Piercing: How to Pierce Your Own Naval

Naval piercing is currently one of the most popular body piercing and it can be quite stylish. But not all people agree with going to a professional body piercer because many shops are unclean and very expensive.

Piercing your naval without a professional can be a bit challenging so if you are going to go through with it, I would recommend asking a friend or family member to help you (because it's a little hard to look down at your stomach and preform all the tasks needed, and you may freak out a little when the piercing goes through).

NOTE: Infection in the naval area can be very dangerous to your health. If you notice any swelling, extreme redness, puss building, or anything of the such - see your doctor and explain your situation. Make sure to use clean items at all times along with latex gloves. Please do not use a sewing needle to pierce your naval; get a professional naval piercing kit (you can find these online).

What you are going to need to pierce your naval:

A professional naval piercing kit

An extra person (Optional: this is only if you are unsure of piercing yourself and would like someone else to do it)

Latex gloves

Anti-bacterial cream

Large bandage (Optional: some people like to place a large bandage over their naval after piercing until it is a tad less tender to the touch, this way it doesn't snag on your shirt or anything and it helps keep the anti-bacterial cream on the piercing)

Naval ring

Rubbing alcohol

Cotton balls

Cotton swab

*The piercer should put the latex gloves on before they touch anything*

First Step:

Wipe the entire stomach area down with rubbing alcohol. If you would like to ensure extra cleanliness in the naval, lie on your back and place a little rubbing alcohol in your naval. Swab the inside of the naval well with a cotton swab. When you are finished, wipe away any excess with cotton balls.

Second Step:

Inside the naval piercing kit there should be a clamp and piercing needle - get those out (wipe them down with the rubbing alcohol really quick). You can set the clamp and needle aside for this moment but keep them handy. Get out the naval ring and get it washed off with rubbing alcohol as well - set it aside.

Third Step:

With a permanent marker that can be seen well (black is a good choice) place a dot on the upper inside of the naval and another dot about 1/3" or 1/2" above the naval. You should see two little holes in the clamp - open the clamp and line the holes up with the inside dot and the above dot; clamp down.

Fourth Step:

Take the piercing needle and hold it to the "above" dot (this is the dot you placed above your naval). Placing the needle in the clamp hole on the "above" dot area, in one quick motion, shove the piercing needle through the "above" hole and through the "inside" hole.

Fifth Step:

Remove the clamp quickly, but leave the needle in if the clamp allows it (some do and some don't). If the clamp you have doesn't allow you to remove it without the needle being removed first then you have to go a little quicker. Remove the needle and place the naval ring through the piercing (the ball attached to the ring should be at the "inside" hole and the top with a ball should now be at the "above" hole. Place the little holder ball on the naval ring to hold it in place.

Sixth Step:

Cover the area around the naval piercing with anti-bacterial cream and cover it with a bandage if you would like. Continue to apply the cream until the naval piercing is no longer tender to the touch.

NOTE: Permit your new naval piercing at least six months to heal before changing the naval ring.