- Introduction
- I. What is a Floating Navel Piercing?
- II. Regular Navel Piercings: A Classic Belly Button Statement
- III. Key Difference between a Floating vs. Regular Navel Piercing
- IV. Are Floating Navels Easier to Heal?
- V. Navel Piercing Healing Guide and Tips
- VI. Floating vs. Regular : How to Choose What's Right For You?
- VII. Choosing the Best Jewelry for Each Piercing
- VIII. Determining the Best Age for Your Navel Piercing
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Image Credit: Byrdie
Body piercings have been an enduring form of self-expression across various cultures and eras. In recent times, navel piercings in particular have become a popular way for people to express their individuality. Among the many types of piercings, navel piercings remain an iconic and timeless choice. When considering a navel piercing, you’ll come across two primary options – the floating navel and the standard navel piercing. But what exactly sets them apart?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about floating versus standard navel piercings. We’ll explore the key differences, pros and cons, ideal jewelry, optimal age, healing processes, and expert care tips. Equipped with this knowledge, you’ll be able to make the piercing decision that best aligns with your personal preferences and lifestyle.
I. What is a Floating Navel Piercing?
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A floating navel piercing, also called a top navel piercing, is positioned above the navel rim through the upper ridge of the belly button. This intentional placement creates an aesthetic gap between the jewelry and the belly button itself.
The main appeal of the floating navel lies in its eye-catching illusion – the jewelry appears to delicately “float” over the skin rather than being nestled inside the navel. This unique look offers a modern, minimalist vibe that attracts those desiring contemporary style.
Characteristics of Floating Navel Piercings
- Placement: Through the thin skin of the upper navel ridge, above the rim of the belly button.
- Jewelry: Often delicate straight or curved barbells that rest elegantly on the skin’s surface.
- Look: An elevated, contemporary style with the jewelry visually suspended over the belly button. Minimalist and sleek.
- Healing: Slightly more prone to contact and irritation from clothing but otherwise similar to standard healing times of 6-12 months with proper aftercare.
Pros and Cons of Floating Navels
Pros | Cons |
Eye-catching floating illusion | More exposed to friction from clothing |
Modern, minimalist aesthetic | Not suitable for all anatomy types |
Allows accentuating the navel’s shape | Limited jewelry sizes due to thinner skin |
Wide jewelry options like barbells | Easier to catch or snag accidentally |
II. Regular Navel Piercings: A Classic Belly Button Statement
Image Credit: Pierced
The regular or traditional navel piercing remains a widely popular option, especially for those seeking classic style. As the name suggests, this piercing traverses the lower rim of the navel so jewelry sits snugly inside the belly button.This traditional placement often uses curved barbells that embrace the lip of the navel for an intimate and understated look. For many, it’s a nostalgic callback to the early navel piercing trend of the 90s.
Characteristics of Standard Navel Piercings
- Placement: Through the thicker rim at the bottom of the navel.
- Jewelry: Curved barbells, captive rings, and banana bells that fit inside the belly button.
- Look: A classic style with jewelry nestled inside the navel for an understated appearance.
- Healing: Slightly less prone to friction and irritation thanks to protected placement. Healing time of 6-12 months.
Pros and Cons of Standard Navels
Pros | Cons |
Timeless, classic belly button look | Less unique than modern floating style |
Subtle and intimate aesthetic | Harder to show off jewelry design |
Reduced irritation from clothing | More difficult to clean inside navel |
Compatible with most anatomy | Jewelry can’t be seen when navel is covered |
Wider range of jewelry sizes |
III. Key Difference between a Floating vs. Regular Navel Piercing
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each piercing, let’s recap the major differences:
Aspect | Floating Piercing | Standard Piercing |
Visibility | Only the top piece of jewelry is visible, giving the appearance of ‘floating’. | Both ends of the jewelry are visible. |
Jewelry Design | Typically features a flat disc or small bead at the bottom and a decorative piece above. | Usually has a curved piece of jewelry with decorative elements on both top and bottom. |
Suitability | Ideal for individuals whose navel shapes are not suitable for traditional piercings. | Suitable for a wider range of navel shapes. |
Aesthetic Appeal | Gives an illusion of a gemstone or jewelry floating above the belly button. | Offers a more classic navel piercing look with visible jewelry on both ends. |
Anatomy Considerations | Preferred for navels with a clear “lip” or ridge of tissue across the top. | More flexible in terms of the variety of navel shapes it can accommodate. |
Healing and Aftercare | Similar to traditional piercings in terms of healing time and aftercare. | Healing time and aftercare are standard, with a ‘less is more’ approach recommended. |
Neither option is intrinsically better or worse. The right choice comes down to personal style, comfort, and anatomy.
