What is a high nostril piercing?
The high nostril piercing is a unique way to accentuate the natural appearance of the nose. This piercing placement is higher on the nose and closer to the nose bridge than in regular nostril piercings.
It's a good choice if you like the look of nostril piercings but want something that's a bit less common.
Fast facts:
- Placement: Higher on the nose and closer to the nose bridge.
- Cost: $40-$90.
- Pain: It is more painful than regular nose piercings.
- Healing time: 4-6 months. It usually takes more time to heal.
- Jewelry: Studs and chains.
- Risks: Swelling, infections, rejections, scars.
1. Single or one-side high nostril piercing (classy)
There are two common fashions of the high nostril piercing: the single or one-side piercing and the double piercing.
The single high nostril piercing is a single perforation on one side of the nose. This piercing is usually referred to as the classy high nostril piercing.
2. Double high nostril piercing
You can also have a double high nostril piercing. It involves two perforations, one on each side of the nose bridge.
High nostril piercing pros and cons
Pros
- It creates a unique and bold look
- It gives you sufficient space to experiment and layer jewelry around the nose
- It highlights the natural curves of the nose
Cons
- It is less popular
- It is more expensive than common styles
- It is often more painful than regular nose piercings
- It usually takes more time to heal than regular nose piercings
- You can not wear traditional nose jewelry like rings and hoops
- It is often challenging to find skilled and experienced artists to conduct this piercing
To be detialed, a major pro of this piercing is that it is higher up, thus giving one sufficient space to experiment and layer jewelry around the nose. This piercing is a bold look that allows one to express themselves by using different jewelry styles and putting a twist on the traditional nose piercing.
However, a con associated with this piercing is that one cannot wear traditional rings and hoops because of the placement of the perforations.
Another pro of the high nostril piercing is its uniqueness. This style is a good option for individuals who want to highlight the natural curves of the nose using an unpopular method.
The lack of popularity, however, can be a con because it is often challenging to find skilled and experienced artists to conduct this piercing. One should get this piercing from a reputable piercer to avoid undesirable results.
The lack of popularity also makes the high nostril piercing more expensive than the common styles.
The pain level experienced during a high nostril piercing varies depending on the individual. However, this style is often more painful than regular piercings because of the placement near the bone and on thicker skin. It is significantly more painful when getting a double-high nostril piercing.
Additionally, the high nostril piercing usually takes more time to heal than regular piercings because it is placed on thicker skin.
It, therefore, requires higher levels of aftercare to avoid infection and ensure proper results. However, by following the guidance of a skilled and experienced artist, a high nostril piercing heals in around six months.
High nostril piercing price
Prices will vary widely based on location and the materials that you will be using. But a high nostril nose piercing will probably cost $40-$90.
High nostril piercing pain
Since a high nostril piercing goes through a very thick part of your nose, it's a lot more painful than most! However, please note that everyone has different tolerances for pain.
High nostril piercing healing
Compared to other types of nose piercing, it also takes longer to heal; you can usually expect to wait 4-6 months. Because this type is very prone to infection, make sure you choose a skilled piercer and carefully follow aftercare instructions.
Nostril vs high nostril piercing
The nostril and high nostril piercings are trendy fashions and good ways of expressing oneself. The two styles are different in placement, with the nostril piercing being lower on the thinner skin of the nose while the high nostril piercing is closer to the bridge.
The nostril piercing is a more traditional and popular look, while the high nostril piercing is unique because it is a variation of the conventional piercing style.
Both styles have different pain degrees, which also depend on the individual. However, the nostril piercing is placed on the soft cartilage around the nose, making it less painful. The high nostril piercing, located on the thicker skin of the nose and closer to the bone, is more painful.
Additionally, the healing time and aftercare for the two styles vary. The nostril piercing heals in around 4 to 6 months, while the high nostril piercing takes about 6 to 12 months.
What gauge is a high nostril piercing?
In order to make placement less complicated, it's usually recommended to go for thinner studs for this type of nose piercing. 18 gauge (1 mm) is the most common choice. Some switch to even 20 gauge (0.8 mm) after the piercing heals.
That said, make sure to listen to your piercer! Experienced piercers will be able to recommend the right gauge to avoid rejection or unnecessary complications.
Double high nostril piercing with glasses
Getting a high nostril piercing is often concerning for people who wear glasses because of the placement near the nose bridge, which can be uncomfortable.
However, the effect of the piercing depends on an individual's natural nose curves and the placement of the piercings. Most people do not face any issues wearing glasses with a double high nostril piercing if the piercer places it at an appropriate location.
One should discuss with the piercer and find the appropriate position for the high nostril piercing to avoid discomfort. Further, one should be careful when wearing and removing glasses with the jewelry on to prevent accidental tugging.
With experimentation, it is often easy to find the right size or shape of jewelry that does not affect one's comfort when wearing glasses.
Some individuals also opt for contact lenses when wearing more bulky jewelry on the double, high nostril piercing.
High nostril piercing swelling
The placement of the high nostril piercing on the thicker skin around the nose often leads to more swelling than the regular nostril piercing. This swelling is normal and can last up to a month after the procedure. Proper aftercare is vital when dealing with high nostril piercings.
At first, the individual experiences pain, blood, tenderness, and bruising. The piercing stays tender, sore, and swollen for several weeks as the healing process begins.
One should care for the swollen area with guidance from a person experienced in handling body piercings. The open wound can get infected and increase in swelling if cleaned inappropriately, touched with unclean hands, or disturbed constantly.
With appropriate aftercare, the swelling goes away after about one month, and the individual becomes more comfortable with the piercing.
What type of jewelry goes in a fresh high nostril piercing?
One can use various types of jewelry as starters after getting the high nostril piercing. The commonly used jewelry pieces on fresh piercings are the nose bone studs and the labret nose studs.
