Body Piercing Guide: A Full Guide to All Body Piercings

Since the dawn of time, humans have expressed their inner selves using different art forms. One such art form is body piercings. Body piercings are incredibly diverse, so there’s something for everyone.

In this body piercing guide, we’ll show you all the different ways you can adorn your body parts, from your face, down to more hidden areas.

Keep reading this comprehensive body piercing guide to grab all the details.

Types of body piercings (full list)

There are many types of body piercings, from the popular earlobe piercings to the lesser-known corset piercings. Let’s learn all about the different body piercing types. 

1. Ear piercings

Earlobe piercings are the most common ear piercings—almost everyone gets them when they’re young. However, there are many spots on your ear that can accommodate a piercing. Below is a list of the different ear-piercing types:

• Earlobe (standard lobe): This piercing is done on the earlobe—it’s the most common first piercing. It ranks low on the pain scale due to the absence of cartilage on the earlobe. It also heals fairly quickly—within 6 to 12 weeks.
• Upper lobe: Upper lobe piercings are another common piercing type. They can be a stylish addition to standard earlobe piercings. They come right above a standard earlobe piercing.
• High-Lobe: This piercing comes at the upper part of the ear lobe, above the spot for the traditional earlobe piercing. It’s also really low on the pain scale— a 2/10.
• Transverse lobe: This piercing is a lot like an earlobe piercing, but it’s pierced horizontally (side to side) through the earlobe, instead of front to back. It has a pain level of 4 to 6.
• Stretched/plugged earlobe: This piercing/stretching is done by gradually widening piercing holes by inserting larger body-safe jewelry over time.
• Orbital: An orbital piercing is a combination of two different ear piercings connected by a single jewelry piece. They can be found on the earlobe, helix, forward-helix, and even more.
• Helix: This is done by passing a hollow piercing needle through the upper ear cartilage. It’s also called a cartilage piercing. Pass two holes through the cartilage and you get a double helix piercing.
• Forward helix: This piercing is positioned on the ear’s outer rim, just above the tragus.
• Snug (anti-helix): The snug piercing is another type of horizontal piercing that sits above the anti-tragus, at the inner ridge of the ear cartilage. It goes a bit further towards the middle of the cartilage.
• Inner conch: This piercing rests at the center of the ear, on the cup-shaped area adjacent to the ear canal.
• Outer conch: The outer conch piercing is done in that flat part of the ear, between the anti-helix and helix.
• Daith: Also called the “migraine piercing”, the daith piercing goes through the innermost cartilage fold of the ear.
• Rook: The rook piercing goes through the antihelix or the top portion of the ear.
• Tragus: The Tragus piercing is done on the tragus (the small, thick piece of cartilage just in front of your ear canal opening).
• Anti-Tragus: This is a cartilage piercing done on the small, curved part of the cartilage above your ear lobe, opposite the ear canal. It has a pain level around 6.
• Auricle (mid-helix): This is an ear piercing that passes through the auricle, the area located between the helix and the earlobe. The healing process for this type of piercing typically spans three to nine months.
• Constellation: Constellation piercings consist of multiple ear piercings, typically three or more, arranged to form distinctive constellation-like patterns on the ear.
• Industrial (scaffold): The industrial piercing, also called the bar piercing, construction piercing, or scaffold piercing, features two piercing holes joined by a single piece of jewelry. This type of piercing is usually positioned diagonally on the upper ear cartilage.
• Flat piercing: The flat piercing is situated in the flat area of the cartilages (below the upper ear rim or helix, and the area of the cartilage where the rook sits).
• Triple helix: The triple helix piercing consists of 3 piercings on the ear’s upper cartilage, just above the tragus. Not everyone can get a tragus piercing–your ear needs to be shaped a certain way for you to get it. Your piercer will let you know if your anatomy permits it.

2. Facial piercings

There are different types of facial piercings. Let’s see some of them.

