Archive for New Piercing Trends
Piercing Beauty – the New Evolution of Nail Art
Posted by: | CommentsAll of us ladies are interested in our nails, whether it’s just keeping our natural nails healthy, or going for broke with a set of extremely artsy falsies. It seems like nail art trends speed by like a freight train, shooting from gem encrusted acrylics, to texture focused crackles, press-on ombre enamel strips, and back again. But the newest nail decoration trend might just be the funnest yet, and may be breaking the cycle of here today, gone tomorrow fingernail fancy. I’m talking about pierced nails.
Nail piercing can be done with both fake nails and real nails, and many places that offer it professionally pierce acrylic nails with a drill. The jewelry used can be anything from a small gauge captive ring to a spring-loaded hoop, with some who practice the art at home even designing their own pieces using jump rings and less traditional piercing jewelry. Some of the most popular styles are dangling gems that match color nail art, crystal studs, and regular stainless steel hoops.
There are even how-to designs out there for creating special nail art with piercings for birthdays and holidays. Just check out this sweet set of ultra-femme Valentine’s themed fingertips:
Pretty cute, huh? And since the nail piercing process itself is entirely temporary and painless, there’s no reason that all of us can’t indulge in a little nail-centric alternative beauty.
New Piercing Trends – the Valley Piercing
Posted by: | CommentsYou might be wondering what exactly a valley piercing is, but the second you hear it, the name will automatically make sense to you. This a surface that rests just over the tailbone; basically, right above the center of your derrière.
Much like surface piercings of the hips and abdomen, valley piercing started off relatively slowly before beginning a meteoric rise to the top for one very important reason: function. The piercing itself and the choice of available surface jewelry make the perfect accent to lower back tattoos, just like surface piercing of the stomach accent tattooing or navel piercings. And oh what an accent!
Although the majority of valley piercings are simple and discreet, some choices of gems and coloring will definitely make the lower back stand out in a crowd. Just look at the possibilities!
Because of their location, valleys take slightly longer on average to heal than hip piercings, and the risk of migration or rejection is about on par with piercings meant for corsetry. But aftercare is fairly mundane, and because this piercing hasn’t hit the mainstream yet in the stricter sense of the word, there’s definitely fun to be had when it gets noticed. Generally these are worn as either a movable barbell or a dermal.
Now all we need is needles specially made to pierce the tender flesh above our behinds, and there’ll be no limit to the popularity of this interesting and feminine slice of body modification.
Coolest Piercings We’ve Ever Seen – Holiday Edition
Posted by: | CommentsIn this edition of coolest piercings we’ve ever seen: dermals go deer-like, candy canes get repurposed, and fancy Holiday body jewelry gets taken to an entirely new level.
So most of us have seen some weird and interesting things come out of the world of dermal jewelry, but when did horns suddenly go mainstream? That’s right, it’s now not only normal, but actually kind of cute to have microdermal, transdermal, or even subdermal horns. The thing that translates so well into pop culture is that the horns themselves (at least those that have become fairly popular) are less outlandish and frightening, and more innocent and fawn-like. Horns = cute…..who knew?
Next on our list: candy canes become multi-purpose. Okay, so stretching of the ear is nothing new, but the thing that makes this especially cool isn’t the piercing itself, but the choice of jewelry. You might be thinking that this is so much less extreme than what I usually feature, but there’s no denying that everyone who sees this is going to wish that they thought of it. I know I do! Looking cute for the Holidays and having a built in snack? Pretty sweet.
And finally, the best has been saved for last. It’s beautiful, it’s bionic, it’s….really attached? The answer to that question is a resounding yes. The newest and most interesting thing to hit body piercing since the invention of the curved piercing needle gives seriously new meaning to the phrase “body jewelry.” This unique method of body mod uses dermal anchors and surface bars to attach beautiful metal plating to the skin. Most often paired with ink in celestial or tribal designs, this fun and fancy new form of super-piercing lets you go all out when the occasion calls for it, and then remove layers of bling when it’s time to relax.
Now that’s got to be one of the coolest piercings you’ve ever seen, right?
Coolest Piercings We’ve Ever Seen – Halloween Edition
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In this edition of Coolest Piercing We’ve Ever Seen:
Our old friend the corset piercing gets more intense, the “Wolverine Piercing” goes hyper, and temporary piercings get a sweet Halloween style web redemption.
