Let’s face it. All nose piercings look rad. However, there’s one type of nose piercing that looks particularly unique, and that’s the bridge piercing. Sometimes referred to as the “Erl” or “Earl” piercing, the bridge piercing penetrates the narrowest part of the bridge of your nose, right between your eyes.
Want to show off your beautiful eyes? Due to its unique location, the bridge piercing is a popular choice for those who wish to draw attention to their eyes. Unlike a belly button ring or a tongue ring, a bridge piercing can be spotted almost immediately. It’s a fairly uncommon body piercing, but we can’t get enough of it.
In this nose bridge piercing guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about bridge piercing safety, bridge piercing cost, bridge piercing pain level, bridge piercing jewelry types, bridge piercing aftercare, and more.
What is a Bridge Piercing?
Bridge Piercing Location:
The bridge piercing penetrates the bridge of the nose, directly between the eyes.
Bridge Piercing Process:
The bridge piercing is typically performed with a standard hollow piercing needle.
Bridge Piercing Healing Time:
About 8-10 weeks.
Recommended Bridge Piercing Jewelry:
Now that we’ve covered the bridge piercing basics, here are some FAQs to consider before piercing the bridge of your nose!
Nose Bridge Piercing Pain, Healing Times, Piercing Aftercare Tips, and More
Does a bridge piercing hurt?
Because everyone experiences pain differently, we recommend that you talk to a professional piercer about what level of pain to expect before getting any body piercing. Some people compare the pain of a bridge piercing to a “pinch,” similar to an ear cartilage piercing.
In short, bridge piercings hurt about the same as any other body piercing or body modification. As piercings heal, it’s common to experience itching or mild irritation. However, you should consult a piercing professional if the pain caused by your bridge piercing worsens over time.
What is the bridge piercing process like?
The bridge piercing process is fairly quick! Generally, a professional piercer will first examine your nose to confirm that your anatomy can support a bridge piercing. Next, the piercer will use an antiseptic to clean the bridge of the nose. To ensure that the piercing is straight, the piercer will then mark the piercing needle’s entry and exit points on your skin. Once a piercing needle has passed through the skin, the piercer will insert body jewelry into the bridge piercing.
Piercing the bridge of the nose may cause the eyes to water, but no two bodies respond to the piercing process the same way. Further, healing times are likely to vary from person to person.
How do you clean a bridge piercing?
Piercing aftercare is an essential part of the healing process. After your piercing session, ask your professional piercer how to clean both your piercing and your body jewelry. Before touching any piercing or handling body jewelry, thoroughly wash your hands with warm, soapy water.
Piercing care is very important. We recommend using H2Ocean aftercare spray to help with proper healing. H2Ocean aftercare spray helps to eliminate adverse issues that commonly arise when dealing with a new piercing by safely removing dried discharge and lymph secretions.
Be sure to keep your fresh bridge piercing free of makeup, hair, and other potential irritants until it has healed completely.
Does a bridge piercing go through the bone?
Although it may look like it, a bridge piercing does not penetrate bone. A bridge piercing goes through the skin directly above the bridge of your nose.
How much does a bridge piercing cost?
Anti-eyebrow piercing prices vary based on where you live and which piercing studio you’ll choose.
Will a bridge piercing make you go cross-eyed?
No! Contrary to popular belief, a bridge piercing should not make you go cross-eyed involuntarily. In fact, you should not be able to see your own bridge piercing jewelry at all. If you are able to see your bridge piercing jewelry out of the corners of your eyes, consider wearing a shorter barbell.
Why shouldn’t I get a bridge piercing?
Like any body piercing or body modification, a bridge piercing is a major commitment. Are you ready for the potential discomfort of the bridge piercing procedure? Have you budgeted for piercing aftercare tools like H2Ocean aftercare spray, cotton swabs, and paper towels? If you’re not sure if you’re ready to care for a bridge piercing, there’s no shame in waiting!
