Ready to take the next step on your piercing journey? Show some skin and shine bright with the always-sexy belly button piercing! While this piercing has been around for thousands of years, it became massively popular in the ’90s and ’00s thanks to celebrities like Britney Spear, Christina Aguilar, and Beyoncé. Today, this hot body mod is bigger than ever, and we’re here to tell you all about it.

In this belly piercing guide, we’ll highlight all the basics, including healing times, aftercare instructions, recommended jewelry, and more. Check out the detailed piercing image and read the featured FAQ section, which is here to help you with any questions you might have.


Table of Contents

Belly Jewelry

Belly Piercing Guide


Belly Piercing Quick Facts

Placement

Standard belly button piercings are placed about half an inch above the belly button through the upper navel cavity.

Healing Time

Typically, a navel piercing heals in about six months to a year (or longer).

Pricing

On average, a belly button piercing can cost between $30 and $100 (not including jewelry).

Gauge

Body jewelry can come in various gauge sizes, but belly button jewelry typically ranges from 14G-12G.


What is a Belly Button Piercing?

Belly Button Piercing Image

Belly Button Piercing Location:

The standard belly button piercing is typically positioned on the skin directly above the belly button. The placement can vary slightly depending on your body’s anatomy, but it is usually about a half inch to a full inch above the belly button, running from the top to the bottom of the upper belly button lip.

Belly Button Piercing Process:

Your piercer will thoroughly disinfect the piercing site and then perform the piercing with a hollow 14-gauge or 12-gauge piercing needle.

Belly Button Piercing Healing Time:

About six months to a year (or longer).

Belly rings and dangle belly rings.


Other Types of Belly Piercings

What is an Inverse Belly Button Piercing?

The inverse belly button piercing sits opposite the standard belly button piercing, passing through the lower rim of the belly button.


What is a Floating Navel Piercing?

A floating navel piercing is an alternative for people who cannot get a traditional belly piercing due to their body’s anatomy. It follows the same guidelines as a standard belly piercing, but it’s pierced at a slightly different angle. The bottom portion of the jewelry is much deeper into the navel, making it nearly invisible to the eye.


What is a Double Belly Button Piercing?

A double belly piercing combines the standard belly piercing and the inverse belly piercing, with jewelry showing on both the top and bottom lips of the belly button.


Belly Button Piercing FAQs

How long does a belly piercing take to heal?

A belly button piercing takes about six months to a year to heal completely. However, this process can take longer if you experience complications, such as an infection or an allergic reaction. Follow your aftercare instructions carefully, and contact your piercer if you have any questions. If you experience high pain levels, signs of infection, or signs of an allergic reaction, please get in touch with a doctor.


Does getting a belly button piercing hurt?

Getting a piercing of any kind can cause a little discomfort, but it’s difficult to predict precisely how bad a piercing will hurt, as pain tolerance varies from person to person. For general reference, you can assume that a belly piercing could potentially be less painful than a cartilage piercing because the skin is fleshy and does not contain a ton of nerves. This does not mean that you won’t experience pain at all. As we mentioned, everybody’s experience is different.


How much do belly button piercings cost?

Getting a belly button piercing can cost between $30 and $100, not including the cost of jewelry. It all depends on the piercing shop you go to and where you live. Don’t choose a studio based on pricing, as “cheap” definitely doesn’t always mean “good.” Be sure your piercer is reputable and researched.


How do I clean my belly button piercing?

We recommend using H2Ocean Aftercare Spray or saline solution to clean your piercing. To avoid infection, clean the piercing site twice daily during healing. We do not recommend directly washing the area. Instead, let soapy water flow over the piercing when you shower. Also, be sure to clean your jewelry regularly. For more information, speak with your piercer for guidelines on piercing care and read How to Care for Your Body Jewelry & Body Piercings.


What if my belly piercing gets infected?

Infections occur when bacteria are present. Symptoms include (but are not limited to) redness, swelling, warmth, discharge, and soreness. Always strictly follow aftercare instructions to avoid infections and other complications.

If you think you’re experiencing an infection, clean the area using antibacterial soap and apply a warm compress to the site. However, if you feel symptoms aren’t going away or potentially worsening, don’t hesitate to contact a doctor. Infections are no joke and should be handled with care.


Can I go swimming with my belly piercing?

Avoid swimming at the beginning of the healing process, as this is when the piercing site is most sensitive. Swimming can introduce different types of bacteria to the piercing site, prolonging the healing process and potentially damaging your piercing.


Can I exercise with my belly ring?

You can exercise as long as you listen to your body. Don’t push yourself too hard, and always clean the piercing after your workout.


Can I leave my belly ring in if I’m pregnant?

Yes, as long as your piercing healing process is completed. Keep in mind, as your baby bump grows, you may experience discomfort, and you may want to take it out.


How do you give yourself a belly button piercing?

Don’t try this at home. Only get your belly button pierced by a professional who has the appropriate tools and training. You want to protect your health and safety by finding a reputable studio.


Why shouldn’t I get a belly button piercing?

If you’re having second thoughts, that a step back and do some more research. Are you willing to take proper care of the piercing? Have you found an experienced, reliable piercer? Is now the right time to get this body modification?

Once you’ve weighed the pros and cons, it’s time to make your decision. Keep in mind that belly piercings aren’t for everyone, and that there’s no shame in deciding not to get pierced.


Belly Button Jewelry FAQs

What’s the most common type of belly button jewelry?

Your piercer will know what works best for you, but these are generally the most common types of jewelry used for belly piercings.

  • Banana belly rings are a type of curved barbell designed specially to curve with the anatomy of the belly button.
  • Dangle belly rings are curved barbells that feature dangling accents on the jewelry, which flow below the barbell.


How do I care for my jewelry?

Caring for your piercing site during the healing process is essential, but keeping your jewelry clean during this time is also important. Build-up can accumulate on your jewelry, causing damage and increasing the risk of infection.

Wash your jewelry with antibacterial soap and warm water to keep it clean and safe. Be gentle enough that you don’t hurt the jewelry but thorough enough that it gets the job done. For more information, speak with your piercing professional and read How to Care For Your Body Jewelry & Body Piercings.


How much does belly jewelry cost?

Belly jewelry prices can vary based on several factors, most specifically the materials used. For instance, a piece crafted from surgical steel or titanium will always be more affordable than something crafted from gold or another precious metal.


When can I change my belly button jewelry?

We know it’s tempting to change up styles, but using the same piece of jewelry during the healing process is important. You need to heal completely before making the change.


What if I have an allergic reaction?

If you think you’re having an allergic reaction, don’t ignore it. Remove the jewelry and contact your doctor. Signs of an allergic reaction include swelling, rash, itching, and more.

Not all jewelry materials are hypoallergenic, so we recommend checking in with your doctor about potential allergies before getting pierced.


What material is used for belly button piercing jewelry?

Your piercer will know what works best for you, but these are generally the most common materials used in belly button piercings.

  • Stainless steel is an affordable and durable option for your belly jewelry.
  • Titanium jewelry can be more expensive, but it’s completely hypoallergenic, making it the perfect option for sensitive skin.
  • Surgical steel is durable and easily accessible. If you have a nickel allergy, skip this one!


Now that we’ve reviewed all this piercing info, it’s time to go shopping! Spencer’s is the headquarters for all of your body jewelry needs.

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