Nose Piercing: Everything You Need to Know

So, you want to get a nose piercing. Maybe you’ve wanted one forever and just worked up the courage, or maybe you love the look and want to freshen up your style. Regardless, if you’re ready to take the plunge and get a nose piercing, there’s some questions you’ll want answered.

You might be wondering where on your nose you want the piercing. Or maybe you’re still trying to decide what type of jewelry you want. Or, how much is this gonna cost? What does the recovery process look like? Well look no further, we’ve got all the answers to your nose piercing questions right here.

The Basics

Before you get a nose piercings you should understand the basics. For starters, there are many different types of nose piercings. 

The most common is a nostril piercing, located just above the nostril on one side of the nose. The second most popular is a septum piercing. It pierces the columella, the bit of flesh between nostrils. 

As for pain and healing time, there’s always some discomfort, but professional techniques can reduce the discomfort. The healing time of a nose piercing varies depending on the location, type, and individual. The puncture wound on a nostril piercing can take between 2 - 4 months to completely heal.

Related: Rook Piercings - Everything You Need To Know

Nose Piercing Variations

There’s a couple different nose piercing placements to consider: the nostril, septum, and bridge.

Nostril Piercing:

For years, the nostril has been the most popular nose piercing placement. As the name suggests, it can be placed on either side of the nostril and is usually pierced with a thin, curved needle.

Septum Piercing:

Septum piercings go through the cartilage that separates your nostrils. It’s usually pierced with a straight needle and can be worn with a ton of jewelry, including captive bead rings (CBR), hoop nose rings, or barbells. 

Bridge Piercing:

A bridge piercing goes on the bridge of the nose, between the eyes. It is usually pierced with a barbell.

Depending on the vibe you're going for, one type of nose piercing may be better suited for you than another. It’s always a good idea to consult your piercer before making a decision, since they can help you choose the best type of piercing for your unique face.

Related: What is a Conch Piercing?

What type of jewelry is best for a nose piercing?

The nose jewelry you choose will depend on the piercing you choose, and vice versa. Here’s some of our favorite types of nose jewelry:

There’s the Captive Bead Ring (CBR), also known as a Hoop Nose Ring. It’s a small, circular ring with a captive ball. If you choose a CBR, make sure it’s the correct size for your nostril! A ring that’s too small can put unnecessary pressure on the piercing and lead to discomfort, and a ring that’s too big can increase the risk of it falling out and getting lost.

Or you could go with the press-fit. It’s a nose ring, or a nose stud, consisting of two small discs that screw together and are pressed onto a hollow post inserted from the inside of the nostril.

Another option is the Seamless Ring Hoop Nose Ring. This type of jewelry wraps around the nostril, making it less likely to irritate because there’s no edge that can rub against the inside of your nose.

Then there’s the L-Shape, which is a nose ring with a 90-degree post that’s inserted into the piercing from inside the nostril. The L-Shape nose ring can be a bit harder to insert than other types of nose rings, so it’s recommended that you have your piercer do it for you the first time.

Nostril Screws are similar to an L-Shape in that the jewelry is bent to match the natural curve of the inside of your nose. However, this nose jewelry is custom-made to be more comfortable and secure than the average L-Shape style.

Lastly, the pin is great for people who find other options too large or uncomfortable. It's a small, thin post with a little ball on the end that’s inserted into the piercing from the inside of the nostril.

Choosing your jewelry style and material is a personal preference, and your piercer will be able to help you make the best choice for you based on your individual needs.

Pain and Healing Time

Most people describe the initial pain of a nose piercing as a sharp, quick pinch that immediately goes away. The healing process, however, does take a little longer. Most nose piercings take between two and six months to fully heal, depending on the type of piercing.

Related: Daith Piercings 101

Nose Piercing Aftercare

During the healing process, it’s important to avoid touching or bumping your nose piercing, since this can cause irritation and delay the healing process. It’s not uncommon to deal with swelling, redness, or even discharge while the piercing heals. When dealing with discharge, cleaning your nose piercing regularly with a saline solution is critical to prevent infection. Also, to reduce redness and swelling, use an ice compress and take ibuprofen.

If you experience excessive bleeding, pus, or redness that persists for over a week, it’s important to consult a medical professional, as you could have an infection.

When your nose piercing is fully healed, you can expect to see a small amount of scar tissue around the piercing. This is totally normal and won’t affect the way your piercing looks.

Side Effects Of A Nose Piercing

The most common side effects of a nose piercing are swelling, tenderness, and bleeding. These can last for several months. The side effects depend on your body’s immune system and allergies. 

With a new nose piercing there’s always a risk of infection. With proper and frequent cleaning the risk of your nose piercing getting infected is minimal. Your body piercer will recommend aftercare and should provide a saline rinse. 

Some individuals may have allergic reactions to the metals used in nose piercings. It’s a good idea to consult with a doctor before you get one. While rare, allergic reactions to metal can occur, particularly with piercings that use nickel. If your ears have a bad reaction to a certain metal, it’s likely that your nose will too.

Cost Of A Nose Piercing

The average cost for a nose piercing is around $20 to $40, depending on the type of piercing and the location of the piercing studio. When choosing a location, make sure to ask about the piercer's experience, read reviews, and consider the studio's cleanliness. It’s also important to remember that jewelry costs are not included in the initial piercing price. This means the type of jewelry you choose will also affect the overall cost of your nose piercing.

Nose piercings are a great way to express yourself and add even more personality to your look. With so many different types of nose piercings and jewelry to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect style for you. Just be sure to consult with your piercer and follow the aftercare instructions to ensure a quick and easy healing process.

At Present offers a stunning variety of jewelry for piercings, necklaces, and more. Our nose piercing jewelry is made with the highest quality materials, and our collection includes a variety of styles to suit any taste. Shop our collection today and find the perfect piece to add to your look!