Body piercing: A growing trend

Everyone attaches great value to something. For some, it’s shoes while others; it could be adventure or even stylish clothes. Other people will seriously argue that nothing beats their deep love for body piercing. There are many reasons for body piercing as there are people. In some African cultures it is mandatory to do some kind of piercing while other people may do it as a trend, or simply because it is fashionable, hence creates some form of satisfaction. It has been evident in the recent decades that famous musicians and actors, as well as actresses, do some kind of piercing that has seemed so attractive, especially to the young generation that love their movies or music. Although piercing cannot change who we really are, it doesn’t change the fact that it makes people feel trendy, with the idea that it adds beauty or status to someone. Since time immemorial, piercing has been practiced all over the world, and it is done by both men and women on various parts of the body. It could be the ears, nose, tongue or any other part of the body. Jean Claude Nsabimana, a shop owner selling earrings in Remera, says ear piercing is very nice, adding that it makes one look more beautiful than they already are. “I have been in this business for some time and I like to see the difference a pair of earrings brings to one’s look. It is nice for women but I don’t agree with the idea of a man with earrings,” he says. Nsabimana’s opinion is that men who do any kind of body piercing may easily pass off as women. Aline Umuhoza, a student, adds that ear piercing is trendy and she loves the idea of changing earrings to suit an outfit of the day. Piercing is done at hospitals, in jewellery shops or by individuals using small pins. In hospitals and jewellery shops, it is done using piercing tools known as “pistols”. Beauticians advise that, it is important to practice piercing in renowned jewellery shops or in hospitals to avoid complications that people normally get if they pierce without any professional assistance; for example those that do it at home without proper tools. While majority of people do ear piercing, there are a good number of people that prefer and practice multiple piercing. This is a case where one gets pierced twice, thrice or more times on various body parts. Daniella Mutesi, a model in Youth Challenge and Entertainment Group (YCEG) says any type of body piercing is not good because it gives a bad impression to people, thus creating an unnecessary shady reputation. Vincent Kazubwenge, also a model, is not of that thinking and says that multiple piercing is a form of creativity. He says people should not be judged by what their bodies look like. Kazubwenge’s argument is based on the fact that multiple piercing may not be common in Rwanda but will eventually come as a trend someday. A quick look at the various beauty shops in Kigali showed that the price of piercing is not specific because it depends on who does the piercing. It is said that if it is done at home, by a friend of course, it is cheaper than when done in jewellery shops. The range is generally between Rwf20,000 and Rwf55,000 depending on the cost of the earrings. Aline Numwiza says it depends on the quality of the earrings. Golden earrings are more expensive than silver. Measurements are done in grams so the more grams, the higher the price; and the same applies to quality. Healing time Beauticians say that it takes about two to three weeks to heal but some people take longer to heal depending on their body reaction. According to a beautician at Tuba Bijouterie in town who asked anonymity, some people take long to heal because they are allergic to the type of earrings used during piercing. He advises that people should always go for only the type of jewellery that their bodies respond well to. Whether the practice of piercing is trendy or not, the choice totally lies in the hands of every individual. In some cultures, body piercing is an act of their heritage, others, for example, Pacific Island cultures, the practice is common for body modification and this includes tattooing and general piercings. Some celebrities with pierced bodies include; Miley Cyrus, Chris Brown, Pink and, Rwanda’s Miss Jojo and Knowless Butera. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

Lifestyle

Body piercing: A growing trend