Your personal choice of ear piercings can make or break the ensemble. In the past, you might demonstrate how edgy you were by getting one or two studs in your lobe or possibly a cartilage hoop. However, having several piercings today is just as common as getting your first one in 2024.
According to Sam Hayler, lead piercer at London’s Astrid and Miyu jewelry boutique and salon, “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.” “It’s helpful to know that you can get a piercing to commemorate a birthday or special occasion without having to start with a plain silver ball.”
The director of nursing and education at Rowan Piercing Studio, Samantha Alvarado, RN, reports that there was a discernible increase in ear piercings—particularly atypical ones—during the epidemic. According to her explanation, “piercings became the new lipstick because you couldn’t see what was under the mask.”
Several brands have begun expanding their selection of tiny hoops studs and even cuffs that resemble additional piercings. Consider Khushi Kapoor, who was present at the September 2018 Dior RTW presentation during Paris Fashion Week. She chose chrome-toned earcuffs to go with her short white dress and the iconic Dior earrings.
It can be difficult to know where to begin with so many alternatives available. The hottest piercing trends to try this year were discussed with leading piercing experts. Continue reading to see the earring trends that are going to be huge in 2019—from snakebite to tragus ear piercings.
Snakebites
Given their edgy, contemporary appearance, snakebites are rapidly gaining popularity in the piercing world. Snakebites have been in great demand, according to Lisa Bubbers, cofounder of the New York piercing company Studs. There is a lot of freedom in how you can design this piercing, which consists of two piercings placed tightly together, by wearing matching or mismatched earrings. After Kaia Gerber got her snakebites done at Studs in November, the look attracted even more attention. It has now grown to be among the most often requested items at the studio. People adore the bold, unique statement this piercing makes to their overall appearance. Snakebites provide themselves to creative expression, whether they’re paired with understated jewelry or something adventurous. This particular piercing look is undoubtedly popular right now.
Snakebites
Because snakebite ear piercings are so adaptable, you can wear both identical or mixed-and-matched earrings according on your personal style. They can also be worn with hoops or studs. Even while they appear dramatic, the mending procedure can be a little more difficult. The cofounder of Studs, Lisa Bubbers, notes that because the piercings are so close together, edema is more likely and calls for special attention. Bubbers suggests cleaning the area with saline solution and avoiding sleeping on that side for a few weeks to aid in healing. To guarantee that the piercings heal properly and prevent complications, this extra care is necessary. Even if the healing process is more involved, the outcome is worthwhile because it has a striking and fashionable appearance. Snakebites can make a great addition to your collection of piercings if taken care of properly.
Snakebites
If you already have a single piercing, doubling up on tiny hoops or studs and adding a second hole nearby can produce a stylish, layered look. Without being overly dramatic, this small accent gives your ear style more dimension. Adding gemstone hoops, such as those from Mejuri, is a terrific way to dress up this ensemble. Their tasteful yet understated design adds the perfect touch of glitz. The sapphire-and-emerald color combination has recently been quite popular among celebrities, so anyone wishing to follow the trend can do so in style. Putting these vivid gems together keeps everything lively and contemporary while also adding a hint of refinement. This approach gives you many of options to customize your look, whether you choose contrasting or matching stones.
Tragus
People who want a more understated message are increasingly getting unconventional piercings, such as tragus piercings. For those who enjoy getting piercings, the tragus, a thicker section of cartilage close to the middle of the ear, provides a subtle yet fashionable choice. The tragus is one of the more subtle options, according to Hayler, because of its positioning—it sits close to the face and isn’t as obvious as other ear piercings. For those who desire something distinctive without being overly ostentatious, this makes it ideal. When paired with a simple piece such as a moon-shaped stud, the tragus piercing adds a sophisticated element. Its subtle, inconspicuous placement makes it the perfect accent piece to bring some individuality to your ensemble without overpowering it.
