Body piercings have been popular across the globe for generations. Fashion experts predict that in 2022, piercings will become even more popular, with trends like ear curations taking the stage.
Whether you’re thinking about getting your first piercing or your tenth, it’s helpful to know about the types of body piercings that are popular right now.
Having well-placed piercings paired with gorgeous jewelry can show that you have a keen fashion sense. Piercings are expressive and boost your ability to accessorize any look.
Ready to learn more about the types of body piercings are getting today? Read on to find out.
Ear Piercings: Beyond the Lobe
Nowadays, you’ll see people with two to four piercings all the way up the lobe. Cartilage piercings, helix piercings, conch piercings, and tragus piercings are also popular. Keep in mind that areas of the ear that are thicker may experience more pain or take longer to heal than the lobe.
Ear piercing jewelry is some of the most diverse on the market. Studs, hoops, barbells, cuffs, and climbers are taking center stage. If you have multiple ear piercings, we recommend sticking with one type of metal (ie gold or silver) while mixing and matching different types, textures, and additional ornamental features such as gemstones.
Nose Piercings
Piercings on one nostril have been popular for a long time. Now, what we’re seeing is an increase in double nose piercings–rings or studs in both nostrils. Septum piercings–a ring or bar that pierces through the cartilage between your nostrils–are also popular.
If you’re going for the double nose piercing look, there’s a right way to do it and a wrong way to do it. First of all, it’s important to go to an experienced piercer to make sure that both piercings are even. Second, we always recommend opting for two studs or two rings, not mixing and matching.
Additional Facial Piercings
There are plenty of other facial piercings to choose from, many of which are rising from the ashes alongside other returning 90s fashion trends. For example, eyebrow piercings are expected to make a real comeback. In fact, we expect that eyebrow piercings will become the second-most popular facial piercing (behind nose piercings, of course).
Lip piercings aren’t quite as popular, but you do have a lot of options if you’re considering getting one. “Snakebites” refer to two studs spaced evenly below the bottom lip, while the “Monroe” refers to the single piercing above the upper lip on either the left or right side. Lip rings are also versatile, although some people may not like the way they feel against their teeth.
Navel Piercings
Navel piercings have always maintained a sort of niche popularity. They hit their stride in the early 2000s when low-rise jeans were often paired with midriff-revealing T’s. As we’re seeing a return of early 2000s fashion, it’s not unfathomable that we’ll see an explosion of navel piercings, too.
Navel piercings are near or “in” the navel (belly button). The most common iteration involves a piercing through the upper portion of the belly button so that you have a stud above and a stud in the belly button.
Tongue Piercings
Tongue piercings are also sometimes referred to as oral piercings. They go through the center of the tongue so that you have a ball stud on either end of a barbell.
It’s worth noting that your tongue contains a lot of nerve endings, blood vessels, and muscles. As a result, this piercing isn’t for the faint of heart. However, the people who have a tongue piercing are often quick to tell you that they don’t hurt as much as you might think!
Dermal Piercings
Dermal piercings refer to a broad category of piercings, rather than a specific location. A dermal piercing has only one entry point, unlike more traditional piercings that go in one side of your skin and come out another.
Dermal piercings are still relatively uncommon, but you’ll see some pretty interesting body modifications out there. For example, people might get dermal piercings on their hips, brow, and even behind the ear.
Things to Consider When Choosing Types of Piercings to Get
Where should you go to get piercings done? What type of jewelry should you use for your piercing when it’s new and when it’s healed? How do you know if a piercing is a good idea?
Some jewelry stores and kiosks may be equipped to pierce the lobes of your ears. However, we always recommend going to a piercing parlor (sometimes located inside of a tattoo parlor) for your piercings, especially the ones that aren’t in your ears. Parlor staff are better trained and have the proper equipment–plus piercing and tattoo parlors are some of the most sterile environments for piercings.
When you’re getting a new piercing, the jewelry should be made out of surgical steel. Afterward, you have more options, but you should always avoid jewelry made of lead or nickel. Check out Body Pierce Jewelry for great jewelry for all ages and skin types.
Finally, you can’t always know if a piercing is right for you until you get it. Never get a piercing in an area that is infected or irritated. Some people may discover that their body rejects certain piercings, particularly dermal piercings.
What are the Best Body Piercings for You?
Of all the types of body piercings that are popular today, it’s important to choose the best body piercings for you. Don’t just go along with the trends. Think about your own aesthetic, comfort, and desires.
Keeping a piercing clean and healthy during the healing process is crucial. If you’re looking for more important ways to take care of your skin and overall health, take a look at our health content.
