Bagel Heads: A Strange New Body Modification Trend in Japan

When my friend Elyse saw this “bagelheads” photo posted on my Facebook wall she commented, “You know, I always think I’m open-minded, but then I read random crap like that and realize that I have limits…” Elyse, I kinda agree! I have loads of friends with different body modifications (or body mods) and believe me, I don’t have a problem with it at all. Even I have a few tattoos (which I’ve blogged about here on MethodShop) and occasionally contemplate getting my nose or navel pierced. However, although I am open-minded and generally speaking like body mod, I find this new trend making waves in Japan a little mind-boggling. Oh, Japan. Sometimes you can be so weird.

What Is The Bagelheads Bod Mod?

Bagelheading is a temporary body modification trend that involves adding fluid under the skin. A saline solution is injected into the customer usually by a professional piercer or tattoo artist. The injection then causes extreme inflammation and swelling in that area. Popular body locations for the injections include foreheads and arms. Many people will then press into the center of the inflamed area and creating a “bagel” shape, thus the term bagelheads.

How Long Does It Last?

Luckily these saline-based body mods aren’t permanent. The bagel head bumps only last for about 24 hours. The harmless saline solution is eventually absorbed back into your body.

Is Being A “Bagel Head” Worth It?

Why inject your forehead with saline solution to make different shapes like donuts or bagels? Especially when it requires two hours of suffering and patience for just 1 day worth of results. Maybe it is just a rebellious thing to freak people out? Who knows? As long as it doesn’t hurt anyone I won’t complain too much. However, I personally like my bagels toasted with cream cheese. And I’d rather have them go in my stomach, not in my forehead like these Japanese kids!

NERD NOTE: Although popular in Japan, the bagel head body modification has its origins in Canada. It was originally conceived by Montreal-based photographer Jerome Abramovitch. Abramovitch first showcased the technique at a Modcon convention in 1999. Several years later, Abramovitch’s friend, photojournalist Ryoichi Maeda, then started hosting “bagel head” parties in Japan starting in 2007.