Body Piercing Basics: The Most Common Piercings and Types of Jewelry

International Body Piercing Day is June 28th, so we put together a breakdown of the most common types of body jewelry so you can make an informed, safe decision before you head to the store!

The Most Common Piercing Locations

Ear Lobe

The most common place to start is earlobe piercing (Claire’s at the mall, anyone?) but there are over a dozen different ways and places to pierce!

Jewelry: studs, hoops, captive bead rings, circular barbells, plugs
Size: Basic earlobe piercing is most often done with 20 gauge

Helix/Cartilage

Another common place for ear piercing is in the ear’s cartilage areas. Many people do double or triple helix piercings along the edge of the upper ear cartilage.

Jewelry: studs, hoops, captive bead rings
Size: Most commonly done with 16 gauge

Rook/Tragus

Tragus piercings go through the thick cartilage right in front of the ear canal. Rook piercings go through the cartilage on the ridge between the inner and outer conch.

Jewelry: captive bead rings, circular barbells, hoops, studs
Size: 16G and 18G are commonly used for rook/tragus piercings

Labret

A labret is the common name for both the piercing of the center, lower lip and the jewelry that is worn there. A labret is a barbell with a ball or decorative piece on one end and a flattened piece on the other so that it fits comfortably between the insides of the lip and the lower or upper gum. Labrets are also used for Monroe & Medusa piercings on the upper lip.

Jewelry: flat back studs, captive bead rings, seamless rings, circular barbell
Size: 14G or 16G is typically used with a labret piercing

Naval

Navel rings are designed specifically for use with belly piercings, and are fully customizable for length and curvature. As navel piercings continue to remain popular, there are countless cute and stylish options available.

Jewelry: curved or twist barbells and captive bead rings
Size: 14G is typically used with belly piercings

Nipple

Whatever your reason for getting your nipple pierced - bedroom fun, body positivity, or just because you like the look - be prepared for a long aftercare journey. The nipple is not an easy piercing to heal, and requires diligent care for the duration of its healing time, which could be up to a year.

Jewelry: straight barbell, circular barbell
Size: 14G is commonly used with nipple piercings

Nose

Nostril screws are considered to be most suitable option for nose piercings since the jewelry is designed with anatomy in mind. Created for continued comfort in the nostril, nostril screws are designed to easily slip into the appropriate position and remain stable through everyday wear.

Jewelry: screws, studs, seamless rings, faux hoops
Size: 20G is commonly used

Septum

A septum piercing, also known as bull ring, is a piercing that goes through your nasal septum, a.k.a that bit between your nostrils. Circular barbells are great for septum piercings since their partially open shape allows for tucking the jewelry up into the nostrils without removing the piercing.

Jewelry: septum retainers, septum clickers, captive bead rings and circular barbells
Size: 14G or 16G is most often used for septum piercing.

Tongue

A tongue piercing is a body piercing usually done directly through the center of the tongue. Standard tongue piercings, or one hole in the center of the tongue, is the most common and safest way to have the tongue pierced.

Jewelry: straight barbell
Size: 14G is most often used for tongue piercings

Piercing Jewelry Glossary

Captive Bead Rings

Also Known As: CBRs, Ball Closure Rings

The captive bead ring is a hoop-shaped design that features a single, unattached bead that is held in place by tension from both sides of the ring. A popular all-around ring that's often used in ear, eyebrow, nipple, lip, even occasionally navel piercings. CBRs are often worn while new earlobe, cartilage, rook, or tragus piercings heal. After that, some choose to switch to another style.

Segment Ring

Also Known As: Seamless Ring, Hoop

Unlike a captive bead, these rings have a seamless look, achieved by a piece of the hoop that comes out completely when putting it in or taking out. A great option if you want a sleek look, but risky if you’re prone to losing things.

Hinged Segment Rings

Also Known As: Clicker Ring

Hinged segment rings are perfect for anyone not wanting to thread balls or other fasteners. These rings close like a door and lock into place, making them perfect for long-term wear.

Curved Barbell

Also Known As: Bent Barbell, Bananabell, Banana, Belly Ring

This is a barbell that is slightly curved but not as much as a circular one. A popular option for eyebrow piercings.

Circular Barbell

Also Known As: Horseshoe

A curved barbell that makes an incomplete circle; it features a small center gap and balls (or spikes!) at either end. Circular barbells are sold in multiple different gauges depending on preference.

Straight & Industrial Barbells

Also Known As: Bar, Scaffold

Industrial piercings are created when two or more piercings in the ear are connected by a single straight barbell. An industrial barbell is longer than a traditional barbell in order to pass through more than one piercing, such as through two different areas of the ear rim.

Nose Screw

Also Known As: U-Post, Fishtail

Nostril screws have a curve or U-shape halfway down the stud. Once threaded through your piercing, they rest against the inside of your nose to stay in place. Can be really hard to put in.

Nose Stud/L-Bend

Also Known As: L-Post

L bends are easier to put in than screws and often used for initial piercings for this reason. usually used for initial piercings because they are easy to get in. Also a good option for someone who likes to switch out their jewelry often.

Nose Pin

Also Known As: Push Pin, Bone

A simple, dainty pin with a simple base that is similar to, yet smaller than a labret. Ranges from a single gem on the tip to a more ornate metal design.

QH's Top Sellers

1. Nose Jewelry
   Standard hoops are very popular because they are simple but also easy to put in and very affordable. Our best seller is the top nose stud with screw back and gems in the shape of a flower.

2. Navel Jewelry
   Our “Purple Haze Leaf" has been the top seller lately…perhaps because we just celebrate 420 day. 

3. Labret Jewelry
   Lately, our customers are loving the the 16G black post with clear gem.

We know this is a ton of information to digest all at once. If you have any question about body piercings and the best options for you, drop by The Hut!

Also in News