Including one that's Khushi Kapoor–approved
The types of ear piercings you choose for yourself can make or break the look. Back in the day, you could get one or two studs in your lobe or maybe a cartilage hoop to prove how edgy you were. But in 2024, multiple piercings have become as normal as your first-ever ones.
“Social media has made it easier to see what types of ear piercings are possible, and the unique, modern jewellery you can wear with them,” says Sam Hayler, lead piercer at London’s Astrid and Miyu jewellery shop and salon. “The fact that you don’t have to start with a plain silver ball helps when getting a piercing to mark a special event or birthday.”
According to Samantha Alvarado, RN, the director of nursing and education for Rowan Piercing Studio, there was a noticeable uptick in piercings—especially nontraditional ones—during the pandemic. “Because you couldn’t see what was under the mask, piercings became the new lipstick,” she explains.
Brands have started building their range of tiny hoop studs, and even cuffs that give the illusion of an extra piercing. Take for example Khushi Kapoor, who attended the Dior RTW show at Paris Fashion Week in September last year. Pairing the signature Dior earrings with her short white dress, she opted for chrome-toned earcuffs.
With so many options, choosing where to start can be overwhelming. We spoke to top piercing specialists about the coolest piercing trends to try this year. From tragus piercings to snakebites, scroll on for the earring trends that are about to be everywhere.
This article first appeared on glamour.com
Instagram/@studs1/24Snakebites
“We’re getting a lot of requests for snakebites,” says Lisa Bubbers, cofounder of New York piercing studio Studs. “This piercing style is two piercings stacked closely together, either with same jewelry in each or mismatched earrings.” Studs did Kaia Gerber’s snakebites back in November, and it has become one of the studio’s most asked for looks since.
Instagram/@studs2/24Snakebites
This piercing looks great with hoops or studs, and you can either mix and match earrings or keep them identical, depending on your vibe. However, the healing process for this one can be a little intense. “The snakebite does require more care and attention, since two piercings close together can cause extra swelling,” says Bubbers. “We recommend using saline and not sleeping on that side for a few weeks.”
Instagram / @mejuri3/24Snakebites
Already have a single piercing? Another option is to get a second hole slightly closer to your first one so you can double up on small hoops or studs. We love these simple gemstone hoops from Mejuri—not to mention the sapphire-and-emerald color scheme celebrities have been obsessed with lately.
Instagram/@astridandmiyu4/24Tragus
Unconventional options like tragus piercings (that thicker cartilage at the center of your ear, where the moon stud is shown here) are gaining popularity for their subtlety. “This is one of the more understated piercings,” says Hayler. “Since it sits quite close to your face, it isn’t immediately obvious.”
Instagram/@stoneandstrand5/24Tragus
As with all cartilage piercings, this spot can take up to a year to fully heal and settle. Hayler recommends cleaning it twice a day with saline, and keeping your hands off to help it heal.
Instagram / @colin_o6/24Tragus
One the best things about a tragus piercing is that it looks just as cool with single or double piercings as it does with a fully stacked lobe.
Instagram/@astridandmiyu7/24Conch
“The conch [the star hoop here] is the inner part of your ear that, most popularly, can have a hoop cuffing the outside,” says Hayler, who notes it’s one of her most-requested styles. She points out that while this spot is perfect for a hoop, it’s best to get it pierced with a stud to avoid irritation and “piercing bumps,” but you can swap for a different style after six months.
Instagram/@stoneandstrand8/24Conch
Janeese Brooks, head piercer at Stone and Strand, is thrilled to see conch piercings come back. “I think they’ve returned to the scene alongside ’90s trends and are a great statement piercing for those who are tired of seeing the same normcore minimalist jewelry everywhere,” she says. Just be prepared to give it time to heal; since this spot is cartilage, it can take up to a year.
