Body jewelry comes in all shapes and sizes, making it a challenge to determine the perfect fit for your new piercing. It’s important to find the appropriate size to ensure proper healing and minimize discomfort. In this article, we will guide you through the typical starting sizes for various types of body piercings. We’ll help you understand what size of standard body jewelry is most suitable for each piercing so that you can make an informed decision.
Typical Starting Sizes by Piercing
Belly Button Piercing
Typically, navel piercings are done with either a 14g or 12g needle, followed by starter jewelry of the same size. A 12g navel piercing is ideal for preventing migration, which is a common symptom of rejection. Most stylish belly button rings come in standard 14g or 12g sizes. We do not recommend smaller gauges for navel piercings due to the higher rate of rejection.
Bridge Piercing
Bridge piercings are usually done with an 18g needle, as this size is heavy enough to prevent migration while also fitting into the limited space available. 16g is also an option if there is enough skin for a slightly larger barbell.
Cartilage Piercing
Cartilage piercings are typically done with an 18g needle. Starting with a larger gauge can increase discomfort and slow the healing process. If you want to start at a larger size, lightweight starter jewelry made of a material like BioPlast is recommended.
Cheek Piercing
Cheek piercings are commonly done with 16g to 12g needles followed by starter labrets of the same size.
Dermal Piercing
Dermal piercings are usually done in smaller sizes like 18g or 16g, but options of 12g and 14g are also available. The recommended size for dermal starter jewelry depends on the location of your piercing.
Earlobe Piercing
Most earlobe piercings start out around 20g or 18g, occasionally a 22g needle is used. If you want to start at a higher gauge, it is recommended to be pierced with a heavier gauge needle rather than having your earlobe punched with a dermal punch.
Eyebrow Piercing
16g and 18g are the most common sizes for starter eyebrow jewelry. Slightly heavier gauge jewelry can minimize migration, but avoid sizes 20g or smaller unless advised by your piercing artist.
Frenum Piercing
Frenum piercings are typically done with a somewhat heavier-gauge needle and straight barbell. The standard starting size is 12g, but sizes from 14g to 8g can be requested.
Industrial Piercing
14g is the most common size for industrial starter jewelry. However, some people choose slightly smaller or larger sizes such as 16g or 12g. Straight barbells in other sizes can also be used for industrial piercings.
Lip Piercing
The size of starter jewelry for a lip piercing depends on the type of piercing. Labret, Monroe, or Medusa piercings are typically done with either a 16g or 18g labret stud. Horizontal lip piercings or snake bites can use a 14g or 12g captive bead ring or circular barbell.
Nipple Piercing
The most common starting sizes for nipple piercings are 14g and 12g. Starting with a higher gauge decreases the risk of migration and rejection, but most desirable nipple barbells and rings are available in 14g or 12g.
Nostril Piercing
20g and 18g are the most common starting sizes for nostril rings, and 16g is also popular.
Other Genital Piercings
Standard sizes for starter jewelry used for male and female genital piercings vary depending on anatomy and the type of piercing. Piercing artists often recommend jewelry in the 16g to 12g range for labia piercings, and anywhere from 14g to 10g for various male genital piercings. Some women stretch their labia piercings to wear 8g or larger tunnels.
Prince Albert Piercing
Prince Albert piercings are done in a wide range of sizes, typically between 10g and 6g. The choice between a larger gauge captive bead ring or a smaller gauge PA wand is up to personal preference.
Septum Piercing
18g, 16g, and 14g are the most common starting sizes for septum rings. Stretching to larger sizes is common after the piercing is healed.
Surface Piercing
Surface piercings have a high risk of migration and rejection if the starter jewelry is too small. Most surface piercing barbells are available in 12g, 14g, or 16g, with some larger sizes like 10g available as starter jewelry. On average, 14g is the most common starting size for surface piercings.
Tongue Piercing
14g and 12g are the most common starting sizes for tongue piercings. It is not recommended to go smaller than 14g.
Tongue Web Piercing
20g is often the ideal starting size for oral web piercings due to the delicate nature of the area.
VCH & HCH Piercings
The sizes for vertical and horizontal clitoral hood piercings vary depending on each woman’s unique anatomy. Fine-gauge needles, such as 20g or 18g captive rings for horizontal clitoral hood piercings or 18g curved barbells for vertical clitoral hood piercings, are commonly used. Always consult with your piercer to determine the appropriate size for your clitoral hood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I start with a larger gauge for my piercing?
A: Starting with a larger gauge is possible for some piercings, but it is generally recommended to follow your piercing artist’s advice. Larger gauges may increase discomfort and slow the healing process.
Q: What is the most common starting size for belly button piercings?
A: Belly button piercings typically start with either a 14g or 12g needle, followed by starter jewelry of the same size.
Q: Is it possible to stretch a piercing to a larger size later?
A: Yes, after your piercing is fully healed, you can stretch it to a larger size if desired. It is crucial to wait until the piercing is fully healed before attempting to stretch.
Q: Can I mix and match body jewelry parts?
A: When purchasing body jewelry, pay attention to the thread pattern to ensure compatibility. For example, ends from a 14g piece of internally threaded jewelry can fit onto a 12g internal barbell. Always check the details and specifications of the jewelry for threading type and size information.
Conclusion
Finding the right size for your body piercing is essential for both comfort and healing. By understanding the typical starting sizes for different types of piercings, you can make an informed decision and ensure a successful piercing experience. Remember to consult with a professional piercing artist for personalized advice. Once your piercing is fully healed, you can explore customization options and enjoy your unique look.
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