Pierced Nails Are The Latest '90s Trend To Make A Comeback

You can pierce your ears and many other body parts — this is hardly a new practice. Researchers have traced body piercings to almost every culture throughout recorded history, according to the British Medical Association. Given that body jewelry is a statement of bold creativity and undeniable fashion, it's easy to see why piercing has remained such a popular practice.

Another stylish way to accessorize is with your nail art. From a simple French manicure to neon embellished nails, you can't go wrong with decking out your digits. Now, the boldness of piercings and the art of nail polish have come together again for the return of pierced nails.

The '90s birthed many trends, some we'd rather forget and others that we're dying to try again (kitten heels, anyone?). Fashion was a stand-out during this decade, as was experimental and over-the-top nail art. Pierced nails allowed people to show off unconventional and sometimes wild styles on their fingers with ease, and it looks to be the same this time around. If you didn't get to try this trend at the end of the 20th century, now's your chance to adapt it to fit your own personal aesthetic. 

Hoop earrings are a jewelry staple for those with pierced ears. They can elevate any look, no matter the size or finish. Plus, they work just as well for your nails as they do for your ears. A single hoop for your pierced nails gives you a classic, elegant design. It's an easy way to upgrade any manicure regardless of whether you're keeping it simple with white polish or painting on a bold neon.

Commitment can be scary, especially with new trends. You can't just take off acrylic and powder nails if you decide you don't like them, but with press-on nails, the story is a bit different. You can try the pierced nail look guilt-free with a press-on set. Even Kim Kardashian rocked stiletto nails and kicked them to the curb hours later with the magic of press-ons (per WhoWhatWear). You can style a basic set of pierced nails yourself, or find pre-styled versions on Etsy.

If you love hoops, why not double the fun? Your pierced nail designs can have hoops on multiple fingers or multiple hoops on one digit. The design is reminiscent of a double helix ear piercing. However, unlike with body modification, you can be adorned with more bling without any pain with this trend. Nail artist Iram Shelton is a fan of the return of this '90s trend, telling Grazia, "I just love how nail piercings can elevate a traditional manicure and make your nails a focal point."

If you think nail piercings can't get any better, you are sadly mistaken. Who needs a charm bracelet when you can have charm nails? Attaching these tiny trinkets to your manicure is a unique way to match your earrings, necklace, or body piercings. You can represent your favorite animal, flower, or sports team with an ornament in a totally unique way. It's worth noting that if you type a lot or do other work with your hands throughout your day, you might want to opt for small charms.

This trend screams maximalist. Playing with different mediums, textures, and colors is a fashionista's dream. As celebrity manicurist Maria Salandra tells Billboard, "Nail art is a direct creative expression of someone's personality. Why should anyone live in a grey world?" Our inspo nail design has a piercing in every nail, throwing in barbells with playful end pieces and even a horseshoe ring. Every nail is painted differently, yet the manicure comes together perfectly in the end. You can go simple for your pierced nails, but why not push the bar(bell)?

Oval, squared, and stiletto-shaped nails are among the traditional ways nails are filed. However, tradition is already out the window with pierced nails. A lipstick-shaped manicure mimics the silhouette of one of the most classic and popular makeup products. The angled tips are playful, like an asymmetrical bob. As expert manicurist Kristin Gyimah tells InStyle, "The shape of lipstick is symbolic ... It embodies feelings of sexiness, femininity, empowerment, and glamour." It's not just a set of nails but a statement — and a jeweled one at that.

Who needs a night light when you have glow-in-the-dark nails? This delightful design typically comes around during the spooky season, but the pierced nail trend has it showing its face all year long. Glow-in-the-dark may sound somewhat immature, but both the young and the young-at-heart are welcome to try this style. Bella Hadid even showed off her glow-in-the-dark nails, done by nail tech Mei Kawajiri, on Instagram. With piercings to finish the look, your manicure will be sure to light the way.

Stilettos aren't just for heels. It is a popular nail shape, and one look tells you why these claws are a hit. In an interview with Harper's Bazaar (via Crystal Clawz), celebrity manicurist Jin Soon Choi says it's great for those who like to take risks when it comes to fashion. The artist says, "People who want to sport a nail look that is outrageous and noticeable get this as a fashion accessory." And to push the envelope even further, they add nail piercings. The feature inspiration picture is a dark and daring stiletto nail shape, staying true to the pierced nails' original edgy and grungy look.

Nail artist Mei Kawajiri took to Instagram to show off her square pierced nail design for fashion designer Philipp Plein's runway show. The nail expert, who has worked with brands like Balenciaga, featured chains, safety pins, and hoops in her pierced nails. The square shape perfectly accommodates any piercings of your choice, plus it tends to be hardier than other styles. The founder of Nails Inc., Thea Green, shares, "Square nails tend to be harder wearing and withstand more impact than other shapes so your nails could last longer" (per The Zoe Report).

If you want to embrace the pierced nail trend, the jewelry should stand out. With jumbo jewelry, it couldn't fly under the radar if it tried. Big hoops, horseshoe rings, and barbells create an over-the-top look that's to die for. It fulfills every piercing fantasy without the pain of a needle. While it's not particularly practical and should probably be reserved for special occasions, go big with your choice of jewelry when you want to try something bold and totally memorable.