A Quick Guide To Navel Piercing
Of all the places on the body that can be pierced, the navel is second in popularity, coming in right behind the nose. Here’s a quick fact sheet on navel piercings:
Healing Time: 6-12 months
Suitable Positions: Vertical piercing entering inside the navel and exiting above it is most common, though some piercers favor a slightly angled piercing or exiting below the navel for aesthetic and other reasons related to healing.
Suitable Types of Jewelry
Jewelry Types: A curved barbell in 14 to 10 guage that is 3/8” to 1/2” in length is recommended for the initial piercing. If you prefer a ring, you can use a captive bead ring in the same gauge (14 to 10) that is 3/8” to 1/2” in diameter, with no more than 1/3 of the ring through the piercing. A curved barbell moves with the body and allows easier, quicker healing for a vertical piercing. A captive bead ring works well and looks beautiful with an angled piercing if it can lay flat against the torso.
Suitable Sizes: Only 14 gauge or heavier jewelry should be used. Smaller gauges will migrate out through the skin.
Suitable Materials: Solid 14k-18k nickel-free gold, surgical stainless steel, and titanium are the prefered metals by reputable piercing studios.
Jewels: Avoid jewelry with glued stones as it cannot be properly sterilized
Changing Jewelry: During the first year, it’s safest to have your navel jewelry changed by a professional.