Nail piercings: the trending way to upgrade your manicure

Nail piercings are everywhere – offering a simple, pain-free solution to nail enthusiasts wanting to add some edge to their looks, without having to commit to a body piercing.

The autumn/winter 2025 Fashion Weeks could be to thank for this rise in nail jewellery, with pierced nails seen on the Sinead Gorey London Fashion Week catwalk. Nail artist, Ella Vivii, stunned audiences by creating extravagant keychains for nails, which featured the brand’s name spelled out on letter beads. The pro, who used The GelBottle Inc, attached the keychains to models’ nails for a show-stopping and innovate approach to nail design.

Photo credit: @ellavivii

At SRVC Studio’s London Fashion Week show, lead nail artist, Hayley Evans-Smith, also crafted a pierced design for models. She used Andreia Professional products to create the look designed to ‘make models feel confident and empowered’. “Using piercings in an unexpected manner, especially on delicate nails, added a tough and assertive vibe,” notes Hayley.

Photo courtesy of Hayley Evans-Smith

Brezje Paige

Scratch asked nail piercing pro, Brezje Paige of @brezjenails, why she loves the trend. “Nail piercings add an edge to nail art, turning a simple set into a statement piece,” she says. “Whether it’s chains, rings or spikes, pierced nails showcase individuality and radiate Y2K and punk aesthetics. They incorporate a 3D element that makes nails more than just a colour or design; they become jewellery.”

She continues: “I think they are becoming more popular because people are realising that nails aren’t just an accessory: they’re an extension of personal style. With fashion leaning into edgier, unconventional aesthetics, nail piercings fit right in. Plus, social media loves anything unique and eye-catching!”

Tips for piercing nails

The nail pro offers her top tips for nail piercings:

• “Use an E-file: use a small needle bit to make clean, safe holes.
• Make sure nail jewellery isn’t too heavy: balance is key.
• Seal the edges: apply a small amount of top coat around the hole to prevent cracks.”

The press-on nail artist believes that versatility is the main benefit of nail piercings and comments: “Whether you go minimal with a single hoop or full-on cyberpunk with spikes and chains, clients can customise the look to fit their style.”

To prove the versatility of the trend, we’ve rounded up 14 pierced nail designs to inspire your next accessorised manicure…