Are you craving the sense of change that only a new piercing can satisfy? Consider a new ear cartilage piercing, or even a different nose piercing! When you’re ready to take the plunge into a bridge piercing, you’ll go into the experience with full confidence. In the meantime, check out bridge piercing ideas on social media to gather all the inspiration you need before piercing the bridge of your nose.
How can I get a bridge piercing at home?
We recommend that you book an appointment with a professional piercer for your bridge piercing. This is important in minimizing pain and helping to prevent infection. Proper healing will help you to get to the best part of the piercing process (choosing your new body jewelry) faster! Whether you’re interested in a facial piercing or even a lobe piercing, it’s best that you leave the piercing process to the professionals.
Is a bridge piercing known by any other name?
The bridge piercing is sometimes called the “Erl piercing” or the “Earl piercing.”
What other body piercings look good with a bridge piercing?
Body piercings are a form of personal expression, and only you can decide what looks and feels good! We love to pair traditional nose rings and septum rings with bridge piercings, however, as they draw attention to the center (the best part!) of your face. Eyebrow piercings, tongue rings, and belly button piercings are also excellent companions to the bridge piercing, as they create a sense of unexpected variety.
Bridge Piercing Jewelry
How much does the jewelry cost?
There’s a wide variety of bridge jewelry styles that may differ in price depending on where you’re shopping. Jewelry materials will also factor into the price. Quality jewelry materials like surgical steel and titanium may drive up the price. We recommend calling a professional piercer for more information on piercing costs.
What kind of jewelry should I put in my bridge piercing?
Generally, a curved barbell is recommended for a bridge piercing. A curved barbell hugs the nose’s natural curve and prevents uncomfortable skin stretching.
Alternatively, a straight barbell can be used in a bridge piercing (in fact, it’s the most popular choice!). A straight barbell may cause irritation or a sensation of tightness, however. Similarly, a nose ring like a captive bead ring may cause too much tension to sit comfortably in a bridge piercing.
Choosing the right jewelry style for your bridge piercing is an important part of the healing process. Body jewelry that does not sit correctly in a piercing may slow healing or cause piercings to migrate.
Ask your professional piercer to help you choose the best body jewelry for your bridge piercing. A professional piercer will consider skin type factors such as thickness and elasticity when selecting the ideal types of jewelry and gauge sizes for you.
How much does a bridge piercing cost?
Piercing prices are influenced by variables such as studio location, body jewelry type, and the time it takes for a professional piercer to complete the service. In general, a bridge piercing may cost between $30 and $50. Your body jewelry selection will significantly impact the overall cost of your bridge piercing.
How soon after my initial bridge piercing can I change my body jewelry?
Wait until your bridge piercing has healed completely before attempting to change your body jewelry (trust us, it’s worth the wait!). As a reminder, a bridge piercing typically takes about 8-10 weeks to heal. Because everyone heals at different rates, however, you should consult with your professional piercer before changing your body jewelry.
Remember that if you change the jewelry too early in the healing process, it may increase the risk of rejection. Always be sure to practice proper body jewelry care. You’ll be shopping for cool and colorful jewelry before you know it!
Can you still wear glasses with a bridge piercing?
Yes, you should be able to comfortably wear glasses or sunglasses with a bridge piercing. If your glasses or sunglasses are rubbing against your bridge piercing, consider swapping out your body jewelry for a shorter straight barbell or curved barbell.
There are many types of jewelry to choose from for your bridge piercing. Finding the right jewelry style for your unique needs may require some trial and error, but remember to have fun with it!
More Piercing Information
Want to learn more about body piercing? Check out some of our favorite guides, including ear piercing, surface piercing, lip piercing, facial piercing, oral piercing, and more. For more body piercing info and other body modifications, check out The Inspo Spot!
We can’t wait to see what bridge piercing ideas you come up with. Spencer’s is dedicated to providing you with quality body jewelry that keeps up with the trends. When it comes to body piercings and body modifications, you’re in charge! We’re just here to help.
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