Rising Stars of Modern Piercing: the Hip Piercing

Location: Anywhere between the belly button and the hip bones, usually at the top of the pelvic region and situated in close proximity to the visible frontal portion of the hip bone itself.

Alternate Names: Hip surface piercing, dermal hip piercing, anti-navel piercing

Piercing: Hip piercings are generally done in one of two ways: either as a surface piercing, or a dermal anchor piercing. When performed as a microdermal piercing, they are most often completed with the use of a dermal punch, though occasionally a hollow piercing needle may be used to create the pocket instead. If they’re done as a surface piercing, the multi-step process normally takes just a bit longer than a standard piercing, as shaping and placement of the channel are very important to ensure the best healing possible.

Aftercare: Because the hips move around a lot and are a high traffic area of the body, extra care should be taken during healing to minimize the risk of migration or rejection. Initial healing will normally take approximately six to eight weeks, with full healing around the six to twelve month mark. Aftercare is very similar to that of other surface piercings and navel piercings, with regular cleanings and seas salt soaks often recommended.

Jewelry: In surface piercing style hip piercings, a surface bar will generally be worn with tips that are easily interchangeable for a fast change in appearance. Sometimes flexible barbells made of tygon, bioflex, or bioplast will be used as their mobility allows for minimal pressure on the surrounding skin during periods of movement. For hip piercings performed as microdermal or transdermal type piercings, the appropriate dermal jewelry will be used including a permanent surgical grade anchor and changeable decorative tops.

Prevalence: Although hip piercings are far more common among young females, particularly in the scene and emo culture, many young men also have hip surface piercings. These, like most surface piercings, are considered unisex, with approximately 75% of those under age 29 who have piercings in general being female.