• Erl (Bridge): An Erl piercing is a surface piercing that goes through the skin on the bridge of the nose.
• Dimple (cheek): Dimple or cheek piercings are typically done in pairs to achieve a symmetrical effect. The dimple piercing goes from the cheeks to the inside of the mouth.
• Eyebrow: This piercing goes through the bottom of the eyebrows and comes out through the top.
• Anti-Eyebrow (teardrop): This piercing is placed below the eyebrow.
• Horizontal eyebrow: Horizontal eyebrows are done by placing a barbel horizontally through the skin right above the eyebrow.
• Eyelid: This piercing goes through the eyelid, it could be placed at the sides, or on top. Eyelid piercings can be extremely dangerous and prone to serious complications. We don’t recommend them.
• Third-Eye: This is a surface piercing that goes vertically through the skin on the middle of your forehead.

3. Nose piercings

Nose piercings mean different things to different people. In some African cultures, nose piercings are a symbol of femininity and beauty. In India, it’s considered a rite of passage among women. On social media, it’s something cool to show your followers. Whatever the case, there are different nose piercings you can try.

Let’s discuss them!

• Rhino (vertical nose tip): This looks a lot like a rhino’s horn (hence the name). It’s a cartilage piercing that runs through the tip of the nose and escapes through the skin above the septum.
• Septum piercing: The septum piercing is positioned on the septum (the thin wall of cartilage through the center of your nose).
• Nostril piercing: This goes through the middle of either nostril. If you pierce both sides, you get a double nostril piercing.
• High nostril piercing: This is a lot like a nostril piercing, but it goes way higher, usually at the top of the nasal bridge.
• Nasallang piercing: It’s also called a tri-nasal piercing because it passes through the left nostril, septum, and right nostril.
• Septril piercing: This one is not very common, since it requires a stretched septum piercing. It goes through the septum and exits at the tip or bottom of the nose. The septril piercing is a mix of a rhino piercing and a septum piercing.
• Austin Bar: The Austin bar piercing is a horizontal piercing that goes through the tip of your nose. In the end, it looks like there’s a small bead on both sides of your nose.
• Multiple Nostril piercing: This is a combination of regular and high nostril piercings that produce a series of perforations along the bridge of the nose.

4. Oral piercings

Oral piercings are on the slightly edgy side, but that shouldn’t stop anyone. Let’s see the different types of oral piercings.

• Lip Frenulum piercing: There are two types of lip frenulum piercings; the frowny and the smiley.
  • Frowny: This goes through the lower lip frenulum (the skin that attaches your bottom lip to your mouth).
  • Smiley (scrumper): The smiley piercing runs through the upper lip frenulum (the bottom of your upper lip).
• Tongue: The tongue piercing goes vertically through the tongue’s center.
• Tongue web (gum piercing): This runs under the tongue, through the “webbed” skin flap.
• Uvula piercing: This is a rare and difficult piercing to get. It goes through the uvula, the small, dangly structure at the back of your throat. This piercing comes with a lot of complications that may require surgical intervention, and we don’t recommend it.
• Horizontal tongue (snake eyes, venom piercing): The horizontal tongue piercing goes horizontally through the tip of your tongue. It’s another high-risk piercing, and it’s high on the pain scale (an 8).
• Tooth piercing: Tooth piercings are typically painless as they involve only minimal invasion. They’re done by attaching the jewelry on your tooth’s enamel surface. It’s a temporary procedure with less risks compared to other oral piercings.

5. Lip piercings

Lip piercings can be daring, bold, and sensual. Let’s have a look at the different types of lip piercings.

