Piercing trends

 

Rutendo Chidawanyika

BODY piercing has been practised by cultures all over the planet for thousands of years including Egyptian Pharaohs and the soldiers of ancient Rome. The Pharaohs pierced their navels and the Roman soldiers pierced their nipples as a display of manhood.

These days body piercings are becoming nearly as common place as the piercing of the ear. Tongues, nipples, lips and eyebrows are being pierced on a daily basis. People pierce for different reasons, for most it is a statement that they are free and independent of restrictions society tries to place on them. Some people pierce to show off their body as art work and the majority pierce to get attention.

Piercing has taken a new turn in popularity over the last couple of years, to a point where almost every young adult has at least one piercing. However, you have to do your research before getting pierced. Find out exactly what you want, where you can get it done and how to maintain it before it heals. A piercing says a lot about you, and unfortunately people do judge you based on your piercing(s) you may have. If you are served by a bank teller with a lip and eyebrow piercing you may conclude they are unprofessional.

Multiple ear piercings have been in style lately. It is appealing because it is unique and can tweak your look a little, but it’s an easy look to digest. Nose piercings look gorge when done correctly and the right jewellery is worn. I am not an expert but I’m pretty sure the nose stud is meant to be tiny not visible from miles away. Some go as far as getting studs on their cheeks that mimic dimples (dimple piercing).

Not to discourage some people but piercings do have harsh consequences if not done by licensed professionals or handled with care. Poor care can result in fatal infections and reactions on the pierced area. You may face other issues which may include bleeding, tissue trauma such as scarring and bruising. Make sure you get pierced at a licensed shop by a professional to avoid health hazards.

Piercings just like fashion have trends too. The risk takers and fashionistas do follow piercing trends, it makes them look edgier and sassy. Piercing is not only restricted to women, I have seen men with tongue, lip and even nose piercings.

The following are some of the trendy piercing styles. You many find some a bit weird and I couldn’t agree more.

1 Industrial piercing — These are also known as a bar piercings, which comprise any two holes connected with an angled piece of straight jewellery. This is done on the upper ear cartilage. This piercing is extreme but most people love it.

2 Cartilage/ helix piercing — Cartilage or helix piercings are some of the most common piercings next to the ear lobe piercings. These piercings are along the outer ridge of the upper ear. They can be pierced with a captive ring or even a stud. This trend is chic!!!

3 Belly button piercing (navel) — a lot of women are fans of the belly piercing. If the navel piercing is taken care of properly it is a great way to decorate the belly. A hook needle is used to make the piercing but it may take a long time to heal.

4 Bite piercing — the bite piercings are increasing in popularity. Whether it is below or above the lips. These are dual piercings that penetrate the lips’ surrounding area in a variety of different ways. The most common is the snake bite piercing which wraps two captive hoops around the lower lips.

5 Nipple piercing — This one is self-explanatory but may be a bit more risqué than most people are willing to get.

6 Nose piercing — A tiny stud in the nostril can be very cute, but a captive circling your septum is very edgy. Nostril piercings are exceptional, whether they are singular or multiple on the nostrils.

7 Tongue piercing — These are a big part of most cultures around the world. People love tongue piercings, some even enough to pierce twice.

When you get pierced make sure it also complements your looks. Do not get extreme piercings just to get people’s attention while risking your health. Some trends are not for everyone, but do get trendy jewellery in order to look hot.