly under your eye. Visually it looks like a decorative tear under your eye (hence the name). It’s truly striking and gives your face an artistic vibe.
Placement: On your cheekbone, beneath your eye
Gauge: 1.2 mm
Healing time: 10–14 weeks
Jewelry: Curved barbell or surface bar
Risks: High migration and rejection risk
Because it’s a true surface variant, rejection risk is significantly higher. Not everyone can pull one off without their body rejecting it – it depends on your skin, your anatomy, and your body’s response. We always do an honest anatomical check at Piercings Works before we start.
Double Eyebrow Piercing
This means two eyebrow piercings in a row – both vertical, one above the other. You can do them in one session or spread them across two visits.
Variants: - Both vertical in the same spot (one directly above the other) - Both at the same height, left and right (one above each eyebrow)
Tips: - Many piercers recommend spacing them into two sessions so healing is easier - If you do them in one session, follow aftercare extra carefully - Same touching rules apply – minimize contact as much as possible
Common Risks Across All Eyebrow Piercings
Migration: The piercing can slowly slide forward or sideways, especially with horizontal and anti-eyebrow piercings. This can take months before you notice it.
Rejection: Some bodies simply say “no” to certain piercing placements, especially surface piercings. Your body slowly pushes it out.
Makeup irritation: Powder, foundation, and eyeshadow can irritate and encourage migration. Avoid them around your piercing during healing.
Sleeping on your face: If you sleep on your face you apply pressure that encourages migration. Sleeping on your back the first 6–8 weeks helps significantly.
Constant touching: Fidgeting with your piercing will irritate it and slow healing. Try to keep your hands off it.
Aftercare for Eyebrow Piercings
- Days 1–7: Keep clean with salt water, twice daily
- Weeks 2–4: Healing begins; still salt water, gently pat dry
- Months 2–3: Continuing to heal; salt water less often, piercing feels more stable
- Month 3+: Fully healed, but still be gentle with it
What to avoid: - Hot drinks or extreme temperature changes - Makeup around the piercing - Constantly touching or spinning it - Sleeping on your face - Strong soap or cleanser near your brow
Jewelry and Materials
Classic vertical: Curved barbell, 1.2 mm, 10–14 mm long, implant-grade titanium
Horizontal: Curved barbell or surface bar, 1.2 mm
Anti-eyebrow: Curved barbell or surface bar, 1.2 mm
Double: Two curved barbells, 1.2 mm each
Always use implant-grade titanium for healing – no cheap alloys. After healing you can experiment with gold (at least 14k), silver, or custom designs.
Visit Piercings Works
Address: Reguliersbreestraat 46, Amsterdam (just around the corner from Rembrandtplein)
Hours: Daily 10:30–22:00 (walk-ins welcome)
We always do a thorough anatomical check before we start – especially for migration-risky placements like horizontal or anti-eyebrow. We use implant-grade titanium, sterile materials, and our piercers have been working since 1998.
Book an appointment or drop by.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which eyebrow variant is “easiest” to heal?
Classic vertical piercings have the lowest rejection risk. Horizontal and anti-eyebrow have higher migration and rejection risks – they’re not “easier.”
Can I cover my eyebrow piercing with makeup?
Not during healing – it can irritate and encourage migration. Wait until it’s fully healed (minimum 6–8 weeks, longer for horizontal/anti-eyebrow).
What if my piercing migrates?
Some migration is normal in the first few weeks. But if it noticeably slides sideways or forward, contact your piercer. They can help determine if it needs to be re-placed or removed.
How long before I can sleep on my face again?
Try to sleep on your back for at least 6–8 weeks. After full healing (12+ weeks) you can return to your normal sleep position, but be careful the first month.
Can I downsize my classic vertical eyebrow piercing?
Not really – vertical eyebrow piercings don’t have the same swelling issues as lip piercings. Your bar stays the same size.
What happens if my piercing gets rejected?
Your body will slowly push it out. You’ll notice it getting inflamed or pus appearing. Contact your piercer – they can determine if it can heal or needs to be removed.
Eyebrow piercings are incredibly beautiful when placed correctly, but they require care – especially the higher-risk placements. Visit Piercings Works for an honest anatomical check. We’ll tell you what works for you and what doesn’t. Your health and your results matter more than a quick piercing.