This guide explores the different types of body piercings.
If you have questions or are ready for your next piercing, call (905) 897-3503.
1. Ear Piercings
Lobe Piercing: Located in the soft, fleshy lower part of the ear, this is the most common and beginner-friendly option.
Upper Lobe: This piercing is positioned slightly above the traditional lobe piercing, closer to the upper edge of the earlobe, for a stacked look.
Helix: On the cartilage of the ear’s upper outer rim. It can be placed anywhere along this curve.
Forward Helix: Found at the front of the upper ear, closer to the face, and above the ear canal.
Tragus: A small, thick section of cartilage that protrudes in front of the ear canal opening.
Anti-Tragus: Directly opposite the tragus, above the lobe, and at the edge of the ear’s cartilage.
Daith: In the ear's innermost cartilage fold, situated just above the ear canal.
Rook: A small ridge of cartilage positioned above the daith and near the ear's upper curve.
Conch: The flat cartilage area in the middle of the ear, either inner (closer to the ear canal) or outer (near the ear’s edge).
Industrial: A long barbell that connects two piercings in the upper ear cartilage, typically across the ear.
Snug: Located in the inner cartilage midway between the ear canal and the outer edge of the ear.
Orbital Piercing: A combination of two piercings connected by a single piece of jewelry, usually in the lobe or helix area.
2. Face Piercings
Eyebrow Piercing: Positioned along the ridge of the eyebrow, either vertically through the brow or horizontally across.
Bridge Piercing: Located across the bridge of the nose, between the eyes, creating a bold statement.
Third Eye Piercing: A surface or dermal piercing centered on the forehead, above the brows.
Cheek/Dimple Piercing: Through the cheeks at the natural dimples or where dimples would be.
Anti-Eyebrow Piercing: A surface piercing below the eyebrow, often along the upper cheekbone.
3. Nose Piercings
Nostril Piercing: On the side of the nose, typically near the crease between the nostril and cheek.
High Nostril: Higher up on the nasal bridge, closer to the bone.
Septum Piercing: In the thin cartilage or soft tissue between the nostrils.
Nasallang Piercing: A horizontal piercing that passes through both nostrils and the septum.
Septril Piercing: A combination piercing exiting at the tip of the nose, involving the septum.
Austin Bar: A horizontal barbell that goes through the tip of the nose without entering the nasal cavity.
4. Tongue Piercings
Midline Tongue Piercing: Through the center of the tongue, typically placed in the middle of its length.
Side Tongue Piercing: Offset slightly to one side of the tongue.
Venom Bites: Two separate piercings placed symmetrically on either side of the tongue.
Frenulum Piercing: A small piercing through the thin tissue under the tongue or inside the upper lip (commonly called "smiley").
Snake Eyes: A horizontal piercing through the tip of the tongue.
5. Lip Piercings
Labret Piercing: Below the lower lip, centered along the middle.
Vertical Labret: Through the lower lip vertically, with one end inside the mouth and the other just below the lip.
Medusa (Philtrum) Piercing: Centered just above the upper lip in the philtrum groove.
Monroe Piercing: Off-center above the upper lip, mimicking Marilyn Monroe's beauty mark.
Madonna Piercing: Similar to the Monroe but on the opposite side of the lip.
Snake Bites: Two piercings symmetrically placed on either side of the lower lip.
Spider Bites: Two closely spaced piercings on one side of the lower lip.
Dolphin Bites: Two piercings placed closely together just below the lower lip.
Angel Bites: Two piercings above the upper lip on either side.
Canine Bites: A combination of Snake and Angel Bites (four piercings).
6. Genital Piercings
For Penis:
Prince Albert (PA): From the underside of the glans to the urethra.
Frenum Piercing: A horizontal piercing along the shaft skin.
Apadravya: Vertical through the glans.
Ampallang: Horizontal through the glans.
Dydoe: Through the ridge of the glans.
Guiche Piercing: Through the perineum, between the scrotum and anus.
Hafada Piercing: On the scrotum.