Tragus
Compared to lobe piercings, cartilage piercings, such as the tragus, might take up to a year to heal completely. Because of the cartilage’s thickness and position, more caution is needed to prevent irritation or infection while the healing process is underway. To keep the region sterile, Hayler suggests cleaning the piercing twice a day with saline solution. Additionally, it’s critical to refrain from touching the piercing with your hands as this can spread bacteria and impede the healing process. With cartilage piercings, patience is essential, but the outcome is a chic, understated enhancement to your appearance. The piercing is a rewarding option for anyone wishing to add a delicate yet stylish accent to their ear because it will heal smoothly with the right care and attention.
Tragus
A tragus piercing’s adaptability is one of its best features; it appears effortlessly stylish whether it’s part of a completely stacked lobe or coupled with another piercing, either single or double. This piercing can easily be worn alone for a subtle, minimalist aesthetic or paired with other piercings to create a more layered, elaborate style. No matter how many piercings you already have, the tragus is the ideal addition because of its distinctive positioning, which enhances your overall ear design without being overbearing. Its understated placement also makes it perfect for combining various earring designs, such as tiny hoops and delicate studs. A tragus piercing complements any ear decoration, whether your style is aggressive and edgy or sleek and basic. It offers countless opportunities for customization while maintaining a stylish and adaptable look and adding just the right amount of uniqueness.
Conch
For individuals seeking a chic, contemporary appearance, the conch piercing, which is situated in the interior of the ear, is a noteworthy option. According to Hayler, it’s particularly well-liked when worn with a hoop that cuffs the outer edge of the ear to create a smooth, seamless look. While hoops are the standard design for the conch, Hayler suggests piercing it with a stud at first. This lessens the likelihood of discomfort and the development of “piercing bumps,” which are occasionally seen with cartilage piercings. Once the piercing has healed, which should happen in around six months, you can change to a hoop or other types. The conch is a flexible site for jewelry, and the contrast between the outside and inner hoop provides a stylish yet daring look. Given that it’s one of Hayler’s most frequently requested piercings, its increasing renown is evident.
Conch
The head piercer at Stone and Strand, Janeese Brooks, is thrilled about the rise in popularity of conch piercings. She points out that they’ve returned in line with popular ’90s fashion trends, making a striking statement for anyone wishing to buck the current minimalist jewelry trend. Conch piercings stand out from more mainstream designs due to its distinctive positioning and array of customizable jewelry possibilities. But like all cartilage piercings, conch piercings take longer to heal, so Brooks stresses the importance of exercising patience. Since healing might take up to a year, it is crucial to take care of yourself following surgery to prevent complications. For those seeking something unique and cutting edge, the benefits outweigh the lengthier recovery period. Conch piercings are the ideal option for anyone looking for a unique, edgy, and nostalgic style that defies convention.
Conch
A gold ear cuff is an excellent substitute for a full-on conch piercing if you’re not quite ready to make the commitment. Cuffs are a fantastic alternative for people who wish to experiment with their ear jewelry because they provide the same fashionable look without requiring a real piercing. If you want a dramatic, coordinated appearance, you can easily pair a gold cuff, such as the ones on Etsy, with other thick gold hoops. It gives your ear styling a little edge while remaining adaptable enough to mix and match with other items. For people who like to change up their look often or are unsure about the lengthy healing period after a piercing, cuffs are ideal. Additionally, you can alter the style of the cuff by moving it around your ear to suit your mood or attire. It’s an easy, yet effective, method to improve your ear game without having to commit.
Daith
Renowned for their distinctive positioning in the innermost ear fold, daith piercings have been increasingly popular in recent years and don’t seem to be going out of style. Their adaptability is a major factor in their durability, which makes them a favorite among piercing fans. The beauty of a daith piercing, as noted by Hayler, is that it can be dressed up or down depending on the jewelry you choose. A straightforward silver hoop creates a clean, minimalistic appearance, while more ornate elements can give the ensemble a bolder, more striking edge. There are countless style options with the daith, regardless of your desired look—from understated to striking. It complements other piercings beautifully, so it’s a wonderful accent to any tastefully decorated ear. This piercing is a timeless trend for people who want flexibility and fashion because it can be customized to fit a variety of jewelry designs.
