The truth is that your entire body can be made into a canvas if you’re always looking for more jewelry. Piercing is possible in everything from your lips to your lobes, and even your belly button. There are many types of nose piercings you can get besides just your traditional nostril studs. The nose is one of the most popular body art spots, of course.

Piercing the nose has a long and fascinating history. Different civilizations have performed it over the centuries. As a matter of fact, the size and color of jewelry worn in nostril piercings were often linked with wealth in African and Middle Eastern tribes, and nose rings were sometimes given as gifts by husbands to new brides as a sign of protection. The septum piercings and the ornamentation that adorned them were status symbols in South and Central American cultures as well. Over the last decade, nose piercing has begun to be identified with punk and fringe cultures.

In this article, we will read all that there is to know about nose piercing including its types, the aftercare that you must follow, and possible hazards. There is some extra valuable info too that you must read in case you are considering getting pinched!

The History of Nose Piercing Fashion

Several centuries ago, Leonardo Da Vinci, a renowned artist of his day, stated that the nose is the strongest feature on the face. Every one of those with pierced noses will agree with this statement. Piercings enhance the appearance of the nose and can make it appear more elegant. However, nostril piercings are especially attractive for women.

The history of nose piercing dates back thousands of years. The first records of the practice are from the Middle East. Genesis chapter 24verse 22 also mentions this in reference to Abraham’s gift of a golden earring to his daughter by law Rebekkah. To this day, there is still the tradition of nose piercing among some tribes in the world. There are many examples of this culture in the Middle East and Africa, such as the Bedouin, Beja, and Berber tribes. The ring represents money that the woman’s family has acquired over the years and can be used as a form of financial security should they separate.

Around the 16th century, Mughal emperors introduced the nose piercing tradition to India. India is known for the most common practice of piercing the left nostril, but both nostrils are pierced in some areas as a tradition. The procedure is specifically performed in the left nostril in order to increase fertility in women and make childbirth much easier. In addition, it is also believed that this helps maintain the health of the female’s reproductive organs. Indian women typically wear an earring that is traditionally attached with a jewel string.

The Hippies originally bought this to resemble the Indian fashions they experienced in their travels. This is the first time Piercing entered the West in the 1960s. In order to stand against conservatism, punks initially adopted this strategy as a rebellious move. Teenagers who take part in this still receive a lot of criticism from parents and employers because many parents and employers see it as a sign of rebellion. Especially septum piercings are causing a stir in the fashion industry, nose piercings are becoming increasingly popular in the west.

Western society viewed it as a socially unacceptable statement for many years, and it was often a contributing factor to unemployment for many individuals. As time passes, this has become quite acceptable, and more influencers and celebrities are experimenting with different styles as a fashion trend.  Now people tend to experiment with a wide variety of jewelry, from more bold pieces to delicate ones. There is no doubt that septum piercings have become favored in the fashion world.

The Process

If you’re interested in getting a piercing, make sure you visit a few potential clinics that provide high-quality workmanship. The first step in making sure you’re treated correctly is to wear a pair of sterile gloves. Your service provider should do this before touching any instruments or your skin. Additionally, you need to thoroughly sterilize the skin or cartilage area where the piercing will take place.

After you have marked the area, you will have a better idea of where the piercing will be placed. During the piercing, your piercer will mark where the piercing should be placed and locate the safe spots on your nose. When it comes to the exact location of the piercing, it is important that you are clear about it as this can easily cause problems.

It should be noted that this piercing must be done with a needle and if you notice even a small part of a piercing gun, immediately go to a place that provides the service using a more conventional method. In addition to the potential health risks associated with using piercing guns, they can also damage tissue more than traditional methods.

To perform the piercing, a hollow needle is used since it is a much more sanitary option and is less damaging to skin and cartilage tissue. The use of piercing guns is not the most sanitary option because even when thoroughly cleaned, there is a high likelihood of leaving skin and other particles behind. Your ear tissue is at risk for contamination from this, leading to the potential spread of diseases like hepatitis or infections.

