Jul 17, 20203 min read

What does your piercing say about you?

Every ‘body modification’ tells a story: here’s yours.

( Claire Beckey, Rowdy Magazine human resources assistant, wears the Small Swing Hoop, the Pavé Triangle Stud, the Pavé Huggie and the Vibes Stud from Studs.)

This article was produced as part of Rowdy Magazine's collaboration with Studs, a New York City-based earring company and piercing studio that specializes in earscaping. On July 16, Studs just dropped their latest collection inspired by girl bands from the '90s and '00s. Use the code ROWDYFF15 for 15% off your order.

Piercings are one of my absolute favorite forms of self-expression. They’re the perfect blend of style and statement. Plus, as far as aesthetics go, piercings are a little bolder than simply changing your wardrobe, and a little less permanent than potentially regrettable tattoos.

That being said, the options are truly endless. Every potential hole has a different vibe, so the one you choose says a lot about you. Fair warning: looking at all these earrings has me ready to pull a Parent Trap, so get your apples ready, ladies.

The Lobe

(Ana Escalante, Rowdy Magazine EIC, wears the Bar Stud, the Dagger Stud and the Wire Stud from Studs)

Let me take you back. You got out of school early on a Friday afternoon and went to your local mall. With Justice and Limited Too bags in hand, you begged your mom to let you make the ultimate rite of passage. As you stepped out of Claire’s, a new person was born. Life was good.

If you haven’t since decorated your ears past this timeless style, you like to play it safe. You’re a classy bitch who keeps it simple, but you’re also a little scared of commitment. A pair of statement earrings can really step up this occasionally boring choice though, so don’t underestimate it.

The Helix

(Taesha Jones, Rowdy Magazine staff writer, wears the Heart Threader, the Pavé Huggie, the Bubble Heart Stud and the Chain Cuff from Studs)

This is a level-up from anything on the lobe. You woke up feeling rebellious one day, most likely during your late teenage years, and ventured up the ear, past the safe zone. I would bet that this took place either at a Pagoda or a boardwalk one fateful summer.

You probably regretted it during the healing period. (The nightly saline soak gets old quick.) Eventually, you fell in love with it, though.

This is such a versatile look, perfect for those who wake up feeling like a pop princess one day and a punk the next.

The Septum

After you realized you were bisexual, you went straight to a tattoo parlor to broadcast it in the most obvious way. (Septum piercings and sexuality are a match made in heaven; I don’t make the rules.) You’re very sure of yourself and put a needle through your nose to prove it.

It should be noted that horseshoe septum people and closed septum people are very different. One listens to Bad Brains and the other listens to Fleetwood Mac; I don’t need to tell you which is which. Overall though, every person I know with this nose piercing is simultaneously edgy and sweet, truly the best of both worlds.

Conch, Daith, Rook, Etc.

(@Studs on Instagram / This image includes the Wire Stud, the Circle Stud, the Pavé Chained Huggies, the Teeniest Butterfly Stud and the Drip Hoop)

If you have any of these inner ear piercings, you’re a badass and I probably want to be you. Although you’ve grown out of your Warped Tour phase, you still keep all the wristbands in a keepsake box somewhere, cause you’re secretly nostalgic.

You’re honestly kind of intimidating but you’re also the person I would go to for advice on body modification of any kind.

In all seriousness, every person who rocks piercings does it in their own beautiful, trendy way, which is super cool. If you’re looking to bring some new, Y2K-inspired looks into your life, check out the new Studs collection, you won’t regret it.

Madeline Murphy is an Online Writer at Rowdy Magazine. She’s currently studying Journalism with a minor in Women’s Studies. Madeline can be found making Apple Music playlists, trying Nigella Lawson recipes and binging SATC. She’s fiercely passionate about social justice and the power of words.