Body Piercing Types
What started as a trend has quickly become a rite of passage in many societies. Body piercing is more than a few earrings on an earlobe. It is a way for individuals to make a statement or distinguish themselves. Body piercings can be displayed for everyone to see, or secretively hidden.
Ear Piercing
There are approximately 19 different ways to pierce a human ear. Traditionally, the lobe is pierced once. The cartilage found on the top of the ear can be pierced, and is referred to as "cartilage piercing", or "helix piercing." The cartilage on the face side of the ear is called "tragus piercing." Weaving, barbells and other multiple piercings may be done.
Eyebrow Piercing
This type is on the eyebrow, usually the outer edge. An anti-eyebrow piercing can also be done on the cheekbone, slightly under the eye. A bar bell can be placed in a horizontal eyebrow piercing, covering the majority of the eyebrow.
Nose Piercing
Piercing the nose has become popular on a nostril's side. A septum, or more commonly known as the bull piercing, is a ring through the center of the nose. Piercings may also be done on the bridge or tip.
Lip Piercing
A wide variety of options are available for the lip. A "snake bite" is a ball piercing on both mouth sides. If the two holes are on the same side of the mouth, this is referred to as a "spider bite". Piercings are popular just below the lower lip.
Tongue Piercing
Usually pierced vertically in the middle or front portion of the tongue, or two offset piercings, or even piercing underneath the tongue is an option.
Nipple Piercing
Just as the name implies, a piercing through the nipple, vertical or horizontal, is a nipple piercing. Barbells or circular rings may be placed.
Navel Piercing
No historical evidence exists on this piercing. It is possible piercing the bellybutton began in this century. Bellybutton or navel piercings are at the top, bottom, sides or multiple areas.
Male Genital Piercings
There are 13 different ways to piercing the male genitalia. Whether the penis, scrotum or skin, this piercing can be painful. A popular piercing in this area is called "the Prince Albert," which is a piercing through the urethral area. Many men have difficulty urinating after having this done. Several piercings anywhere in the region can be made to create a ladder design.
Female Genital Piercings
Many courageous women have piercing in their genital or reproductive areas. The hood, clitoris, inner labia and outer labia all can be pierced. Some women believe that these piercings enhance sexual experience.
Other Piercings
People pierce all areas of the body. If there is skin, it can be pierced. Some unique piercings include: chin, cheek, hand or finger, webs of the fingers, knuckles, neck (also called the "Vampire Bite" piercing) and uvula (the back of the mouth). Once a piercing is completed, stretching can be done to make the hole larger.