In a few minutes, the procedure is finished, and a small amount of blood or residue will be cleaned from around the piercing. After you have met with your piercer, carefully listen to what he or she provides regarding the aftercare process. It’s possible you may encounter some minor complications during the healing process; therefore, ensure you have the contact information for the piercer so you can follow up if necessary.

10 Types of Nose Piercings

1. The Nostrils

It is one of the most popular places to pierce the nose. The nose ring is placed exactly above the curve of the nose, above the lip area. The position and location of the piercing may, however, differ based on the functionality and structure of the nose and nerves. In addition to this, people also consider the aesthetic appeal of the piercing when choosing the location. Depending on the location, the piercing can be done either on the left or right side of the nostril. Some Ayurvedic practitioners speculate about the location of this piercing.

The positioning of this piercing has been shown to affect the female reproductive organs according to this traditional medicinal practice. As a result of this, a normal pregnancy is also believed to be facilitated and childbirth will ease. Jewelry can also be inserted at this location, according to many experts. There are a variety of nose rings and studs you can choose from, including heavy nose rings and delicate ones. Depending on the gauge, there can be anything from 18 to 20 gauge.

2.  The High Nostril Placement

There is a unique style to this piercing that can be described as a variation of the conventional nostril piercing. They are situated a little higher than the nostril piercings. A layering effect can be achieved by layering delicate rings or by mixing and matching jewelry for an eye-catching look. However, the jewelry options available at this location are a bit limited. There are also a few varieties of L-shaped pins, nostril screws, and nostril studs. Although you can experiment with a variety of these jewelry types, you cannot experiment with hoops or rings. Moreover, this is an extremely difficult location to pierce, so only a trained professional can do it properly and painlessly. It would be best to ask the piercer if they have experience with this particular location.

3. The Septum

If you are researching nose piercings or piercings in general, you are most likely to see septum piercings. A few years ago, this particular style of piercing became very popular, and you could see models in every fashion shoot sporting this flawless style. One of the best aspects of this piercing is that you can easily accessorize it with horseshoe-style jewelry to spice up your look whenever you wish and remove it as often as you wish.

It is a challenging location that requires expertise to reach. If this is the kind of piercing you want, you may want to ask your piercer about their experience with it beforehand. People are following this trend quite a lot, and there’s a good chance that your piercer has done plenty of work with it before. You must make sure that your piercer has a good understanding of where cartilage begins and ends so that the piercing is clear and beautiful. Since it requires quite a bit of manipulation, this specific piercing may take longer than other typical locations.

If you are unsure of what style to choose, you can flaunt this piercing with heavy embellished rings, beads, or gauges.

4. The Bridge of the Nose

Oftentimes, this piercing may seem forbidding to most people, as it is the place where all the cartilages and bones are located. Though it may appear there is a piercing through bone and cartilage, the needle pierces through the skin rather than the bone or cartilage. Additionally, the piercing also heals quite quickly in comparison to other piercings. However, there is a greater risk that the piercing will migrate as it is a shallow piercing.

The phenomenon of migration occurs when the human body is unable to accept a piercing, thus pushing it out. This way you can see that the piercing is moving closer to the surface in case your skin is rejecting it. Getting it removed will probably be the only solution if this occurs. Many piercers suggest using curved barbells over straight ones since curved barbells minimize migration.

5. The Septril Piercing

Your patience is going to be tested in this area. It is one of the tougher areas to work with. Since this passes through the septum and shows near the tip of the nose, it can only be performed if your septum has already been gauged. It is critical that you are aware of all of the aspects and facets of this piercing if you are going to get one. A piercing of this type cannot simply be done, as many factors play into this, and you need to give it some thought before going through with it.

6. The Vertical Tip Piercings

The chances of someone trying out this kind of piercing are extremely slim. The nose bridge begins directly above the top of the nose and ends directly under the nose. You cannot achieve this if you do not have a structure that supports it on your nose and veins. It is an extremely prolonged process that requires patience.  It is recommended that you use a curved barbell for this piercing.

