NYC's Top Piercer Breaks Down the Piercing Trends You Can Start Planning For Now
:upscale()/2020/01/29/846/n/1922153/15d1af0d5e31da782ef478.06788537_.jpg)
Lil Nas X and his cute-ass dangly earring are proof: piercing trends are getting cooler by the minute. It's not just about the jewelry — although, yes, that plays a part — but also the area you choose, how it vibes with your other pieces of ear bling, and just how perfectly "imperfect" you're willing to go.
Although piercing shops are closed at the moment, the latter point will be key as you plan for your next ones: "We are going to continue to see asymmetry in styling of earrings and in the number of piercings wearers collect," said Maria Tash, piercer and founder of her eponymous jewelry brand. "Another theme that we've seen favored by our clients is multiple piercings in the rook or contraconch areas of the ear, styled with related pieces to create a theme. A key element is finding jewelry pieces that best complement the skin tone and anatomy of the wearer and honor their personal style."
Not sure where to start? We've asked Tash to break down her three favorite piercing trends she predicts everyone will be getting this year — and don't worry, they are a little easier to pull off than Lil Nas X's neon-pink cowboy suit.
2020 Piercing Trend: High-Low Lobe Piercings
Want a new twist on an old favorite? Try the high-low trend. "As far as locations go, the high first hole lobe piercing is a fun new variation on a traditional earlobe piercing, which is also pleasantly quick to heal," Tash said.
Of course, this look isn't just limited to the first hole, either: "Several high-lobe piercings placed directly above or in between existing first, second, or third earlobe placements is very popular right now."
2020 Piercing Trend: High-Low Lobe Piercings
2020 Piercing Trend: High-Low Lobe Piercings
2020 Piercing Trend: High-Low Lobe Piercings
2020 Piercing Trend: High-Low Lobe Piercings
2020 Piercing Trend: High Conch Piercing
"Inner-ear piercings that are currently being explored include the high conch region, also known as the lower rook," she said. "[People are looking for] ways to sneak in small diamond accents into areas of the ear that are not commonly pierced. I am designing pieces for this special and underadorned nook in the inner ear."
Like PB&J or Barack and Michelle Obama, the high conch piercing is also best when paired. Tash's match of choice? The rook piercing. "This combination is fresh and beautiful."
2020 Piercing Trend: High Conch Piercing
2020 Piercing Trend: High Conch Piercing
2020 Piercing Trend: High Conch Piercing
2020 Piercing Trend: High Conch Piercing
2020 Piercing Trend: High Conch Piercing
2020 Piercing Trend: Clustered Cartilage Piercing
In 2020, we're bringing sexy (cartilage piercings) back. "We are going to continue to see clusters of stones embedded as a unit in unusual areas of the ear cartilage," Tash said. "These clusters create the look of multiple piercings but require only one."
One word: efficient.