• Labret: A labret piercing is done by inserting a labret stud through the lower lip, right above the chin.
• Lowbrets: This piercing sits below the middle of the bottom lip. Although it sounds similar, it’s different from the labret piercing. The lowbret piercing is much closer to the chin than the labret.
• Jestrum (vertical philtrum or vertical medusa): It passes below the septum and exits under the lip.
• Philtrum (medusa): This upper lip piercing sits on the philtrum, the spot directly below the septum.
• Ashley: This piercing is done on the center of the lower lip, and passes into the mouth through the back of the lip.
• Monroe: This is done by piercing the left side of the lower lip.
• Madonna: You get a Madonna piercing when you shift a Monroe to the right. The Madonna piercing is located above the right side of the upper lip.
• Side labret: A side labret is simply a labret piercing to the side. It can either sit on the left or right side of the lower lip.
• Vertical labret (vertical lip): This piercing looks like a double piercing, but it isn’t. It’s done by vertically inserting the piercing needle through your lower lip, giving it two puncture holes. One end of the piercing jewelry rests under the lip, while the other stands on the top part of the lower lip.
• Horizontal labret (horizontal lip): This goes horizontally through the lower lip. It’s the opposite of the vertical lip piercing.
• Snake bites: This piercing’s placement looks a lot like a snake bite, hence the name. It’s a double lip piercing that’s positioned near the outer corners of each end of the lower lip. Each piercing jewelry sits a little bit below the bottom lip.
• Angel bites: This is basically an upper lip snake bite piercing. It’s done on both corners of the mouth, slightly above the upper lip.
• Shark bites: This consists of two piercings on each side of the bottom lip (it’s a quadruple piercing).
• Cyber bites: This piercing combines the medusa and labret. It’s done on the center of the upper and lower lip.
• Dahlia (joker bites): The Dahlia piercing consists of two piercings, one at each corner of the lips, so it looks like there are piercings along the edge of your smile.
• Dolphin bites: Here, two holes are punctured on your bottom lip, right in the middle. A labret stud will be fixed in both holes.
• Canine bites: This is a mix of snake bites piercings and angel piercings. It’s placed above the upper lip and below the lower lip.
• Spider bites piercings: This piercing comprises two lower lip piercings placed next to each other on both sides of the lower lip, close to the corner of the mouth.

6. Genital piercings

Genital piercings are used to adorn the genital areas, and in some cases, increase sexual pleasure. We’ll discuss the male and female genital piercings below.

6.1 Male genital, Penis piercings

• Dydoe: This piercing involves inserting a small piece of jewelry on the head of the penis. It’s not very common.

• Ampallang: A horizontal piercing through the glans of the penis. The final look is a barbell sitting on both sides of the penis head (left and right).
• Apadravya: This goes vertically through the glans. The final look is one ball of the barbell sitting beneath and on top of the glans.
• Kuno: This piercing goes through any point under the foreskin, near the penis head. It’s a foreskin piercing and can only be done by uncircumcised men.
• Frenum: This is a horizontal piercing done on the underside of the shaft.
• Dorsal frenum: This is done along the shaft, instead of the underside.
• Lorum (low frenum): The lorum piercing sits near the scrotum, at the base of the shaft.
• Jacob’s ladder: This is a form of multiple frenum piercings. You can get multiple frenum piercings along the top or bottom shaft of your penis. The piercings are arranged in a row so they resemble a ladder.
• Hafada: This is done on the scrotum. It can be a single piercing, or multiple to form a ladder-like appearance.
• Guiche: This is done on the perineum, the skin between your scrotum and anus.
• Prince Albert: The Prince Albert goes through the urethral tube and exits behind the head of the penis. It’s the most common penis piercing.
• Reverse Prince Albert: Here, the urethra is pierced from the top side of the shaft, instead of underneath it.