7. The Nasallang Piercing

A complex procedure such as this is near impossible to accomplish. You may not even be able to find someone who is willing to do this type of piercing if they are new in the trade. From the outside, it may look like the onlooker is looking at two nostril piercings on either side of the nose, but there’s a lot more going on underneath. In order to accomplish this, three holes have to be created through the septum, and all three have to be punctured at the same time.

8. Multiple Nose Piericng

Piercings in this area encompass two types of piercings: nostrils and high nostrils. The piercing on your nose is technically a piercing in this category if you have multiple nose piercings. A standard 18-20 gauge piercing needle is used to perform this procedure. Complete healing usually takes six to nine months. There are several types of jewelry suggested for such nose piercings, including nose rings (L-Bend (L-shaped), Nose Hoop, Nose Stud, Nose Screw, Nose Bone).

9. Austin Bar Piercing

There’s something different about the Austin bar than your average nose piercing, but that’s what makes it so fun. Although it runs horizontally through the tip of the nose, it does not pass through the septum of the nasal cavity. Pierced with a standard piercing needle, this piercing is typically performed. Recovery usually takes two to three months. A straight barbell is usually recommended for jewelry.

10. The Rhino Piercing

Rather than going through the nose tip, the Rhino piercing exits the skin over your septum. Typically, this type of piercing is done with a standard piercing needle. This type of piercing takes approximately 3-9 months to heal. It is recommended that you use a curved barbell for this type.

Nostril piercing variations

There has been a slow increase in the popularity of double nostril piercing. There are two piercings located next to each other along the crease of the nostril as indicated by the name. People with this piercing often wear two small nose studs, often stone-studded or adorned with diamonds or two seamless hoops.

Types of Nose Rings Jewelry

Twist: With this type of nose ring, the nostril is flush against the ring, which provides a comfortable fit while securely fitting the nose. These reasons make this type of nose ring the most popular type. Each style is available in a wide range of choices, so everyone can find something they like.

Nose Bones: A nose bone is composed of a circular post with adornment attached to one end, and a small ball with a diameter slightly larger than the post on the other. These components are connected by a small ball that maintains the nose bone’s position. The nose studs are flush-fitting, like a twist nose stud. Ideally, they should be worn after wounds have healed. Even though nose bones aren’t for everyone, they have a loyal following that claims they are comfortable and stylish.

Pin: Straight posts are simply straight posts, but this part of the nose stud can’t be worn as-is; a piercer will have to bend it into an L-shaped shape for you to wear it. For those who cannot fit into regular barbells, this is a perfect solution.

L-Shape: Almost every L-shaped nose ring has a bent post at an angle of 90 degrees. This is also a favorite backing for those who find the screw to be difficult to use because the L-shaped backing is easier to insert into the piercing than the screw and is more secure than the nose bone.

Hoop Nose Rings: Increasingly common, nostril rings with hoops are becoming the jewelry of choice. These nose rings give you a very different look from stud earrings, and they are more noticeable as well. In addition to being easy to insert, captive bead rings can be embellished to make the bead even more attractive. If you prefer a faux hoop to a real one, such as the one shown, you can use it to achieve a hoop aesthetic in a format that is easy to insert.

Seamless Ring Hoop Nose Rings: Instead of wrapping around the nostril like the hoop in the image, seamless rings finish all the way around. A large gauge piercing will have a bolder look than a smaller gauge; the thickness of the hoop will be determined by the gauge of your piercing. Avoid pulling the ends apart when wearing a seamless ring. Rather, twist up and down opposite directions to open, and then twist again to close.

Faux Hoop Nose Rings: This type of nose ring has the look and feel of a hoop but is significantly more comfortable and easy to wear because of its L-shaped backing.

