Circular barbells, or horseshoe barbells, are a versatile style of piercing jewelry. They receive their name because they are shaped in a “C” shape like a horseshoe. A bead screws onto the end of the “C” shape on either side to keep it held in the piercing. Circular barbells most commonly replace captive rings or banana bars as all have a curved shape which sits in the piercing. When holding a circular barbell for the first time, putting it in can be a bit confusing. However, once you have the hang of it, it’s quite simple.

Dip a cotton swab into some rubbing alcohol so that the cotton is completely moistened.

Use the rubbing alcohol on the end of the cotton swab to thoroughly clean the circular barbell and then set it aside to air dry on a clean surface.

Use a new cotton swab, dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the piercing area. Be sure to clean the front and back of the piercing as thoroughly as possible.

Unscrew one ball from the circular barbell and set the ball aside somewhere safe, where you will not lose it.

Slide the end of the circular barbell, from which you removed the ball, into your open piercing; continue to slide it in until the circular barbell is hanging evenly from your piercing.

Screw the ball tightly onto the end of the circular barbell, holding it in place in your piercing. Ensure that the other ball is screwed tightly on as well.