Body piercing in American culture has changed over the years professionally. Something that was once seen for only thugs or those who wanted to rebel against the mainstream society, today, body piercing has become more socially acceptable and that means less judgment for those who have visible piercings.
Big celebrities have been seen in the media visibly showing off their piercings. For example, Rihanna has her septum and one of her nipples pierced. Singer and actress Keke Palmer has gotten a number of piercings over the years including both of her nostrils, her navel, and her nipples. Rock star Lenny Kravitz has been open about a piercing on his pubic area and Lady Gaga has her septum pierced. With the way that some people tend to look up to celebrities, they can certainly be an influence on body modification being more acceptable.
Local piercer J Colby Smith has become a celebrity in his own right. Smith pierces out of the well-known tattoo shop NY Adorned and has had a number of celebrity clients including Emma Stone and Zoe Saldana. Articles have been written about him and his work in publications like Elle Magazine, New York Magazine and The New York Times. He's known for his use of gold body jewelry that creates a classy, more sophisticated look that is in complete contrast to the stereotypical punk rock look. In an article in "Into the Gloss," Smith stated what he feels is the difference between himself and others in the piercing industry. "I try to do things to look more delicate and pretty," he stated. "I feel like a lot of other people focus more on extremes."
Another shop in New York City that gives its clients an upscale feel is Venus by Maria Tash which actually has two locations in the city. The shops sell their own line of jewelry exclusively in the stores and online and have had their fair share of celebrity clientele including Beyonce and Ruby Rose. Their jewelry is also mostly gold but they also make jewelry that is worn on the body, not just inside it.
Changing of safety has been a priority as well. The APP or the Association of Professional Piercers makes it their goal to provide the public with proper safety information and its members are put to a safety standard. The association runs a Tumblr page which is often updated with safety information. It answers questions on a regular basis and reblogs pictures of properly done piercings with industry standard jewelry.
Of course, a few young adults will have them. Even though rebellion may no longer be the only reason people get piercings or any other body modification, that reasoning is still the case for many. That's a perfectly valid reason on its own. When you consider that there are still many areas of the country that are still deeply rooted in tradition and that many households restrict how children can express themselves, it makes sense. However, it is clear that times are changing even if it means that body piercing has evolved from something you only do in your dad's basement to something high-end. However, that isn't meant to be a deterrent. Living in such a diverse city like New York, it's very easy to see people of every age in a number of professions, skin colors, ages, and more with a number of piercings.