Choosing a gemstone nose ring

You need to think about how much bling you want to present when you choose the right diamond or gemstone. Generally, gemstones in a 2.5mm size are most popular as they give off a beautiful sparkle without attracting too much attention. You should definitely go for a diamond nose piercing if you wish to flaunt your piercing. Diamonds of 3mm in size are our top recommendation. If you’re going to spend lots of money on a nice rock, then you should show it off a little bit. The diamond nose rings come in 2mm and 1.5mm widths, which are good choices if you want a more subtle look. Keeping in mind how small the 1.5mm diamond really is, it will offer a subtle sparkle that might be acceptable for the office, but it might not provide as much dazzle as you would like.

When selecting a diamond for my nose piercing, how do I know what size to choose?

1.5mm Diamond – The diamond size is extremely small.  In the case that you are looking for something discreet to add a tiny bit of sparkle to your nose piercing, this might be a good option.  Because it is so small, you are best off choosing a larger diamond size if you are seeking something that will be more noticeable.

2.0mm Diamond – The standard size of diamond nose rings is this.  Even though it is only 1/2 of a millimeter bigger than the 1.5mm diamond, the 2.0mm diamond has enough sparkle to add a touch of sparkle to your new nose piercing.

2.5mm Diamond – Diamonds in this size are our most popular choice.  It’s the perfect size for most nose piercings and is assured to get attention.  Diamonds with larger sizes will possess a greater degree of color reflection and sparkle.

3.0mm Diamond – There is nothing more bling than this rock! When it comes to a diamond-size ring, this one fits the bill if you are looking for something that really stands out and shines.

Prong settings vs. bezel settings

After selecting your perfect nose ring, choosing between a prong setting and a bezel setting is next on your list of choices.

An engagement ring set in a prong setting looks more classic and allows for more light to pass through the stone. By stepping back from the setting, the gem is allowed to be the focal point.

An alternative to the traditional bezel setting is the contemporary one. Featuring a diamond cup that is snug enough to hold it, the 14k gold necklace showcases the beauty of the gemstone. It will be more difficult for snares to grab the bezel setting as it sits flush to your skin and offers a sleeker look than a nose stud setup with prongs. Ultimately, both styles are equally stunning, so you are free to choose which one is your favorite.

Nose Ring Materials

Nose rings are available in a range of materials, from cheap plastic to expensive platinum. Plastic or platinum is the best option if you have allergies to metal. Plastics like bioplast and acrylic are often used, and glass nose rings are also available. In addition to stainless steel, sterling silver, white gold, yellow gold, and titanium are available. It is possible to choose a nose ring with a meaningful gemstone or a rhinestone with a lesser value.

Make sure to keep an eye out for piercing migrations. The healing process occurs when your ‘hole’ starts moving or expanding. Sometimes, this can be a good thing, such as when a person deliberately stretches. The migration, however, can sometimes leave bumps and scars. A nose ring with some wiggle room, such as a curved barbell, would be ideal for bridge piercings that are vulnerable to migration.

Nose rings can be made from different materials depending on where and what type of piercing you have. If you have a triple or quadruple piercing, you may need twisted or hooked barbells, whereas a piercing placed just above the nostrils is better suited for a stud. The intricate design of these types of nose rings requires a strong, yet ductile metal so that they won’t weaken where the curves and joints meet. This metal may need to be altered for fit.

Steps When Changing Jewelry

Before you change the jewelry, you should ensure your piercing has healed completely. Your piercer will be able to tell you if it would be a good time for you to change your piercing.

Next, make sure that the jewelry you are buying is of the right size. Usually, a needle measuring 16 gauge is used in nose piercings, but ask your piercer if you’re unsure of your gauge before attempting to insert a new piece of jewelry. Infections or tears can occur when you attempt to force a piece of jewelry that is the wrong size. You shouldn’t have to deal with pain when you insert your new jewelry. In the event, you have trouble putting on your new ring but you’ve measured correctly, you can use antibacterial soap as a lubricant.

