If you’ve tried shopping for a navel ring, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the multitude of styles and terms involved. There are a surprising number of options for this one, rather specific, piercing. So, let’s take a moment to break down all the different styles available for your belly button!
Bottom Mount
If the bottom ball end is larger than the top or the bottom end is a charm that doesn’t dangle, you’ve got bottom mount jewelry. This is the style you probably got pierced with. It’s a curved barbell with a non-hanging object at either end. It’s probably 14 gauge (most common) and length can range between roughly 12mm and 10mm depending on your anatomy. These are super easy to insert and remove, just unscrew the top end and slide it in from the bottom. It helps if you use a small amount of water-soluble lubricant to cut down on friction.
Dangle
If it dangles from the bottom, it’s the same idea as bottom-mount jewelry. Just remove the top end and slide it in.
Double Mount
This style has charms on both the top and bottom. Usually, the top charm is smaller than the bottom one so that the larger charm will sit inside a “standard” belly piercing. If your navel is pierced at the bottom, you can still wear these if you choose charms that are abstract or gem-based and look the same facing in either direction. Again, just remove the “top” or smaller charm and slide it the jewelry in.
Twister
These are spiral shaped barbells with ball ends. These are inserted the same as other belly rings but require more finesse. Lubricating with water-soluble lubricant is definitely going to make this easier. You still remove the ball end, but you have to gently work the spiral through your piercing channel. This involves a lot of gently turning the jewelry to get it all the way through. Be gentle, go slowly, don’t rush and you’ll get there.
Hinged Hoop
These are the clicker of belly rings! Love the convenience! The curved barbell is on the back, and you simply pull the unhinged end downwards to open it. Insert the barbell and snap it back shut – you’re done! You get the look of a hoop with the comfort of a standard shaped belly piercing ring and no ball ends to drop. Love it.
Belly Chain
These are actually just standard belly rings but with cool chains, often in a belt style, connected to it. Sometimes the chains connect to other piercings, but the idea is still the same. You insert the belly ring like you would any other and then you attach the chains with the clasp. Don’t try to clasp the chains first, it will make it much, much harder. While definitely not for every day, these look super glam when styled appropriately!
Belly rings are surprisingly easy to navigate once you get past the multitude of terminology. Really, it’s mostly just ways to describe which end is the top and whether it’s a ball end or charm. When in doubt, try removing the smaller end and putting it in like that. And if the whole top/bottom end thing doesn’t work for your specific piercing or is just confusing, remember that hinged belly hoops are an option, and they can be inserted from either direction for the ultimate multi-tasker! Happy piercing!