6.2 Female genital, Vagina piercings

• Christina (Venus): This is done on the fleshy rise where the labia majora (outer vaginal lips) meet. Being a vertical piercing, this piercing extends through the mon pubis.
• Clitoris: There are two main clitoral piercings; the vertical clitoral hood piercing and the horizontal clitoral hood piercing.
  • Vertical clitoral hood (VCH): The VCH piercing is pretty popular. It’s done by placing the piercing on the skin that sheaths the clitoris, with the jewelry resting on the clitoris. Besides being a cute piercing, it can also increase sexual stimulation.
  • Horizontal clitoral hood (HCH): This is done by piercing horizontally on the skin covering the clitoris.
• Fourchette: This piercing sits near the perineum, at the vagina’s rear entrance.
• Isabella: This goes from the base of the clitoris, up to the clitoral hood.
• Labia: This is an ornamental piercing that is done by piercing the skin around the vulva (it can be done on the labia majora/outer or labia minora/inner).
• Nefertiti: It runs vertically from the clitoral hood and emerges from the mound of flesh that covers the pubic bone (the mon pubis). It’s like a combination of the Christina piercing and the VCH piercing.
• Princess Albertina: Princess Albertina passes through the urethra and emerges at the vaginal opening (at the top).
• Triangle: Not everyone can get this piercing because it depends on your anatomy. It’s placed to allow the jewelry to sit below the clitoral hood and behind the clitoris.

7. Surface piercings

There are different examples of surface piercings. Let’s get into them.

• Navel (belly button): This is achieved by passing a ring through the skin around your belly button.
• Nipple piercings: There are two types; the nipple cross and the vertical nipple.
  • Nipple cross (double nipple): This is done on the nipple by making two horizontal piercings and two vertical piercings so that it forms a cross shape. This piercing is done in stages, as a nipple can only be pierced once per session.
  • Vertical nipple: The piercing jewelry is inserted vertically into the nipple. It’s a very common nipple piercing.
• Sternum (chest): This is a microdermal piercing positioned in the center of the chest.
• Nape: This piercing runs through the back of the neck.
• Corset: The corset piercing is done like a literal corset, with two rows of piercings and a ribbon lacing through them. They are mainly done temporarily for artistic performances or photoshoots.
• Collar bone (clavicle): This is a surface piercing located on the topmost part of the chest, below the collar bone.
• Hip: This piercing is positioned close to the hip bones.
• Wrist: This is a surface piercing positioned on the skin, just under the inner or outer wrist.
• Madison: The Madison piercing is a type of neck piercing that goes through the skin in front of the lower neck.
• Vampire bite: Also called the vampire’s kiss piercing, this piercing resembles the marks of a vampire bite. It’s done by inserting a surface bar along the side of your neck.

8. Dermal piercings

Dermal piercings (or microdermals) are rather special. Unlike regular piercings, they don’t have a separate entry and exit point for the piercing jewelry. Rather, the piercer creates a small hole, and inserts an “anchor” into the middle layer of your skin (dermis). The base of the anchor is just long enough to secure the post (6 to 7 millimeters). The piercing jewelry is then screwed on top of the post, and it rests on the surface layer, so it looks like there are beads on your skin.

Let’s see the types of dermal piercings.

• Back dimple dermals: These rest on the lower back, where the pelvis and spine meet. Most people go for a pair, one for each back dimple, but some prefer only one.
• Cheekbone dermals: This is a dermal piercing located on the cheekbone.
• Neck dermals: This is done on the neck, either on the front or at the back. It can be a single neck dermal piercing, or multiple.
• Forearm dermals: This sits anywhere on the forearms. This dermal piercing can be done as a single piercing, but you can get creative with it and get multiple dermals to make a pattern of your choice.
• Dimple dermals (cheek dermal piercings): This is placed on the dimple area on the cheeks to accentuate or mimic natural dimples.
• Thigh dermals: This is done by inserting the jewelry under the skin of the thigh. Again, you can get creative with the number or style of your thigh dermal piercings.
• Chest dermals: This is most commonly positioned between the breasts.
• Hand dermals: This sits on the top side of your hands. You can get more than one if you’re comfortable with it.
• Wrist dermals: This is not done on the inside of your wrist. Rather, it’s placed outside, just above the fold.
• Eye dermals: This does NOT go IN your eye. It’s often at the top of your cheekbones or right underneath your eyes. A skilled piercer will position it safely.
• Face dermals: Your whole face is free real estate for this one. But the most popular area for a face dermal is around the top of your cheekbone.
• Hip dermals: This is usually around the V-line of the pelvic bone. You can get hip dermals on both sides and even double them up for more effect.
• Third-Eye dermals: This is done on your forehead, in between your brows, where the “third eye” is said to be. It makes for an interesting piercing.
• Belly dermals: This is an alternative for the standard belly button piercing. You can get one or two around your belly button.
• Collarbone dermals: This is placed near your collarbones.
• Finger dermals: These are placed on the top side of your fingers.