So you might be asking yourself, is a “Wolverine Piercing” what I think it is? And the Answer is YES! Some do it for Halloween, others for nostalgia, and some because they just have a secret yearning for comic book style super powers, but whatever the reason, this piercing is blowing up. It seems like everyone wants a piece of our favorite X-Men hero, or at least his awesome metallic accessories. It looks painful, expensive, and like it might have a higher than average rate of rejection, but spiked surface piercing of the hands are still one of the coolest piercings I’ve ever seen.
Ever wonder where the corset piercing craze is going to end? Well from what we’ve seen lately, it’s only just beginning. Not only have more and more people taken the corsetry plunge, but the BCR piercings themselves seem to be increasing in quantity, quality, and creativity. Just check out some of this awesome stuff:
Definitely some of the coolest corset piercings ever.
Which brings us to our web redemption. You might have seen some YouTube videos and interesting photos lately showing temporary piercings gone awry, but one of the ultimate coolest Halloween accessories ever is about to change your viewpoint on temporary piercing forever. Just get a load of these piercing buffs spreading their wings.
The process is done like any other temporary piercing, but with feathers attached to the needle. The piercings are carefully arranged in a fan-like formation to allow the feathers to properly create the shape of a wing, which (not gonna lie) is one of the neatest things I have EVER seen.
They may be provocative, interesting, creepy, amazing, or even a bit extreme, but there’s no denying that we all feel a little tinge of jealousy when we see someone with one of the coolest piercings we’ve ever seen.
New Health Craze – Facial Piercings?!
Posted by: | CommentsIn a country like the United States where health, weight management, and holistic medicine are a booming national industry, it’s usually easy to spot the next big thing. But what if the next big thing is already a “big thing” in it’s own right? That right, I’m talking about facial piercings. We all know that facial piercings look great, allow for a variety of changing looks, and conform to a cultural standard that’s setting them apart more and more every day, but did you ever think that your piercings could become a healthy living choice? Well, the answer already being given by some pierced persons out there might just surprise and enlighten you.
There are actually cultures around the world that have promoted piercings of certain parts of the human face as a health tool for years. Amongst the most common instance is traditional Indian medicine called “Ayurveda,” which states that piercing of the female nose is believed to improve feminine health. This goes for everything from reproductive health, to the natural glow attained from healthy skin and the ability to rear children. And India isn’t the only face piercing culture in the know; other ancient and traditional forms of Eastern medicine also show how piercings of certain points on the face are believed to aid skin health and whole body well being, like acupuncture.
The idea behind acupuncture is that the insertion of a needle into certain pressure points on the body, or “acupressure points” will effect overall health or even illness in a positive way by realigning the body’s energy force or “qi” (pronounced chee). Many of these points can be found on the face, neck, and even the ears and are touted as helpful in everything from decreasing headaches, to softening wrinkles, to helping you quit smoking.
Although modern medicine has yet to fully embrace these ideas, it’s interesting to think that when studying a chart of acupressure points, some of the placements accepted by the general professions of acupuncture and acupressure massage will be startlingly familiar to those in the piercing community. Some you might recognize? The exact points on the face where you would expect to see a labret piercing, medusa piercing, tragus piercing, or a set of dahlia bites (piercings at each corner of the mouth).
Although there’s no proof that piercing any specific spot on the body has a direct link to your health or can cure any kind of pain, countries like India, China, and Peru continue to pierce in their traditional fashions as per the belief systems that they’ve held for centuries. And while the United States may be slightly behind the curve in terms of cultural meaning for this type of piercing, one day soon you may find an alternative therapist in your area asking, “have you ever considered what a nose piercing could do for your health?” It looks like facial piercings’ future may be healthy indeed.
Turning Japanese – Japan’s Influence on Piercing and Tattoo Culture
Posted by: | CommentsWhat’s the latest cultural craze amongst the young and pierced? Why, Japanese fashion of course. Harajuku style fashion is becoming more mainstream in the US and the UK, along with several other countries around the world, but here in our own little corner of North America, it seems that lately everyone is turning Japanese.
The more feminine side of this awesome trend is the updated Fall fashion looks from designers major and independent alike that are Japanese batik laden and kimono inspired. From silken shirts and wide sleeve wrap dresses to direct imitations of traditional kimono, these hot pieces are being mixed with contemporary tattoo art and monochrome facial piercings for a look that’s East meets West and then some.
