Feb 6th 2025

How to Style and Use Your Body Jewelry by Type

Body jewelry comes in various styles, each designed for specific piercings. Knowing how to use, open, and close your jewelry correctly ensures both comfort and safety. Here’s a guide to different jewelry types and how to handle them.

Captive Bead Rings

Captive bead rings (CBRs) are a classic and versatile option for various piercings. They consist of a circular ring with a single bead that secures the jewelry in place.

Best for: Septum, cartilage, helix, daith, rook, nostril, lip, nipple, and eyebrow piercings.
How to use: Swap the bead for a gemstone or decorative piece to change the look. Use small CBRs for a stacked helix or lobe style.
How to open and close:
- Hold both sides of the ring and gently pull apart while twisting slightly to release the bead.
- To close, insert the bead back into place by aligning the indentations with the ring and snapping it securely.

Horseshoe Rings

Horseshoe rings, also known as circular barbells, are an easy-to-use option that allows for quick jewelry changes.

Best for: Septum, daith, conch, eyebrow, lip, nipple, and lobe piercings.
How to use: Flip a septum horseshoe up for a hidden look. Swap end balls for spikes or gems for a custom style. Use small horseshoe rings in the conch for a unique alternative look.
How to open and close:
- Unscrew one or both of the threaded ends by turning counterclockwise.
- After inserting, screw the ends back on by turning clockwise until secure.

Threadless Jewelry

Threadless jewelry is a push-fit style that offers a seamless and secure fit without external threading.

Best for: Lip, tragus, helix, nostril, conch, and earlobe piercings.
How to use: Switch out decorative tops to match different aesthetics. Flat-back threadless studs provide a flush fit, making them great for tragus or nostril piercings.
How to open and close:
- To remove, hold the post and gently pull the top piece while twisting slightly.
- To insert, push the top into the post at a slight angle and press until it locks into place.

Barbells

Barbells are a piercing essential available in straight, curved, and circular forms. They are durable, secure, and ideal for various piercings.

Best for: Industrial, tongue, nipple, eyebrow, cartilage, and lobe piercings.
How to use: Straight barbells work well for industrial piercings. Curved barbells are ideal for eyebrows, rook, and vertical labret piercings. Customize with different barbell ends like spikes or gems.
How to open and close:
- Unscrew one end of the barbell by turning counterclockwise.
- After insertion, screw the end back on by turning clockwise until snug

Belly Rings

Belly button rings are designed for navel piercings and come in various styles, from minimalist to decorative.

Best for: Navel piercings and some surface piercings.
How to use: Dangling belly rings create a stylish look, while top-down designs offer a more subtle appearance. Retainers or flexible BioFlex belly rings are ideal for comfort during healing.
How to open and close:
- Unscrew the top ball by turning counterclockwise.
- Insert the barbell into the piercing and secure by screwing the ball back on clockwise.

Circular Barbells

Circular barbells combine flexibility and style, making them ideal for multiple piercing placements.

Best for: Septum, daith, conch, lobe, and nipple piercings.
How to use: Large circular barbells make a bold statement in septum piercings, while smaller ones work well in cartilage piercings. Swap out ends for customization.
How to open and close:
- Unscrew one or both of the ends by turning counterclockwise.
- After inserting, screw the end(s) back on clockwise until tight.

Plugs and Tunnels

Plugs and tunnels are essential for stretched lobes, available in various materials and designs.

Best for: Stretched lobes and some cartilage piercings.
How to use: Choose between solid plugs, tunnels, and ear weights. Double-flared plugs offer a secure fit without o-rings, while silicone tunnels are great for active wear.
How to open and close:
- For screw-fit tunnels, unscrew one side before inserting and then tighten it back.
- For double-flared plugs, gently stretch the earlobe and insert at an angle.

Clickers

Clickers provide an easy-to-use alternative to traditional hoops and rings, offering a seamless and secure fit.

Best for: Septum, daith, cartilage, rook, and helix piercings.
How to use: Septum clickers come in intricate designs, perfect for stacking or layering. Daith clickers with gemstone embellishments create an elegant look. Cartilage clickers are excellent for ear curation.
How to open and close:
- Hold the hinged portion and gently push to release the clasp.
- After insertion, snap the hinge back into place until you hear a click.

Choosing the Right Jewelry for Your Piercing

Each type of body jewelry serves a unique purpose and enhances different piercing placements. Whether you prefer a classic captive bead ring, a bold belly ring, or a seamless threadless stud, choosing the right jewelry ensures comfort, style, and durability.