Body jewelry used to be the ultimate Hollywood "secret." You’d see a flash of silver on a red carpet or a strategic silhouette in a paparazzi shot, and suddenly the internet would melt down trying to figure out if it was real or just a very clever bit of styling. But honestly? In 2026, the mystery has mostly evaporated. From Kendall Jenner’s "rebellious phase" confession to Rihanna’s decade-long commitment to her right-side barbell, stars with nipple piercings have turned what was once a counter-culture staple into a high-fashion accessory.
It’s not just about the shock value anymore. It's about autonomy. When you see someone like Florence Pugh or Bella Hadid intentionally wearing sheer fabrics that highlight their piercings, they aren't just "showing off." They’re making a point about who owns their image.
The Kendall Jenner effect: When rebellion goes mainstream
Kendall Jenner is arguably the one who blew the door wide open for the current generation. Back in 2015, she basically broke the celebrity news cycle when she admitted to Page Six that she’d gone under the needle.
"I was going through a period in my life, having a rough time, being a rebel and was like 'Let’s just do it,'" she said.
She was 19. She was terrified. She described herself lying on the bed thinking, Why am I doing this? But after the initial sting, she realized it wasn't as bad as the hype. Since then, her piercings have been visible in everything from Victoria's Secret runways to high-end editorials. It changed the vibe. Suddenly, having a nipple piercing wasn't "punk" or "alt"—it was "supermodel chic."
Rihanna: The undisputed queen of body hardware
If Kendall made it trendy, Rihanna made it iconic. She’s been rocking hers since at least 2012. Unlike some stars who go through a phase and then let the holes close up, RiRi has kept her right nipple piercing as a permanent part of her aesthetic.
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Think back to her 2014 Liu magazine cover. Or that sheer, sparkly Adam Selman dress at the CFDA Awards. She doesn't hide it. She treats it like a necklace or an earring. It’s part of the jewelry "stack."
Rihanna’s approach is a bit different because it feels less like a statement and more like a lifestyle. She’s often spotted in Miami or NYC wearing sheer tops where the barbell is clearly visible, and she just... doesn't care. It’s that "IDGAF" energy that actually helped destigmatize the look for everyone else.
The 2026 runway: Piercings as part of the clothes
We’ve moved past the point of just "having" the piercing. Now, designers are building the clothes around them.
During the Spring/Summer 2026 shows in Paris, Mugler took things to a literal extreme. They debuted a dress that was actually held up by the model's nipple piercings. It was wild. The fabric hung from the jewelry itself, blurring the line between the body and the garment.
Other notable stars who’ve joined the club:
- Bella Hadid: Revealed hers in a 2016 Paper Magazine shoot. She’s been a huge proponent of the "free the nipple" movement ever since.
- Florence Pugh: While she hasn't explicitly confirmed a permanent piercing in every interview, her choice to wear sheer Valentino gowns has sparked a massive conversation about body shaming. She famously told critics to "grow up" and respect bodies of all shapes.
- Kim Kardashian: Recently spotted in Beverly Hills (May 2025) wearing a tight black tee that strongly suggested she’d joined her sisters in the pierced-nipple club, though some fans theorize it might be a new Skims "nipple bra" illusion.
What it’s actually like (The non-glamorous part)
Look, it’s not all red carpets and flashbulbs. If you're thinking about following the lead of these celebs, there are some harsh realities you need to know.
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First, the healing time is a nightmare. Unlike an earlobe that heals in six weeks, a nipple piercing can take six months to a full year to totally stabilize. You’re looking at a year of being careful with seatbelts, loofahs (the ultimate enemy), and even hugs.
Also, the pain isn't just a myth. While Kendall Jenner said it "wasn't as bad as I expected," most professional piercers will tell you it’s a sharp, intense 7/10 or 8/10 on the pain scale for most people. It's a lot of nerves in a very small area.
Health and safety: The "expert" stuff you need to know
If you’re going to do it, don’t go to a "cheap" place. Celebrities go to world-class studios like Mantra Tattoo or famous piercers like Brian Keith Thompson at Body Electric in LA.
Materials matter
Don’t let anyone put "surgical steel" in your body as a starter. You want Implant Grade Titanium (ASTM F-136) or 14k/18k gold. Steel often contains nickel, which is the #1 cause of those itchy, crusty allergic reactions that people mistake for infections.
The "No-Go" list
- Don't use piercing guns. Ever. They can’t be sterilized and they cause blunt force trauma.
- Stop touching it. Your hands are gross. Even if you just washed them, leave the jewelry alone.
- No pools or hot tubs. Not for at least 2-3 months. Chlorine and bacteria are a recipe for an abscess.
Why the trend won't die
People keep asking if nipple piercings are "out." They aren't. If anything, they've become a staple of the "maximalist" jewelry trend we're seeing in 2025 and 2026.
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It’s shifted from being a "secret" to being a public declaration of body confidence. When Florence Pugh clapped back at trolls by saying, "I’m not scared of my breasts... why are you?" it solidified the piercing as a tool for body positivity. It’s a way to reclaim a part of the body that society often hyper-sexualizes or tries to hide.
Your next steps if you're inspired
If you're looking at Rihanna or Bella and thinking, Yeah, I want that, here is your checklist:
- Find an APP member: Go to the Association of Professional Piercers website and find a studio near you that follows the highest safety standards.
- Check your wardrobe: You’ll need soft, cotton sports bras or loose shirts for the first few months. Anything lace or mesh will snag and it will hurt like crazy.
- Budget for jewelry: Good titanium barbells aren't cheap. Expect to pay $100-$200 for the piercing and the high-quality jewelry.
Ultimately, the trend of stars with nipple piercings has proven that body modification doesn't have to be "edgy" to be impactful. It can be elegant, it can be political, or it can just be because you like the way it looks in the mirror. Just remember: it’s a commitment, not just a photo op.
Actionable Insight: Before booking an appointment, buy a bottle of sterile saline spray (like NeilMed). It’s the only thing you should be using to clean a new piercing—no soaps, no alcohol, and definitely no hydrogen peroxide. If a piercer tells you to "rotate the jewelry," leave immediately. That’s outdated advice that causes scarring. Let the saline do the work.