Navel piercings

There are many different types of navel piercing. A reputable piercer will be able to distinguish 14 different types of navels; there are many more types than just 'inny' and 'outy'! Everything from which belly bars you can choose to how long your piercing will take to heal depends upon which type of navel you have. Talk through your options with your piercer before you have the piercing so you can make an informed decision whether you will like the finished look or not; your navel type might make it your piercing look different to how you imagine it.

The different types of navels

Although there are up to 14 different types of navels, there are 5 more common ones. These can be divided into:

1. The deep and round navel. Generally small and deep-set, these navel piercings tend to suit oval or round pieces.

2. The large round navel. Versatile enough to suit any type of belly bars.

3. The flat navel. Flat navels suit any type of belly bar. But perhaps avoid small round belly bars because they can rock from side to side and look crooked.

4. The deep navel with smooth bottom (deep at the top and no defining line of flesh as it gets lower). Perhaps choose an eyecatching teardrop design.

5. The triangular navel. Very common, and a navel which most belly bars suit.

Of course, everybody is different and your navel might not fit into one of these categories, or you might choose a belly bar which is not recommended for your navel. This is of course fine, and your piercer should advise you on choosing belly bars for your piercing.

Choosing a piercer

Shop around before committing to a body piercer for a piercing of any type. The room should be spotless with wipe-clean surfaces, units and tiles. You should feel safe in the knowledge that everything which isn't thrown away has been sterilised and your piercer should wear a white coat and gloves and tie back their hair if it is long. Don't assume you will be pierced in an individual room; check before booking your piercing. Before you choose your piercer ask if you will be given aftercare instructions and aftercare cleaning solution.

Don't be afraid to leave without having your piercing if you are concerned at the levels of hygiene in a piercing studio. It is best to leave and choose another piercer before any damage is done.

Types of Belly bars

Banana bell bars are the traditional bars closed with ball fittings, whereas belly rings are more unique. With such a huge range of belly bars on the market it is important not to forget what matters: quality. Don't choose cheap imported imitations; make sure you are buying gold or platinum. Price shouldn't be a factor when it comes to your body, and it is far better to choose one quality piece which you can wear and cherish for years than lots of throwaway, possibly dangerous pieces.

Removing a belly bar

Belly piercings can take anything between 4 and 8 weeks to heal, it depends on your body's healing defences. However, whichever type of piercing you have it is generally best to wait 10 weeks before changing your belly bar on your own. When you are ready follow these steps:

Wash hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap. Tightly hold the bottom ball steady with one hand, while turning the top ball anticlockwise with your free hand. Rubber gloves might help by giving you extra grip. Clean any dried matter away with a cotton bud before gently pulling out the bar.