Split screen image of man and woman with body piercings Most Popular Piercings - What’s Right for Your Style & Personality

Most Popular Piercings - What’s Right for Your Style & Personality

Check out your ultimate guide to the most popular piercings! No matter your style, there's a piercing in here to enhance your look.

PainfulPleasures

With more than 50 types of piercings out there, the options are nearly endless. Whether you’re into classic styles or something more unconventional, there’s a piercing for you. From ear and nose piercings to surface and dermal piercings, this guide breaks down the most popular choices. Use it to help you decide what’s next for your collection.

Most Popular Piercings for Everyone

Let’s get real—ear piercings are the MVP of the piercing world. They’re timeless, versatile, and widely accepted in professional settings. But beyond that, there are so many styles to explore. Here's a breakdown of the most-loved piercings across different body areas.

Ear Piercings: A Classic Choice with Endless Variety

Close-up of an ear lobe with stacked piercings

Featured In This Blog

00g Internally Threaded Stainless Steel Straight Barbell — Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $4.19 $5.99
MSRP: $12.99

4 options

00g Internal Steel Bent Barbell — Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $3.33 $4.75
MSRP: $13.99

11 options

10g Internal Blackout Steel Circular Barbell — Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $1.58 $2.25
MSRP: $5.99

3 options

12g or 10g or 6g Stainless Steel Skeleton Tribal Pincher - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.10 $0.50
MSRP: $1.00

3 options

14g 5/16" Bioplastic Labret with 14kt White Gold Flat Star - Painful Pleasures
Pro Price $6.25
MSRP: $13.50
10g Externally Threaded Stainless Steel Circular Barbell - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.94 $1.25
MSRP: $2.99

11 options

00g Stainless Steel Captive Bead Ring with Snap Fit Ball - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $3.67 $4.89
MSRP: $12.99

2 options

0g Internal Blackout Steel Circular Barbell — Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $4.19 $5.99
MSRP: $16.49

3 options

10g Internally Threaded Counter-Sunk Steel Ball - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.30 $0.43
MSRP: $1.99

3 options

Magnetic Gem Tops Available in 2 SizesSale
Pro Price $0.10 $0.50
MSRP: $0.75

11 options

.18g GEM BEZEL SET NOSTRIL SCREWS - Bigger Gems - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $1.39 $1.99
MSRP: $4.99

2 options

.925 ANCIENT Silver Cap on a Double Flared Horn Organic Plug 10mm-24mm - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $1.00 $4.99
MSRP: $10.49

4 options

.925 Sterling Silver Internally 1.2mm(14g) Threaded Flower - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $2.60 $12.99
MSRP: $24.99
10g 1 inch Threaded Taper with 2.0mm Threading - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.53 $0.75
10g Annealed Steel Captive Bead Ring — Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.55 $0.79
MSRP: $3.99

4 options

10g Black PVD Coated Steel Internal Straight Barbell - 5/16" to 3/4" - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $1.49 $2.25
MSRP: $5.99

6 options

10g Stainless Steel Segment Ring - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $1.19 $1.70
MSRP: $4.99

2 options

10g Steel D-Ring — Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.18 $0.75
MSRP: $2.49
10g-0g Kotions Pincher - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.10 $0.50
MSRP: $1.00

2 options

12g BRONZE BENTLER Style Earrings - Price Per 2 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $10.99 $13.99
MSRP: $22.99
12g Bronze Corkey Earrings — Price Per 2 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $8.58 $12.99
MSRP: $21.99
12g Art Deco Daisy Brass Earrings — Shown as PairSale
Pro Price $18.49 $25.99
MSRP: $44.99
12g 90° Stainless Steel Surface Barbell - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.10 $0.50
MSRP: $1.00

3 options

12g Annealed Steel Captive Bead Ring — Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.48 $0.69
MSRP: $3.99

4 options

12g Externally Threaded Steel Bent Barbell — Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.62 $0.89
MSRP: $3.75

