Every Generation Has Their Own Kind of Beautiful — Here’s What We’re Seeing at Identity Body Piercing

From Baby Boomers reclaiming their edge to Gen Z rewriting the rules entirely — here’s how piercing culture shifts across the decades, and what we’re seeing right now in our Chicago studio.

Baby Boomers born 1946–1964

Quiet Rebellion, Refined

“I’ve earned the right to do whatever I want with my body.”

Boomers are one of the fastest-growing demographics walking through our door — and they mean business. For many, piercing was either culturally forbidden or simply inaccessible in their youth. Now? They’re making up for lost time with a distinctly refined approach. Classic lobe upgrades are most common: replacing the single stud they got at the mall in 1974 with a thoughtfully curated ear. Second and third lobe placements are popular, often worn with elegant yellow gold and rose gold pieces.
Whether you’re 17 or 67, there’s a piercing that’s made for you — and we’re seeing every generation walk through our Chicago door with something different in mind.

Gen X born 1965–1980

The Original Rebels, Revisited

“Piercing isn’t a phase. It’s a lifestyle.”

Gen X pioneered modern piercing culture — they were in the mosh pit, at the tattoo shop, getting their noses and navels done long before it was mainstream. Today they’re either maintaining a bold, maximalist look they’ve curated for decades, or they’re coming back in to refresh and upgrade pieces that have aged. Industrial bars and septum rings remain favorites, but we’re seeing a big shift toward higher-quality materials: implant-grade titanium in anodized colors and solid 14k gold replacing the surgical steel of their youth.

Millennials born 1981–1996

The Curated Ear Era

“It has to look intentional. And it has to be gold.”

Millennials brought us the “curated ear” — the idea that your piercings should work together as a cohesive composition, like a gallery wall for your cartilage. They research extensively, often arriving with Pinterest boards and reference photos, and they are deeply invested in the healing process. Daith piercings had their moment (thanks, migraine myths), but the real staying power has been the constellation ear: a thoughtfully spaced arrangement of helix, flat, conch, and lobe piercings all adorned with delicate, gem-set 14k gold pieces.

Gen Z born 1997–2012

More Is More. Then Add More.

“Rules? What rules?”

Gen Z is unquestionably the most adventurous generation in our studio right now. They come in with a fearlessness that’s genuinely exciting — multiple same-session piercings, placements in unexpected spots, and a total rejection of the idea that there’s a “normal” way to be pierced. Surface anchors, high nostrils, septums stretched alongside fresh lobes, bridge piercings, cheek piercings — nothing is off the table. Aesthetically, they’re split between two poles: hyper-minimalist implant-grade titanium, or maximalist chaos with mismatched metals, chunky rings, and vintage-inspired charms. Both are a flex.

Gen Alpha born 2013–present

Growing Up Pierced

“My mom and I got our helix done together.”

The oldest Gen Alpha clients are just entering our studio now — typically 13–16 with a parent in tow — and the energy is different from any previous generation. For them, piercing isn’t counterculture; it’s just culture. They’ve grown up watching piercing content on social media their whole lives and often know more about anatomy-based placement and aftercare than clients twice their age. Lobe stacks are the entry point, but many are immediately asking about cartilage. The aesthetic? Soft, playful, and colorful — pastel anodized titanium, floral and celestial charms, and pieces that feel joyful rather than edgy.

One Thing Every Generation Agrees On

Across every age group, the one thing we hear consistently is: I wish I’d done this sooner. Whether you’re 17 or 67, there’s no wrong time to start — and no rulebook that says your piercings have to look a certain way. At Identity Body Piercing in Chicago, we work with every body, every aesthetic, and every generation. Our job is to help you find what feels most like you.

 Come see us in our two Chicago locations — we’d love to be part of your story.

Baby Boomers are making up for lost time with refined lobe upgrades, helix piercings, and solid yellow gold or rose gold jewelry. Classic, intentional, and stunning.

Gen X — the original rebels — are back to upgrade from surgical steel to implant-grade titanium and 14k gold. Septums, industrials, and nostril piercings remain their signatures.

Millennials invented the curated ear. They arrive with Pinterest boards and leave with constellation arrangements of flat-back gold labrets, opals, and CZ clusters across their helix, conch, and forward helix.

Gen Z makes the rules — then breaks them. High nostrils, bridge piercings, surface anchors, orbitals. Their aesthetic swings between clean titanium minimalism and maximalist mixed-metal chaos. Both are a flex.

Gen Alpha is just arriving, and they already know more about aftercare than most adults. Lobe stacks and helix piercings in pastel titanium with floral charms — joyful and fearless from day one.

No matter your age, aesthetic, or starting point we’re here for it!

Book your appointment today. Walk-ins welcome daily from 12pm – 8pm

📍 Roscoe Village 2256 W Belmont Ave Chicago, IL, 60618

📍 Wicker Park 1514 N Ashland Ave Chicago, IL, 60622