Nail Piercings Have Us Hooked

Pretty and painless.

If you've been yearning for another piercing but don't have enough real estate left on your ears (or just want to switch it up), let us suggest an alternative: Your nails. Nail piercings are currently trending—and, unlike piercings on the rest of the body, they don't even hurt.

We chatted with three manicurists—Tara Haye, Rachel Joseph, and Julie Kandalec—to get the full run-down on this edgy trend. They told us about the inspiration behind the punctures, how they're done, where you can get them, and more. Keep reading to determine if nail piercings are right for you.

What Are Nail Piercings?

Nail piercings might sound a bit gory if you have short nails (given there's only one assumption as to where the puncture would go), but in reality, they're totally harmless. "Nail piercings are a form of nail decorations in which a small piece of jewelry or a stud is inserted through the free edge of the nail," explains Nailing Hollywood manicurist Tara Haye.

Notice how she said free edge? Nail piercings are typically only performed on folks with long nails, whether natural or achieved with extensions. "These are usually worn on artificial nails but can be done on your natural nails if they are long and strong enough," says Nailing Hollywood celebrity manicurist Rachel Joseph. "You do risk your natural nails breaking more easily and will have to cut them down once you want the piercing removed."

Best of all? These adornments don't hurt at all. "The piercing goes through the free edge only, or the tip of an enhancement," celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec reassures. "They don't go anywhere near the living nail bed (pink part of the nail)!"

All this to say: Instead of triggering a stinging sensation, nail piercings painlessly add an unexpected element to any long mani.

Behind the Trend

Nail piercings may seem like a new-fangled fad for over-the-top manicures, but the technique has a robust history. "Nail piercings started centuries ago, but my first memory is [from] the late '90s when Janet Jackson wore them in her "What's it Gonna Be?" video," Kandalec recalls. "They've gone through a few resurgences since—around 2017 and again now."

Haye says this most recent resurgence can largely be attributed to social media. "As for the inspiration behind the nail piercing trend, it is often influenced by various factors such as fashion, celebrities, personal style, and the desire to stand out from the crowd," she explains. "Nail art has evolved to a popular form of self-expression—[it] adds an extra pep in your step with an eye-catching manicure. [And,] in many cases, social media is a major influence for nail art."

How to Get the Look

As with any intricate nail look, you'll want to research before making an appointment at just any salon. "When it comes to getting a nail piercing, it is important to choose a reputable and professional establishment that prioritizes hygiene and safety," Haye says. "There are various places to go for a nail piercing. Professional nail salons or private licensed nail artists are good to start your search. The result should be a location with skilled and licensed individuals [who] have proper training for this specific service."

If you've been going to the same nail artist forever, though, there's also the option to gauge their interest in the technique. "You can suggest the idea to your current nail artist [to find out] if that's something they'd be interested in offering," Joseph says.

If it turns out they are, you'll want to ensure they have the right tools to safely and effectively achieve the look. "The nail artist can use an adhesive (like the Makartt Nail Rhinestone Glue Gel, $10) or tool (like the Honoson Dangle Nail Piercing Charms Set, $7) harmless to the free edge to insert a small hole for the jewelry," Haye says. "A client should not hesitate to request clean and sanitized tools for a nail piercing. Our goal is to keep our trendy looks beautiful and safe at the same time."

Interested in experimenting with nail piercings at home? Kandalec recommends the Maitys Nail Piercing Kit ($15), which includes "pliers, jump rings and hoops, and the drill." She also suggests grabbing another set of pliers—one for each hand—whether applying the nail piercing yourself or doing it for someone else: "It's a million times easier," she says.

How to Wear Them

There are many ways to wear nail piercings—it all comes down to the placement and the jewelry you choose."Individuals can choose from single, multiple, or a combination of piercings mixed with nail art," Haye says. "Piercings can be placed vertically or horizontally and be combined with bright colors and bling."

All in all, though, Joseph says that tiny hoops reign supreme. "There are a lot of different charms, but the most worn nail piercings are small little hoops," she reveals.

How Long They Last

After going through the process of piercing your nails, you'll likely want them to last for a while. Ultimately, the duration depends on how strong your nails are and how much you use your hands. According to Kandalec, gel and acrylic enhancements can sustain piercings for two weeks or more, while natural nails tend to only last a few days (since they're not as secure). "Just be careful not to catch it on anything," she emphasizes.

Related: Nail Jewelry Is the Blingy Manicure Trend Taking Over

Read the original article on Byrdie.