Not Every Piercing Looks How You Want
Piercings have become a popular way for men to show off their personal style, and while there’s nothing wrong with shelling out some money for new studs, not every option garners the attention you think it does—especially from the average woman. Here are 20 piercings that some men love wearing, even though plenty of women would rather see them without.
1. Oversized Septum Rings
A small septum ring can be surprisingly subtle, but we’re not talking about the little ones that are easy to miss. No, some men prefer enormous horseshoe-shaped jewelry that hangs below their nose. The larger designs dominate their appearance, and for women who prefer understated accessories, they’ll likely pay more attention to the jewelry than the guy’s actual features.
2. Industrial Ear Barbells
Industrial piercings connect two holes in the upper ear with one long barbell, and it leaves you with a distinctly alternative appearance. It’s cool, we won’t lie, but that doesn’t mean it’s every woman’s cup of tea. It can also complicate something as simple as cuddling when an ear presses against someone's head!
3. Double Eyebrow Piercings
One eyebrow piercing already makes a statement. Two takes things further. Even so, some guys choose two black curved barbells near the outer edge of their brow, and unfortunately, women who prefer a cleaner appearance may think the extra hardware distracts from otherwise striking eyes.
4. Stretched Earlobes
Spacers allow men to wear everything from wooden plugs to large silicone tunnels, and the available designs are practically endless. That gives men a lot of options, but the appearance changes once the openings are large enough to see through. Some women aren't exactly enthusiastic about the stretched skin, and it can freak them out even more when you remove the earring altogether.
5. Bridge Piercings
These are positioned horizontally across the upper nose between the eyes, and at the end of the day, this piercing is impossible to miss. Men sometimes even choose a metallic barbell with two prominent balls to emphasize its placement. For women who enjoy making eye contact, though, having such noticeable jewelry is just plain distracting.
6. Tongue Barbells
There’s no getting around a tongue piercing, and it’s even more obvious when he’s got a barbell in his mouth! Though some women swoon over the alternative look, for others, seeing a metal ball appear every time someone laughs or speaks isn't especially appealing.
7. Snake Bite Piercings
Two matching studs placed on opposite sides of the lower lip create the recognizable snake bite look. It’s a punk option, and some women love that—but not every one. Quite a few women consider it excessive for everyday wear.
8. Cheek Piercings
Cheek piercings are positioned where natural dimples might appear, and it’s the kind of bold, distinctive choice some men hope for. What about the ladies, though? The majority of women love seeing a man’s natural dimples!
9. Vertical Labret Piercings
Unlike an ordinary labret, a vertical labret passes through the lower lip, leaving visible hardware at both its upper and lower edges. The curved barbell creates a striking appearance, especially when fitted with bright tips, but some women aren't enthusiastic about jewelry sitting directly on a man's lip. They’re even less enthused when it’s time for a kiss goodnight.
10. Oversized Nostril Hoops
A simple nostril stud is perfectly fine on its own, but again, we’re not talking about the subtle stuff! We’re talking about thick hoops that extend well beyond the nostril. Large black rings are especially noticeable, too, and rather than enhancing someone's features, the oversized accessory can become the only thing some women notice.
11. Anti-Eyebrow Piercings
Make no mistake—this isn’t as subtle as its name sounds! Anti-eyebrow piercings sit beneath the outer corner of the eye, usually along the upper cheekbone. Men usually prefer its futuristic appearance, whereas women who prefer conventional jewelry find the location unsettling.
12. Multiple Helix Rings
A single ring near the top of the ear? That’s relatively understated. Stacking four or five hoops creates a very different impression. Some men even love filling the entire outer cartilage with matching black or silver jewelry, leaving others to feel the ear looks overcrowded.
13. Medusa Piercings
Placed in the center of the upper lip's groove, a Medusa piercing attracts attention whenever a guy speaks or smiles. The effect is certainly there, but for some women, they might just get distracted every time you have dinner together.
14. Lip Rings With Large Spikes
Ordinary lip rings aren't necessarily controversial, but replacing traditional jewelry with pointed spikes flips the entire aesthetic on its head. Men sometimes wear cone-shaped ends on labret jewelry, too—it gives off a more aggressive appearance. That being said, the sharp-looking accessories might make women reluctant to get close.
15. Surface Piercings on the Neck
Surface piercings placed along the back of the neck? They’re an interesting choice, but uniqueness doesn’t always appeal to women accustomed to the simple stuff! Some may even question the appeal of jewelry in such a high-traffic area.
16. Smiley Piercings
A smiley piercing passes through the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums, and it shines in your face whenever someone smiles widely (hence the name). Men usually choose tiny horseshoe rings because they’re easier to wear, but even that doesn’t help with some of the ladies. An unexpected glimpse of metal above someone's front teeth isn't always the charming detail some imagine.
17. Dahlia Piercings
This one sits at both corners of the mouth, producing a highly distinctive look. The matching studs can also emphasize a man's smile…even if they also draw attention to an area that's constantly moving. For women who already find lip jewelry unappealing, having two additional studs at the mouth's corners may be too much.
18. Dangling Cross Earrings
Some men embrace a single dangling cross earring. How could he not? They’re one of the best ways to show off vintage rock-inspired fashion! However, long chains or oversized crosses can extend several inches below the earlobe—women who prefer simple studs consider the dangling stuff unnecessary.
19. Dermal Studs
Chest dermals are single-point piercings that allow decorative tops to sit against the skin without a conventional visible exit hole. They’re usually shiny studs arranged across the upper chest, which sounds simple enough until women get a good look. For some, those same decorations can feel uncomfortable during close contact, which isn't exactly ideal for romance.
Adam Hammer from Saint Cloud, Minn., USA on Wikimedia
20. Full Facial Combinations
Sometimes the issue isn't one piercing—it’s the decision to wear nearly every available style. Plenty of guys combine eyebrow barbells, nostril hoops, a septum ring, and multiple lip studs, and although there's nothing wrong with expressing yourself, some women find that an abundance of facial jewelry overwhelms the features.
