The incredible popularity of the modern navel piercing (also known as belly button piercings) can be traced to a single event: the video for Aerosmith’s “Cryin’,” released in 1993. In it, Alicia Silverstone—actually, her body double—had her navel pierced by Gauntlet piercer Paul King. Soon after, Madonna was photographed extensively with her new navel jewelry, and model Christy Turlington was seen showing off hers at a fashion show in London.
Popular or not, not all navels are suitable for piercing. (While almost all navels can be pierced, the trick is healing the piercing—and not all navels are shaped to accommodate this.) In order to be a candidate for a navel piercing, you need to have a protruding lip of skin on the top (or, uncommonly, on the bottom) of your navel, with enough space behind the flap for jewelry to sit comfortably. The flap must have a definite front and back, with a clear edge dividing the two. If your navel has more of a rounded slope that curves under, if there is not sufficient space behind the flap for jewelry to properly sit, or if your navel collapses when you sit down, you may not be a good candidate for this one. (Describing the ideal navel for piercing can be difficult, but if you look at our gallery pictures you can start to see what we’re talking about.) If you’re interested in this piercing, come in and talk to one of our piercers. We can take a look at the way your navel is shaped and let you know whether we think this one will work for you.
One reason we’re so selective with anatomy is that navel piercings tend to be difficult to heal. We tell clients to prepare for six months to one full year of healing, and that’s no exaggeration. Navel tissue is not very vascular, as it’s simply scar tissue going back to when you were born. It is also considered a high-traffic area. As such, they’re prone to irritation from everything from the jewelry getting twisted when sitting or exercising to rubbing from tight-fitting clothing and waistbands. (This piercing is not very forgiving.) That being said, if you want a healed and attractive navel piercing for swimsuit weather, you’ll probably want to consider getting this piercing the winter before.
The jewelry we suggest for an initial navel piercing is most often a 12 gauge curved barbell. (Rings are not usually suitable for initial healing.) Healing can be difficult with anything too big, ornate, or dangly, but after healing the only limit is your imagination (or your budget). Check out our gallery to get some ideas.
FAQs
Most kinds of ring or bar jewelry can be worn in a navel piercing. Navels are most often pierced with a 14g curved barbell, which is recommended to be worn until the piercing has completely healed, the healing time is typically anywhere between 6–12 months.
What are the rules for belly button piercing? ›
General tips:
- Wear clean, loose, and soft clothes. ...
- Stay out of lakes, hot tubs, and pools. ...
- Don't wear charms or dangly jewelry in your piercing. ...
- Don't change your jewelry until your belly button has completely healed. ...
- Be sure your barbell is the right size. ...
- Watch for signs of infection.
Whether you're getting your belly button (or any other body part) pierced, it's important to get quality jewelry. Skimping on the material can lead to undue irritation or infection. Opt for a belly button ring made of 14- or 18-karat gold, titanium, surgical steel, or niobium. Avoid nickel alloys and brass.
What is the significance of the navel piercing? ›
It is believed that body piercing marked significant spiritual or developmental stages [1] or indicated status and wealth [2]. For example, navel piercings were a rite of passage for Ancient Egyptian pharaohs [2].
How long does a navel piercing take to heal? ›
On average, it takes around 6 to 12 months for a belly button piercing to fully heal. However, it's important to note that healing times can be influenced by various factors such as your body's natural healing ability, how well you follow the aftercare instructions, and any complications that may arise.
What to avoid after a belly piercing? ›
Warm areas are where belly piercings shine. However, while it's healing, you need to keep it away from pools, standing water, sandy areas, and anywhere that might bring in harmful bacteria. Sandy beaches can bring foreign particles into the piercing, which could cause infection.
Do you need a flat stomach for a belly button piercing? ›
In fact, the shape of your navel area is more important than your size. For example, those whose navel areas curve inward when they sit are likely unsuitable for a standard placement of a navel piercing no matter the size of their belly. Those who have an outie belly button shouldn't get their navel pierced.
Can you cuddle with a belly button piercing? ›
Yes, you can cuddle with a belly piercing.
When's the best time to get a belly piercing? ›
You can get your belly button pierced at the time you consider best, but the ideal would be a few months before the summer, so when the summer season arrives you can display it without having to worry about care. If, for whatever reason, you can only do it at that time, be very careful with the healing process.
What is the best age to get a belly button piercing? ›
Most shops will pierce a navel starting at 16 years old. Why? Because they need to be responsible enough to take care of it. Navel piercings are tricky to heal and require proper care.
Reasons People Get Belly Button Piercings
The study showed that the most common motivation was increased physical attractiveness; this represents 27.3% of all responses. Some of the other reasons for getting navel piercings include: Rebelliousness. Independence.
What is the difference between belly button piercing and navel piercing? ›
What Is a Belly Button Piercing? A belly button piercing, also known as a navel piercing, is a piercing through the skin located directly above the belly button. This allows the jewelry to hang slightly over the belly button and essentially stand out against it.
Should I cover my belly button piercing overnight? ›
Clean gauze padding should be worn over navel/nipple piercings during the night for the first few nights. This should be done for the first 1-2 weeks during the day as well if wearing tight clothes/bras or participating in physical exertion (such as sports / gym) or work that may cause friction around the area.
Can you shower after getting a belly button piercing? ›
Your sweat is sterile to you, so shower like you normally do and clean the piercing afterwards with saline or sterile wound wash. Do not swim in rivers, lakes, hot tubs, pools, or oceans until your piercing is healed.
What is the most painful piercing? ›
It's not uncommon for people to cringe when they think of piercing their genitals. And they have good reason to! Genital piercings are the most painful of the bunch. This is because your genitals are extremely sensitive and contain an incredibly high amount of nerve endings.
Who Cannot get a belly button piercing? ›
If you don't have a solid flap of skin on the top of the belly button, sometimes piercers can go for the lower lip of the belly button instead (though this is a rare option). Unfortunately, if you have an outie belly button, you most likely won't be able to get it pierced.
Can you be 14 to get your bellybutton pierced? ›
If you are under 18 the parent or legal guardian must accompany the minor for the entire procedure. A government issued photo ID will be needed from both the minor and the parent or legal guardian. This can be a state-issued ID card, learner's permit, driver's license, passport, or military ID.
Can I shower after a belly button piercing? ›
Here we explain how to do it: Ideally, there should be minimal contact between the piercing and the water: we advise that you bathe as quickly as possible and that the water be applied softly, try not to rub around or near the piercing while you are in water and do not allow any soap, shampoo, conditioner or any other ...
Do I have the right anatomy for a belly button piercing? ›
In order to be a candidate for a navel piercing, you need to have a protruding lip of skin on the top (or, uncommonly, on the bottom) of your navel, with enough space behind the flap for jewelry to sit comfortably. The flap must have a definite front and back, with a clear edge dividing the two.
