Did you know May 16th is National Piercings Day? It’s the perfect excuse to celebrate the incredible ways people express themselves through body art. While ear piercings are super common, some of our favorite Black celebrities are taking body bling to a whole new level, rocking unique piercings in the most unexpected places. Let’s dive into some of the wildest and most daring body art choices!
More Than Just Fashion: The Power of Piercings
Piercings are fascinating because they can mean so many different things. For some, it’s a bold fashion statement, a way to accessorize and stand out. For others, it might be tied to cultural traditions or personal beliefs. And sometimes, it’s simply about the thrill of self-expression and embracing your individuality. Whatever the reason, piercings are a powerful form of personal art.
Since 2007, National Piercings Day has given us a chance to appreciate this art form. While nostril and belly button piercings are increasingly popular, some stars are pushing the boundaries even further. Get ready to be amazed by these 14 Black celebrities who’ve placed their piercings in spots that might just leave you speechless!
Rihanna: Setting Trends with Nipple Bling
When Rihanna debuted a single nipple piercing back in 2012, it was a major moment. It perfectly fit her edgy, trendsetting ‘bad gal’ persona. This wasn’t her only daring body art; she also got a large Goddess Isis tattoo and henna-inspired hand tattoos that same year, showing her commitment to personal expression.
Janet Jackson: A Super Bowl Revelation
Long before Rihanna made headlines, Janet Jackson was rocking a nipple piercing. The world got a glimpse during the infamous 2004 Super Bowl halftime show when a wardrobe malfunction revealed a large, sun-shaped ring on her breast. She’d also graced the cover of VIBE magazine in 1997 with a hoop piercing visible through her top.
Lenny Kravitz: The Unforgettable Wardrobe Malfunction
Rockstar Lenny Kravitz is no stranger to piercings, including his nipples, ears, and nose. In 2015, a stage mishap in Sweden led to his pants splitting, revealing more than he intended – including a piercing. While many assumed it was a penis piercing, it was actually a pubic piercing, strategically placed and rumored to enhance intimacy.
Blac Chyna: Creating Her Own Dimples
Remember Blac Chyna’s signature dimples? In the early 2010s, she opted for dimple piercings, a look that was quite novel at the time. Although she removed them a few years later, the piercings actually left her with natural-looking dimples even after the holes closed up – a surprising and permanent bonus!
Kali Reis: Fierce and Pierced
Professional boxer and actress Kali Reis sports cheek piercings she got back in 2009. Remarkably, she kept them in during her boxing matches and even for many of her acting roles. For her role in ‘Mercy,’ it seems special effects were used to conceal them, highlighting her dedication to her craft.
Cardi B: A Dazzling Array of Body Art
Cardi B is known for her love of unique piercings. In 2025 alone, she got a $13,000 butt crack piercing (though the diamond sadly ended up in the toilet!). Later that year, she added dermal implants on her back and a surface piercing on her neck. She also has existing dermal piercings on her chest and near her eye.
Playboi Carti: Body as a Canvas
Playboi Carti treats his body like a work of art, experimenting with hair color, contacts, and of course, piercings. In 2022, he adorned his forehead and the bridge of his nose with piercings, later adding more to his nostrils and cheekbones. His adventurous approach to style is truly captivating.
Lizzo: Blinging Out More Than Just Ears
Lizzo is a fan of piercings, and in 2022, she revealed a surprising detail: she also got her ‘kitty kat’ pierced! While a video of her team’s piercing party only showed ear piercings, Lizzo confirmed to TMZ that she’d also adorned her intimate areas with jewelry. Talk about confidence!
Lil Uzi Vert: The $24 Million Diamond Forehead Piercing
Lil Uzi Vert is famous for thinking outside the box, and their forehead piercing is a prime example. In 2021, they debuted a $24 million pink diamond embedded in their forehead. Although it was accidentally ripped out during a crowd-surfing incident at Rolling Loud, Uzi plans to reinsert it with added anchors for security.
Simone Biles: A Fleeting Sternum Sparkle
Gymnastics legend Simone Biles got a sternum piercing in February 2020. Sadly, she only enjoyed it for a few months before fans noticed it was gone. When asked about it, Biles confirmed it had been removed, stating she was planning to take it out anyway. A small dark dot was visible where the jewelry once was.
Tyrese Gibson: A ’90s Labret Flashback
Throwing it back to the late ’90s, Tyrese Gibson sported a labret piercing just below his bottom lip. Unlike a traditional lip piercing, this one didn’t go through the lip itself. He removed it in the early 2000s, but it remains a memorable part of his early style evolution.
Cynthia Erivo: Striking Septum Style
While Cynthia Erivo has countless ear piercings, her septum piercing really stands out. Paired with her chic short haircut and striking features, the dazzling nose ring perfectly accentuates her beauty and commands attention.
Keke Palmer: A Face Full of Bling
Keke Palmer has embraced facial piercings, sporting multiple nostril piercings, an eyebrow piercing, and even a lip frenulum piercing (also known as a smiley piercing). Her bold choices showcase her vibrant personality and fearless approach to style.
Willow Smith: Edgy and Experimental
Willow Smith is another star who loves to experiment with piercings. She rocks a septum piercing, both nostrils, an eyebrow piercing, a smiley piercing, and a vertical labret piercing that goes through the bottom lip – a more intense version than Tyrese’s labret.
Which of these celebrity piercings surprised you the most? Share your thoughts on unique body art in the comments below!
