Industrial
piercing
Two helix points, one barbell. The most architecturally distinct upper ear piercing — anatomy-assessed, long-healing, and bold when it's right.
Two points, one piece
An industrial connects two cartilage piercings — typically one through the forward helix and one through the outer helix — with a single straight barbell running across the upper ear. It's a dramatic, architectural placement that reads strongly even from a distance.
The challenge is anatomy. Both placement points need to sit at an angle where the barbell runs flat against the ear without the ends pulling or creating uneven pressure. Ears that are too flat, too curved, or with insufficient tissue depth at one of the points won't support an industrial cleanly. The anatomy check is the first thing we do.
If the anatomy is right, the industrial is a striking placement that holds its impact for years. If it isn't, we'll tell you and suggest what will work better for your ear structure.
Exactly what to expect
What healing looks like
Both sites tender and swollen
Normal. Tenderness at both entry and exit points. Sleep on the opposite side strictly. Even small movements — sleeping, pulling on a hoodie — can irritate both sites through the connecting barbell.
Inflammation reduces
Continued saline, continued discipline with sleeping and headwear. The surface often looks healed before the internal tissue is ready. Don't rush.
Assessment appointment
We check both sites, confirm healing is on track, and assess whether a barbell length adjustment is needed. Included in the original price.
Ready for final jewellery
The channel is stable. Decorated barbells, gold pieces, and more ornate options can be fitted at a jewellery appointment.
Two wounds. Double the discipline.
The industrial's challenge is that movement affects both healing sites simultaneously. Any knock, pull, or pressure on the barbell sends trauma to both ends. Everything else is standard cartilage aftercare — the difference is vigilance.
- 01Saline rinse both sites twice dailyClean both entry and exit points. Spray from both sides, let air dry.
- 02Sleep on the opposite sideAny pillow contact on the industrial creates pressure at both points. Non-negotiable during the first six months.
- 03No over-ear headphones for 9 monthsThey press directly on the barbell. In-ear headphones are fine from day one.
- 04Careful with hair and clothingLong hair catching on the barbell ends is a common irritation source. A ponytail or bun on the pierced side prevents this during early healing.
- 05No jewellery changes before 9 monthsThe barbell length was sized for your ear at placement. A change before healing is complete risks trauma to the channel.
Questions we're asked, often
Does it hurt more than a helix?
Two passes instead of one — but each individual pass is no different from a helix. The main discomfort isn't the piercing itself but the ongoing soreness at both sites, which are linked by the barbell. Movement that irritates one tends to irritate both.
Am I suitable?
Depends on your upper ear anatomy. We assess both placement points at the consultation. Some ear shapes don't support the angle required for a clean industrial — we'll tell you directly if that's the case and suggest what will suit your ear better.
Can I wear headphones?
Not over-ear headphones during healing (9 months minimum). In-ear headphones are fine throughout. After full healing, most clients can wear over-ears without any issue.
How long does it heal?
9–12 months is normal. Sometimes longer if there are irritation setbacks. It's one of the more demanding cartilage piercings to heal because both sites are mechanically linked.
How much does it cost?
$150 at Platinum Point Parnell, covering both placement points, the titanium industrial barbell, full consultation, and aftercare briefing.
Book your industrial
All piercings by appointment. 45 minutes, anatomy assessment for both points, sterile placement, and aftercare included.