For Vagina:
Vertical Clitoral Hood (VCH): Through the hood above the clitoris for stimulation.
Horizontal Clitoral Hood (HCH): Horizontal across the clitoral hood.
Inner Labia: Through the inner labial folds.
Outer Labia: Through the outer labial folds.
Fourchette: At the rear vaginal opening.
Triangle Piercing: Beneath the clitoris through the clitoral hood.
Princess Albertina: Through the urethra, exiting the vaginal opening.
7. Other Body Piercings
Navel Piercing: Through the skin just above or below the belly button.
Nipple Piercing: A horizontal or vertical piercing through the nipple.
Dermal Piercing: A single-point piercing anchored under the skin, often on collarbones or hips.
Corset Piercing: Multiple surface piercings laced with ribbons, typically on the back or sides.
Surface Piercing: On flat skin areas, such as the nape or chest.
Hip Piercing: Surface piercings near the hip bones.
Back Dimple Piercing: In the dimples of the lower back.
Finger Piercing: Through the skin on the finger, often resembling a ring.
Collarbone Piercing: Surface piercings along the collarbone.
Types of Body Piercings for Females
Female piercings often focus on aesthetics and adornment, with popular options including:
Facial Piercings
Nostril Piercing: On the side of the nose.
Septum Piercing: In the cartilage between the nostrils.
Medusa (Philtrum) Piercing: Above the upper lip in the center.
Monroe or Madonna Piercing: On either side of the upper lip, resembling a beauty mark.
Eyebrow Piercing: Along the eyebrow ridge.
Ear Piercings
Lobe Piercing: Traditional and versatile.
Helix: Outer cartilage rim of the ear.
Tragus: Cartilage in front of the ear canal.
Daith: Inner ear cartilage fold.
Industrial: A barbell linking two piercings on the upper ear.
Body Piercings
Navel Piercing: Above or around the belly button.
Nipple Piercing: Horizontal or vertical through the nipple.
Genital Piercings
Vertical Clitoral Hood (VCH): Through the clitoral hood for stimulation.
Inner/Outer Labia Piercings: Through the labial folds for aesthetic or sensation.
Types of Body Piercings for Males
Male piercings often emphasize boldness and individuality, with popular options including:
Facial Piercings
Eyebrow Piercing: Along the brow ridge.
Bridge Piercing: Across the nose bridge between the eyes.
Septum Piercing: In the cartilage between the nostrils.
Lip Piercings: Labret, snake bites, or vertical labret below the lips.
Ear Piercings
Lobe Piercing: Classic and simple.
Helix: Outer cartilage of the ear.
Industrial: A barbell connecting two cartilage points.
Conch: Flat cartilage in the middle of the ear.
Body Piercings
Nipple Piercing: Horizontal or vertical placement.
Navel Piercing: Less common but rising in popularity among men.
Genital Piercings
Prince Albert (PA): Through the underside of the glans and urethra.
Frenum Piercing: Horizontal along the shaft.
Guiche Piercing: Through the perineum (skin between scrotum and anus).
Dydoe Piercing: Through the edge of the glans.
How Long Does It Take for a Body Piercing to Heal?
The healing time for a body piercing varies depending on the location and individual factors. On average:
Earlobes: 6–8 weeks
Cartilage (e.g., helix, conch): 3–12 months
Navel: 6 months–1 year
Nose (nostril): 2–4 months
Septum: 6–8 weeks
Tongue: 4–6 weeks
Lip: 6–8 weeks
Nipple: 6–12 months
Genital piercings: 4 weeks–6 months
Always follow aftercare instructions to promote proper healing.
How Do I Clean My Body Piercing?
To clean your body piercing:
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the piercing.
Use a saline solution (premade or DIY with 1/4 tsp non-iodized salt and 1 cup sterile water).
Soak a cotton pad in saline and gently clean around the piercing twice daily.
Avoid using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh soaps.
Avoid touching or rotating the jewelry unnecessarily.
Consistent cleaning and avoiding irritants help prevent infections and promote healing.