IV. Are Floating Navels Easier to Heal?
Image Credit: Body Art Guru
The healing process for both floating navel and regular navel piercings is generally similar, as they are both surface piercings. However, some factors can affect the healing experience:
- Contact and Friction: Floating navel piercings may be more exposed to contact and friction due to their elevated placement. Clothing, waistbands, and seatbelts can come into contact with the jewelry more frequently, potentially irritating the healing process. Regular navel piercings, being tucked inside the belly button, may be less prone to such contact.
- Cleaning and Care: The care and cleaning of the piercing is crucial for a successful healing process. Regardless of the type of navel piercing, it’s essential to maintain good hygiene and follow aftercare instructions provided by your piercer. For floating navel piercings, this may include being extra cautious about cleaning the exposed jewelry and surrounding area.
- Individual Variability: The ease of healing can vary from person to person. Factors like individual body chemistry, immune system strength, and overall health can influence the healing process. Some individuals may find one type of navel piercing easier to heal than the other, but the type of piercing itself does not solely determine this.
V. Navel Piercing Healing Guide and Tips
The healing time for navel piercings, whether floating or regular, typically ranges from 6 to 12 months, depending on individual factors and how well the piercing is cared for. The initial stage of healing usually involves swelling, redness, and some discharge, while the later stages focus on tissue strengthening and maturation.
To ensure a smoother healing process, follow these general aftercare guidelines:
- Clean the piercing with a saline solution: A saline solution, either store-bought or homemade, should be used to clean the piercing twice a day. Gently clean the jewelry and the surrounding area to remove debris or buildup.
- Avoid touching the piercing: While it can be tempting to fiddle with the jewelry, it’s important to minimize contact with the piercing to prevent the risk of infection.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing: Loose clothing helps reduce friction and irritation around the piercing. Avoid tight waistbands or belts that might rub against the jewelry.
- Watch for signs of infection: Keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, excessive swelling, or abnormal discharge. If you suspect an infection, consult your piercer or a healthcare professional.
- Lifestyle: Refrain from swimming or activities that can introduce contaminants during the initial months.
- Patience: Understand that the full healing timeline usually spans 6-12 months, depending on individual factors.
With attentive aftercare, you can enjoy a beautifully-healed navel piercing that accentuates your unique style.
VI. Floating vs. Regular : How to Choose What’s Right For You?
When it comes to floating vs. regular navel piercings, neither option is fundamentally better as it’s mostly about personal preferences and aesthetics.. Base your decision on the following considerations:
- Personal Style – Modern or classic? Minimalist or understated?
Consider your style and the look you want to achieve. A floating navel piercing offers a more modern and minimalist appearance, while a regular navel piercing has a classic and timeless charm. Choose the style that best complements your overall look and fashion sense.
- Comfort – Will a more exposed or more protected piercing be better for your lifestyle?
Think about your comfort and lifestyle. If you’re concerned about contact with clothing and potential irritation, a regular navel piercing may be more comfortable, as it’s tucked inside the belly button and less exposed. On the other hand, if you love the look of a floating navel piercing, the minor inconvenience of contact may be worth it.
- Ideal look – Do you want the jewelry to float over or nestle within your navel?
Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preference. Some individuals prefer the unique and eye-catching nature of a floating navel piercing, while others opt for the elegance of a regular navel piercing. Explore both options and see which one resonates with you.
- Anatomy: Does your navel anatomy suit one piercing type over the other?
- Jewelry – barbells or rings? Delicate or statement pieces?
Take your time deciding on the perfect navel piercing for your individual needs and personal aesthetics. With proper aftercare and cleaning, you’ll be able to showcase your fabulous style choice.
VII. Choosing the Best Jewelry for Each Piercing
The jewelry selected for your new piercing can make or break the look and healing process. Here are our top jewelry recommendations for each navel piercing type:
Jewelry for Floating Navels
Delicate barbells complement the minimalist floating look:
- Curved barbells
- Straight barbells
- Short barbells to avoid excessive dangling
Opt for simple metals like titanium or gold. Avoid chains or dangly jewelry that can snag.
Jewelry for Standard Navels
Take advantage of the protected navel placement with:
- Captive bead rings
- Curved barbells
- Banana bells
Go for metals like surgical steel or platinum. Steer clear of cheap jewelry to prevent reactions.
VIII. Determining the Best Age for Your Navel Piercing
Image Credit: Dr. Piercing Aftercare
Unlike earlobes, the navel area requires extra maturity and responsibility to heal properly. Here are our tips on assessing the ideal age:
- Parental Consent: In numerous jurisdictions, individuals below the age of 18 must obtain parental or guardian consent to undergo a piercing procedure. Familiarize yourself with the local regulations and ascertain that you possess requisite consent if you are a minor.
- Individual Maturity: The ideal age for a navel piercing can fluctuate from one person to another. Some individuals may deem themselves mature and responsible enough for a piercing at a younger age, while others may choose to defer until they are older and more self-assured.
- Responsibility: The success of piercing aftercare is pivotal to the healing process. Reflect on whether you exhibit the responsibility required to adhere to aftercare instructions, including the meticulous cleaning of the piercing and the avoidance of actions that may jeopardize its well-being..
- Lifestyle: Consider your lifestyle and daily activities. If you engage in sports or other physically demanding endeavors, contemplate how a navel piercing might affect your routine. Activities that entail direct contact with the piercing area may necessitate alterations during the healing period.
- Consultation with a Professional: Before making a decision, it is advisable to consult with a professional piercer. They can offer guidance and assess whether you are physically and emotionally prepared for a navel piercing.
General guidelines suggest 16 as a reasonable minimum age, but it’s contingent on the above factors. Patience is key – don’t rush into a piercing you may regret.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has clarified the major differences between floating and standard navel piercings and empowered you to select your perfect match. Whichever you choose, embrace your new belly button bling with attentive aftercare and a spirit of creative self-expression. Your navel piercing is the jewel that completes your personal style.
FAQ
1. What is the main difference between a floating navel and a regular navel piercing?
The primary difference is the placement of the piercing. A floating navel piercing is situated slightly above the belly button, creating a gap between the jewelry and the navel, while a regular navel piercing goes through the lower rim of the navel, with the jewelry inside the belly button.
2. Is one type of navel piercing better than the other?
The choice between a floating and regular navel piercing depends on individual preferences and style. Neither is objectively better; it’s all about the look you want to achieve and your comfort level.
3. Are floating navel piercings more challenging to heal?
Floating navel piercings may be slightly more exposed to contact and friction, which can affect the healing process. However, with proper care and hygiene, both types of piercings have similar healing times.
4. How long does it take for a navel piercing to heal?
Navel piercings, whether floating or regular, typically take anywhere from 6 to 12 months to heal. The exact healing time varies depending on individual factors and how well the piercing is cared for.
5. At what age can I get a navel piercing?
The best age for a navel piercing varies from person to person. In many places, individuals under 18 may need parental or guardian consent. Consider your maturity, responsibility, and lifestyle, and consult with a professional piercer to determine the right time for you.