Top tips for buying barbell body piercings

Are you looking for fun and unique ways to decorate your body? Shiny and elegant barbell piercings can be your best means of self-expression. Read on to learn more.

bar history

Ever wonder how barbell piercings got their name? These types of piercings resemble weightlifting barbells, hence the name, but the shape also has a lot to do with ergonomics. The dumbbells consist of a straight bar with small beads on each end. Often one of the pearls is fixed and the other is removable to accommodate removal for changes.

It may come as a surprise, but these piercings have been popular among Borneo’s tribal communities for hundreds of years. The contemporary resurrection came in the 1970s when legendary American designer Jim Ward made a splash in the United States. And there has been no going back since then.

Barbell Piercing Size

Bar size is measured in terms of gauge with smaller posts having higher gauges and vice versa. Initial piercings are typically done with a 14-gauge barbell. Once the piercing heals, users have the option of replacing a long barbell with a smaller one, or opting for a stretched version to accommodate jewelry.

shapes

There are a variety of shapes to choose from, including the basic straight bar, curved bars, circle bars, spiral bars, and curved J or banana bars. Certain shapes are more suitable for certain areas of the body than others. For example, the straight bar is typically seen in ear and tongue piercings, the circular bar is seen in the septum piercing, and the curved J-bar is the most popular choice for navel piercings.

Used materials

Barbell jewelry is found in many types of metal and non-metal options. Initial piercings require surgical grade metals such as 316L stainless steel for proper healing. Titanium is the preferred choice for users with allergies or sensitive skin issues. Many people choose plastic for tongue piercings to avoid damaging their teeth while eating. BioFlex and acrylic are among the safest and most sanitary non-metallic options.

ornaments

Dumbbells are often available with incredible varieties of aesthetic decorations to suit all kinds of tastes. From erotic tongue rings to dangling belly rings, they’re the best way to make your own style statement. Colored gems, image inlays, clay flowers and logos can be incorporated as embellishments. Bar end beads are also available in many designs such as triangles, cylinders and discs.

After the first piercing

Many people worry about rejection and infection from barbell piercings. The truth is that there will be some discoloration, pain, bruising, and swelling after a new piercing. Users should carefully follow the instructions and allow the wound to heal completely. Healing could be said to have occurred when swelling, bruising and irritation are reduced and the bar glides on easily without discomfort.

So, what are you waiting for? Decorate your body and be the envy of all your friends!