Belly Button Piercing — What to Know Before You Book
A belly button piercing is one of the most popular body piercings — and when done correctly by a professional, it heals beautifully. Here's everything you need to know before booking at a belly button piercing specialist on Booksy.
What is a belly button piercing called?
A belly button piercing is formally known as a navel piercing. The most common type is a standard navel piercing, which goes through the upper rim of the navel — the small fold of skin at the top — and is fitted with a curved barbell. The jewelry hangs slightly over or into the belly button. Other variations include the inverse navel piercing (through the lower rim), a double navel piercing (both upper and lower), and a floating navel piercing for clients with outie navels or atypical anatomy.
Standard navel piercing
The classic belly button piercing — a curved barbell passed through the upper fold of the navel. The piercing itself takes under 5 minutes once the area is cleaned and marked. A professional piercer will assess the anatomy of your navel to confirm it's suitable for a standard placement before proceeding. Starter jewelry is typically a 14g implant-grade titanium or 14k gold curved barbell — hypoallergenic materials that minimize the risk of reaction during the long healing period.
Jewelry options for belly button piercings
Starter jewelry for a new navel piercing should always be implant-grade — titanium, implant-grade stainless steel, niobium, or solid 14k gold. Avoid surgical steel from unknown sources, acrylic, or mystery metals during healing. Once fully healed (typically 6 to 12 months), you can switch to a wider variety of styles including dangle rings, captive bead rings, flat-back barbells, and decorative curved barbells. Many piercers on Booksy offer a jewelry selection consultation at the appointment.
Inverse belly button piercing
The inverse navel piercing goes through the lower rim of the belly button rather than the upper fold — positioned so the jewelry hangs downward from below. Less common than the standard placement, it creates a distinctly different aesthetic and is particularly popular with dangle-style jewelry. The healing time and aftercare are the same as a standard navel piercing.
Can you get a belly button piercing with an outie?
It depends on the specific anatomy. True outie navels (where scar tissue protrudes outward) are generally not suitable for a standard navel piercing — there isn't enough of a fold to pierce through safely. However, many people who think they have an outie actually have an innie with some tissue variation that a skilled piercer can work with. A floating navel piercing — which sits on the surface rather than through a fold — may also be an option. Book a consultation with your piercer before committing so they can assess your anatomy in person.
Belly button piercing prices — how much does it cost?
Belly button piercing prices typically include the piercing service and starter jewelry. The ranges below are based on real Booksy listings across the US.
Service
Average price
Duration
Standard belly button piercing (with jewelry)
$30 to $70
10 to 20 min
Belly button piercing (premium jewelry upgrade)
$60 to $100
10 to 20 min
Inverse navel piercing
$40 to $75
10 to 20 min
Jewelry change (healed piercing)
$10 to $25
5 to 10 min
Prices reflect average ranges across Booksy listings in the US. Always confirm whether starter jewelry is included in the quoted price and what metal is used — implant-grade titanium or 14k gold is strongly recommended for new piercings.
Frequently asked questions about belly button piercings
How much is a belly button piercing?
A standard belly button piercing typically costs between $30 and $70, usually including starter jewelry. Prices vary depending on the piercer's experience, the quality of the jewelry included, and your location. Always confirm what's included — some studios charge the piercing fee and jewelry separately. You'll see exact pricing on every Booksy listing before you book.
How long does a belly button piercing take to heal?
A belly button piercing is one of the slowest-healing surface piercings — full healing typically takes 6 to 12 months, and sometimes up to 18 months. The outer tissue may look and feel healed within a few months, but the inner channel takes significantly longer to fully mature. Rushing jewelry changes before the piercing is fully healed is the most common cause of complications and rejection.
How do you clean a belly button piercing?
Clean your belly button piercing twice daily using a sterile saline solution (0.9% sodium chloride) — available as a spray or applied with a clean gauze pad. Gently rinse the front and back of the piercing, removing any dried discharge. Do not rotate or twist the jewelry during cleaning. Avoid using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial soaps, or ointments, as these can damage healing tissue. Your piercer will provide full aftercare instructions at your appointment.
How old do you have to be to get a belly button piercing?
The minimum age varies by state and studio policy. In most US states, clients under 18 can get a belly button piercing with a parent or legal guardian present and their written consent. Some studios set their own minimum age of 16 or 18 regardless of parental consent. Always check the specific studio's policy before booking — many list their age requirements on their Booksy profile or website.
When can I change my belly button piercing?
Most piercers recommend waiting until the piercing is fully healed — at least 6 to 9 months, and ideally 12 months — before changing the jewelry yourself. Changing jewelry too early is one of the leading causes of irritation, infection, and piercing rejection. If you want to change your jewelry before the full healing period, have it done by your piercer rather than attempting it yourself.
Where can I get my belly button pierced near me?
Search Booksy by location and filter for belly button piercing. Every listing includes verified reviews, the piercer's service menu, pricing, and live availability. Look for piercers who specify the type of jewelry and metal used — implant-grade titanium or 14k gold is the safest option for new piercings — and read reviews from clients who mention cleanliness, professionalism, and aftercare guidance.
How do I prepare for a belly button piercing?
Eat a good meal 1 to 2 hours before your appointment to keep blood sugar stable — this reduces the risk of lightheadedness during or after the piercing. Wear loose, high-waisted or low-rise clothing that won't press against the piercing immediately afterward. Shower before your appointment and arrive with a clean, product-free belly area. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment as it thins the blood. Bring valid ID and, if you're a minor, your parent or guardian.
Is there a belly button piercing specialist open now near me?
Use the availability filter on Booksy to find belly button piercing specialists with open slots today. Appointments are typically 10 to 20 minutes, so same-day and last-minute bookings are often available. Filter by real-time availability to find who can take you now.
Are there belly button piercing specialists open on Saturday or Sunday?
Yes — most piercing studios on Booksy offer weekend appointments. Use the Saturday or Sunday availability filter to find specialists near you with open slots — and book ahead if you want a specific piercer, as weekend appointments fill quickly.
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