Body piercings have a long and fascinating history. For centuries, across countless cultures, people have adorned their bodies with piercings. These weren’t always just for looks, either. They often signified status, marked important life transitions, or reflected deep-seated cultural beliefs.
What exactly is a body piercing? It’s essentially puncturing or cutting a part of your body to create a hole where you can wear jewelry. And the possibilities are pretty vast!
Before you jump into the world of body modification, it’s super important to choose a skilled and reputable piercer. This minimizes risks and ensures they use the right techniques. Equally crucial is understanding aftercare. Proper cleaning and care are essential for preventing infections and ensuring your piercing heals well.
Ready to explore the options? This article will give you a comprehensive body piercings list, discuss what to consider before getting pierced, and explain the aftercare needed to keep your new piercing healthy and happy.
Ear Piercings: A Comprehensive Guide
Ear piercings are a popular form of self-expression, and the possibilities are nearly endless. Here’s a guide to some of the most common ear piercings.
Lobe Piercings
The standard earlobe piercing is probably the most common and least painful type of piercing. Earlobe piercings are sometimes stretched or “gauged,” which means the piercing hole is gradually enlarged to accommodate larger jewelry. Gauges are sized in millimeters, with larger numbers indicating larger holes.
Aftercare for earlobe piercings is fairly simple: clean the piercing regularly with saline solution, and avoid touching it with dirty hands.
Cartilage Piercings: Helix, Forward Helix, and Flat
Cartilage piercings are located on the cartilage of the ear, rather than the soft lobe. Common cartilage piercings include:
- Helix: Located on the outer curve of the ear.
- Forward Helix: Positioned on the upper front cartilage of the ear.
- Flat: Placed on the flat area of cartilage inside the upper ear.
Cartilage piercings generally take longer to heal than lobe piercings and may be more painful. Rings, studs, and barbells are all common choices for cartilage jewelry.
Inner Ear Piercings: Conch, Tragus, Antitragus, Rook, Faux Rook, and Daith
Inner ear piercings are located in the inner part of the ear. These include:
- Conch: Located in the large cup of the inner ear.
- Tragus: Situated on the small flap of cartilage in front of the ear canal.
- Antitragus: Opposite the tragus, on the cartilage above the earlobe.
- Rook: Placed on the ridge of cartilage above the tragus.
- Faux Rook: Similar to rook, but lower placement.
- Daith: Located in the innermost cartilage fold of the ear.
Aftercare for inner ear piercings requires special care. Avoid earbuds or anything that puts pressure on the piercing during healing, and keep the area dry and clean.
Some people report that Daith piercings can provide migraine relief, although there’s little scientific evidence to back this up.
Industrial and Orbital Piercings
Industrial and orbital piercings involve two piercings connected by a single piece of jewelry.
- Industrial: Two piercings connected by a single barbell, typically across the upper ear cartilage.
- Orbital: Two piercings connected by a ring, often in the lobe or helix.
Not everyone’s ear anatomy is suitable for an industrial piercing, so consult with a skilled piercer to see if this piercing is right for you.
Facial Piercings: Enhancing Your Features
Facial piercings can be a bold and beautiful way to express yourself. Here’s a look at some popular options.
Eyebrow Piercings
Eyebrow piercings are typically placed vertically, but you can also get them horizontally or at an angle. Curved barbells, rings, and surface bars are common jewelry choices.
One thing to keep in mind is that eyebrow piercings, like other surface piercings, have a higher risk of migration (moving from their original placement) and rejection (being pushed out by the skin).
Nose Piercings: Nostril, Septum, and Bridge
Nose piercings are incredibly versatile.
- Nostril piercings: These can be placed on either side of the nose and are often adorned with studs, rings, or L-shaped posts. Nose piercings have a rich cultural significance in many parts of the world.
- Septum piercings: Located in the cartilage between your nostrils, septum piercings are often fitted with circular barbells or retainers (which can hide the piercing). Many people choose to stretch their septum piercings to larger gauges over time.
- Bridge piercings: These piercings are placed on the bridge of the nose, between the eyes. Bridge piercings can be tricky to heal and require careful aftercare to prevent rejection.
Lip Piercings: Labret, Monroe, Medusa, and Ashley
Lip piercings offer a range of placements and styles.
- Labret piercings: Located below the bottom lip, centered, labret piercings can be customized with various jewelry options.
- Monroe and Medusa piercings: The Monroe piercing sits above the upper lip, mimicking Marilyn Monroe’s iconic beauty mark. The Medusa (or Philtrum) piercing is centered above the upper lip, in the philtrum (the vertical groove between the nose and lip).
- Ashley piercings: A unique Ashley piercing enters and exits in the center of the lower lip. Downsizing the jewelry is crucial to prevent damage to your gums and teeth.
Cheek Piercings (Dimple Piercings)
Cheek piercings, also known as dimple piercings, are placed to mimic the look of natural dimples.
