What are Multi-Point Piercings?
Just like any other kind of jewelry, certain piercings seem to go in and out of style, returning in new variations that makes us love them all over again. While the industrial piercing (a single barbell that connects two helix piercings) has been around for ages, there are several twists and even new multi-point piercings that are making the rounds and deserve some discussion!
The vertical industrial has been hot lately! This is like a standard industrial piercing but goes vertically, the length of the ear. Exactly how it sits tends to depend on one’s anatomy. Some go from the lowest point of the inner conch to the bottom of the ridge where a rook piercing would go. In this instance, both the ball ends are on the back of the ear, giving it a mysterious and intriguing appearance. Another version of this has the top end exiting from the topmost curve of the helix. There’s even a variation of that style – where the top end has three exit points. Usually this is done with cone-shaped ends, lending it its name – the “trident piercing”. While this does require custom jewelry, it’s a look that is super eye-catching and unique.
Another piercing that makes an impact is an orbital piercing. This is any two piercings connected by a piece of circular jewelry, such as a captive bead ring. While an orbital piercing can technically be anywhere on the body, it’s most commonly found on the ear. An intriguing variation of this of called a “suture”. This is a pair of small orbitals, crossing over each other, with only the ring portion visible to the eye. The result is a tiny “X” shape, like a small suture. It’s usually found on the earlobe, as it requires flat, accessible space.
Yet another multi-point piercing that’s getting some heat is the “UFO” piercing. This one is a forward helix, connected to a rook piercing with a single ring. This one is more anatomy-dependent, but the end effect is truly stunning!
If you’re interested in one that’s not ears only, the septril piercing is another type of multi-point piercing, but it’s for your nose. It requires a healed, stretched septum piercing. The septum is then pierced from within the fistula, with the jewelry end placed on the tip of the nose. This is possibly the least common nasal piercing and does require a lot of preparation. The septum piercing must be stretched to 2 to 0 gauge. But the final result is absolutely fantastic, and it may be a good option for those who would like forward facing nostrils or a mantis piercing but do not have the anatomy. It looks similar to a rhino piercing but with the bottom end of the jewelry out of sight for a look that’s quite like a dermal implant.
Multi-point piercings have remained popular for a reason – they’re have a style and flair that’s hard to beat. Even the standard industrial piercing has never really gone out of style. In fact, piercers have some up with creative ways to allow people who lack the anatomy for a standard industrial to still get the look. Whether by bending the jewelry for custom angles or by performing what’s called a “floating industrial” (one end goes through the helix, the other end is custom bent to exit the ear in another place, such as the flat), multi-point piercings are an option for nearly everyone. Modern or classic, delicate or hardcore, there’s one out there that’s going to look great on you!