People Are Scrambling For Fashion Week Piercings

Body piercings are one of the coolest ways to express individuality, and they're growing even more unique. Nothing expresses personality like fashion, and it turns out the two may be connected. Apparently, pre-Fashion Week piercings are happening all over New York right now, because it's important to be healed in time for the paparazzi to take pictures.

New York-based piercing artist J. Colby Smith told WWD that his business increases by around 40 percent directly before Fashion Week, and his clients are editors and designers who want their piercings to heal before the shows start. While he normally only pierces three or four days a week, he works round the clock in the weeks leading up to Fashion Week.

Piercings are increasing in popularity, and celebrities are getting in on the pre-Fashion Week trend as well. Chrissy Teigen got another ear piercing on Aug. 26 and posted the evidence on Instagram. Kylie Jenner debuted a new piercing on Tuesday, also on Instagram. I'm going to make a bet they're not the only celebs who are getting in on the pre-Fashion Week jewelry trend.

Whether you're looking for a unique cartilage piercing or want something a little more subtle that you can hide when you feel like it, piercings are a major commitment. Make sure you know the things your piercer wishes you knew before coming in for an appointment, as well as these four major pre-piercing tips.

1. Don't go if you have an infection or wound

Although your risk of infection is low if you go to a reputable piercer who uses sterile equipment, it's best not to risk it. If you have an infection (or are even feeling under the weather), put off your piercing until you're feeling 100 percent, according to a WebMD article.

2. You should probably go by yourself

It may seem like a good idea to bring a group of friends with you to get a new piercing (who else will take your pictures?!), but it's probably not a great idea. Smith told Teen Vogue friends can make clients more nervous. "It's easier for me to connect with my clients and keep their energy under control if they're on their own," he said.

3. You can go for multiple piercings at a time

A piercing is essentially a wound, so it might not make sense to subject your body to a few at a time. However, according to journalist Heina Dadabhoy, who has multiple piercings, it could be your best bet to avoid discomfort. If you pierce multiple places in the same ear at the same time, you avoid messing up your sleep schedule more than once.

4. A piercing can be permanent, even if you take it out

Dermatologist Amy J. Derick told the Huffington Post this is one of the most common mistakes people make when they go in for a piercing — they consider it a trial run. Even if you plan to take a piercing out in the future, your skin may not be the same. Piercings cause scarring, bumps and depressions that you wouldn't otherwise have.

If Smith's claim about Fashion Week is true, we may see even more celebrities with new piercings in the next week. If you want to jump on the bandwagon, be sure you're informed before booking your appointment.