GET TO THE POINT
Safe piercing education and information
Have you been trying to decide between a helix, an anti-eyebrow, or an Austin bar? Or perhaps you’re interested in trying a daith to relieve stress? Or perhaps you have no idea what we’re talking about? Either way, Cassandra is here for you on International Body Piercing Day. Piercings have long been a rite of passage for young people, and that’s never more true than today, with interest and attitudes around piercings (beyond the earlobe) continuing to evolve. As part of their outlet for self-expression, Gen Zs are using piercings to create a personal statement that reflects their vibe, their spirit, and their overall aesthetic(s)*. Demand for piercings shows no sign of slowing down, with the market expected to reach over $66M by 2028 and big retail stores such as Target and CVS getting into the business. Ahead we’re looking at the organizations, studios, and artists who are safely driving this industry forward.
*Look out for more on Gen Zs and aesthetics when Cassandra publishes our latest report: That’s So Aesthetic, tomorrow, available for Cassandra members.
— Shae, 25, TX (Cassandra Collective)
EARSCAPING
Raking up over 37B views on TikTok, #earscape, which entails the clustering of ear piercings, is a trend that continues to find new fans, with the likes of Emma Chamberlain, Selena Gomez, and Zoë Kravitz regularly rocking an ear stack. The term was coined by Gen Zs piercing parlor of choice Studs - who states the official definition as "The art and science of personalized ear piercings and earring stacking, resulting in the form of unique self-expression."
— Georgia 24, CA (Cassandra Collective)
ROWAN
Imagine going to see a nurse, but instead of getting a vaccine, you get a piercing. That's what you can expect at piercing studio Rowan - and Target's ear piercing partner, whose structure is unique in using medical professionals to pierce in a retail setting. The woman-owned company aims to remove the anxiety and health risks associated with piercings while providing an alternative to the standard mall piercing experience. Rowan wants to honor the belief that ear piercing is a milestone moment that should be accessible, enjoyable, and safe for all.
— Grace, 15, NY (Cassandra Collective)
THE ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL PIERCERS
Speaking of safety in piercing, The Association of Professional Piercers (APP), established in 1994, is an international health and safety organization dedicated to sharing information about safe body piercing. Governed by a voluntary elected Board of Directors, and publisher of The Point, a quarterly journal dedicated to piercing-related news and information for individuals in the industry - the APP freely shares information to help fellow members, piercers, health care professionals, legislators, health inspectors, and the general public get the best and most up-to-date information about body piercing.