Nose piercing has been practiced for centuries, originating from customs in India. Today, it’s still the second most pierced area after ears.
Very popular among young people wanting to express their style, you might be just a step away from getting a stunning ring between your nostrils.
Whether you’re considering a nose, nostril, or septum piercing, this guide has all the tips you need.
Different nose piercings, healing, care, jewelry selection—you’ll know it all after reading this guide. Let’s go!
Nose Piercings
The Different Types of Nose Piercings
The most well-known nose piercing is the nostril piercing. But did you know there are other options? There may not be as many variations as ear piercings, but there are still a few unique types to explore.
The Nostril Piercing
This is the most common nose piercing. Generally, the piercing point is on the curve of the nostril.
You might also see this piercing called a “nostril.”
You can choose to place this piercing on your left or right nostril, based on what looks best for you, though the shape of your nostrils can be a factor. Don’t hesitate to ask your body piercer for advice on the best spot.
The Double Nostril Piercing
If you want something more unique, go for a double nostril piercing—two holes in the nostril for an original look with a combination of unique jewelry.
Like Marion Chameleon, our stunning ambassador, who rocked two rings I recommended, one in white gold and the other in yellow gold. She loved the look! 😍
The Septum Piercing
The septum piercing is located on the wall separating the two nostrils.
Once linked to the grunge and punk scenes, the septum piercing has made a comeback and is now favored by many for its stylish, glamorous, bold, and rebellious vibe.
Many celebrities have embraced it, including Lady Gaga, Jessica Biel, Zoë Kravitz, Alicia Keys, and Amber Rose.
And for those wondering, Rihanna’s septum piercing is actually fake. She hasn’t yet pierced her nose, but let’s admit, the look suits her perfectly!
Different Types of Nose Piercing Jewelry
Nose Ring Piercing
Very trendy, a nose ring on the nostril is highly popular—and it’s easy to see why! It offers a glamorous, bold, and elegant look.
Some nose rings form a full circle and snap closed. They can also be used in other places, like ears.
Others are open with a small ball on one end. These are inserted from the inside of the nostril so the ball rests against the inner wall of the nostril. Here’s an example from our Popart Piercing collection:
Gold Nose Piercing
For the septum, choose a fine, discreet gold ring or a bolder piece like this stunning 18-carat gold ring set with diamonds from the Maria Tash collection. Shine bright and show your personality with style!
The horseshoe piercing (a type of open ring with a ball on each end) is also popular for septum piercings.
Nostril Stud or Nose Stud
The nose stud, also known as a curved bar piercing, is designed for nostril piercings. As the name suggests, it’s a bar that can feature a diamond, zircon, ball, or other designs depending on your taste.
This jewelry also comes with L-shaped bars, but I don’t recommend them as they’re easier to lose compared to curved bars! Easy to put in but easy to lose. 😉
This nostril piercing subtly lights up your face.
Nose Piercing Inspirations
What Size and Material to Choose for Your Nose Piercing?
To speed up healing and avoid complications (allergy, rejection, infection, keloid, etc.), a quality piece of jewelry is crucial.
Recommended jewelry materials include:
- Gold: high quality, hypoallergenic, and elegant.
- Bioplastic: made from renewable plant materials and hypoallergenic.
- Titanium: lightweight and hypoallergenic.
For size, consider your nostril shape and thickness, as well as the look you want (tight or loose ring). Nose rings generally range from 6 to 10 mm.
At Popart Piercing, we offer different sizes to suit your taste and style.
Not sure which size to pick? Measure the distance from the piercing hole to the edge of your nostril. This distance is the internal diameter of the ring you need.
Feel free to reach out to me on Instagram for help finding the perfect jewelry for you.
Nose Piercing Pain: What to Expect?
Yes, you’ll feel something, but nose piercing pain varies from person to person and depends on factors like:
- your pain sensitivity
- the area’s thickness
- cartilage toughness
- stress level
- the piercer
and more.
