Body piercings have been a popular trend for centuries, with various forms of body art gaining traction in different cultures. Among them, navel pierc
Body piercings have been a popular trend for centuries, with various forms of body art gaining traction in different cultures. Among them, navel piercings are the most popular and commonly opted for. Navel piercings have been in vogue since the 1990s and have been trending ever since. In this blog, we will be discussing the different types of navel piercings and their variations.
Navel piercing, also known as belly-button piercing, has a rich and interesting history that dates back thousands of years. The practice of navel piercing can be traced back to ancient times when it was primarily used for cultural and religious purposes.
Reviewed by the BeautynFacts editorial team. Last updated: May 2026.
Ancient Egyptian and Roman Civilisations:
Navel piercing was practised in ancient Egyptian and Roman civilisations. In ancient Egypt, navel piercing was a sign of wealth and status, and only the pharaohs and their consorts were allowed to adorn their navels with jewellery. The Romans also practised navel piercing, and it was believed to be a sign of bravery, as Roman soldiers would get their navels pierced before going into battle.
South Asian Cultures:
In South Asian cultures, navel piercing is also a common cultural practice. In India, navel piercing is an ancient practice that has been around for over 5,000 years. In Indian culture, navel piercing is believed to aid in digestion, relieve menstrual cramps, and promote fertility. The piercing is also considered a sacred tradition in Indian culture and is often performed during religious ceremonies.
Contemporary Popularity:
In the modern era, navel piercing gained popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s, thanks to pop culture icons such as Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, who sported navel piercings in their music videos and on stage. The trend quickly caught on, and navel piercing became a fashion statement among young women.
As navel piercings gained popularity, different types and variations of the piercing emerged. The most popular types of navel piercing include standard navel piercing, reverse navel piercing, double navel piercing, and multiple navel piercings. Each type of navel piercing has a unique placement and jewellery style that adds an extra element of style to the piercing.
Types of Navel Piercings
- Standard Navel Piercing:
The standard naval piercing is the most common type of naval piercing that is performed. The process involves puncturing the skin above the belly button and inserting jewellery into the piercing. The jewellery generally comprises a curved barbell, a ring, or a stud. The jewellery is usually worn for up to six months before it is replaced with another piece of jewellery.
- Double Navel Piercing:
As the name suggests, a double navel piercing is the process of creating two piercings above the belly button. The two piercings can be either vertical or horizontal and are usually separated by a small amount of skin. The jewellery is usually two curved barbells, rings, or studs and is worn for up to six months.
- Inverse Navel Piercing:
An inverse navel piercing is a unique type of piercing that is performed on the lower part of the navel. The process involves piercing the skin underneath the belly button and inserting jewellery into the piercing. The jewellery usually comprises a curved barbell or a ring, which is worn for up to six months.
- Floating Navel Piercing:
A floating navel piercing is a type of piercing where the jewellery appears to be floating on the skin. The process involves piercing the skin above the navel and inserting jewellery that comprises a curved barbell or a ring. The jewellery is usually worn for up to six months before it is replaced with another piece of jewellery.
- Multiple Navel Piercings:
A multiple navel piercing is the process of creating more than two piercings above the navel. The piercings can be either vertical or horizontal and are usually separated by a small amount of skin. The jewellery is usually a combination of curved barbells, rings, or studs, which are worn for up to six months.
- T-Shaped Navel Piercing:
A T-shaped navel piercing is a unique type of piercing where the jewellery comprises a curved barbell, a ring, or a stud. The process involves creating two piercings above the belly button and one piercing below the belly button. The three piercings are then connected with the jewellery to form a T-shape. The jewellery is usually worn for up to six months.
- Surface Navel Piercing:
A surface navel piercing is a type of piercing that is performed on the surface of the skin above the navel. The process involves piercing the skin with a curved needle and inserting a piece of jewellery that comprises a flat disc or a barbell. The jewellery is usually worn for up to six months before it is replaced with another piece of jewellery.
- Bottom Navel Piercing:
A bottom naval piercing is a type of piercing that is performed on the lower part of the navel. The process involves piercing the skin below the belly button and inserting jewellery that comprises a curved barbell or a ring. The jewellery is usually worn for up to six months before it is replaced with another piece of jewellery.
Variations of Navel Piercings
Apart from the types mentioned above, there are many variations of navel piercings. Some of the most popular variations are:
- Dangling navel piercing:
A dangling navel piercing is a type of piercing where the jewellery hangs below the belly button, giving the illusion of dangling. The jewellery usually comprises a curved barbell or a ring with a decorative charm, which adds an extra element of style to the piercing.
