Body jewelry used to be the domain of punk rockers and goth kids, but these days, everyone from pop singers to super models are sporting body jewelry (the kind you can see and the kind you can’t). It’s no longer considered unusual to see a nose piercing or a pierced navel. Even more “extreme” piercings are becoming more commonly accepted, such as piercings on the lip or cheek.
If you’ve been thinking about trying out a new look, you might want to consider different body piercings. Of course, with the piercing, you also open up your options for jewelry. Options in body jewelry go far beyond the belly button these days! Here’s what you need to know about the most popular types of body jewelry:
Barbells
Barbells are another popular type of body jewelry. They look just like they sound: They are straight bars end-capped by two, tiny balls that are screwed on. Barbells are almost always used on scaffold piercings, which are two piercings on the rim of the ear cartilage. The barbell goes through both holes.
Ball-Closure Rings
Ball-closure rings are among the most popular types of body jewelry. They are composed of a hoop that is closed by a ball screwed into both ends of the hoop. Ball-closure rings are used for piercings in the nose, navel, ear, lip, eyebrow and more. These rings have a simple design that works for a variety of looks, and they are sturdy enough to stay in place even with a lot of activity.
Circular Barbells
Circular barbells look like ball-closure rings, except they have a gap in the middle of the hoop instead of completely closing. There are two balls on the ends of the hoop instead of the one. Circular barbells are used on the same types of piercings as ball-closure rings, but they have a more distinctive style for those looking for a little edge.
Piercing 411
If you decide to go through with piercings, be certain that you are getting it done through a reputable place with a high scoring sanitation record. Some doctors even offer piercings now due to the increase in concern about sanitary conditions and experience level. Do your homework and follow piercing cleaning instructions to a tee, these are the LAST places you want getting infected.
There are many more types of body jewelry, and it is worth exploring them all to find styles that appeal to your personal tastes. You can also try out twists on these styles, such as barbells with spiked ends or different colored balls. The only limit is your own creativity.
