We live in a pretty neat time in history when what was once thought to be the mark of a social outlier and outcast is now fairly commonplace. We're talking about body art, with a specific concentration on navel piercing. It used to be that piercing a part of your body meant rocking some great earrings. Nowadays, the idea of having a navel piercing is not only not that big a deal - it can also serve as a bit of a rite of passage.
There are certainly a number of you out there who went out to the biggest city near your hometown while you were in college, and you all decided you'd get either a piercing or tattoo together. This way, you'd become "sisters" for life, and be the best of friends forever. At least, this was the idea until you had to be part of an audience as you watched your roommate or dorm cluster neighbor get her navel pierced. Some of you were stoked while others were aghast. Still, you all made a pact to be "sisters", right?
One of the things you may have all not been listening to closely while getting your navels pierced was the process of aftercare. The last thing you wanted was for something to go wrong with your new body art, so now you had to stick to the rules of aftercare. You managed, and after a bit, you got a real kick sporting croptops & low-rise jeans.
So, if you're reading this & looking to get your own navel piercing, it's important to do so with the understanding that you'll need to follow the aftercare procedures exactly as your piercer breaks them down.
Procedure may change slightly from artist to artist, but all will agree on these three "musts":
Wash Your Hands Thoroughly - It's the one reason that germs get spread in this world, and yet, it's one of the easiest things to do. Before you even think of putting your hands near your belly button, wash them with soap and warm water.
Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing That Won't Make Contact with Piercing - It's not about being cute or alluring - it's about making sure you don't irritate the area. By wearing clothing that steers clear of your navel piercing, you give the area a chance to fully heal.
Get Your Dixie Cups, Sea Salt, and Purified Water Ahead of Time - Part of the aftercare work you have to put in is keeping your new piercing clean. This involves a saline solution in a cup and working with the physics of a vacuum seal. That said, if you know you're getting a navel piercing, start getting your aftercare supplies before you get pierced.
A navel piercing can be a neat, sassy way to break into the world of body art. With the right mindset, a trusted piercer, and a willingness to follow a regimented aftercare procedure, your piercing experience will be a great one.
