North West is going all-in on hand piercings, and the internet is watching. The 12-year-old daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West shared a striking new photo on her Instagram Stories on Thursday, February 5, showcasing more than a dozen piercings across her hands and fingers.
At least three adorn her fingers, with additional studs and spikes decorating her hands and wrists. It’s unclear which of the piercings are real, but fans have been debating their authenticity since North was first spotted with a finger piercing last September while the family was vacationing in Rome.
© NorthWest/IGThat original piercing, a dermal or single-point piercing, which lies flat against the skin and lacks a separate entry and exit point, sparked immediate backlash, with critics claiming it was too painful and risky for a pre-teen.
© NorthWest/IGDespite the scrutiny, North has embraced the trend, later adding a second finger piercing, a bridge piercing, and more piercings on both hands.
She even celebrated the look in a song collaboration with her father, Kanye West, titled “Piercing on My Hand (Ye’s Version),” rapping, “Piercing on my hand, the other holding bands” and “I’m not sure I’m crazy / I want more piercings and tats / I love blue hair put it in some plaits.”
© NorthWest/IGKim Kardashian defends her daughter:
Kim Kardashian has consistently addressed the criticism of her daughter’s body modifications, emphasizing North’s creative spirit and confidence. Speaking on 'Call Her Daddy.'
Kim reflected. “She has a really unique style. She puts me on to so many brands, like she just loves what she loves. And it’s just really fun to see someone be so creative. And also know herself so much.”
© @northandkimThe mother of four acknowledged the challenges of parenting under public scrutiny, admitting that she makes mistakes in front of the world but asking for a “little bit of grace."
“I'm like, okay, we're never wearing that again. Unfortunately, we made that mistake in front of the whole world. As a mom, you're kind of like learning at the same time.”
© x17/The Grosby GroupWhen North posted photos showing off fake piercings and face tattoos for a Halloween costume as “Opium Powerpuff girls,” the duo responded on TikTok, “This is such a non-issue.”
© Backgrid/The Grosby GroupKim later clarified the situation, explaining that the piercings and tattoos were not real, recounting North’s reaction to online criticism. “I mean, this whole thing about how horrible it is and it's disturbing. And [North] was like, 'I don't get it. It's like a Halloween costume. It's all fake.' So she takes my phone and she writes back to a comment and she goes, 'This is such a non-issue.' And then online, it was like Kim defends North to the end on this look. That's a good clapback.”
North claps back at critics:
North has also made her voice heard. In a December 9 TikTok video on her joint account with Kim, she lip-synced to a viral sound. “Why are you crying? How old are you? Just pull it together.”
© The Grosby GroupShe captioned the clip, “this is for everyone that’s mad over a finger piercing,” showing a mix of defiance and humor.
The tweens’ finger piercings remain a point of debate among fans, some of whom question the safety and practicality of dermal piercings on active, frequently used extremities. Nevertheless, North’s embrace of body modifications (real or faux) continues unabated, cementing her as a confident, outspoken young trendsetter.