Last but not least, make sure your jewelry is clean. Keeping your jewelry clean also means cleaning the surfaces it may touch. Make sure you dry any surface on which you may place your ring and use a good amount of soap and water on your hands. A bacteria that remain in contact with your jewelry or piercings is a potential infection source.

Any problems you encounter while changing your piercing jewelry should be addressed with your piercer.

How to Put in a Nose Ring

Wash your hands: If you are going to work with your jewelry or piercings, you should always keep your hands clean first. After you’ve cleansed your hands thoroughly, you should work with your jewelry or piercings.

Remove your old hoop ring: Removing your old stud or ring should be done carefully. Before putting away old jewelry for safekeeping, ensure that it’s perfectly clean and dry.

Clean your nose ring and the piercing site: Your piercing and hoop nose ring should be cleaned with a sea salt solution, saline wipe, or an alcohol-based piercing spray. If your new nose ring contains a captive bead, make sure to remove the bead prior to cleaning it thoroughly. A captive bead ring can be removed by gently pulling the sides apart to release tension, thereby releasing the bead or ball. Make sure you do not place your jewelry on surfaces that have not been sterilized after it has been cleaned.

Open your ring: The jewelry should already be open and ready to be used if you’re using a captive bead ring. To insert the ring into a piercing without a captive ring, pull the hoop apart and leave an opening so that the ring can rest comfortably in your piercing. Using pliers is an alternative if you are unable to do this with your fingers, but be gentle so that the jewelry does not become damaged.

Slowly slide your new jewelry into your piercing: Be gentle with insertions of new jewelry and remember that it shouldn’t hurt. If you would like to ease the process, you can use a small amount of antibacterial soap.

Close the ring: Gently push the ends of the ring back together by pressing with your fingers. Make sure that the ring is closed tightly so it won’t fall out. Depending on whether your ring has a captive bead, you may need to squeeze the ends into the bead until enough tension is applied to securely lock the bead in place.

How to Put in a Septum Ring

Wash your hands: Before touching your piercing or septum ring, make sure your hands are clean.

Remove your old hoop or ring: If it’s an old ring, gently pull the two ends up and down instead of pulling it out. To remove hoops and rings with threaded beads on the ends, simply remove one bead at a time and slide the earrings off. You can store your old rings by cleaning and drying them thoroughly before putting them away.

Clean the piercing site and your new jewelry: Clean the piercing site and your newly implanted septum ring thoroughly with a sea salt solution, saline wipes, or piercing spray. Please make sure your new ring is not placed on any surface that isn’t sterilized; otherwise, you will need to clean it again before inserting it.

Open your new ring: Open the septum ring by twisting it with up and down motions instead of pulling the ends away from each other. You might need pliers when you are working with thicker accessories. Please avoid squeezing too tightly with the pliers in order to prevent damage to your septum ring.

Take your time: You may experience some difficulty finding the septum piercing hole the first few times. When you are having difficulty, pinch just below your septum and pull it down to get a better view of the hole. Additionally, you can use your old jewelry as a guide for your new ring, by sliding the old one out while inserting the new piece so that a complete cycle is maintained.

Slide your new septum ring into the piercing: After you have located the hole, slide your new ring gently into it. Depending on how much lubrication is needed, an antibacterial soap may be used.

Close your ring: If your new ring is straight, ensure that the captive bead is inserted securely and twist it back together.

Aftercare rules

It is so important that you properly take care of your nasal piercing during the healing process because it is such an important facial feature. Your new piercing is located on your face, so you’ll notice the jewelry more than other piercing styles, so you’ll want to avoid touching your jewelry as soon as your piercing has healed.

In addition to the following aftercare tips, here are some specific recommendations for nostril piercings:

Do a sea salt soak 2 – 3 times a day. Salt baths are often administered with a cotton ball soaked in a mixture of sea salt and held against the piercing site for three to five minutes. As the nostril piercing goes inside the nose, piercers recommend that you completely immerse your nose in a sea salt solution in order to ensure that the entire piercing is thoroughly disinfected. If you wish to do this, you can mix a salt solution in a Dixie cup and hold the cup over your whole nose for 3 to 5 minutes.

