Piercings have been a popular form of body modification for centuries and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. From classic ear and nose piercings to more daring lip and eyebrow piercings, there is a piercing out there for everyone. In this article, we explore the 10 most popular piercings and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. So, if you’re looking to get pierced and want to know more about the most popular types of piercings, read on!
Body Piercing is a form of body modification that has been around for centuries. At one point it was used to show the transition to adulthood or to show off some rite of passage in many cultures. However, it has taken a new turn in popularity over the last couple of years, to a point where almost every young adult has at least one piercing. But, if you’re just now considering getting your own tasteful body modification, the hundreds of different types of piercings may be a little daunting.
Fortunately, there is a top 10 list of the most popular piercings to choose from with your first piercing.
1. Industrial piercings.
Industrial piercings, also known as a “bar” piercing or “Scaffold” piercing, is any two holes connected with a single piece of straight jewelry. This is typically found in the upper ear cartilage and in some cases can be found as a dual industrial to add a little bit of flair. This is a more extreme piercing but one that is frequently accepted.
Just remember, when you’re getting an industrial piercing, you’re going to be healing for two. The care and maintenance of the piercing is critical to prevent infection. As a cartilage piercing, industrials usually heal within 6 months, but the jewelry can be swapped out within the first couple of months by your piercer.
2. Cartilage/Helix piercings.
Cartilage or helix piercings are some of the most common piercings around next to ear lobe piercings. These piercings are along the outer ridge of the upper ear. They can be pierced with a captive ring or even a stud. They have become popular in pairs, such as the double helix or even a triple helix piercing.
Again, since this is a cartilage piercing, it does have a bit longer to heal. The typical healing timeframe for a cartilage piercing is 6 months. However, you can get your jewelry swapped out sooner by your piercer.
3. Conch Piercings.
Conch piercings are relatively new to the “popular piercings” list. But, their popularity has grown. The conch piercing can be found either in the inner or outer portion of the conch (the inner curve of the ear).
This piercing is more difficult to heal, but is a beautiful piercing none the less.
4. Rook Piercings.
Much like the Conch, the Rook piercing is a relatively new name to the popular list of piercings. This piercing is placed on the antihelix of the inner ear, located just above the Tragus which is also another popular spot to pierce.
As with all other cartilage piercings, your healing timeframe is going to be longer than if you pierce soft tissue.
5. Belly Button Piercing (Navel).
Belly button piercings are by far one of the top piercings around the Western World. Despite it posing a risk of infection due to the location and constant irritation from pants, if a navel piercing is taken care of properly, it is a great way to decorate an otherwise boring looking piece of skin.
Navel piercings are more commonly found on women, but even men can get their belly buttons pierced.
6. Bite Piercings.
The bite piercings are increasing in popularity. Whether it is below or above the lips. These are dual-piercings that penetrate the lip’s surrounding area in a variety of different ways.
The most common is the snake bite piercing which wraps two captive hoops around the lower lip.
7. Labret Piercings.
Labret piercings are another popular adornment on the lip. It is a piercing that adorns the lower lip, or just below the lower lip.
8. Nipple Piercings.
This one is self explanatory if not a little bit more risqué than most people are willing to get. However, there has been an increase of people getting their nipples pierced.
Just like any other piercing, so long as it is taken care of properly throughout the life of the piercing and you go to a well established piercer, there is very little to worry about with this piercing.
9. Nose Piercings.
There’s nothing cuter than a tiny stud in the nostril, or even a little more edgy than a captive circling your septum. Nostril piercings are exceptionally common, whether they’re singular or multiple on the nostrils.
Nostril piercings are extremely easy to heal so long as you maintain the piercing properly and follow your after care.
Tongue piercings are the top piercing in most cultures around the world. It is usually one of the first places you will think about getting pierced if this is your first dance with the needle. Fortunately, tongue piercings are very easy to heal so long as you maintain proper hygiene and follow your care instructions. However, you will need to wear a longer barbell during healing to account for any swelling that happens.