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How the 'curated ear' overtook tattoos as the fashion world's favourite rebellious statement

Image: Instagram

Tattoos have long been associated with pop cultures biggest badasses, with  Cara Delevingne's finger,  Rihanna's hand,  Ariana Grande's neck and Bella Hadid's ankle photographed almost as much as their faces.

And while they're by no means 'out' of fashion (those of you adorned with them will be pleased to hear, considering they're, you know, permanent), tattoos have been replaced by a slightly less daunting needle-induced stamp as the fashion world's favourite rebellious statement.

Known as the 'curated ear', it's  ear piercing x1000. It's an art form that consists of multiple piercings all over the ear in different formations unique to each person. Also - and crucially - unique to each ear. You never 'curate' your right ear to be identical to your left. Never. That'd be like getting an exact replica tattoo on the opposite of your body. Symmetry is a big fat 'no' when it comes to such statements.

But 'how' to curate your ear? There are no rules, as such, but there are general trends and groupings that are proving particularly popular. Here are the 7 styles that GLAMOUR UK are into...

1. THE GRADIENT

This style just sees piercings up the entire edge of the ear with even spacing, which sounds intense but in fact suits a simpler, more elegant aesthetic than some of the punchier, more directional combinations. Opt for single studs for every day, or a huggie hoop in each with your hair swept back for a fancier occasion.

Image: Instagram

If you're not keen on the idea of getting your cartilage pierced, why not get a cluster in the lobe? This looks especially chic with charmed hoops such as these, as the embellishments hang so close to one another and pack a real punch.

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Some Saturday earspiration ✨ Need some more? Go find your perfect earparty at www.elinerosina.com/earspiration 🤩 #elinerosina #jewelry #earparty #earspiration #earcandy #eargame

A post shared by Eline Rosina Jewelry(@elinerosinajewelry) on Aug 17, 2019 at 5:12am PDT

3. THE SPORADIC HOOPS

One for those of you who favour a minimal aesthetic with statement pieces (such as a bold shoe or bag), the sporadic hoops require fewer piercings but placed strategically around the ear, with unexpected areas.

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@Maria_Tash piercing is available now in New York, London, Rome, Dublin, and Dubai. Our expert stylists and piercers are ready to guide you through the creation of your #CuratedEar style using fine Maria Tash jewelry! Make an appointment through the link in our profile. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Where to find us:⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 🇺🇸 New York: #653Broadway⁣⁣ 🇬🇧 London: @LibertyLondon & @Harrods⁣⁣ 🇮🇹 Rome: @Rinascente⁣ #ViaDelTritone 🧜‍♂️ ⁣ 🇮🇪 Dublin: 2ⁿᵈ Floor on Grafton St. @OfficalBrownThomas⁣⁣ 🇦🇪 Dubai: 1ˢᵗ Floor Fashion Ave @theDubaiMall⁣⁣ ⁣ 💍 #MariaTash #Piercing #Piercings #tragus #conchpiercing⁣

A post shared by Maria Tash(@maria_tash) on Jul 9, 2019 at 4:18pm PDT

4. THE DECEPTIVE BLEND

If you're really not into needles and want to 'curate' your ear with as little piercing as possible, then opt for bigger pieces of jewellery to give the impression of a busier surface. It's particularly effective with multiple stones aside one another, as they could easily be mistaken for multiple piercings.

Image: Instagram

DERSTATED SET

Relatively self-explanatory, this style is for those who prefer to make less of a statement - or, rather, a subtler one. Best saved for those who prefer a stud to a hoop or a huggie, this look works well if you keep the metal consistent (gold or silver, not mixed) but alternate pieces with and without stones.

Image: Instagram

Perfect for those keen to experiment and not yet willing to commit, the cuff is a great addition to ears with just a couple of lobe piercings and adds a certain edge to simpler curations. It snatches in the edge of the ear (which is supple enough that it remains comfortable) and gives you a taste of what it'd be like to have a more heavily-pierced ear.

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💖 We always enjoy seeing the individual journey to create a unique #CuratedEar 👂✨. Had the pleasure of crowning this Adamaris’s ear style using our Golden Engraved Crown, playing with the movement of our two Tiny Golden ringer that sits in her second and third lobe. Then, at the bottom sits our Personality Ear Hole. They all reside under the intricate bazel setting of Diamond Crown #piercing. 💍

A post shared by Adamaris Sultana Jewelry(@shopadamarissultana) on Aug 26, 2019 at 7:35pm PDT

7. THE ECLECTIC MIX

Another self-explanatory style, this look is for those whose endless creativity knows no bounds. Again, perhaps it's better to keep your metals consistent throughout the curation, but as for piercings - you do you, honey. Five in the lobe, a few in the rook/helix/conch and perhaps another couple in the tragus? Why the hell not.

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No Sunday without a proper #eargame

A post shared by POUR TOI JEWELRY(@pourtoijewelry) on Aug 18, 2019 at 1:11am PDT

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