- Gemstone Navel Piercing:
A gemstone navel piercing is a type of piercing where the jewellery comprises a curved barbell or a ring with a precious or semi-precious stone. The stone adds an extra element of elegance to the piercing, making it a popular choice for special occasions.
- Spiral Navel Piercing:
A spiral navel piercing is a type of piercing where the jewellery comprises a spiral-shaped barbell. The spiral design adds an extra element of uniqueness to the piercing, making it a popular choice for those who want to stand out from the crowd.
- Industrial Navel Piercing:
An industrial navel piercing is a type of piercing where the jewellery comprises a combination of two or more piercings connected by a single piece of jewellery. The jewellery usually comprises a combination of curved barbells or rings, which are worn for up to six months.
- Snakebite Navel Piercing:
A snakebite navel piercing is a type of piercing in which two piercings are made on either side of the navel, similar to the placement of snakebites on the lower lip. The jewellery usually comprises two curved barbells or rings, which are worn for up to six months.
- Reversed Navel Piercing:
A reversed navel piercing is a type of piercing where the jewellery is inserted from the bottom of the navel and exits at the top. The jewellery usually comprises a curved barbell or a ring, which is worn for up to six months.
Navel piercings are a popular form of body art that have been in vogue for decades. With various types and variations available, it is essential to understand the different options available and choose one that best suits your style and personality. As with any form of body art, it is important to make sure that the piercing is performed by a professional and that the aftercare instructions are followed diligently to prevent infections and promote healing. With the right care, navel piercings can be a stylish and unique form of body art that adds an extra element of personality to your overall look.
Frequently Asked Questions About Navel Piercings
What are the different types of navel piercings?
The most common navel piercings include the standard top navel, which sits in the upper rim of the belly button, and the bottom navel, which sits in the lower rim. Less common variations are floating navels, true navels through the actual button skin, deep navels for shallow anatomies, and double or multiple navel piercings stacked above or below. Anatomy determines what suits each person, so a piercer’s consultation matters more than picking a style from a photo. Not every belly button suits every style.
How long does a navel piercing take to heal?
Navel piercings have one of the longer healing windows in body piercing, taking six to twelve months for full internal healing. The surface settles within six to eight weeks, but the deeper tissue continues healing for many months. Avoid changing the jewellery for at least three months and ideally six. Follow aftercare with twice-daily saline sprays, sleep on your back when possible, and skip swimming, hot tubs, and tight clothing during early healing. Patience is the main factor for a clean heal.
What is the proper aftercare for a navel piercing?
Spray sterile saline solution on the piercing twice a day, morning and night, for the first six months. Avoid touching the piercing with unwashed hands. Skip baths, pools, and hot tubs for at least eight weeks. Wear loose, breathable clothing that does not rub or trap moisture. Sleep on your back or side rather than face-down. Avoid harsh soaps, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and ointments, which can irritate the piercing or trap bacteria. If signs of infection appear, see a doctor promptly.
Can a navel piercing reject or migrate?
Yes, navel piercings have a higher rejection rate than some other piercings because of the body’s frequent movement, clothing friction, and natural pressure on the area. Rejection happens when the body pushes the jewellery toward the surface, eventually expelling it. Signs include thinning skin over the bar, redness, and visible migration. Choose a piercer with a strong reputation, get jewellery that fits your anatomy, and avoid trauma during healing. Properly placed, well-cared-for piercings have a much better long-term success rate.
What jewellery is best for a healing navel piercing?
Implant-grade titanium or 14-karat solid gold are the safest jewellery choices for fresh navel piercings. Avoid surgical steel during healing because of potential nickel content. Curved barbells are the standard shape, with the length sized to your specific anatomy. Decorative gemstones can wait until full healing, since simple, smooth jewellery has fewer crevices that trap moisture. Never use cheap costume jewellery on a healing piercing. The investment in quality jewellery directly impacts the success of the heal.
Are navel piercings safe during pregnancy?
Existing well-healed navel piercings can usually be kept during early pregnancy. As the belly expands in the second and third trimesters, most people switch to a flexible PTFE retainer or remove the jewellery entirely to prevent skin stretching and discomfort. Getting a new navel piercing during pregnancy is not recommended because the body is already managing significant changes, and the piercing site will shift as the belly grows. Consult both your piercer and your obstetrician before any decisions about your piercing during pregnancy.
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