Barbell piercing jewellery can be used in a range of piercings but it is important to ensure you choose the right type for your piercing. This guide explains the types of piercings that work with a straight barbell and answers other FAQs.
There are typically three types of barbells; curved barbells, circular barbells and straight barbells. For information about the other types of barbells, visit our dedicated piercing sections to find out more.
What are straight barbells for?
Straight barbells are often used in tongue, industrial and nipple piercings. Straight piercings that are not suitable for labrets can be worn with a straight barbell instead. In piercings such as nipple and industrial, the double jewelled balls create a pleasing symmetrical aesthetic. When it comes to tongue piercings, a long bar is needed which is why a straight barbell is a perfect option.
The straight barbell features a screw on ball to each end of a straight bar. Piercings that support this type of jewellery include:
Can you wear barbell in cartilage?
You can wear a straight barbell in cartilage piercings. A barbell piercing in ear may not be as comfortable as a labret or tragus stud but if you prefer the aesthetic then there is a range of cartilage ear piercings that can support straight barbells. You may prefer to wait until your piercing is healed before changing to a straight barbell as it can be more likely to catch.
Industrial piercings can be worn with a straight barbell as soon as they are pierced and the snug, daith and rook are often pierced using curved barbells.
Straight barbell earrings can be used in this list of ear piercings (but it is usually recommended to use a labret):
Other piercings that are suitable for straight barbells:
Once you know what type of barbell you need for your piercing, there are some other factors to consider. The material of your barbell may be determined by any known allergies and metal sensitivities, your chosen budget, and the aesthetic you want to achieve.
The second feature to consider is the barbell threading, especially if you want to purchase add on accessories to go with your piercing bar. Add ons are a great way to save money while still regularly switching your style. Get a collection of different gem colours to use with the same bar.
Blue Banana straight barbells can be used with our Add On range. Find an add on that matches your bar gauge and has the correct threading then you will be able to quickly switch your piercing jewellery.
Can you put a straight barbell in a curved piercing?
It is not recommended to put a straight barbell in a curved piercing. The curved piercing channel has not been shaped to support a straight bar so it is likely to cause irritation. Often this question is asked in regard to a straight barbell septum piercing. While this can be an effective way to hide your septum piercing, it may become uncomfortable to do this long term. If you would like to hide your septum piercing, you can opt for a piercing retainer or you can flip your curved barbell to face into your nostril.
The classic design of a straight barbell can be customised by choosing the colour or add on feature. Our barbells are available with a range of different gems and the add ons can be swapped for accessories such as cones and dice. This type of piercing jewellery will be essential to your collection if you have a tongue, nipple or industrial piercing, to name a few.
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