Healing can be challenging, and there’s a potential for permanent dimpling even after the jewelry is removed. Choose your piercer carefully and follow aftercare instructions diligently. There are many jewelry options for cheek piercings.
Body Piercings: Beyond the Face
Once you’ve considered every possible facial piercing, you might want to consider piercings on other parts of your body.
Navel Piercings
Navel piercings can be standard, reverse, or floating. Be sure to talk with your piercer about which one is best for your particular navel anatomy.
Navel piercings take a while to heal, and you’ll need to be diligent about aftercare. You’ll also want to avoid high-waisted clothing during the healing period to allow air to circulate and avoid irritation.
Once your navel piercing has healed, you can choose from jewelry options like curved barbells, rings, and decorative charms.
Nipple Piercings
Nipple piercings can be placed horizontally, vertically, or at an angle. Some people find them more sensitive than others.
As with any piercing, you’ll need to follow your piercer’s aftercare instructions carefully to avoid infection. Jewelry options for nipple piercings include barbells and rings.
Surface Piercings: Nape, Hip, and Wrist
Surface piercings run along the surface of the skin rather than through a protruding body part. Common sites for surface piercings include the nape of the neck, the hips, and the wrists.
Surface piercings are trickier than some other types of piercings because they have a higher risk of rejection and migration. Careful placement and aftercare are essential.
Jewelry options include surface bars and microdermals.
Genital Piercings
There are many different types of genital piercings for both men and women. Given the sensitive nature of these piercings, it’s important to do your research and consult with an experienced piercer. Be sure you fully understand the risks and benefits involved.
Choosing the Right Piercing (and Piercer!)
Body piercings are a fun way to express yourself, but it’s important to go into it with your eyes open. Think about things like how well you tolerate pain, how long the piercing will take to heal, and how the piercing might affect your day-to-day life. For instance, if you’re a competitive swimmer, you might want to avoid a surface piercing that could easily get snagged.
And of course, what kind of aesthetic are you going for? Do you want something subtle, or something that really makes a statement?
Finding a Reputable Piercer
Once you’ve decided on a piercing, the next step is to find a piercer you can trust. Start by checking credentials and certifications, such as membership in the Association of Professional Piercers (APP). The APP has rigorous standards for hygiene and safety, so that’s a good place to start.
When you visit the studio, take a good look around. Is it clean and well-organized? Do they seem to follow proper sterilization procedures? Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their sterilization methods and hygiene practices.
Finally, read online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends. A good piercer should be knowledgeable, patient, and willing to answer all your questions.
Consultation and Aftercare Instructions
Before getting pierced, you should have a consultation with your piercer. This is your chance to discuss any concerns you have and ask questions about the procedure. Make sure you understand the potential risks and complications associated with the piercing.
Your piercer should also provide you with detailed aftercare instructions. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and avoid infection. If you have any concerns during the healing process, don’t hesitate to contact your piercer.
Body piercing jewelry: Materials, sizes, and styles
Once you’ve decided where you want to get pierced, you’ll want to think about the jewelry you’ll wear. Here’s a quick guide to materials, sizes, and styles.
Common jewelry materials
- Surgical steel: This is a popular option because it’s hypoallergenic and lasts a long time.
- Titanium: Lightweight and biocompatible, titanium is another good choice.
- Gold: If you like gold, be sure to consider the karat and alloy to avoid skin reactions.
- Acrylic and silicone: These materials are flexible and work well if your piercing is already healed.
Jewelry sizes and gauges
It’s important to understand gauge measurements and conversions. Using the right size jewelry for your specific piercing is key to avoiding problems.
Before you change gauge sizes, it’s a good idea to talk with your piercer to make sure you’re making the right choice.
Jewelry styles for different piercings
There are a lot of options available!
- Barbells: These come in straight, curved, and circular styles.
- Rings: Popular ring styles include captive bead rings, seamless rings, and segment rings.
- Studs: Studs come in a few different styles, including flat-back, L-shaped, and nose bones.
In Conclusion
From the subtle sparkle of a lobe piercing to the more dramatic statement of a surface anchor, the world of body modification offers a wide array of options. We’ve covered many of the most popular ear, facial, and body piercings, highlighting their unique placements and characteristics.
Before you take the plunge, remember that informed decision-making is paramount. Take the time to research different piercing types, understand the potential risks and complications, and choose a reputable piercer with a proven track record. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and address any concerns you may have.
Once you’ve gotten pierced, diligent aftercare is key to successful healing. Regular cleaning with a sterile saline solution, avoiding unnecessary touching or irritation, and following your piercer’s specific instructions are crucial for preventing infection and promoting optimal healing.
Ultimately, body piercings can be a powerful form of self-expression, allowing you to showcase your individuality and personal style. By prioritizing safety, health, and responsible piercing practices, you can confidently explore the world of body modification and embrace your unique self.