Many people enjoy the style and statement of a belly button ring but may want to know more before getting this navel piercing done. Since a belly button ring piercing can have infections and complications when done incorrectly.
Doing proper research on belly rings beforehand is recommended. Use this piercing overview to find out more about belly rings (also referred to as navel piercings) and their sizes, costs, different types & styles, and healing & aftercare tips. If you want to skip all the images then go directly to the belly button rings: sizes, costs, and types here.
Belly Ring Piercing Procedure
After finding a piercing shop to perform the navel piercing, make sure that your body and the area is clean. To minimize any pain before the procedure, consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever shortly before going but always do this in communication with your piercer. Once at the shop, the piercer will normally go over the steps with you before the procedure starts.
Here are the common steps for piercing the belly button:
- The piercing room must appear clean and smell clean. The chair should be clean and have either a disposable or washable covering.
- The piercing professional should wash his or her hands thoroughly before putting on a fresh pair of surgical gloves.
- Your belly button will be prepared by using a surgical scrub to clean and sterilize the area inside and around the navel.
- The anesthetic may or may not be available.
- The piercing expert will grasp the skin and puncture with a surgical needle or puncture tool. Most commonly this will occur from just inside the opening of the navel and be directed towards your head. Mild pain is normal, but this part is relatively quick.
- The needle is replaced by your new belly button piercing.
- The area will be cleaned a final time and you are all set with your brand new belly button piercing.
This is the end of the piercing, although there will usually be instructions on taking care of the area to prevent infection.
Popular Belly Button Rings and Piercings
Below you can find the most pinned belly button rings that you can buy directly from Etsy. Thereafter we showcase you 25 different popular navel body piercing examples of on our piercing models.
The Most Pinned Belly Button Rings
25 Popular Navel Piercings on Models
Belly Button Rings: Sizes, Types & Costs
Although there are many types of belly button rings available, a first-time ring should usually be a simple curved barbell or bead ring rather than the more decorative kinds.
Having an initial ring without dangles and gems reduces the risk of having the ring gets caught on anything. It’s also recommended to choose a ring that is hypoallergenic, especially if sensitive to nickel or other types of metals.
Belly Button Rings Sizes
Navel jewelry for belly button piercings is measured by gauges. The higher the gauge the smaller the piercing; 14g is the standard size that fits most piercings. To go up to 12g (and wider) you will need to have your piercing stretched.
The length (inches” or millimeters) of navel rings refers to the distance between the balls. It is the length of the shaft in fractional inches rather than the total length of the jewelry. Measure a piece of navel jewelry that currently fits you correctly to find out your size and to assess if other (fractional) sizes will also fit well.
Belly Button Rings Costs
Rates for belly rings vary depending on location and the type of ring. A single piercing in the navel can range from $25-50 and will typically come with standard titanium or surgical steel ring. Custom rings will cost more and also make sure to include the cost of a tip.
For a piercing, a 10-20% tip for the piercer is considered normal. Prices vary from piercing artist to piercing artist. Do a bit of research and find yourself a reputable piercer who offers a good price.
Below a few must known facts about what affects the cost of belly button piercing:
- One of the biggest cost is the material of the navel piercing. Options vary widely and can consist of simple designs up to very complicated works of art.
- Several popular options include silver, gold, titanium and other metal alloys, which influences the overall cost.
Take into consideration the above information, bellybutton piercing cost on average between $40 and $100. The price is never fixed and be sure to negotiate. If you already have your own jewelry the cost should be less, around $30. No matter what you decide, be sure that a reputable and licensed piercing salon does your piercing.
Belly Button Rings Types
There are several different styles for belly rings. However, while decorations can vary from ring to ring, the five most basic styles are the standard banana bell, curved barbell, spiral barbell, top mount, and BCR.
For initial piercings, the banana bell piercing looks like an unembellished barbell and is considered standard. Because of their larger bottom shape, they have the general appearance of a banana and are a great choice for anyone who is very physically active as well. The dangle is more decorative and is a great choice when wearing a belly ring for a fashion statement.
The spiral barbell is also more decorative and should be worn for special events or short term wear. They’re designed to fit any belly piercing and provide a fun look. The top mount is ideal for anyone who has the bottom rim of the belly button pierced and they’re designed with dangling charms attached at the top, so they make a unique statement.
Lastly, the BCR is a popular 90s item that’s made a comeback. It’s an actual ring and can get caught on shirts or other accessories easily, but it is always an interesting option.
Types of belly button rings often vary because some people need belly rings for sensitive skin types. Some of the more popular belly button rings for sensitive skin include titanium, plastic, acrylic, Bioflex, Bioplast, and PTFE belly button rings. Find more information about different piercing materials here.
Aftercare of Belly Button Piercing
Think of your piercing as minor surgery. The healing timeframe varies from person to person, but on average takes several weeks. Some people heal slower than others and healing can take two or three months for some and much longer for others.
Follow the belly button ring aftercare instructions below to help speed up the healing process and minimize complications.
Taking Care of Your Belly Button Piercing
Total Time: 15 minutes
Apply cotton swabs to the area.
Avoid using your fingers or cotton towels. These things harbor bacteria. Also refrain from reusing swabs, discarding them after every use.
Wash with an antibacterial soap to prevent infection.
Clean with salt water since bacteria hate salt.
