The Ultimate Guide to Circular Barbells: Sizes, Colours & Why They’re So Versatile

What Makes Circular Barbells So Popular?

If you want a single piece of jewellery that works for nearly every piercing, you’ll love the circular barbell. This versatile body jewellery piece — shaped like a horseshoe — can be worn in your ear, septum, nostril, nipple, and more. It’s comfortable, stylish, and endlessly customisable.
At Camden Body Jewellery, our titanium and surgical steel circular barbells come in up to six stunning colours and one of the largest size ranges in the UK, designed for both healed and fresh piercings.

What Is a Circular Barbell?

A circular barbell is a half-ring bar with two removable ends — typically balls or spikes. Its open-ended design makes it a practical alternative to closed hoops or straight barbells.

Unlike traditional hoops, circular barbells allow easier insertion and less pressure on your piercing — especially during healing.

Why Circular Barbells Are So Versatile

Circular barbells can be worn in almost any piercing. That’s why they’re often called the “all-rounder” of body jewellery.”

Piercings You Can Wear Them In

• Septum Piercing – classic horseshoe style, can be flipped upward for a discreet look.
  
  

• Nostril Piercing – minimal and modern, ideal in smaller gauges.
  
  

• Ear Piercings – works beautifully in daith, rook, helix, and tragus placements.
  
  

• Nipple Piercings – a comfortable, secure alternative to straight bars.
  
  

• Lip or Labret Piercings – adds a unique twist to facial piercings.
  
  
  
  

Circular Barbell Size Guide

When choosing a circular barbell, both gauge (thickness) and diameter (internal size) matter.


Here’s a quick size guide for reference:

If unsure, start slightly larger — you can always size down once healed.

Colours and Finishes

Our Camden Body Jewellery circular barbells are available in:

• Silver (classic polished finish)

• Black Titanium (alt aesthetic)

• Gold PVD (lux finish)

• Rose Gold

• Rainbow (multi-tone anodised)

• Blue Titanium

Titanium vs Surgical Steel Circular Barbells

Both are premium materials, but here’s how they differ:

• Titanium (ASTM F136) – lightweight, non-reactive, ideal material for fresh piercings.

• 316L Surgical Steel – strong, smooth, perfect for healed piercings.
  
  
  

Both materials are corrosion-resistant and easy to clean — a must for body jewellery.

Styling Your Circular Barbell

Create your own signature look:

• Pair a black titanium circular barbell in your septum with matching black clickers in your helix.

• Combine gold and silver finishes for an intentional mixed-metal look.

• Add spikes or gem ends for a bold edge.

• Shop Circular Barbells Collection
  

Final Thoughts

Whether you want something sleek for everyday wear or bold for your next piercing, circular barbells offer endless versatility.


With multiple gauges, colours, and materials available, they’re an essential part of every jewellery rotation.