The procedure is quick. The pain is also brief and manageable. Often, it’s the clamp holding the area that hurts more than the piercing itself, especially for the septum.
A small tear might run down your cheek when pierced, but don’t worry—it’s a natural reflex since the nose connects to the eyes.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for your nose piercing appointment. To stay calm, I’ve made a short video with my best stress-reducing tips:
How Long Does a Nose Piercing Take to Heal?
Piercing healing is always a long process. While nose piercings don’t take the longest, expect 3-4 months for septums and 6-8 months for nostrils.
Healing time can vary based on factors like:
- skin type
- stress
- bumps that slow the process
- pressure during sleep (to be avoided)
- jewelry quality
- consistent care
- genetics.
Don’t overlook this step if you want to heal well and quickly. I’ll share my best tips for promoting nose piercing healing.
Nose Piercing Aftercare and Recommendations
Nose Ring Piercing Care
With 15 years of piercing experience, I’ve honed my nose piercing care tips. Here’s how to care for your nostril or septum piercing like a pro.
Don’t touch your piercing
If there’s one tip to remember, it’s this! The main risk of infection comes from touching the wound. Even if you think your hands are clean, use sterile pads to avoid handling your piercing.
Gentle, Proper Cleaning
Avoid overusing antiseptics, as they can weaken your immunity.
For gentle cleaning, use a sterile pad soaked in saline solution and apply it to the piercing for 3-5 minutes. Do this 2-3 times a week for 15 days.
I recommend Easy Piercing saline by Popart, ideal for nose piercing care.
Use a Natural Healing Ointment
With over 15 years as a Body Piercer, I’ve always recommended Derma Jouveau Ointment for its healing benefits. It’s natural and made from fresh plants.
It’s useful for all skin issues (eczema, psoriasis, acne, chapping, cracking, wounds, burns, mosquito bites, etc.) and made traditionally by hand for seven generations.
Other natural options include tea tree essential oil and manuka or thyme honey.
Other Tips for Caring for Your Nose Piercing
Don’t sleep on it.
Don’t pull off crusts—they’re part of normal healing.
Don’t remove the jewelry before full healing.
Avoid rubbing, bumping, or pressure on the area. If bumped, your piercing could come out: if this happens with a new piercing, disinfect a gold earring, insert it (without the back), and see your piercer to put your jewelry back in.
Be careful when blowing your nose.
Be mindful that a bump on a piercing often appears 2-3 days after an accidental hit and will need treatment. This also applies to nose piercings, so caution is essential.
How to Change My Nose Piercing?
Is your piercing fully healed? Great, you can now change your jewelry. How about a lovely 18K gold ring?
For the first change, I recommend seeing a professional. Nose piercing changes can be tricky if you’re new to it, and a pro’s help can make a big difference.
Here’s a video showing how to change a nose ring:
Nose Piercing Infection: What to Do?
Following all recommendations carefully? Despite this, does your nose piercing feel swollen?
First, don’t panic—it could just be the normal healing process. After piercing, you may feel warmth around the area, followed by discharge for several days. This is normal.
However, if a lump of flesh forms around your piercing, it might be a keloid. Your first step? Visit your body piercer and show them your swollen nose piercing. They’ll know if it’s an infection, a keloid, or a false alarm.
If you do have a keloid on your nose piercing, I’ll explain how to treat it in this guide.
Final Thoughts on Nose Piercing
Nose piercings are trendy for men and women, adding that edgy touch we all love.
It’s also a great way to stand out and express your style.
Even if you do it on a whim, a septum piercing has the advantage of being easily hidden. If you ever want to remove it, the hole is unnoticeable. However, a nostril piercing might leave a slight mark.
But if you make the BIG MISTAKE of piercing with a gun, you risk breaking your nasal cartilage, leaving a much more noticeable mark and higher risk of infection…
Whatever the case, each piercing tells a story and becomes part of who you are. Be proud and wear it with confidence!
Ready to take the plunge?
At Popart Piercing, we offer free shipping on every order. Treat yourself or surprise a fan of fine jewelry!
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