Understanding Piercing Chart: A Guide to Body Jewelry

Have you ever wondered about all the different places people can get piercings? Or maybe you’re curious about what kinds of jewelry go in different piercings? That’s where a piercing chart comes in handy! Let’s explore the world of piercings and learn about the different types, healing times, and jewelry options.

What is a Piercing Chart?

A piercing chart is like a map of the human body that shows all the places where people can get piercings. It usually includes:

• Names of different piercings
• Pictures showing where each piercing goes
• Information about healing times
• Types of jewelry used for each piercing

These charts are helpful for people thinking about getting a piercing. They’re also useful for piercers and jewelry makers.

Common Ear Piercings

Let’s start with ear piercings, since they’re the most common. Here are some popular types:

1. Lobe: This is the most basic ear piercing, at the bottom of your ear.
2. Helix: This is on the upper outer edge of your ear.
3. Tragus: This piercing is on the small piece of cartilage that sticks out in front of your ear canal.
4. Conch: This is in the middle part of your ear, either inner or outer.
5. Daith: This piercing goes through the innermost cartilage fold of your ear.
6. Industrial: This is actually two piercings connected by one long piece of jewelry, usually at the top of the ear.

Facial Piercings

Moving to the face, there are many options:

1. Nostril: This is a piercing on the side of your nose.
2. Septum: This goes through the middle part of your nose, between your nostrils.
3. Eyebrow: This piercing is done on the eyebrow, often at the outer edge.
4. Lip: There are many types of lip piercings, including labret (below the bottom lip) and monroe (above the upper lip).
5. Tongue: This piercing goes through the tongue, usually in the middle.

Body Piercings

There are also many piercings for other parts of the body:

1. Navel: Often called a belly button piercing.
2. Nipple: This can be done on men or women.
3. Surface: These can be done on many flat areas of the body, like the neck or chest.
4. Dermal: These are single-point piercings that look like jewelry is stuck onto the skin.

Healing Times

Different piercings take different amounts of time to heal. Here are some general guidelines:

• Ear lobe: 6-8 weeks
• Cartilage piercings (like helix or tragus): 6-12 months
• Nose: 4-6 months
• Lip: 2-3 months
• Tongue: 4-6 weeks
• Navel: 6-12 months

Remember, these are just estimates. Everyone’s body heals differently, and it’s important to follow your piercer’s advice for care.

Types of Jewelry

There are many kinds of jewelry used for piercings:

1. Studs: These have a decorative front and a backing to hold them in place.
2. Rings: These are circular pieces of jewelry that can be opened to put in the piercing.
3. Barbells: These are straight or curved bars with balls on each end.
4. Plugs and Tunnels: These are used for stretched piercings, often in ear lobes.
5. Labrets: These have a flat disc on one end and a ball on the other, often used for lip piercings.

Choosing the Right Jewelry

When picking jewelry for a piercing, consider:

• Material: Surgical steel, titanium, and gold are good choices for most people.
• Size: The jewelry needs to fit the piercing correctly.
• Style: Choose something you like and that fits your lifestyle.

Always start with the jewelry your piercer recommends. You can change it later when the piercing is fully healed.

Piercing Safety

Getting a piercing is a big decision. Here are some safety tips:

1. Choose a professional: Go to a licensed, experienced piercer.
2. Check for cleanliness: The shop should be clean and use sterile equipment.
3. Follow aftercare instructions: Your piercer will tell you how to care for your new piercing.
4. Watch for signs of infection: Redness, swelling, or discharge that doesn’t go away could mean there’s a problem.
5. Be patient: Don’t change your jewelry too soon. Wait until it’s fully healed.

Age Restrictions

In the United States, there are rules about how old you need to be to get a piercing:

• For ear piercings, many places will pierce a child’s ears with a parent’s permission.
• For other piercings, you usually need to be 16 or 18, depending on the state and the type of piercing.
• Some piercings might require parent permission even if you’re over 16.

Always check the laws in your area and the policies of the piercing shop.

Piercing Trends

Piercing trends change over time. Some current popular trends include:

1. Constellation piercings: Multiple small earrings arranged in a pattern.
2. Daith piercings: Some people believe these might help with migraines, though there’s no scientific proof.
3. Industrial piercings: These are becoming more popular for their unique look.
4. Septum piercings: These are trendy and can be easily hidden by flipping the jewelry up.

Piercing Myths

There are many myths about piercings. Let’s clear up a few:

1. Myth: Piercings are always painful.
   Truth: Pain levels vary, and many people find the process quick and manageable.
2. Myth: You can’t get an MRI with piercings.
   Truth: You can remove most piercings for medical procedures.
3. Myth: Only “wild” people get piercings.
   Truth: People from all walks of life enjoy piercings.
4. Myth: Piercings never close up.
   Truth: Many piercings will close if jewelry is removed, especially newer ones.

Cultural Significance of Piercings

Piercings have been important in many cultures for thousands of years:

• In some African cultures, lip and ear piercings are traditional.
• In India, many women have their noses pierced as part of cultural tradition.
• Some Native American tribes used piercings in spiritual ceremonies.
• In modern Western culture, piercings are often seen as a form of self-expression.

Conclusion

Piercing charts are helpful tools for understanding the wide world of body piercings. They show us the many options available, from simple ear lobe piercings to more complex body modifications. Remember, getting a piercing is a personal choice that requires careful thought and research. Always prioritize safety by choosing a professional piercer and following proper aftercare instructions. Whether you’re thinking about getting your first piercing or adding to your collection, a piercing chart can help you explore your options and make informed decisions. Happy and safe piercing!

Piercing chart:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1496593/ – This is a review on medical complications of body piercing.