Searches For DIY Piercings Are Up How Much?! Oh. Dear.

DIY piercings are up by almost 600% in the UK (that's 576% to be precise according to jewellerybox.co.uk). And, let's be honest, a lot of us have thought about it at some point or other. Mainly after watching the ear piercing scene in Parent Trap which swiftly lead to a moment in the mirror with ice cubes and a needle, only to bail out at the final moment. Just us? Fine.

In any case, it's not an innocent influx of at-home ear piercing that's got the nation hooked. As it stands, tattooists and body piercers are, as per the government's current COVID-19 secure restrictions, strongly advised not to tattoo or perform a body piercing that will bring them close to the 'highest risk zone' of their clients - that's the face, the nose and the front of the neck to you and me. That means that brow piercings, cheek piercings, nose piercings, mouth piercings, lip piercings and of course tongue piercings are off the piercing parlour menu, hence the rise in at-home attempts.

READ MORE: Septum Piercings 101: Everything You Need To Know Before Getting It Done

Here's What The Pro Has To Say

According the Daena Borrowman of jewellerybox.co.uk we should be thinking twice before attempting a DIY piercing. 'Trying to pierce yourself at home without proper equipment and health and safety measures is extremely dangerous. I understand that many people are opting for DIY beauty methods, but many would consider DIY piercings as one step too far.'

'If you're not careful you can shatter cartilage on impact which could leave you with irreversible lumps and increased chance of jewellery rejection. Not only this, but your piercing can end up uneven, in the wrong place and of course, in the worst case scenario, infected. '

'It is always better to go to an experienced and qualified piercer to get the safest and best experience overall.'

'The rise in people piercing their own bodies is a concern and isn’t something we’d advise you do at home. To be safe, you would at least need sterilising equipment and liquids, the professional needles, the right type of jewellery and gloves.'

There you have it. At-home piercing is officially a no-go area. Keen to make the most of the piercings you already have? Now that we can help with...

Shop: Our Pick Of The Best Statement Gold Earrings

READ MORE: The Truth About Vitamin D Supplements And Why We Need Them Now More Than Ever

READ MORE: 'I Internalised The Idea That My Hair Was Deviant': Emma Dabiri On Reclaiming Her Own Hair Power