Industrial & Chaindustrial Piercing: Connecting the Trends

A traditional helix-to-helix piercing involves two cartilage punctures, usually one at the top and one a bit forward, connected by a long straight bar.

Chaindustrial (yes, chain-dustrial) keeps the bar as the backbone, but adds one or more lengths of chain for drama and satisfyingly dangly motion. The result is a tiny kinetic sculpture, transforming every tilt of your head into a chain ear piercing GIF.

The most popular variations for rocking a chain industrial bar include:

• Fixed chain bars - Where the chain is permanently attached for zero faff and maximum movement
• Removable chains - Equip you to swap from office minimalism to Saturday night carnage
• Double or triple chain loops - For a coveted chandelier vibe

You might hear chaindustrial piercing jewellery also referred to as an industrial piercing chain or a barbell piercing chain. But it’s all the same - a statement industrial piercing that doesn’t whisper, it hollers.

And it’s not the only type of industrial piercing to emboss your ears with.

Loads of cartilage on your ears= loads of different ways to get industrial piercings, like:

Standard industrial

Two piercings joined diagonally by a straight bar. Classic. Clean. Striking.

Vertical industrial

This one runs vertically from high cartilage to mid-ear, instead of a diagonally. It’s less common, but just as cool.

Multi-point or zigzag industrial

It’s rare, but possible. Think more than two piercings connected by segmented bars or chain.

These different scenarios show how versatile industrial placements can be. This is why it’s a good idea to ask for your piercer’s professional opinion if you’re unsure, because not everyone’s ears suit every industrial piercing type.

It’s always wise to manage your expectations before making an appointment with your friendly neighbourhood piercer. So, here it is:

Prepare to pierce

It starts with two marks - one on your upper helix and one towards the front. A skilled piercer measures for symmetry based on your anatomy.

Needle time

Cartilage deserves sharp hollow needles that causes less trauma and heals better. No piercing guns. Ever.

Select your size

You’re likely to start off with a plain 14G or 16G industrial barbell. This gives your fresh helix-to-helix piercing time to swell and settle. Swapping in a chain too soon can mean pressure, snagging, or all-out irritation.

Heal at leisure

Brace yourself, because you’re looking at 6 - 12 months. The thing is, cartilage heals slooowly. And you’re working with two piercings in one (or potentially more or multi-point piercings). So, time isn’t of the essence when it comes to safe healing.

The short answer is not really. Most reputable piercers will start you with a plain bar for good reason. You see, the swelling is real when you get a connected ear piercing. And a chain adds weight and drag your healing cartilage isn’t ready for.

Sit tight and wait until the tenderness dies down, which is usually around the three - four months mark. Then you can upgrade to a custom chain industrial bar or clip-on chain setup.

In addition, there’s your anatomy to consider too. Some ears just won’t line up for a proper industrial. So, always go to a good piercer for a consultation. They’ll make the best suggestions if the curve of your cartilage isn’t playing nice.

Materials matter. So, what’s your best bet initially?

• Implant grade titanium - This is the crème de la crème for the freshly pierced. It’s hypoallergenic, lightweight, and won’t irritate sensitive cartilage.
• Surgical steel - A solid runner-up, but give it a miss if you’re nickel-sensitive.
• Plated materials - You can go glam black PVD coatings or gold-plated styles once your piercings are healed. Just don’t rush it.

As for chain types? You’re spoilt for choice with:

• Dainty cable and curb chains for a minimalist drip
• Bold Cuban links for full glam-goth
• Charms, crystals, spikes, moons, anything that moves and catches light

And don’t forget the barbell piercing chain:

• Fixed chain bars
• Modular bars with clip-on chains
• Custom curved bars to match your unique ear-scape

Just starting out? Measure your span from helix to forward helix, allowing a few extra millimetres for comfort. Standard bar lengths are around 38 mm. But your piercer will advise based on your unique ear shape.

Now you’re rocking a chaindustrial piercing, you need to make it sing.

And here’s a few ideas for giving it the voice it deserves:

Everyday wear

Pair a slim silver chain industrial bar with micro hoops in your daith and studs trailing down your lobe.

Festivals and party nights

Go bold with layered chains, crystals, and ear cuffs.

Goth or grunge

Black PVD bars and spike charms are your ride or die.

Clean girl (or boy)

Match your glazed doughnut skin with rose gold and minimal dainty chains for editorial worthy ears, without screaming for attention.

Y2K obsessed

Add pastel enamel chain links and butterfly charms. And go florals and soft curves for cottagecore chic.

Alt rocker

Matte black everything. And mixed metals if that’s your chaos.

Your ear, your rules, whether you’re channelling your inner Marilyn Manson or Princess Di! Either keep the surrounding piercings chill if your industrial is extra. Or go full maximalist. The choice is yours.

Healing a chaindustrial piercing is a long game, not a sprint. Here’s a general idea of what you’re in for, bearing in mind everybody’s skin and its capacity to heal is different:

Like all piercings, the chaindustrial piercing comes with its own list of occupational hazards. So, keep your eyes and ears open for the following potential mishaps:

• Getting in a tangle - A chaindustrial piercing is fabulous until it starts catching on jumpers, hairbrushes, or your favourite hoodie. You can help prevent any accidents by wearing long hair up to avoid any unexpected yanks.
• Under pressure - Adding an industrial piercing chain too soon can stress the fresh hole and cause pressure bumps. So, stay alert. If it feels tight, swollen, or angry, it’s too soon.
• No sleeping on it - This is a big no. Train yourself to sleep on your back or invest in a travel pillow with a hollow space for your ear to float in comfort.

Got a shiny new chaindustrial piercing and want it to stay cute not crusty? Here’s what to do:

Q. Can I turn my healed industrial into a chaindustrial piercing?

A. Absolutely. Once your helix-to-helix piercing is fully healed in six - nine months minimum, you can swap in a new chain industrial bar or add a clip-on industrial jewellery chain to your existing bar.

Q. Does the chain make it hurt more?

A. Not during piercing. But extra weight can irritate healing cartilage. This is why it’s best to play it safe and add the chain when things have calmed down.

Q. Do I need special jewellery for a chaindustrial piercing?

A. Yes. Your chains need the right gauge (14G or 16G) and secure connections. Stick to jewellery designed for industrials, or modular sets made for safe swaps.

Q. Will the chain catch on my hair and clothes?

A. It can. For this reason, choose tighter chain styles for everyday wear, and save the dramatic drapes for selfie sessions or nights out.

Q. How much does it cost?

A. Expect to pay £30.00 - £45.00 on average, depending on your piercer and jewellery choice. Custom or gold designs can go higher. But don’t skimp, because quality matters.

The chaindustrial piercing is a weird and wonderful mash-up of art, attitude, and engineering. Bold without trying too hard. Edgy without being too in your face. And endlessly customisable.

At Stretch It Body Jewellery, we’ve got all the high-quality titanium bars, chains, and industrial piercing ideas you need to get creative. Plus, we’ll help you make it iconic, whether you're new to the scene, or levelling up an existing connected ear piercing.

What are you waiting for? Shop the drop. Explore our lookbooks. And make your cartilage the main character.