There's plenty of ways to get a piercing, but you already knew that. What shocks us most is just how many subcategories are out there. Take the simple ear piercing for example, it has 11 different ways. Everything from the snug piercing to the daith piercing, and that's just the mid-ear we're talking about. Then there's facial piercings which sees people bedazzle their eyebrows, their lips and even cheekbones. But how can you pierce your body we hear you ask? Well, you guessed it, in a number of ways. If you're looking to expand your collection of embedded jewels or you're just curious, keep scrolling for our guide on everything you need to know on body piercings.
What are the different types of piercings?
It is by no means a small area and this means there's plenty of space to work with, but a word of warning - don't see the large surface area as a reason to get carried away. The skin on the body takes longer to heal and there are more more nerve endings involved than elsewhere so expect more sensitivity and pain. These surface piercings may also run the risk of rejection or migration, which is never a pleasant thing. That being said, these are body piercings worth noting...
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Nipple Piercings: You guessed it, this involved a ring or a straight barbell going straight through your nipples and it's not for the faint hearted. The nipples are packed with nerve endings which makes the area ultra-sensitive. Rihanna, Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner are all a part of the brave nipple piercing gang.
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Belly Button Piercing: Did you really think the naughties were over? No chance. This particular piercing dominated the scene thanks to Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera circa 2000, and their popularity shows no signs of waning. Nowadays it seems everyone, including Megan Thee Stallion, Miley Cyrus and Vanessa Hudgens, still bedazzles their midriff with the sparkly accessory.
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Dermal Piercings: Known as a single-point surface piercing, this doesn’t pierce through the skin, rather it’s embedded in and sits under the surface of the skin with a dermal anchor keeping it in place. Sound tricky? That's because it is, to clean, change and care for, but that didn't stop Cardi B.
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Nape Piercing: This is a surface piercing located on the back of the neck, consisting of two piercing sites with the jewellery being threaded into and then back out of the skin.
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Sternum Piercing: Also known as the cleavage piercing thanks to it being located on the breastbone. It's made of surface piercings or surface anchors that are placed in the chest.
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Madison Piercing: Unlike the nape piercing, this one goes right through the skin at the front of the neck and is located right at the clavicle.
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Corset Piercings: Usually located on the back, this one is perhaps the most striking and features multiple piercings in rows with a ribbon laced throughout to mimic the effect of a tightly bound corset.
What to expect at your piercing appointment
This will really depend on which type of body piercing you opt for, some areas require a double puncture, others a single, some will need a gauge needle and others a dermal punch. But generally speaking, the area will first be analysed by your piercing professional to determine suitability, then be cleaned and marked up with a skin-safe pen. The piercing will be made and followed immediately by your jewellery of choice.
How much do body piercings hurt?
From what we've gathered, a considerable amount, especially in comparison to other piercings like that of the ear. Overall, areas from the neck down have more nerve endings and are often more sensitive and more susceptible to pain (that includes genital and nipple piercings), but then again other areas can be milder in pain levels like belly button piercings because there is more tissue around the area.
Healing and aftercare
Healing times differ between different types of piercings but generally these areas require more healing time and they may also have a risk of rejection or migration – not pretty stuff. With the risks involved, you'll want to pay close attention to aftercare which is similar that involved with other piercings.
The rule of thumb is to do a saline soak twice daily and gently remove any build up round the area, then pat dry with a clean paper towel. Other than that, be mindful not to irritate the area with excessive touching, prodding and probing.
How much do body piercings cost?
Again, this will depend on what you opt for. Maria Tash, located in Liberty London, charges £35 for a navel or nipple piercing, and £75 for a dermal or surface piercing. Though, the rates really depend on where you are based in the UK and the studio you opt for.