These jewelry pieces are simple and comfortable because they have a flat back plate that does not poke into one's skin. These studs do not have any curves. Thus they do not put any pressure on the fresh piercing.
Other common types of starter jewelry are the nose pin and L-shaped ring. These jewelry types bend at an angle for a firm hold. The L-shaped ring bends at a 90-degree angle, while the nose pin is twisted after insertion to form a tight grip.
High nostril piercing jewelry
1. High nostril piercing studs
Rosery Poetry Nose stud 14K gold tiny and minimalist $28.9, SHOP NOW.
A nose stud looks like a straight stick with a decorative piece on one end, which stays on the outside of the nose, and a small ball on the other end which has to be pushed into the piercing and stays in the nostril.
Many people like nose studs because they are easy to insert into your piercing.
Pros:
- They heal relatively quickly
- They don't cause much discomfort when resting your head
- They aren't extremely noticeable
Cons:
- They can come out more easily than rings
- If not cleaned regularly, they can get infected
2. High nostril piercing chain
Ritual Jewellery & Co nose chain $9, SHOP NOW.
Chains can be an eye-catching embellishment to nose piercings. Often, a chain will connect a nose ring to an earring. Some chains will connect each end of a double nose piercing across the bridge of the nose.
Pros:
- They have a distinctive look that can really make you stand out
- They're a great way to highlight piercings you already have
- You can easily alternate chains for a different look every day
Cons:
- They can easily snag on clothes, hair, etc.
- Heavier chains can pull on piercings and cause discomfort
The Best Metals for High Nostril Piercings
1. Implant-Grade Titanium
Rosery Poetry Corkscrew nose ring with round CZ titanium $15.9, SHOP NOW.
Titanium is an element that is completely hypoallergenic, so it's probably the best material for nose rings, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Implant-grade titanium is the purest form and will not change or corrode if it's exposed to skin or bodily fluids. It is durable, hypoallergic, lead-free, nickel free, and non-corrosive.
Implant-grade titanium is often marketed as ASTM F-136 titanium. Compared to ASTM F-136 titanium, G23 titanium is not an implant grade of titanium.
Price Range: About $10-$20.
Pros:
- Approved by the Association of Professional Piercers
- Won't cause allergic reactions
- Is scratch-resistant and won't fade
Cons:
- Not as valuable as gold, silver, or platinum
- Doesn't sparkle quite as much as other metals
2. 14K or 18K Gold
If you're looking for a glittering, valuable metal for your nose jewelry, either 14K or 18K gold may be your answer.
It is also one of the best metals for nose rings that are highly recommended not only by piercing experts but also doctors. Its excellent quality of being inert makes it suitable for first piercings.
However, gold is a fairly soft metal, so it doesn't stand up to scratches and excessive wear. Compared to 14K gold, 18K gold is more prone to being affected by everyday use as it is softer and is closer to being pure 24K gold.
Both of these metals include other metal types in order to make them stronger. In order to avoid skin reactions, look for nickel-free metals.
Price Range: About $30-$200.
Pros:
- One of the most valuable materials
- Will not easily tarnish
- Offers plenty of sparkles
- Is easy to engrave or use to set stones
Cons:
- May contain non-hypoallergenic metals
- 18K gold in particular is not very scratch resistant
3. Surgical Stainless Steel
Lots of new piercings are done in stainless steel. This material is affordable and typically doesn't cause reactions. However, it contains a small amount of nickel, so if you have a nickel allergy, it might be best to choose something else.
It is incredibly resistant to corrosion and will keep its shine for years.
If you're considering steel, 316L or 316 LVM steel is probably your best choice. Both names stand for the same surgical steel material, but the "VM" stands for"vacuum melt," or the way the steel is produced.
Price Range: About $10-$40.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Common enough that you'll have plenty of jewelry choices
- Extremely durable and resistant to damage and corrosion
Cons:
- May cause reactions in those with nickel allergies
- Not considered as valuable as some other materials
Can I get a high nostril piercing with allergies?
Allergies are a common health concern when getting any body piercing. For high nostril piercings, there is a risk of being allergic to piercing tools and nose jewelry.
However, this concern does not necessarily prevent one from getting the piercing. One should always share their allergy concerns with the piercer before getting the piercing.
This communication allows the piercer to take precautions and choose the appropriate materials and jewelry to prevent an allergic reaction.
Additionally, it is essential to seek an experienced and reputable piercer who practices proper hygiene and infection control. These practices prevent infections and allergic reactions during piercing.
The piercer should use surgical-quality stainless steel, which causes fewer allergic reactions. The risk of triggering an allergy is minimal when the piercer is experienced and skilled in handling body piercings.
High nostril piercing aftercare
- Take care to avoid contaminating the piercing.
- Avoid touching it or applying makeup very close to it.
- Avoid getting in water that might be dirty.
- Clean your piercing twice per day using saline solution.
- And of course, make sure to avoid snagging on clothes or towels.
- Don't move the piercing before it heals. Pulling on a piercing early in healing is painful, but it also can get in the way of healing or damage the piercing itself.
How to clean high nostril piercing?
Generally, you should rinse the piercing with saline solution or use a special aftercare spray at least twice a day. Proper care is essential if you want your piercing to heal well.
To conclude
The high nostril piercing is an excellent choice for any individual looking for a unique and bold style.
Its high placement highlights one's appearance and allows room for experimentation with different types of jewelry. The single and the double high nostril piercing styles offer a range of looks that fit each individual's aesthetic.
Read More
Best metals for nose rings: Pros, cons, and prices
Nose rings: 9 most common types of nose rings, studs and chains
Nostril piercing pain, healing, placement, costs, jewelry, and aftercare