Types of body piercing jewelry

Body piercings are incomplete without body-piercing jewelry. Here are all the jewelry types you can use on your piercings.

1. Straight barbells

Barbells are the standard body jewelry in the piercing world. At the end of each barbell are the “balls” (or beads) that can be unscrewed to allow the jewelry to slide into the piercing hole, and then screwed back to keep the jewelry secure. Barbells can be used for ear piercings, nipple piercings, tongue piercings, eyebrow piercings, and more.

2. Curved barbells

Also called “banana” barbells or belly button barbells, curved barbells feature a screwable “ball” at each end of the curve. The curve takes an angle similar to the angle of a belly button, allowing it to fit neatly against the skin. One ball rests above the navel, and the other rests snugly on it. Most curved barbells have a smaller top ball and a larger bottom ball.

3. Circular barbells

Circular barbells (also called horseshoe barbells) are barbells that have been folded into a circular shape but do not form a full circle. As with other barbells, the ends are fitted with balls that can be screwed off and on to put on and remove the jewelry.

4. Captive bead rings

Captive bead rings (also called captive ball rings or captive hoops) are basic circular hoops with a closed ball in the middle. The ball is held by pressure at both ends of the circle, and it typically features a slight dimple on both sides that lets it sit securely against the ring. To insert or remove a captive bead ring, simply remove the ball.

5. Septum rings

Septum rings are typically captive bead rings or horseshoe rings (circular barbells). They are worn on the septum (the piece of cartilage between both nostrils).

6. Hoop nose rings

Hoop nose rings are perfect for nostril piercings. They’re a great alternative for people who don’t want a captive bead ring.

7. Labret barbells

Labret barbells are like straight barbells but with a flat disc on the back instead of another bell. Labret barbells are used for several piercings and usually have a charm or decorative ball attached. Typically, labret barbells are worn around the lip area, but they can equally be used for dimple or cheek piercings.

8. Nipple rings

Nipple rings are versatile–different types of body jewelry can be worn as nipple rings, and barbells are one of them. Barbell nipple rings often have a lot of decorations and fineries attached to them.

9. Industrial barbells

Industrial barbells are used to adorn the upper part of the ear. They require a double piercing on the upper ear cartilage and are worn at a slight diagonal from the top of the war to the bottom. Industrial piercings can have special adornments like charms at the ends or middle of the barbell.

10. Stud nose rings

These are also called bone nose rings or screw nose rings. Stud nose rings are perhaps the most common kinds of nose rings. They appear as a tiny charm or gem on your nostril.

11. Ear cartilage jewelry

This is exactly what it means—Jewelry worn on the ear cartilage. They come in different styles, lengths, and gauge sizes, depending on the type of piercing.

12. Pinchers

Pinchers are shaped like horseshoe rings but without the accompanying balls at the end. Some pinchers have a tiny notch in the middle that lets the piercing stay in place, while others have to be held securely with o-rings.

13. Tapers

Tapers are either decorative or functional. Functional tapers are used to stretch your gauge size, while decorative tapers are sized normally and are worn as accessories.

14. Spiral tapers

These are tapers that form a spiral shape. Spiral tapers are purely decorative.

15. Plugs

Plugs can be used anywhere on the body as long as the area has been punched or stretched to accomodate larger sized jewelry. Stretching is usually done on earlobes, but some people stretch their lips. Plugs have no openings and are sealed on both ends.

