Everything to Know About Nose Piercings, According to a Pro

Debating a Nose Piercing? Here's What a Pro Wants You to Know First

Some of us get bit by the tattoo bug. Others opt for a collection of carefully placed piercings. As it turns out, your earlobes, cartilage, and tragus make great real estate for shiny rings or sparkly studs. And if you're up for experimenting with other areas, the same can go for your nose.

I'm no stranger to tattoos, but aside from a standard set of single lobe piercings on my 9th birthday (from Claire's, of course), going under that type of needle has never quite been my thing. That said, I've always secretly wondered what I'd look like with a nose piercing. Between septums, rings, and single studs, I love how they look and what they can do for someone's face. It's a certain type of effortless cool — that "ever-so-slightly accessorised at all times" thing, similar to the way eyelash extensions light up a makeup-free face.

Curious to learn more about nose piercings — from placement options to the best jewellery to the healing process ‚ I reached out to Sam Hayler, senior piercer at Astrid & Miyu. The UK-based jewellery brand not only has a cult following on Instagram, but offers piercing services at a handful of its locations. So whether you're a piercing veteran or currently debating taking the plunge, she's answering all your burning questions ahead.

Image Source: Getty / Jeremy Moeller

What Are the Different Types of Nose Piercings?

If you want a nose piercing, you have a few decisions to make — starting with the type and location. The first (and arguably most common) option is a nostril piercing, located on either side of your nose. Second is a septum piercing, which is placed through the skin that divides your nostrils. Viewed straight on, this type of piercing appears just below the bottom of your nose.

According to Hayler, the main difference is in aesthetics versus pain. "They're quick and relatively low in pain if they're placed correctly," she said. "However they might make your eyes water slightly or sneeze as you'll have the inside of your nose tickled!" If you're having trouble choosing or want an expert opinion, your piercer can work with you on a placement (and jewellery) that matches your lifestyle and desired aesthetic. But if you want to play it safe, a nostril piercing with a stud is always a good choice. "These are less likely to move around or get knocked," Hayler said.

How Do You Find a Reputable Piercer?

When dealing with body modifications of any kind, safety should always come first. In this case, Hayler stressed the importance of making sure the piercing is only done with needles — no piercing guns, please. She also recommended using Google reviews or even word of mouth to find piercers that are reputable and experienced. And if you need extra assurance? Just reach out directly. "Can they answer the questions you have? And are they able to explain how they sterilise their tools and supplies?" Hayler noted.

What Should You Expect During a Piercing Appointment?

One of the best things about the piercing process? The actual piercing is insanely quick. The average appointment may run 30 minutes — 15 of which usually involves filling out consent forms, selecting jewellery, and answering questions. The rest is used for actual piercing time, plus sanitizing the area, placing the jewellery, etc. "Once the piercing is complete, the area might feel a little bit warm," Hayler said. "This is normal and can last a while; the initial pinch and sting is usually over after a few minutes."

As for cost, Hayler said it varies by the jewellery and placement. In most cases, you'll pay for the jewellery as part of your total appointment fee, which can be more expensive than the piercing itself. "We have 14kt options from $170 or titanium options from $65 including jewellery and service," she said. With this in mind, it's important to consider a studio's jewellery selection before you book an appointment: "Make sure you are happy with the options and studio as you'll most likely be wearing the jewellery for quite some time."

What Type of Jewellery Should You Choose?

Remember what we said about safety? That applies to the type of jewellery that'll be used in your new piercing, too. Certain metals are more likely to cause a reaction than others (and vice versa), so it's extra important to be mindful during the selection process. "Solid 14kt gold or higher and implant-grade titanium or niobium are the recommended metals to be used within a fresh piercing," said Hayler. "These are the most biocompatible materials out there and have a very low risk of reaction." As for what to avoid? "Sterling silver or anything lower as these are mixed with nickel, which is what most people are allergic to."

On the aesthetic front, options will vary based on the type of piercing you're getting. For nostril piercings, you can opt for a ring or stud, though Hayler prefers the latter: "The piercing will heal more smoothly." For septum piercings, you can anything choose from simple rings to straight or curved barbells to arched "horseshoe"-style rings that have an opening at one end — Hayler's favourite. "It's easier to heal as these can be flipped up to hide if you need to for work or school."

What's the Healing Time For a Nose Piercing?

From start to finish, the healing process for a nose piercing can take between three and six months. "The longer you leave it, the better," Hayler said. "The recommended aftercare is a sterile saline solution used twice a day, and doing your best not to touch it at all."

How Can You Avoid Infections?

Changing your jewellery can be tempting, but if you want your nose piercing to heal properly (not to mention, avoid infection), it's best not to touch it prematurely. If you do, the risk for infection is much higher. "If you remove the jewellery before it's fully healed you effectively have a full thickness wound that can harbour germs and gunk, leading to a pretty nasty infection," Hayler said. What's more, the hole can close up. "It's only the jewellery inside keeping it open, which is the same for all piercings."

Think you might have an infection or potential problem? Make sure to look closely. "There's a very fine line between a healing piercing and an infection," Hayler said. "Normal healing will feel a bit warm, be a little red, and be leaking a white-ish clear fluid, which will turn to 'crusties' around the jewellery. If it's an infection, it'll most likely be all of the above — plus itchy and leaking yellow or green." Consult your piercer if you need a quick gut check, but if the symptoms of infection are more serious, Hayler recommended seeing a doctor. Until you're certain, just make sure not to remove the jewellery so the piercing can continue draining properly.