The Ultimate Guide to Body Piercing Trends in 2020: Custom Stacks, Edgy Studios, and Nose Rings

From curated ear stacks to the surge of boutique piercing studios, 2020 redefined every facet of body piercings.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 30, 2025

From curated ear stacks to the surge of boutique piercing studios, 2020 redefined every facet of body piercings.

The Ear and Nose Piercing Trend of 2020

2020 ushered in a new era of body piercings, with a focus on individuality, artistry, and self-expression. Gone were the days of single-lobe ear piercings from mall kiosks; instead, trends featured elaborate layering, stacking, and bespoke designs that transformed the ear and nose into a canvas for personal style.

Social media, especially Instagram, has played a significant role in amplifying these trends. With influencers and celebrities showcasing their curated jewelry arrangements, body piercings became more than a passing fad—they became a core aspect of fashion identity in 2020.

The biggest change? Customization. Piercing arrangements are now all about reflecting your vibe: clusters of studs, double hoops, ornate rings, and even combinations of multiple types in one ear or nostril. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to embrace these trends—from creative inspiration to practical advice on healing, experts to follow, and the democratization of nose rings as a beauty staple.

Anatomy of the Trend: Layering, Stacking, and Personalization

The key concept: No areas are off limits. Today, piercing artists treat the ear as a blank canvas, curating intricate arrangements that suit your unique anatomy and style. From the helix to the conch, tragus, and daith, every ear part can be adorned.

Important tips on personalizing your ear piercings:

Consider your ear’s anatomy—what looks great on one person may not work for you, so consult a professional before deciding.
Test locations using ear cuffs or stickers before committing to the needle.
Think of your ear piercing plan as a multi-session journey rather than a one-time appointment. Most experts recommend getting no more than two to three holes in a session, allowing the area heals properly.
If you’re a side sleeper, get one ear done at a time to avoid discomfort and allow for proper healing.

Curated ears can include:

Multiple studs clustered along the lobe and helix
Double or triple hoops, often mixing metals for contrast
Statement rings in helix or conch positions

Patience pays off: Though ambitious, fully stacked ears can take months to achieve, but the result is an accessory that’s uniquely yours.

BOUTIQUE PIERCING SHOPS: OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW

Where you get pierced matters more than ever. 2020 saw a boom in boutique piercing studios—specialist shops focused solely on body piercings, often in chic urban settings.

Unlike the impersonal experience of mall kiosks or intimidating tattoo parlors, these studios offer:

A personalized approach; piercers collaborate with you on the placement and style
Artistic portfolios showcased on Instagram, allowing you to vet the piercer’s style before booking
Comparable prices to traditional venues (often around $35 per piercing), but with upgraded care and ambiance

For those in cities with access, places like Studs in NYC have garnered celebrity fans and rave reviews. Even if you can’t reach a studio, two golden rules apply:

Check portfolios online: Review the piercer’s work on Instagram to ensure their aesthetic matches yours.
Trust your intuition: Make sure you feel comfortable with the piercer. According to expert Brian Keith Thompson, if a piercer doesn’t look well-decorated or put-together, consider it a red flag.

Boutique piercing shops have truly revolutionized the experience, making it safer, trendier, and more creative than ever before.

Best Piercers to Follow on Instagram for Inspiration

Maria Tash (@MariaTash): The queen of luxury piercing jewelry and trend-setting arrangements
Brian Keith Thompson (@BodyElectricTattoo): LA-based artist revered for his creative, clean styling
J. Colby Smith (@JColbySmith): Known for minimalist, delicate stacks and celeb clientele
Dee Norman (@OMGPiercingsByDee): Bold color combos and inventive placements
Cassi Lopez-March (@CassiSoClassy): Modern, fresh takes on traditional piercings

Nose Piercings for All — A Universal Trend

Despite past misconceptions, nose piercings are now regarded as universally flattering.

Expert Brian Keith Thompson emphasizes: “I’ve never seen a nose that can’t pull off a stud.” The modern approach includes:

Classic single studs—timeless and subtle
Multiple nostril holes—studded chains or coordinated pairs
Stud and hoop combos—mixing metals, sizes, and positions
Symmetrical nose jewelry—mirrored placements for a striking effect

Septum rings remain a hit, propelled by celebrities like Zoë Kravitz and Willow Smith. The septum piercing’s biggest advantages include:

Easy concealment: Simply flip the ring inside your nose for a temporary, discreet look—ideal for work or family events
Versatility: Available in smooth gold segments, jeweled designs, and more

Nose piercings have definitively transcended stereotypes—they’re a sophisticated accessory, not a rebellion statement.

