Barbell Piercing Jewellery 101: Types, Uses & Tips

Barbell piercings are one of the most popular and versatile styles of piercing jewellery. Whether you’re a beginner getting your first piercing or an experienced body modification enthusiast, understanding the different types of barbells will help you choose the right fit for style, comfort, and healing.

In this guide, we’ll break down the main types of barbells, their uses, and tips for selecting the perfect piece for your piercing.

The Different Types of Barbell Piercing Jewellery

Straight Barbells

Straight barbells are the classic style; a straight bar with a bead or decorative end on each side. This type of piercing jewellery is common for tongue, nipple, and industrial piercings.

Why they’re great for beginners: Straight barbells minimise movement, which helps reduce irritation and promotes healing.

Curved Barbells

Curved barbells, also known as bananabell or bellybars, feature a gentle curve that follows the natural shape of the body. They are often used in eyebrow, rook, vertical labret, and belly button piercings.

Healing benefits: The curve reduces pressure and helps prevent snagging, making them more comfortable in certain placements.

Circular Barbells

Circular barbells, or horseshoe barbells, are shaped like an open ring with threaded ends. They are highly versatile and work well for septum, daith, lip, and ear cartilage piercings.

For new piercings: These allow more movement than straight barbells, so they’re generally better for healed piercings unless a piercer recommends otherwise.

Surface Barbells

Surface barbells are designed for piercings that sit on flat areas of the body, such as the nape, hips, or collarbone. They have a flat 90-degree bend at each end to reduce rejection.

Best for experienced piercers and wearers: Surface piercings require extra care and are more prone to migration, so professional advice is essential.

Externally vs. Internally Threaded Barbells

When choosing your barbell piercing jewellery, threading matters:

Externally threaded: Threads are on the bar and screw into the ball. These are common but can be less comfortable during insertion.

Internally threaded: Threads are inside the bar, offering a smoother, safer insert, especially ideal for fresh piercings.

Choosing the Right Barbell for You

The right type of barbell depends on your piercing placement, healing stage, and personal style. Beginners should follow their piercer’s recommendations for initial jewellery, while experienced wearers can experiment with lengths, materials, and decorative ends.

At Custom Plugs, we stock high-quality barbells in a variety of materials, styles, and sizes, perfect for both fresh piercings and healed ones. Whether you want something minimal or a statement piece, you’ll find the ideal jewellery for your piercing journey.

Shop our range of Piercing Jewellery today!