How to Change an Eyebrow Ring

Co-authored by David Wilkins

Last Updated: March 23, 2023

Changing your bar or ring in an eyebrow piercing can be tricky. Understanding the type of eyebrow piercing, how to safely remove your ring, how to clean the ring and piercing site, and how to comfortably place a new eyebrow ring can be very simple. If you weren't shown how to do this when you got the piercing, it’s important to understand how to remove and replace the eyebrow ring correctly, so you are not accidentally injured.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Taking Out an Eyebrow Ring

1
Wash your hands. Carefully clean your hands using hot water and neutral pH hand soap, a scent and dye free glycerin soap is usually the best option. Wash hands for about thirty seconds, rubbing hands together vigorously. Thoroughly rinse soap from hands with warm water, and dry hands using a clean towel or paper towels.^{[1]
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2
Soften the piercing site. Soak a q-tip or sterile gauze in warm water. Apply the damp tool to both ends of the piercing to dampen the site, softening the openings.

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3
Unscrew the balls from the eyebrow ring. These balls hold the jewelry in place, and are typically screwed or snapped in place. Wearing rubber gloves or using a piece of sterile gauze will help you keep control of these small, slick objects. Clean and store the balls in a container. Some jewelry comes with its own storage box, but a plastic storage bag or other container will also work.
4
Lubricate the jewelry. Apply a small amount of water-based lubricant or neutral pH soap to either end of the ring or bar piercing. Gently move the eyebrow jewelry back and forth to spread lubricant into the piercing. Take extra care if there are threads at one or both ends where the balls attach.
5
Extract the bar or ring from the eyebrow. Gently pull the jewelry from the piercing, and place it in a disinfectant or salt water solution to cleanse it. Then, place the jewelry in the container with the balls.^{[2]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Putting in a New Eyebrow Ring

1
Clean the piercing site. Once you’ve removed the existing jewelry, use soap and water, witch hazel, or saline contact solution to clean the piercing site by soaking a q-tip or gauze in one of these cleansers and applying it to the piercing.
2
Lubricate the new jewelry. Using water-based lubricant or soap and water, coat the ring or post of your replacement jewelry. This will make inserting the replacement eyebrow ring quicker and more comfortable.
3
Push the bar or ring of the new jewelry through the piercing. Be careful not to push too hard against any resistance as you may damage your piercing site. Add additional lubricant as necessary to make the placement of the new jewelry more comfortable.^{[3]
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4
Attach balls or other closures. Use cotton balls, rubber gloves, or cloth to carefully screw the balls onto the ends of the new jewelry to hold it in place. Don’t attach too tightly or using pliers as this makes removal more difficult.
5
Use water to remove lubricant. Soak q-tips or gauze in warm water, and apply to the piercing site to remove lubricant. If your piercing feels swollen or inflamed following the placement of new jewelry, you may also want to place a steeped chamomile tea bag onto the piercing site to reduce swelling and discomfort.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Choosing Appropriate Eyebrow Jewelry

1
Ask your piercer about the jewelry gauge. In most cases, the person who pierces your eyebrow will discuss the various gauges available, and make a recommendation based on the appearance you desire. Make note of the gauge you choose, and don’t hesitate to follow up with your piercer to make sure you have the right size before buying new jewelry.
2
Choose jewelry of the same gauge. You may be tempted to choose a smaller gauge or if you’re planning to expand the piercing, a much larger gauge, but this can actually be detrimental to the healing process. Choose jewelry that is no more than 1/8 of an inch larger or smaller for best results.
- Smaller jewelry may cause pulling or tearing. You may believe that exchanging your current jewelry for one of a smaller gauge will be more comfortable, but actually, it may cause a number of concerns. The piercing may shrink too quickly causing additional scar tissue, or the piercing may move around too easily snagging or tearing the piercing.
- Carefully choose jewelry of slightly larger gauge to expand piercings. If you’re planning to expand your piercing, make sure you’ve discussed this with your piercer prior to the placement of your initial jewelry, and ask for recommendations on the next gauge size you should use.^{[4]
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3
Return to your jeweler for help placing a new bar or ring. Most piercers are happy to exchange your jewelry for a minimal fee or no cost at all, especially if you buy your new jewelry from their shop. Most piercers will also walk you through the process, so you’re able to confidently complete the process on your own.^{[5]
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Expert Q&A

Question

Should I clean my piercing every night?

David Wilkins
Professional Body Piercer
David Wilkins is a Professional Body Piercer and the Owner of The Axiom Body Piercing Studio in Des Moines, Iowa. David has been working in the industry since 1994 and is knowledgeable about all aspects of the body piercing industry. He runs an educational YouTube channel specializing in sharing expert body piercings and tattoo information. He completed his apprenticeship in body piercing in Omaha, Nebraska.

David Wilkins

Professional Body Piercer

Expert Answer

Sure! I actually recommend cleaning it twice a day using a sterile saline spray, such as needle piercing aftercare. You just spray it on there, let it stay in contact for about five minutes.
Question

Is it okay to shower with an eyebrow piercing?

David Wilkins
Professional Body Piercer
David Wilkins is a Professional Body Piercer and the Owner of The Axiom Body Piercing Studio in Des Moines, Iowa. David has been working in the industry since 1994 and is knowledgeable about all aspects of the body piercing industry. He runs an educational YouTube channel specializing in sharing expert body piercings and tattoo information. He completed his apprenticeship in body piercing in Omaha, Nebraska.

David Wilkins

Professional Body Piercer

Expert Answer

Sure! Make sure to pull your hair at the end of your shower and let the water flow over the area for about 30 seconds to remove that crusty discharge and avoid the possibility that when the jewelry slides or moves that it agitates.

Warnings

Eyebrow piercings are not permanent. Overtime, the layer of skin over the piercing is shed, and you will need to have your piercing removed and replaced by a professional.

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Try not to play with your eyebrow ring too much during the healing process or it may get infected.

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