Anime colored hair is also making a huge appearance, even in the mainstream sector of celebrity based fashion, with every color of the rainbow now being seen on everyone from the famous, to the frugal, to even business executives. Sometimes it’s even paired with eyes that match. (That’s Katy Perry in the middle!)
And leave it to Japan to start new trends in piercing itself. Years ago when androgynous chic first came into the forefront, gothic styled male musicians in Japan began piercing their bellies, a micro trend which has slowly made it’s way through Europe and into the US. The look of a single, off-center lip hoop can also arguably be attributed to the growing appeal of Japanese rock music , as several prominent personalities in the country began rocking this style long before it reached the height of popularity in the West.
Even motifs that are decidedly Nihongo have steadily become standard fare in the world of clothing and jewelry. Just look at the ready availability of koi fish and sakura spangled merchandise.
So what does the future hold for our sushi eating, kimono-clad, manga amassing subculture? In a world where trends are in constant flux, only time will tell.
What’s That Called? – Dictionary of Body Piercings
Posted by: | CommentsThis is it everyone; the last installment of the Piercing Dictionary, for now anyways. It’s time for our final segment: body piercings. Although with the advent of dermal piercing, one can be pierced nearly anywhere nowadays, I’ve stuck with the most popular piercings of the body in an attempt to keep it fresh. Enjoy!
Navel Piercing or Belly Button Piercing: A single piercing through the upper rim of the navel.
Bottom Belly Piercing: Any Piercing directly underneath the belly button or through the lower rim.
Hip Piercing: Surface Piercing on or above the hip, generally done on both sides.
Nape Piercing: Piercing at the nape of the neck.
Vampire Bite or “Vampire’s Kiss” Piercing: a surface piercing anywhere on the side of the neck, so named for its resemblance to a vampire bite, and often worn with red gems to symbolize blood.
Madison Piercing: This is a piercing in the dent just above the collar bone. Much in the style of the Monroe, the Madison was also named for a famous actress: former adult cinema star Madison Stone, who was the first person ever associated with the piercing. Though the traditional style is to pierce with a surface bar or barbell, these are also often seen worn with horseshoe rings.
Collar or Clavicle Piercing: One or more surface piercings of the skin across the collar bone (usually one on each side.)
Sternum or “Cleavage” Piercing: Any horizontal or vertical surface piercing over the breast bone.
Wrist Piercing: A horizontal surface piercing at the back of the wrist.
Brace Piercing: When multiple surface piercings are lined up near the wrist or up the forearm.
Finger Piercing or “Ring” Piercing: A piercing at the base of a finger or thumb, sometimes called a ring piercing because when done with a single gem-tipped dermal, it mimics the look of a solitaire engagement ring.
Hand Web Piercing: This is exactly what it sounds like, a piercing of the thin webs of skin between any of the fingers.
Corset piercing: A set of multiple parallel surface piercings of any shape, often worn with closure rings and laced through with ribbon to mimic the lacing of a corset.
Corset piercings started out in the traditional placement at the bottom of the back, but have now evolved to include corsetry almost anywhere on the body. Some popular spots include the backs of the legs, the chest or neck, and the sides of the torso.
What’s That Called? – Dictionary of Oral Piercings
Posted by: | CommentsGet ready for today’s installment of the piercing dictionary! This time we’re going over the oral piercings; those piercings that are inside the mouth and on the tongue. Here we go:
Tongue Piercing: A standard vertical piercing through the tongue from top to bottom.
Horizontal Tongue Piercing or “Snake Eyes”: A piercing horizontally through the tip of the tongue with surface jewelry or a curved barbell.
Venom Bites: Two tongue piercings placed side by side on the tongue.
Angel Bite or “Double Tongue” Piercing: Two or more tongue piercings placed one in front of the other on the tongue.
Tongue Frenulum or “Tongue Web” Piercing: A Piercing through the frenulum linguae, the strip of flesh under the tongue that connects the tongue to the lower gum plate.
Uvula Piercing: Piercing of the uvula, the dangling tissue between your tonsils at the back of the throat. These piercings are extremely rare due to the high risk of activating the gag reflex, which could potentially cause serious damage during the piercing process.
Upper Frenulum Piercing or “Vampire“: One or more piercings of the upper frenulum, the tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums.
