Piercings of the nose, navel, tongue, nipple and belly button are trending fashion statements that have attracted comments from the public in recent times.

The body art, especially among women young adults, whose decision to follow the trend is often not shared, is widely believed among them to improve beauty, making them attractive to admirers.

Although young adults believe that body piercing is highly acceptable among their peers; critics note that such body art might not be popular for some certain reasons, including the potential health risks of the art and integrity of the wearers.

Critics also admit that the seeming unpopularity among the skeptics of piercings notwithstanding, the concept has, of course, made an impact in fashion trend as every other youngster wishes to belong to the trend, wearing nose pins and stunning earrings.

But amid the belief of the popularity of the wearers of body piercings, there are some misconceptions bordering on health concerns such as infections, allergy, bleeding and damage to nerves, medical personnel observe.

According to them, before taking a decision to pierce the body or face, there ought to be after-care instructions to avoid complications arising from piercing guns and other instruments used in the art.

They warn against uninformed cheek piercings, private parts modification and general body piercings without medical expert’s supervision, observing that body modifications could be permanent, especially piercings.

But concerned fashion lovers have asked for the reasons why people follow the trending body piercings in recent times.

Agu Chibuike, the owner of Exclusive Beauty shop in Terminus, Jos, believes that the youth want body piercing to enhance appearance and beauty.

“I think it’s all about looking beautiful and when something is trending, everybody follows and some youths pierce bodies to create such surprise and fun.

“As a beautician, I recommend whatever makes people look good and will promote such anytime”.

“The affordability of some trending fashion is what makes it easier for the majority of people to follow suit.

“I think it’s because it is affordable, piercing of nose, ears are very affordable — from N1, 000 to N1, 500 — but piercing of navel and other sensitive areas can be more expensive’’ — he explains.