16. Tunnels

Like plugs, tunnels are used for larger gauge piercings. But unlike plugs, tunnels have openings at both ends, so you can see through the middle.

17. Fake tapers and fake plugs

Although stretched piercings look great, you don’t have to stretch your ears to get the same effect. Fake tapers and plugs can help give the illusion of a stretched piercing.

18. Internally threaded barbells

A barbell is internally threaded when it has a hole in the end, and the bead has a screw threaded in it that screws it to the barbell.

19. Externally threaded barbells

An externally threaded barbell has its screw on the outside of the barbell, and a hole in the ball that the bar screws into.

Different body piercing materials

Body piercing jewelry is made from different materials. Here’s a list of body-piercing jewelry materials you can use on your piercings.

1. Titanium body jewelry

Titanium is the highest grade of metal. It’s almost nickel-free (contains less than 0.05% nickel), is incredibly hard, and practically immune to dents and scratches. It’s among the best jewelry materials to use if you’re sensitive to metals like nickel. Titanium body jewelry comes in different colors. It’s quite expensive, but worth it.

2. Surgical stainless steel

The surgical stainless steel used in body jewelry must be 316L or 316LVM. These are the only acceptable grades of surgical steel used in body jewelry. They have a very low corrosion rate and are deemed safe for the body. Most medical plates, pins, and screws are made from surgical stainless steel.

However, surgical stainless steel still contains a very small amount of nickel, which can irritate very sensitive skin. If you have a very low tolerance for nickel, you could be allergic to this jewelry metal.

3. Silicone body jewelry

Although silicone is biocompatible, it has its own downsides. Firstly, silicone’s ability to auto-stretch can potentially lead to overstretching or tearing in a piercing. Also, due to its flexibility, silicone tends to create a tight seal with the skin, which can cause moisture accumulation and increase the risks of infection. It’s important to keep the area clean and dry when using silicone jewelry.

4. Glass body jewelry

First, please note that glass body jewelry should not be used on fresh piercings. Although glass is biocompatible and nontoxic, it’s pretty heavy and can strain the new piercing, leading to unplanned stretching that complicates healing.

The only glass jewelry that is suitable for body jewelry is tempered, non-porous, medical-grade, lead-free glass. Popular trademarks of glass jewelry include: Kimax and Pyrex. Glass jewelry can also be referred to as borosilicate glass.

5. Acrylic body jewelry

Acrylic is light, cheap, and comes in many colors. However, it’s not the best option for piercings. They’re not always 100% safe for long-term use. If you have any irritations using your acrylic jewelry, take it out.

A major con with acrylic jewelry is that it’s hard to clean. Acrylics can’t survive the pressure of an autoclave, so they’re not truly sterilized like other body jewelry. They also degrade on contact with alcohol, making it hard to sterilize them.

6. Gold body jewelry

Gold is among the oldest forms of jewelry, and it’s good for sensitive skin. However, gold still contains some amounts of nickel. Solid gold jewelry is only recommended for healed piercings and for people who aren’t irritated by gold. Overall, gold jewelry radiates luxury and class. You should avoid gold-plated jewelry if you have sensitive skin.

7. Wood body jewelry

Wood jewelry is pretty versatile; it comes in different colors, and from different sources. It’s light, so you can comfortably use it on stretched piercings.

Although most wood is safe for piercings, there are some that are harmful to the skin, so be careful what you pick. Wood body jewelry is also not recommended for new piercings or long-term wear. You can clean your wood jewelry with mild soap and small amounts of water, but you should dry it immediately. You also can’t bathe, swim, or enter a sauna with wood jewelry.

Make your pick

There’s a body piercing in here for everyone, and piercing jewelry to match. If you’ve seen your dream body piercing in this article, don’t resist.

Fix a piercing appointment with a reputable piercer and get that piercing done!

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