Daith
Dissimilar to conch piercings, daith piercings can frequently be initiated with a hoop, which makes them a well-liked option for individuals seeking to accentuate their ear jewelry. Hayler says that hoops are better in this area since they make cleansing and healing easier. Better airflow and reduced irritation are made possible by the hoop’s circular design, which is essential for the healing process. To ensure comfort and avoid difficulties, it’s crucial to follow your piercer’s recommendations regarding the kind of jewelry to wear; a lightweight hoop is ideal. A large chunk may unduly pressure the fragile cartilage, causing pain or problems with healing. You can feel worry-free when wearing your new piercing if you use lightweight materials. Anyone wishing to update their ear aesthetics will find the daith to be an intriguing option due to its unique positioning and adaptability with different hoop styles.
Daith
Wearing a daith piercing with delicate studs—like the gorgeous opal gems from Wwake—can result in an absolutely simple look. This combination lets the jewelry shine through without overpowering the ear, while highlighting the daith’s unusual placement. The opal is the ideal match to the piercing because of its delicate iridescence, which gives a touch of sophistication and elegance. Clean lines and subtle elegance are hallmarks of minimalism, which is ideally embodied by matching a daith piercing with straightforward stud earrings. It’s a fantastic technique to have a fashionable piercing without sacrificing a classy appearance. Delicate studs also go well with other types of earrings, so you can style your ears in a variety of ways. This method lets you add a personal touch and show off your individual flair while maintaining a polished and elegant look. All things considered, the daith piercing gives off an illusion of seamless refinement when combined with simple stud earrings.
Floating Cartilage
Even though cartilage piercings could hurt a little bit more and take longer to heal, the flat of your ear makes a great place to display tiny studs. This special space is ideal for artistic setups, letting you showcase your individual style with a variety of jewelry choices. A common option is a snakebite piercing, which offers a striking yet subtle flare. Furthermore, a small trio of diamonds might improve the overall look of your outfit in a modest yet striking way. Because of the flat surface, jewelry may be integrated more seamlessly, creating the appearance of an exquisitely curated ear. These piercings can heal beautifully with proper care, displaying subtle motifs without overpowering the ear. You have the chance to combine different styles so that each arrangement expresses your unique flair. All things considered, the flat of the ear is a desired place for anyone wishing to add more ear jewelry to their collection because it blends aesthetic appeal with versatility.
Floating Cartilage
It makes sense that the flat of the ear would be Stone and Strand’s most popular non-lobe piercing, according to Brooks. For individuals who wish to make a chic statement without adopting the maximalist jewelry style, this placement is ideal. It enables for delicate yet effective designs that can add flair to your entire ensemble while maintaining an elegant and modest aesthetic. The apartment presents a singular chance for those who value simplicity to display delicate things that make a big statement. Whether it’s a small stud or a straightforward hoop, this piercing brings attention to your jewelry without overpowering it while enhancing the natural form of your ear. You may easily mix and match this area with other piercings for a coherent design because of its adaptability. According to Brooks, a lot of people are drawn to this option because it can stand out and mix in with regular clothing with ease. All things considered, the flat ear piercing is a great option for anyone wishing to add a little refinement to their jewelry collection.
Floating Cartilage
Combining simple ball studs with various-sized crystals can produce a carefully chosen design that gives your ear styling depth and individuality. You can play with contrast by combining the brightness and vitality of crystal accents with the classic ball studs’ simplicity. You may make a striking arrangement that attracts attention without going overboard by altering the sizes of the crystals. For individuals who value subtlety yet still wish to convey their own style, this method is ideal. To create a harmonic and well-balanced look, you can arrange the gems and studs to best fit the natural contour of your ear. This mix-and-match method also makes it simple to change your appearance whenever you choose. The options are unlimited, whether you go for traditional clear crystals or vibrant gemstones. This adaptable styling choice lets you express yourself through jewelry while also upping your ear game. All things considered, pairing simple ball studs with different sized crystals can produce a stylish, well-chosen style that elevates any ensemble.