18 options

12g GOLD PLATED BENTLER Style Earrings - Price Per 2 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $16.99 $27.99
MSRP: $44.99
12g Internal Blackout Steel Circular Barbell — Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $1.49 $1.99
MSRP: $5.99

3 options

12g Stainless Steel Segment Ring - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.71 $1.30
MSRP: $4.99

2 options

12g Steel Captive Bead Ring — Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.34 $0.49
MSRP: $1.00

9 options

12g Steel D-Ring — Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.15 $0.75
MSRP: $2.49

7 options

12g Replete Daffodil Brass Earrings — Shown As PairSale
Pro Price $16.80 $24.99
MSRP: $39.99
12g-6g Vicious Ear Piece - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.10 $0.50
MSRP: $1.00

2 options

12g-8g Barbarous Captive Ring - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.10 $0.50
MSRP: $1.00
14g - 12g Internally Threaded 3mm x 6mm Spike - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.94 $1.25
MSRP: $2.49
14g - 12g Internally Threaded 4mm Half Ball - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.23 $1.15
MSRP: $3.99
14g - 12g Internally Threaded 3mm Opal Replacement Ball - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $2.09 $2.99
MSRP: $5.99

13 options

14g - 12g Internally Threaded 4mm Steel Star Top - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.30 $1.49
MSRP: $2.49
14g - 12g Internally Threaded Black PVD-Coated Star Top - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.35 $1.75
MSRP: $3.99

3 options

14g - 12g Internally Threaded Cat Top - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.10 $0.50
MSRP: $1.00
14g - 12g Internally Threaded Dolphin Top - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.10 $0.50
MSRP: $1.00
14g - 12g Internally Threaded Real Stone Top - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.20 $1.00
MSRP: $2.50

8 options

14g - 12g Internally Threaded Screw Top - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.40 $1.99
MSRP: $4.99
14g - 12g Internally Threaded Skin Tone Disc Top - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.56 $1.25
MSRP: $3.99

3 options

14g - 4g Bronze Indonesian EYOTA Hoop Earrings - Price Per 2 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $2.05 $10.25
MSRP: $17.25

2 options

14g - 4g Bronze Indonesian ISTAS Hoop Earrings - Price Per 2 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $12.00 $19.49
MSRP: $33.49

2 options

14g 1-1/2” Elephant Ohm Industrial Barbell - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.85 $4.25
14g 1-1/2” Green Jewel Giraffe Industrial Barbell - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.20 $1.00
MSRP: $2.00

The ear alone offers 13+ piercing styles, each allowing for unique jewelry combos. Some favorites include:

  • Cartilage Piercings—Helix, conch, daith, rook, tragus…you name it. They add flair to your ear game.
  • Industrial Piercings—A bold, statement look that connects two cartilage piercings with a single barbell.
  • Stacked Lobes—More than one lobe piercing? Yes, please. Layering dainty studs or hoops is a sleek way to upgrade your style.

PRO TIP: Ear piercings heal relatively fast and can be dressed up or down with everything from minimalist studs to ornate cuffs.

Close-up of a large-gauge lobe piercing

Nose Piercings: Small But Mighty

Close-up of septum piercing in a piercing client

Nose piercings are an absolute favorite, thanks to their subtle yet edgy appeal. Your options include:

  • Nostril Piercing—A forever classic, usually adorned with a stud or small hoop.
  • Septum Piercing—The ultimate mix of bold and boho, with options ranging from horseshoe rings to clickers.
  • Bridge Piercing—A surface piercing on the bridge of the nose for a striking, symmetrical look.

FUN FACT: In some cultures, nose piercings hold deep traditional significance, symbolizing beauty, health, or even marital status.

Lip & Oral Piercings: The Perfect Statement

From subtle to extreme, lip piercings add personality to your look. Some common choices include:

  • Labret Piercing—Just below the bottom lip, centered or off to the side.
  • Monroe & Madonna Piercings—Upper lip piercings mimicking beauty marks.
  • Snake Bites & Spider Bites—Symmetrical or staggered lower lip piercings for a more intense aesthetic.
  • Tongue Piercing—A fun (and sometimes risqué) piercing that has stood the test of time.