If your jewelry falls out, replace it immediately. With a little bit of time, the walls of your nasal cavity will heal up and your piercing will be healed. Ensure you replace any jewelry you lose or fall out as soon as possible if you lose your jewelry. When replacing jewelry, don’t force it if the piercing hole closes before it can be replaced. It’s time for you to have your piercing re-pierced.

Don’t touch the jewelry. It is possible to damage the surrounding skin by spinning, scratching, or moving the jewelry, and this can lead to scarring, scarring bumps, and other unsightly issues. As cartilage is particularly vulnerable to damage, you should be extra cautious when wearing jewelry while it is healing. Make sure to avoid sleeping on the side where your nostrils are pierced, blow your nose carefully when changing, and be careful when changing your clothes.

Jewelry style is important. You can get started with either a stud or a hoop as an initial piece of jewelry, but starting with a hoop will cause the piercing to heal with a curve, so it is recommended that you start with a stud. If you want to switch to a hoop later, you can always do so. Studs come in different prong styles; which one you select depends on your personal preference. If you are getting your first piece of jewelry, make sure the prong is long enough to accommodate swelling. Once your nose heals, you can get a better-fitting nose stud that is more comfortable. Although the longer prong might itch or poke inside your nose, it will heal in time.

Watch for signs of infection. There are a lot of harmful bacteria living in the nose. In part due to the role of the nose as a barrier against germs, the nostrils are particularly crowded with microbes. It is possible for bacteria in the nose to cause infections that can lead to serious complications, such as tissue death, so severe that removing part or all of the nose is required. Don’t take the risk; if you notice any symptoms of infection, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

No makeup. When you have a nose piercing, this rule is particularly challenging, but you still want to make sure there are no foreign objects touching your nose. For example, you should avoid using acne cream, makeup, or suntan lotion. Keep a wide berth around the piercing if you must use foundation or other facial creams.

Why Shouldn’t I Get a Nostril Piercing?

This piercing can look great or ugly depending on the anatomy of your nose. In general, nostril piercings tend to be placed in the crease of the nostril where the cartilage is thinnest, but they can be located anywhere on the nostril. Once that is done, you can work with your piercer to determine the optimal location to achieve the best complement to your nose.

It is likely to be difficult to find jewelry that will fit comfortably in your nose crease is particularly prominent. If you plan to wear another piece of jewelry, you may want to speak with your piercer about your options.

While you are healing, blowing your nose can be particularly challenging. When you blow your nose, press the tissue against the new piercing to reduce pain, and keep the jewelry clear of snot and boogers. When it comes to getting pierced, you will want to wait until allergy season is over if you tend to get allergies.

How Much Will it Cost?

Piercings of the nose are less expensive and usually cost between $30 and $60. It is crucial that you choose the right location for the nostril piercing; even the smallest mistake can dramatically alter the look of your nose. If you are getting pierced, you’ll want an experienced expert who knows where to place the piercing. Even though you’re free to choose the location of your piercing, it’s best if you consult with someone you can trust about the placement of your piercing.

If you are going to get pierced, always opt for a needle piercer over a piercing gun. In addition to harboring bacteria, piercing guns puncture piercings with blunt force. The needle is mandatory in any piercing, but it is even more crucial in cartilage piercings since the blunt force can cause permanent harm to the pierced area.

Frequently, the jewelry must be purchased separately from the piercing. Although nickel is an inexpensive metal, you should choose more expensive jewelry options like 14k gold or surgical steel. Metals can cause sensitivities in some people, even if they have never experienced them in the past. If you are planning a new piercing, it is advisable to choose metals that will not agitate your skin while it is healing.

5 Things You Need to Accept if You are Getting a Nose Piercing