How to Self Pierce an Industrial

Co-authored by Karissa Sanford

Last Updated: January 30, 2025

Industrial piercings A.K.A scaffold consists of two piercings connected with a single bar. Self-piercing is not advisable but if you are confident of pulling it off then here's how.

Steps

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Clean the needle with alcohol, peroxide or boil it for half an hour. Clean your ear where you will be piercing, and make sure you do this in a clean environment.
Make dots where the holes will go.

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You should hear three pops skin, cartilage, and skin. Make sure you have a steady hand and that you go through at the right angle, or the earring will be uncomfortable.
If you used a safety pin then you will have to pull the pin out and put the earring in, do it in one swift motion, it would probably hurt more than if you use a hollow needle.
The piercing might bleed.
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Expert Source

Karissa Sanford
Body Piercing Specialist

Expert Interview} Turn your earring twice a day to keep the skin from growing on it.
You can change the piercing usually by three months but everyone heals differently, it takes about six months to a year for it to fully heal.

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Can I damage my equilibrium if this is not done properly?

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Yes.

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Can I pierce my second hole with a starter earring or a piercing earring?

Community Answer

You should go to a professional piercer to get your ears pierced. However, if you really need to do it yourself, use a 1 or 2 mm needle.

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Tips

Don't use ice on any cartilage piercing it makes it harder to pierce through the cartilage, and it could cause the cartilage to shatter when you pierce it.

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Never clean your new piercing with rubbing alcohol or peroxide because they are too harsh on the skin and will make the piercing sore.

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Do not play with the piercing no matter how tempting it is. you should only touch it when cleaning

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Warnings

If you notice any signs of infection: redness, burning or prolonged swelling, do not take out your piercing. Go see a piercer or a doctor.

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