This year, social media has blessed us with a lot of hairstyle inspiration. From ’90s-inspired tendril braids to TikTok’s DIY ponytail shag haircut, we’ve definitely learned a new thing or two when it comes to styling our hair. Recently, another beauty trend has emerged on Instagram that has us both shocked and intrigued: belly button rings as hair accessories.
Miami-based model Stacey Louidor says she started the trend, and she tells Allure she came up with the idea while self-isolating during the pandemic in 2020. She says adding accessories such as hoops and other types of jewelry to hair has been something that people have been doing for a while, but she “[took it] a step further by putting body jewelry into the hair instead.”
If you’re not sure as to how belly button rings can stay fastened to your hair, Louidor says that hair structure is key to keeping them in all day. “I chose braids because they are sturdy and the jewelry would not easily slip out of them,” she explains. “I individually screwed each labret, barbell, and ring in, securing the ends.” Before adding in any belly button rings, she recommends making “twists, braids, or bubble hair as a [solid] base” first.
Model La’Shaunae Steward has also been embracing the burgeoning trend. Steward shares with Allure that she was inspired by her old piercings, Louidor’s belly button ring looks, and her most recent navel piercing when deciding to give it a try.
Louidor and Steward both agree that belly button rings can be worn whenever and wherever. “If you want to attract attention or just give a look some edge, they are the perfect accessory,” Louidor explains. Meanwhile, Steward says she always has an alternative look, making this hairstyle on-brand for any event where she’s concerned. “I go to grocery stores and treat it as a runway because I live in the South and there isn’t anyone here that looks like me so I find it exciting and funny,” she adds.
Looking to give belly button rings a try? Just, uh, make sure they’re sanitized before styling, of course. We can’t wait to see where this trend goes the rest of this summer and beyond.
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