Body piercings are a fashion statement. They accent any look and add a spark to your personality. Just like body art, piercings are a solid way to bring something new to your whole look. Plus, you get to try out exclusive jewelry for a one-of-a-kind appearance.
In this comprehensive guide, we will be taking a look at the evolution of body piercings, its most popular types, materials, and more. All this information will help you find your next favorite piercing to get.
Body Piercings Through Years
First, let’s talk about how we got to the piercings we know and love today. Body piercings aren’t a modern ritual but an ancient tradition that has been going on for centuries. Over many cultures and hundreds of years, people have been adorning body piercings. Also, The oldest mummified body from 3300 BCE is observed with piercings.
In the ancient practice, piercings were also considered a status. symbol. It determines an individual’s social standing and success. Many cultures practiced particular rules for wearing piercings based on gender, age, and class.
As time evolved, so did the traditional practice of piercings. Now, anyone can get the piercing of their choice. Use them to enhance your aesthetic appeal or add a bit of boldness to your persona.
Types of Piercings
Possibilities for body piercings are infinite. There is a variety of body piercings you can choose from to accentuate your style. Check out this list to pick your favorite.
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Ear Piercings
The most common and traditional piercings are ear piercings. They are popular among beginners and non-beginners. Multiple areas of the ears are ideal for piercings to flaunt something new. The lobe piercings are easy and take less time to heal. While the cartilage piercings may take longer to heal.
Types of Ear Piercings
- Earlobe
- Helix
- Conch
- Daith
- Auricle
- Rook
- Tragus
- Anti-tragus
- Snug/ Anti-helix
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Facial Piercings
Bring an edge to your look with gorgeous face piercings. Comparable to ear piercings, you get pierced in several locations on the face. These piercings include eyebrow and lip piercings as well. During facial piercings, you might feel slight pressure and sensitivity. The healing process is completed within a few weeks.
Types of Face Piercings
- Anti-eyebrow
- Eyebrow
- Ashley
- Bridge
- Cheek
- Tongue
- Jestrum
- Monroe
- Medusa
- Labret
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Nose Piercings
Another popular pick is nose piercings. Instead of facial piercing, these piercings have their own arena due to the multiple possibilities. The pain from these piercings is not extreme but bearable.
Types of Nose Piercings
- Austin Bar
- High Nostril
- Nasal
- Septum
- Rhino
- Septril
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Other Body Piercings
Besides the face, ear, and nose, you explore the varieties of piercings available for several other body parts. The pain and healing time might vary for these piercings depending upon the body part you decide to get pierced. The infection chances are higher as well.
Types of Body Piercings
- Belly Button
- Nape
- Micro dermal
- Sternum
- Wrist
- Nipple
Distinct Types of Body Piercing Jewelry
Intricate designs and experimental styles — body piercing jewelry has a vast selection. One can pick the jewelry based on the type of piercing or style preference. There is a sea of options out there to choose from. Some of the most popular ones include –
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Studs
Simple and versatile, studs are a popular choice for various piercings. They can have flat backs or ball ends and are typically used for ear, nose, and lip piercings.
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Barbells
Barbells consist of a straight bar with a bead or ball on each end. This type of jewelry is preferred for tongue, eyebrow, industrial, and nipple piercings.
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Belly Button Barbells
Curved or belly button barbells have a curved shape, making them suitable for piercings with curved anatomy, such as eyebrow and navel piercings.
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Captive Bead Rings
Circular rings with small removable beads or balls to hold the tension of the ring. A popular style of jewelry for ear, lip, and nose piercings.
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Hoop Rings
Rings come in circular shapes and have a small opening that can be closed with a ball or other attachment. Rings are used for a wide range of piercings, including nostril, lip, ear, and nipple piercings.
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Plugs and Tunnels
Often used for stretched earlobes — plugs and tunnels are available in different materials and designs. Explore them in simple and elaborate patterns according to your choice.
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Industrial Barbells
It is worn on the top of the ear and requires two piercings to fit in. The industrial barbells are adorned diagonally from the top of the ear to the lower part. They have elegant ends with charms or hanging designs from the middle.
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Segment Rings
Segment rings consist of a circular bar with a segment removed to insert the jewelry. They are used for various piercings, including septum and cartilage piercings.
Material For Body Jewelry
Our body is sensitive. Naturally, we need to pay attention to the jewelry material to avoid skin rejection or infection. The following are the most skin-friendly jewelry materials to pick from.
- Acrylic: Lightweight and durable material for body piercing jewelry. It is available in various shapes and sizes. However, this material is recommended as the first piercing jewelry.
- Titanium: It is a hypoallergenic and lightweight jewelry material. It is suitable for body piercing jewelry for people with metal sensitivities.
- Gold: The most popular piercing jewelry material. It enhances the aesthetic appeal and adds more charm. Ensure investing in high-quality gold to avoid allergic reactions.
- Niobium: It is a hypoallergenic body jewelry material available in various colors and shapes.
- Surgical Steel: Common and affordable jewelry material for surgical steel nipple rings and more.
Cleaning and Aftercare
The healing time of piercing varies depending upon the location of the piercing. It is essential to take care of the piercing by keeping it clean, especially during the healing period. Ensure to use an antibacterial, fragrance-free soap while you shower after the initial days of the procedure.
Look for potential signs of infection, such as red streaks, severe pain, or any other form of discomfort. In case, the pain elevates, contact a professional or doctor before it turns into a severe infection.
Conclusion
When choosing jewelry, consider your style, the type of piercing, and any potential sensitivities or allergies. It’s crucial to use high-quality, body-safe materials and to follow aftercare guidelines provided by your piercer for a successful piercing experience.