Body Piercing and Alternative Culture

Nose piercings: this piercing is increasingly common worldwide. A person can choose to pierce one or both nostrils with a hoop or a small, flat-backed stud; they can also pierce the cartilage in the center of the nose. This is known as a septum piercing and many people choose to wear hoops or half-circle hoops in them.

Lips: The lips can be pierced on the top or the bottom. In emo culture, it is common to see people with one hoop on each side of their lower lip; this piercing is called "snakebites." Small, flat-backed studs can also be used on the lip. When placed in the center of the lip, just below the actual lips, this is called a labret piercing. When placed on either side of the top lip, it is commonly called a Monroe.

Eyebrows: Eyebrow piercings are surface piercings that go through the skin of the eyebrow. Most people choose straight barbells or hoops for this piercing. Contrary to popular misconception, the piercing is not embedded in the head.

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Nipples: Yes, some people pierce their nipples. Most people choose hoops, but straight or circular barbells can also be used for this piercing. It is important to note that this is a sensitive area to pierce, and it can take 6-12 months to fully heal.

Navel: Navel piercings are also surface piercings and take some time to heal. Many people have difficulty with this piercing, due to the shape of the navel or their weight. Only a professional piercer can determine if this is worth getting done. Most people choose circular barbells or hoops for this piercing.

Although piercing has been considered a mainstay of the alternative, emo, and punk scene for quote some time, it is becoming more mainstream as time goes on. By learning about the different types of piercing and the processes involved, more people will be able to understand something that was previously foreign to them. It will also help people to not be scared of people just because they look different -- and that is never a bad thing.

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