If you’re looking for a piercing that truly makes a statement, the bridge piercing might just be your next favorite. This striking facial piercing runs horizontally across the bridge of your nose and delivers a bold look that’s impossible to ignore.
What exactly is a bridge piercing? History, placement & name
The bridge piercing became widely known after Erik Dakota performed the procedure on one of his clients in the 1980s. During the 1990s and early 2000s, the piercing gained popularity mainly within alt, goth, and punk subcultures.
A bridge piercing is also sometimes called an “Erl” or “Earl” piercing, named after the client who specifically requested this piercing. Since it’s difficult to trace a truly ancient origin, the bridge piercing is generally considered part of modern body piercing culture.
A bridge piercing is placed horizontally through the skin between your eyes, just above the bridge of the nose. It does not pass through cartilage or the nasal bone, but only through the skin of the nose bridge. This makes it a surface piercing.
When placed correctly, a bridge piercing follows the natural lines of your face, sits in perfect balance, and creates the unique, symmetrical look this piercing is known for.
How is a bridge piercing done?
Most of the time spent piercing a bridge goes into determining and marking the correct placement. It’s essential that the piercing complements your facial structure. Your piercer will aim for maximum symmetry, which can be challenging since almost no face is 100% symmetrical. For this reason, the best possible placement is carefully chosen and discussed with you before the procedure.
After marking, your piercer will select the most suitable technique. Many piercers prefer a freehand technique, where the skin of the nose bridge is held and pierced while following the marked lines. If your anatomy allows and the piercer prefers it, a piercing clamp may also be used. One technique isn’t necessarily better than the other — trust the experience and expertise of your piercer.
After the piercing is done, a piece of jewelry is inserted, usually a straight barbell with a thickness of 1.6 mm. The initial barbell is often slightly longer than necessary. This allows room for swelling after piercing and prevents the jewelry from pressing into the skin. However, it shouldn’t be too long either, as excessive length can cause irritation or get in the way.
Other jewelry styles or sizes may sometimes be possible — this is always decided in consultation with your piercer.
Healing & aftercare for your bridge piercing
A bridge piercing typically takes 4 to 6 months to heal properly. In some cases, healing may take longer. Patience is key, and it’s important not to touch or disturb the piercing too much during this period.
Our tips:
-
Touch your piercing as little as possible
-
Clean your piercing in the shower using a mild piercing soap
-
Optionally clean in between with a sterile saline solution
-
Do not change your jewelry until the piercing is fully healed
-
Avoid irritating skincare products or makeup during healing
-
Be careful with glasses or sunglasses that may press on the piercing
-
Take care when getting dressed — avoid snagging your piercing (ouch!)
👉 Here you’ll find our complete collection of Piercing Aftercare products
Risks of a bridge piercing – vision, scarring & rejection
A bridge piercing will not or barely affect your vision — this is a persistent piercing myth we’re happy to debunk. The piercing only passes through the skin on the bridge of your nose and does not impact your eyesight or sense of smell. You may notice the jewelry in your field of vision at first, but most people quickly get used to it.
That said, a bridge piercing is a surface piercing, meaning it only goes through a small section of skin. (A navel piercing falls into this category as well.) Because there is no deeper tissue for extra support, there is a risk of rejection or migration. To minimize this risk, carefully follow your piercer’s aftercare advice, use only piercing-safe aftercare products, and avoid unnecessary pressure on the piercing.
If you eventually decide to remove your bridge piercing, this is usually not a problem once it’s fully healed and not irritated. Keep in mind, however, that a small scar may remain after removal.
The best jewelry for your bridge piercing
The classic choice for a bridge piercing is a straight barbell — clean, sleek, and comfortable. Consider:
-
Titanium barbells – skin-friendly, lightweight, and ideal during healing
-
Threadless jewelry with real gold tops for a luxurious touch
-
Statement ball ends for bold, eye-catching details
-
Minimalist discs for a subtle, modern look
Whether you’re going for something bold or a timeless piece that works with every outfit, you’ll always find a barbell that perfectly matches your style in our bridge piercing collection.
Is a bridge piercing right for you?
A bridge piercing might be perfect if you:
-
love bold, statement piercings
-
are a fan of symmetry in your look
-
are ready for some serious style points
You may want to skip a bridge piercing if you:
-
frequently wear (sun)glasses that rest high on your nose
-
play a lot of sports or wear helmets that could irritate the piercing
Ready to go bold?
Whether you’ve been dreaming about a bridge piercing for years or just discovered it: in our shop you’ll find the finest barbells, gold details, and high-quality titanium jewelry. Send us a message for personal advice or shop your new favorite bridge jewelry online at AllOver.