Piercing Process: What to Expect and How to Heal Quickly

Understanding the piercing process helps prevent issues and speeds up healing. Here is a step-by-step guide for ear and nose piercings in 2020:

Consultation: Decide on placement, jewelry style, and stacking arrangement with your piercer.
Preparation: Area is cleaned and marked, using stickers or pen dots for precise positioning.
Piercing: Performed using a sterilized needle; avoid piercing guns, as they can cause excess trauma.
Aftercare: Clean daily with saline solution; avoid alcohol-based products. Do not touch or twist jewelry unnecessarily.
Healing: Most ear and nose piercings heal in 6-8 weeks, but cartilage can take several months.

Pro Tip: If sleeping is uncomfortable, opt for one side at a time, and always use hypoallergenic jewelry to minimize irritation.

Table: Typical Healing Times for Popular Piercings

Piercing Type	Healing Time	Special Considerations
Lobe	6-8 weeks	Fastest healing, least risk
Helix	3-6 months	Longer healing, avoid sleeping on freshly pierced side
Conch	6-9 months	Requires careful aftercare
Tragus	3-6 months	Can be prone to swelling
Nostril	6-8 weeks	Avoid harsh skincare products near piercing
Septum	2-3 months	Easy to flip up and conceal

Price Points and Budget Tips

Piercing prices have remained relatively affordable, with most studios charging $35 per piercing. However, costs can increase with specialty jewelry or more exclusive locations.

Ways to maximize value:

Start with basic studs or simple hoops; you can always upgrade the jewelry after fully healed.
Ask about package deals for multiple piercings; many studios provide discounts for stacking sessions.
Always prioritize cleanliness and expertise over bargains—cutting corners can cost you more in the long run through complications or infections.

Expert Tips for Choosing Your Piercing Style

When curating your own look, leading piercers suggest:

Layering both studs and hoops for visual interest—don’t be afraid to mix gold with silver or add colored stones.
Let your unique anatomy guide jewelry placement; what’s flattering is highly individual.
Plan your stack over time. Begin with lower lobe piercings, then add cartilage or conch accents as each piece heals.
Get inspiration from social media, but consult a professional before making decisions. Not every trend suits every ear or nose.

FAQs: Your Burning Piercing Questions Answered

Q: How many piercings should I get at once?

A: Most piercers recommend no more than two to three in one session to avoid overwhelming your body’s healing process, especially on sensitive cartilage areas.

Q: Is it safe to get both ears pierced at the same time?

A: If you’re a side sleeper, it’s better to alternate ears so you can sleep comfortably and prevent infection or irritation.

Q: Will a conch hoop work for every ear?

A: Not necessarily—individual anatomy can affect which piercings work best. Consult your piercer for custom recommendations.

Q: How do I make sure my piercer is reputable?

A: Check their online portfolio, look for cleanliness and professionalism, and trust your instincts during your consultation. If the piercer doesn’t look well-decorated themselves, consider another expert.

Q: Can anyone pull off a nose piercing?

A: Yes, nose studs are universally flattering. Piercers regularly style a variety of nostril and septum arrangements for all face shapes.

Piercing Trends on the Horizon: What’s Next?

Looking ahead, piercing trends are set to become even more personalized. Expect to see:

Statement pieces—oversized hoops, colored gemstones, or asymmetric arrangements for bold visual impact.
Mixing materials—blending gold, silver, rose gold, and colored titanium in stacks.
Jewelry as self-expression—finding pieces that reflect your journey, personality, or style ambitions.

2020 redefined body piercings—no longer just a rebellious statement, but rather an art form, a fashion accessory, and a way to celebrate your unique vibe. With the rise of boutique studios, Instagram inspiration, and expert advice, there’s never been a better time to curate your perfect look.

Whether you’re stacking your lobes, experimenting with double hoops, or diving into symmetrical nose jewelry, embrace the freedom and creativity that make 2020’s piercing trend unforgettable.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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