Types of Body Piercing Jewelry
Barbells
Straight Barbell: A straight rod with threaded balls on each end. Common for tongue, industrial, and nipple piercings.
Curved Barbell: A slightly bent bar is used for eyebrow, rook, or belly button piercings.
Circular Barbell (Horseshoe): A semi-circle shape with balls on either end, used for septum, daith, or lip piercings.
Studs
Flat-Back Labret Stud: This is a post with a flat base, popular for lip, nose, and cartilage piercings.
Nose Stud: A small, straight, curved post designed for nostril piercings.
Hoops
Captive Bead Ring (CBR): This is a circular ring secured with a bead, versatile for various piercings, such as ears, noses, and eyebrows.
Seamless Ring: A smooth, continuous ring often used for nose, septum, or cartilage piercings.
Plugs and Tunnels
Used for stretched piercings, typically in the earlobes. Plugs are solid, while tunnels are hollow.
Clickers
Hinged rings that "click" into place are ideal for septum, daith, or cartilage piercings. They offer ease of use and stylish designs.
Captive Hinged Jewelry
A segment ring with a hinged closure is used for cartilage, septum, or lip piercings.
Dermal Tops
Decorative attachments for dermal piercings are available in gemstones, flat designs, or intricate shapes.
Surface Bars
Specifically designed for surface piercings, with a flat, curved, or shaped bar to reduce pressure.
Navel Jewelry
Curved barbells with decorative elements like dangles or gemstones designed specifically for belly button piercings.
Specialty Jewelry
Ear Weights: For stretched lobes.
Claw or Spiral Jewelry: Stylish pieces for stretched ears or larger piercings.
Segment Rings: Rings with a removable segment used for septum or cartilage piercings.
Each type of jewelry is tailored for specific piercings, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Xtremeties Tattoo & Piercing Studio: Book an Appointment To Get Your Piercing
Located at 37 Dundas St W, in the heart of Mississauga, Xtremities is the area's longest-running tattoo and piercing studio.
Our award-winning shop, ranked #1 by Readers' Choice, offers expertly performed body piercings by highly skilled piercers like Valeria, Gwen, and Takayla. We use surgical steel jewelry for safety and a less painful experience.
Open seven days a week, we welcome walk-ins and offer promotions like 3-for-1 piercings! Call us at (905) 897-3503 or visit us to explore our professional services in a clean and friendly environment.
Your next piercing awaits!
FAQ
Which piercing looks attractive?
The attractiveness of a piercing depends on personal preference and facial structure, but common choices include nostril, helix, or lobe piercings, as they suit various styles.
What is the least painful body piercing?
The least painful body piercing is typically the earlobe piercing due to the soft tissue and minimal nerve endings in that area.
What is the anxiety piercing called?
The piercing commonly associated with anxiety relief is the daith piercing, which targets the innermost cartilage fold of the ear and is believed by some to alleviate anxiety and migraines.
What is a Gucci piercing?
A Gucci piercing refers to a facial or body piercing that exudes luxury or high fashion, though it isn’t a specific type of piercing but rather a term tied to aesthetic appeal.
What is a Diana piercing?
A Diana piercing is a double vertical piercing placed on the outer edges of the clitoral hood, providing a symmetrical and decorative look.
What is a Cupid piercing?
A Cupid piercing is another term for a vertical philtrum piercing located in the center of the upper lip along the philtrum groove, enhancing the "Cupid’s bow" shape.
What is the rarest piercing?
The rarest piercing is often considered the teardrop or dermal anchor piercing on unconventional areas like the finger or collarbone.
How painful is a body piercing?
The pain level of a body piercing varies by location and individual tolerance, with cartilage and genital piercings being more painful than soft tissue piercings like the earlobe.
How do I know if my piercing is infected?
A piercing may be infected if it shows redness, swelling, warmth, discharge (especially yellow or green), or persistent pain around the site.
How old do you have to be to get a piercing?
The age requirement to get a piercing varies by region, but minors (under 18) generally need parental consent, and certain piercings may have stricter age limits for safety reasons.
Comentarios