HEADS UP: Oral piercings require extra care to avoid gum and tooth damage. BioPlast jewelry can help minimize risks.

Belly Button Piercings: A ’90s Classic

Close-up of a navel piercing in a piercing client

Belly button piercings are iconic, especially during warmer months when crop tops and swimsuits are in full swing. Standard navel piercings are the most common, but you can also experiment with reverse navel piercings (pierced from the top down) or multi-gem curved barbells for extra sparkle.

THROWBACK ALERT: The '90s and early 2000s made belly piercings legendary (thanks, pop stars!). They remain a favorite for those wanting a mix of cute and sexy.

Eyebrow & Surface Piercings: Edgy and Unique

Close-up of a brow piercing

Eyebrow piercings have a rebellious reputation, but they can be super versatile. Placement can be vertical, horizontal, or angled.

Other surface piercings—like collarbone, nape (neck), or hip piercings—use curved barbells or dermal anchors to create the illusion of floating jewelry on the skin.

Please Note: Surface piercings require extra care since they’re prone to migration and rejection. Choose high-quality titanium or dermal implants for the best results.

Nipple & Genital Piercings: For Those Who Want (AHEM) a Bit More

Close-up of a nipple piercing

Nipple piercings have gained serious popularity, with people opting for simple barbells, hoops, or even decorative shields. They can enhance sensitivity and, let’s be honest, they just look cool.

Genital piercings vary widely in style, placement, and function. Always visit an experienced piercer for these intimate mods, whether for aesthetics or sensation.

Quick Tip: These piercings can take longer to heal, so patience (and proper aftercare) is key.

Choosing Your Next Piercing

With so many options, how do you pick your next piercing? Consider these factors:

Featured In This Blog

00g Internally Threaded Stainless Steel Straight Barbell — Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $4.19 $5.99
MSRP: $12.99

4 options

00g Internal Steel Bent Barbell — Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $3.33 $4.75
MSRP: $13.99

11 options

10g Internal Blackout Steel Circular Barbell — Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $1.58 $2.25
MSRP: $5.99

3 options

12g or 10g or 6g Stainless Steel Skeleton Tribal Pincher - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.10 $0.50
MSRP: $1.00

3 options

14g 5/16" Bioplastic Labret with 14kt White Gold Flat Star - Painful Pleasures
Pro Price $6.25
MSRP: $13.50
10g Externally Threaded Stainless Steel Circular Barbell - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.94 $1.25
MSRP: $2.99

11 options

00g Stainless Steel Captive Bead Ring with Snap Fit Ball - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $3.67 $4.89
MSRP: $12.99

2 options

0g Internal Blackout Steel Circular Barbell — Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $4.19 $5.99
MSRP: $16.49

3 options

10g Internally Threaded Counter-Sunk Steel Ball - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.30 $0.43
MSRP: $1.99

3 options

Magnetic Gem Tops Available in 2 SizesSale
Pro Price $0.10 $0.50
MSRP: $0.75

11 options

.18g GEM BEZEL SET NOSTRIL SCREWS - Bigger Gems - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $1.39 $1.99
MSRP: $4.99

2 options

.925 ANCIENT Silver Cap on a Double Flared Horn Organic Plug 10mm-24mm - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $1.00 $4.99
MSRP: $10.49

4 options

.925 Sterling Silver Internally 1.2mm(14g) Threaded Flower - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $2.60 $12.99
MSRP: $24.99
10g 1 inch Threaded Taper with 2.0mm Threading - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.53 $0.75
10g Annealed Steel Captive Bead Ring — Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.55 $0.79
MSRP: $3.99

4 options

10g Black PVD Coated Steel Internal Straight Barbell - 5/16" to 3/4" - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $1.49 $2.25
MSRP: $5.99

6 options

10g Stainless Steel Segment Ring - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $1.19 $1.70
MSRP: $4.99

2 options

10g Steel D-Ring — Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.18 $0.75
MSRP: $2.49
10g-0g Kotions Pincher - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.10 $0.50
MSRP: $1.00

