Perfectly coalescing with a new era of bold makeup, 2026’s biggest piercings trend is pieces that demand attention. In recent years, we’ve seen more subtle styles like stacked earrings or belly button piercings embraced, but those aren’t usually in direct lines of sight. Now, we’re seeing an influx of piercings around the center of the face, often dubbed the triangle of death.

The next generation of celebrities are embracing piercings that are front and center. Dropping subtly in the height of a style renaissance, they’re making sure you don’t miss their pieces, whether they’re real or fake. Piercings in the center of the face, as opposed to those that are off the side like eyebrow or lip rings, are quickly becoming the trendiest style.

This piercing trend didn’t start out of nowhere. Love Island‘s Serena had rocked a septum piercing for quite some time. Late last year, KATSEYE’s Manon brought back her pre-debut era septum piercing. (Her group mate Megan also sported a faux bridge for their Wango Tango performance.) A couple months later, Shiloh Jolie also got a labret piercing on the center of her bottom lip. Odessa A’Zion, in her rise to fame as the breakout star from the Marty Supreme movie, has been giving her septum piercing the red carpet treatment. Kicking off 2026, North West used adhesive studs to mimic a number of piercings, including a bridge. Alysa Liu is bringing her smiley piercing to the 2026 Winter Olympics.

As we see a shift from softer, minimalistic styles in beauty and fashion to embrace more personality, it only makes sense that one of the most out-there forms of expression, body modifications, keeps up with the trends. “In 2026, piercings aren’t just accessories; they can be a statement about style and identity. People have become much more thoughtful about their piercings; they’re curating looks that feel personal and expressive,” Banter by Piercing Pagoda Senior Director of Brand Marketing Amanda Rather tells Teen Vogue.

The jewelry is anything but basic too. A’Zion’s double rings add dynamic to her look, and Liu’s spiked horseshoe ups the edge. Rather says, “This year is all about confidence through customization. Curated, stacked, and versatile looks that move with them from day to night without missing a beat.”

It might be safe to say we’ll be seeing more of these front and center piercings. But, before you make the commitment, try some faux options first! And if you’re interested in getting a real piercing yourself, be sure to consult and go to an expert!