That a small dash of salt into a cup of warm water. Invert this cup over the belly button and let it soak for about 10 minutes. Then rinse off and dry gently with a paper towel or soft cloth.
Pat dry with a clean, dry cloth.
Make sure you use a new towel each time and take care not to snag the jewelry on it.
Belly Button Piercing Tips
- Be aware of infections. Classic signs of infection include redness, increased pain, warm and drainage. If the drainage is yellow, green or has a bad odor it undoubtedly has become infected. If any of this occurs be sure to contact your piercer and get in touch with your doctor. If the drainage is clear or a semi-opaque liquid is likely healing fine. A small amount of bleeding is not uncommon and should not cause alarm.
- Avoid antibacterial ointments and skin care products since they will clog pores and trap excess moisture, which inhibits healing. Some people are allergic and highly sensitive to over-the-counter antibacterial ointment components.
- Do not change your belly button jewelry. This may cause the piercing to track to close prematurely. Forcing the jewelry back into the piercing track will traumatize the tissue and greatly impair healing or generate excessive scarring.
- Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and lakes. Avoid exposing your piercing to water with possible bacterias. If you must get wet, be sure to use a waterproof bandage.
- Tight-fitting garments will irritate and aggravate the piercing site, which further delays healing and increases the chance of infection and a bad cosmetic appearance.
- Resist the temptation to touch or play with the piercing! The only time it should be manipulated is during the cleaning process. Always wash your hands before beginning the cleaning process of your new belly button piercing.
Suggested Aftercare Products For Belly Button Piercing
H2Ocean Piercing Aftercare Spray
[amazon fields=”B007M1ZQM2″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Belly Button Sea SAlt Spray”]
It is very important that you must take good care of your new belly button piercing on the outside. The first thing that you should do is to wash your hands first. Be sure to remove any dirt from the area then keep it dry completely. H2Ocean’s Piercing Aftercare Spray is one of the most highly recommended products for cleaning your belly button piercing.
It is a fact that sea salt can help in stimulating your body’s healing process. In order to use H2Ocean’s Piercing Aftercare Spray effectively, you must spray it around your piercing area. Do this at least 3 to 6 times a day. Keep in mind that you should not wipe it off. This can effectively relieve any itching and swelling.
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Urban Releaf Piercing Solution
[amazon fields=”B01EWFKZGW” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Belly Button Piercing Solution”]
Sea salt can help in healing wounds. However, it is not advisable that you should take a saltwater bath in your tub since you could unconsciously get bacteria from sitting in the tub.
Rather than taking a bath, you can soak your belly button piercing in a sea salt solution. Get a Dixie cup or a small glass and fill it with some saltwater. Bend over and press the cup or glass against your belly. Be sure to seal it against your skin. As much as possible try to press it hard as you slowly lay down.
The sea salt solution should stay on your belly button for at least 10 minutes. Do this once during the first day, then after that, you could do it twice a day.
Do it once in the morning, then once in the evening before going to bed. The saltwater can effectively break down the crust that may form around the piercing. Additionally, this is also an excellent cleanser and natural healer.
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Frequently Asked Belly Button Piercing Questions
If you still have some questions, there is no need to worry. We have asked our readers what their lingering inquiries are and listed them here for you. We hope this helps you understand and make a decision on whether or not a belly button piercing is right for you.
Do belly button piercings hurt?
There is always a degree of pain involved in getting a piercing. However, a belly button piercing goes through soft tissue, which means it shouldn’t hurt much. This all depends on your pain tolerance, of course.
How long will my belly button piercing take to heal?
Make sure you are following the proper piercing aftercare regimen to maximize healing times. In general, it will take around four to six weeks for your piercing to heal completely. If you experience issues or are worried about your piercing, ask the piercer that did it to help or go to a licensed medical professional.
Do belly button piercings close quickly?
This varies from person to person and depends on how long the piercing has been in for. If you have had the belly button piercing a few years, it could take several weeks for it to close. Surface piercings all are like this!
Does getting a belly button piercing hurt?
During the piercing procedure, there may be a sharp, quick pain. However, after this initial pain, the discomfort is usually minimal. As the skin around the belly button area heals, there may be some discomfort, especially if the ring is pulled, but this is usually mild.
However, be wary of experiencing greater amounts of pain in the area. This may mean that there is an infection, so pay attention to signals of your body.
Belly Button Piercings Final Thoughts
Belly button rings or navel piercings are a great way to show personal style and flair, but it’s easy to end up with a bad result without paying attention to the piercer, belly rings you buy, and aftercare. Use these tips and warnings to learn more about belly rings and having a great overall experience. A belly button ring is a great beginner piercing for younger (mostly) girls who are just starting to explore the world of piercing and tattoos.
Hello! My name is Emily and I obsessed with piercings (and tattoos) since I was a little girl of 6 years old. I was fortunate enough to make my passion my work after meeting my amazing husband Jeffrey who owned his own tattoo shop. I just recently finished my internships at some of America’s most famous piercing shops and a dream to start something together was born. After falling in love with each other (and each other’s piercings and tattoos) we decided to expand his tattoo shop and I got to manage my own piercing shop in the same space! I’ve never been so happy being able to share my love for piercings through my shop and this blog I started back in 2013. We love to share models and inspiration, so feel free to email me your suggestions, pictures or if you just want to say hi!