When this is done through the central tissue (beneath the lip bow) with a barbell, it’s called a smile or Smiley, and in the bottom lip’s central connective tissue, it’s called a Frown.
Dental Piercing: Any piercing of the actual tooth. This may sound ridiculous, but it’s totally true! These piercings are done using a dental drill and implant jewelry. Amazing!
And the newest up and coming oral piercing that’s still in the beginning stages: Gum Piercings.
Stay tuned next week for the last (and funnest) installment of the piercing dictionary: body piercings!
What’s That Called? – Dictionary of Facial Piercings
Posted by: | CommentsAs promised, here is the next installment of the piercing dictionary. This time we go through the facial piercings, which I’ve split up by general area for easier flow. Enjoy!
Nose
Standard “Nose Piercing:” a piercing of either nostril, normally worn as a stud or a ring.
Septum: a piercing of the septum, which is the area between the two nostrils.
Bridge: a piercing of the nose bridge.
Vertical Bridge or “third eye:” a vertical surface piercing or dermal piercing at the top of the nose’s bridge or directly between the eyebrows.
Mouth
Medusa: a piercing of the philtrum (the dent in the upper lip just below the septum.)
Jestrum or “vertical medusa:” a vertical piercing through the philtrum in which both ends are visible.
Monroe: any piercing of the upper lip underneath the nose. (This piercing is named for Marylin Monroe and her signature beauty mark, but over the years it has also come to be know by the names “Madonna” and “Crawford,” referencing other icons who have also been known for moles or beauty marks in the same area.)
Labret: any piercing below the lower lip.
Vertical Labret: a verticle piercing directly through the lower lip in which both ends are visible.
Lowbret: this is what very low labret type piercings that rest on the surface of the chin are called.
Snake Bites: a set of two lower lip piercings, one on either side of the face.
Spider Bites: a set of two lower lip piercings right next to each other on the same side.
Angel Bites: a set of two piercings just above the upper lip, one on either side.
Eyes and Cheeks
Eyebrow Piercing: any piercing through the skin of the eyebrow.
Anti-eyebrow Piercing: a surface piercing next to the eyebrow or below the outer corner of the eye.
Eyelid Piercing: this is just what it sounds like; a piercing of the actual eyelid. It can be done horizontally near the crease like a surface piercing, or be a single piercing through the lid near the lash line. Amazing, huh?!
Dimple Piercing: a piercing through the natural cheek dimple, or in the case of not having dimples, through the spot on the cheek where a dimple would normally be.
Join me next time as we take a look at all the different piercings that can be done inside the mouth and on the tongue!
What’s That Called? – Dictionary of Ear Piercings
Posted by: | CommentsEver see a neat or interesting piercing and have to say to yourself, “wow, I wonder what that’s called?” Well wonder no more! I’ve compiled a fairly comprehensive list of as many piercings as I could find and what they’re called, and here it is:
We’ll start this time with the ear piercings, because there’s just an absolute ton of cool and interesting ones.
Ear Lobe Piercing – a regular single piercing through the lobe of the ear.
Horizontal Lobe Piercing (also called Transverse Lobe Piercing) - a piercing through the length of the lobe that lays horizontal.
Tragus Piercing – a piercing of the little fleshy nub that covers the ear canal.
Anti-tragus Piercing – a piercing of the fleshy nub that protrudes from the ear rim just across from the tragus.
Conch - a piercing of the hollow or plane of the ear. (Sometimes this is separated into outer conch and inner conch piercings, so named for which side of the flat portion of the ear they rest on as the two sides are separated by a ridge.)
Snug - a piercing of the inner rim of the ear.
Rook – a piercing of the inner rim where it meets the outer rim at the top inside edge of the ear.
Orbital – a set of two piercings close together connected with a ring. (although orbitals can be done in many places, the most common is just inside the outer ear rim.)
Helix (also called “cartilage piercing“) – any piercing of the outer ear rim itself.
Daith – a piercing of the fold of cartilage where the outer rim of the ear meets the face.
Industrial (also called scaffold piercing) – any set of two piercings of the outer rim or “helix” of the ear that are connected by a single piece of barbell jewelry. (There is also a vertical industrial, which is what this piercing is called when it is done completely vertically, usually at the outside edge of the ear or through the middle.)
Stay tuned for next time when I’ll be going over the names and placements of all the facial piercings!