2 options

12g BRONZE BENTLER Style Earrings - Price Per 2 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $10.99 $13.99
MSRP: $22.99
12g Bronze Corkey Earrings — Price Per 2 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $8.58 $12.99
MSRP: $21.99
12g Art Deco Daisy Brass Earrings — Shown as PairSale
Pro Price $18.49 $25.99
MSRP: $44.99
12g 90° Stainless Steel Surface Barbell - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.10 $0.50
MSRP: $1.00

3 options

12g Annealed Steel Captive Bead Ring — Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.48 $0.69
MSRP: $3.99

4 options

12g Externally Threaded Steel Bent Barbell — Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.62 $0.89
MSRP: $3.75

18 options

12g GOLD PLATED BENTLER Style Earrings - Price Per 2 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $16.99 $27.99
MSRP: $44.99
12g Internal Blackout Steel Circular Barbell — Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $1.49 $1.99
MSRP: $5.99

3 options

12g Stainless Steel Segment Ring - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.71 $1.30
MSRP: $4.99

2 options

12g Steel Captive Bead Ring — Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.34 $0.49
MSRP: $1.00

9 options

12g Steel D-Ring — Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.15 $0.75
MSRP: $2.49

7 options

12g Replete Daffodil Brass Earrings — Shown As PairSale
Pro Price $16.80 $24.99
MSRP: $39.99
12g-6g Vicious Ear Piece - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.10 $0.50
MSRP: $1.00

2 options

12g-8g Barbarous Captive Ring - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.10 $0.50
MSRP: $1.00
14g - 12g Internally Threaded 3mm x 6mm Spike - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.94 $1.25
MSRP: $2.49
14g - 12g Internally Threaded 4mm Half Ball - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.23 $1.15
MSRP: $3.99
14g - 12g Internally Threaded 3mm Opal Replacement Ball - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $2.09 $2.99
MSRP: $5.99

13 options

14g - 12g Internally Threaded 4mm Steel Star Top - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.30 $1.49
MSRP: $2.49
14g - 12g Internally Threaded Black PVD-Coated Star Top - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.35 $1.75
MSRP: $3.99

3 options

14g - 12g Internally Threaded Cat Top - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.10 $0.50
MSRP: $1.00
14g - 12g Internally Threaded Dolphin Top - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.10 $0.50
MSRP: $1.00
14g - 12g Internally Threaded Real Stone Top - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.20 $1.00
MSRP: $2.50

8 options

14g - 12g Internally Threaded Screw Top - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.40 $1.99
MSRP: $4.99
14g - 12g Internally Threaded Skin Tone Disc Top - Price Per 1 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.56 $1.25
MSRP: $3.99

3 options

14g - 4g Bronze Indonesian EYOTA Hoop Earrings - Price Per 2 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $2.05 $10.25
MSRP: $17.25

2 options

14g - 4g Bronze Indonesian ISTAS Hoop Earrings - Price Per 2 - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $12.00 $19.49
MSRP: $33.49

2 options

14g 1-1/2” Elephant Ohm Industrial Barbell - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.85 $4.25
14g 1-1/2” Green Jewel Giraffe Industrial Barbell - Painful PleasuresSale
Pro Price $0.20 $1.00
MSRP: $2.00
  • Lifestyle & Work Requirements—Some piercings are more visible and may not be workplace-friendly. Retainers or discreet jewelry can help.
  • Pain Tolerance—Some areas are more sensitive than others (lookin' at you, cartilage and nipples!)
  • Healing Time & Aftercare—Some piercings require more TLC than others. Make sure you're ready for the commitment.

Jewelry Options—Different piercings accommodate different jewelry types, from studs and hoops to barbells and dermal anchors.

Ready to Get Pierced? Stock Up on Aftercare & Jewelry!

No matter which piercing you choose, proper care is non-negotiable. Grab high-quality saline solutions, titanium jewelry, and gentle piercing aftercare to keep your piercing happy and healthy.

Need fresh jewelry or aftercare essentials? Check out the widest selection there is on our site!Opens a new window.

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