Victoria Beckham caused a sensation when she debuted a pierced French manicure during her Spice Girls days, and Kim Kardashian all but brought back nail piercings with an OTT take in 2017, but this week sees the look reemerge in its most wearable iteration yet. Nail icon Iram Shelton - a go-to pro for the likes of Addison Rae and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley - took to Instagram to showcase her own pierced nails, to much enthusiasm in the comments section. 'How CUTE!', raved one Instagrammer, 'obsessed,' said another.
'I just love how nail piercings can elevate a traditional manicure and make your nails a focal point,' Iram says, speaking exclusively to Grazia, 'I've always seen my nails as an accessory, and with fashion and beauty trends revolving around the 90s and 00s, I felt I had to bring nail piercings back.' Keen to try the look yourself? Here's everything you need to know:
Can you pierce your own nails at home?
'When it comes to DIY nail piercings,' says Iram, 'I'd always advise piercing a press-on nail instead of your natural nail. You just need a nail piercing tool - it looks like a very small drill - and a steady hand.'
READ MORE: I’m A Beauty Editor And These Are The 5 Nail Designs I’m Considering For My Wedding
Can I get my nails pierced in my usual nail salon?
'Most nail professionals will be able to offer this service,' says Iram, 'but as it's not something many people request at an appointment, be prepared to take your own charms. If you usually have short nails, make sure to grow them out before your appointment so that your nail technician has a free edge to pierce.'
Watch: Iram Shelton Debuts Her Pierced Nails
Do nail piercings require any aftercare?
'You must be very careful if you decide to get your natural nails pierced,' warns Iram, 'if you're someone who works a lot with your hands, maybe swerve this trend, or pierce a press-on nail instead. It's quite an editorial look and charms can easily get caught on things.'
What nail polish colours best suit a nail piercing?
'I like to pair a nail piercing with a neutral nail shade,' says Iram, 'because I like the star of the show to be the charm. My go-to shades are OPI's Bubble Bath, Funny Bunny and Chiffon My Mind. I think these shades are beautiful and look great with both gold and silver charms. They're also ideal shades for a bridal manicure. If you're more of a maximalist when it comes to manicures, stick to metallic shades, like OPI's Go Big Or Go Chrome.'
Shop: Everything You Need To Get The Pierced Nail Look At Home
Nail Piercing Must-Haves - Grazia 2022
1 of 5OPI Nail Polish in Bubble Bath, £14.30
This nail shade is a cult classic. Sheer, pink and the perfect base for a French micro manicure or nail piercing alike. It's also available as an OPI gel shade - most salons stock it.
2 of 5OPI Nail Lacquer in Funny Bunny, £13.50
Also available in OPI's gel iteration, Funny Bunny is a glossy white that has some level of sheerness to it. Layer up for a white manicure, or use on tips over Bubble Bath for a soft take on a French manicure.
3 of 5OPI Nail Lacquer in Go Big Or Go Chrome, £14.90
More of a manicure maximalist? Opt for a striking take on metallic by way of OPI's Nail Lacquer in Go Big Or Go Chrome.
4 of 5Kiss Salon Acrylic Nude Nails, £7.99
All about the DIY option? Try this glossy nude nail option from Kiss. You get 28 in a pack, so plenty of room for mistakes.
5 of 5Nail Piercing Tool and Nail Charms, £6.99
If you're choosing to pierce some press-on nails at home, make sure to pick up a nail piercing tool like this that's fit for purpose.
£6.99
