Bridge Piercing
Also called an Earl or Erl, the bridge piercing passes horizontally through the soft tissue between the eyes, across the bridge of the nose. Understated but striking, it's an edgy addition to any look. We pierce with a 14 gauge straight barbell, and our SK Certified piercing specialists will check your anatomy to confirm the placement.
- Pain level
- 4 to 5 / 10
- Method
- Needle
- Minimum age:
- 16 years*
- Jewellery type:
- Straight barbell View jewellery options
- Downsizing:
- 6–8 weeks
- Fully healed:
- minimum 6 months
Two Piercings From $80
Get two of your favourite standard piercings for just $80 when pierced with selected surgical steel jewellery. Read more
Pain is subjective, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee of what you'll feel. Everyone's pain tolerance is different.
* Available: From 16 years with parental consent or 18 years without parental consent. Check our ID & consent requirements here.
What Is A Bridge Piercing?
A bridge piercing, also known as an Earl or Erl, passes horizontally through the soft tissue between the eyes, across the bridge of the nose. It sits on the surface rather than through cartilage, giving it an understated but striking presence.
Because it's a surface-style placement, anatomy matters for both comfort and long-term healing. Our SK Certified piercing specialists will check yours carefully first. Read more on our piercing info page.
What To Expect
Here's how your experience at SkinKandy unfolds from the moment you arrive.
How We Pierce
We pierce every bridge with a single-use hollow needle, never a piercing gun. Our SK Certified piercing specialists are nurse-trained and certified in infection prevention, so you're looked after from consultation through to aftercare advice. Read more about our approach on our piercing info page.
Choosing Your Jewellery
Every bridge is pierced with a 14 gauge straight barbell. Browse our bridge jewellery collection to see what's available.
Step By Step: Your Bridge Piercing Experience
- Your piercing specialist will check the bridge of your nose to confirm suitable anatomy.
- We pierce with a single-use sterile needle for a clean, precise horizontal channel.
- A 14 gauge straight barbell is fitted flush across the bridge.
- You'll get full aftercare guidance before you leave, plus advice on when to come back for downsizing.
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE
Find Your Nearest Studio
Ready to book in? Check our age, ID and consent requirements before your visit so you know what to bring.
Nearest studios
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Aftercare
Healing takes time, and surface piercings like the bridge need a little extra care.
Your Daily Routine
Stick to a simple daily routine and stock up on the right products from our aftercare collection. For the full step by step, read our aftercare guide.
- Clean with sterile saline twice daily.
- Avoid swimming for 6 to 8 weeks.
- Be mindful of glasses, makeup and skincare products around the piercing.
When Can I Change My Jewellery?
We recommend downsizing at 6 to 8 weeks once the initial swelling has settled, with full healing taking a minimum of 6 months.
- Pierced
- Day one
- Downsizing:
- 6–8 weeks
- Fully healed:
- minimum 6 months
Jewellery For Your Bridge Piercing
The right barbell makes all the difference to comfort while your bridge heals, and to how it sits flush against the skin.
Starter Jewellery
We pierce every bridge with a 14 gauge straight barbell in 316L surgical steel, chosen to support healing from day one.
Building Your Stack
Once you're healed, explore our full bridge jewellery collection for more top styles.
Not Sure What Metal Suits You?
If you're torn between finishes, our guide on silver, rose gold or gold can help, or browse everything by material to compare options.
FAQs
What is a bridge piercing?
A bridge piercing, also called an Earl or Erl, passes horizontally through the soft tissue across the bridge of the nose, between the eyes.
Does a bridge piercing hurt?
Most people rate it a 4 to 5 out of 10. You'll feel firm pressure as the needle passes through. Pain is subjective, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee of what you'll feel. Everyone's pain tolerance is different.
Will a bridge piercing suit my anatomy?
As a surface-style placement, suitability varies. Our SK Certified piercing specialists will check yours at your appointment. See our piercing info page.
How long does a bridge piercing take to heal?
Full healing takes a minimum of 6 months. See the average healing time by piercing type for how it compares.
What jewellery is used for a bridge piercing?
We pierce with a 14 gauge straight barbell.
Can bridge piercings reject or migrate?
As with other surface-style piercings, this is a possibility depending on anatomy and aftercare. Our piercing specialists will talk you through the risks. See our piercing info page.
When can I downsize my bridge piercing?
We recommend downsizing at 6 to 8 weeks once the initial swelling has settled. Read why downsize your piercing for more on timing.
Can I get a bridge piercing as part of the two piercings from $80 deal?
Yes, this piercing qualifies for our two piercings from $80 deal when paired with another standard piercing and selected surgical steel jewellery.
Explore More Facial Piercings
A bridge piercing pairs well with other facial placements. Check our piercing info page for more, or explore below.
