subject: Looking For A Belly Bar? What Navel Do You Have? [print this page] Materials for Belly Bars Materials for Belly Bars
Most belly bars these days are made from titanium. This is partly as a result of the EU Nickel Directive, which restricts high nickel alloys from being used in new body piercings. Titanium has very low nickel content and is unlikely to provoke an allergic reaction. Titanium is also 60% lighter than stainless steel: its light weight makes it exceptionally comfortable to wear as a belly bar or in other forms of body jewellery. No one wants a belly ring thats going to pull down on them all day.
Titaniums resistance to corrosion is another plus. Body piercings are a commitment and when you find the right belly bar or ring for you, you want to know you can expect it to last. Neither does it react with body fluids (not the major concern it may be with certain other body piercings, but its always good to know).
Titanium belly bars also offer an aesthetic advantage, being available in a number of colours. Blue, green, yellow and even rainbow belly bars are all common.
Your Navel
Were all aware that different people have different belly buttons, but trust me; it goes a lot further than innie and outtie in-y and out-y. There are actually 14 different types of navel and the sort you have will affect which type of belly bar suits you best.
Some types of navel such as the hook and the reverse C have a flap of skin which covers both the top and the side of the opening. Whilst this is perfectly normal, such navels will require a belly bar with lateral stability. Without it, the weight of the belly bar will turn the skin flap, making the piercing appear crooked. In order to ensure your belly bar looks its best, you will need a small ball or wide element near the top of the piece. This will hold it level.
Other types of navel are more versatile. So-called half-moon belly buttons (i.e. those with a curved flap of skin covering the top part of the navel) are very easy to work with. The skin flap offers a place through which to put the piercing and the relatively open navel can accommodate a lot of shapes. You may, however, have to take the size of your navel into account when planning your belly bars. Obviously, the smaller yours is, the smaller your piercing will have to be.
Youll also need to be aware that different peoples navels are at different levels. If your navel is below your belt line, you should avoid wearing tight fitting clothes which will rub against it. Those with navels higher up should have fewer problems.
These are just a few of the things which can affect the type of belly bar that will suit you. Be sure to consult a specialist before you make any lasting decisions; theyll be able to take a look at your belly button and give you the best advice.
