Beyoncé’s Piercer Shared the Best Tips for Asymmetrical Earrings (2024)

For anyone who has an abundance of mismatched earrings, this one's for you: asymmetrical ear piercings are one of our favorite ways to get more mileage out of our jewelry collections — and they're showing up more than ever. Brian Keith Thompson, owner of LA’s Body Electric Tattoo and the man behind Beyoncé's ear art, recently talked us through the upsurge in piercings that veer away from the symmetrical.

“It's more exciting,” he says of the technique (but makes it a point to note that this doesn’t mean he thinks traditional styles are boring in comparison). "It gives the person wearing it two different looks, so that different sides of the head can look completely unique.” Celebs like FKA Twigs and Jennifer Lawrence have already hopped on board — and you've likely seen asymmetric masterpieces all over your feeds.

There are no rules on how to create your very own mismatched ear party, but there are ways to ensure that the final result is something you'll be happy with. Read on as Brian breaks down the basics of how to master the technique.

Start slow.

If diving into the deep end of asymmetry feels like too much too soon, Brian suggests slowly working your way up to a full-on ear party. “A lot of people still stay very symmetrical on the first holes, and then they start decorating,” he says. "I always try to tell to my clients to go slow — no more than three piercings at a time.” Be sure to keep in mind that piercings (and their subsequent recovery) can also be painful, so it may be in your best interest to do one side at a time (so that you have a free ear to sleep on for the 6 months that you’re recovering).

Don't have a set plan.