The nostril piercing is probably the most common and popular nose piercing type out there. It is the least painful nose piercing. When decorated with chains or combined with septum piercings, it creates a unique look.
Fast facts:
- Placement: It goes through your nostril.
- Cost: $25-$60.
- Pain: The least painful nose piercing. Suitable a first piercing.
- Healing time: 2-3 months.
- Jewelry: Hoops, studs, and chains.
- Risks: Rejections, scars, infections.
Nostril piercing placement
Where should a nostril piercing be placed? A nostril piercing usually goes through your nostril right where it starts to curve away from your face. You can have one or multiple piercings on the nostril according to your preferences.
A high nostril piercing, on the other hand, is similar in appearance to a nostril piercing, but is located higher up on the nose bridge.
1. Nostril piercing
The nostril piercing is probably the most common and popular nose piercing type out there. It usually goes through your nostril right where it starts to curve away from your face.
Some people choose to only pierce one nostril. But if you prefer a more complex look, you can have two or even more piercings on the nostril.
2. Double nostril piercing
Getting a nostril piercing is sometimes a gateway to even more piercings! In some cases, people opt to have two or even three piercings on the nostril.
Double nostril piercings are particularly trendy these days. You can have two piercings on the same nostril or on opposite sides. Just like a single nostril piercing, each one is not particularly painful.
That said, if you choose this option, do your best to go to an experienced piercer. Each piercing needs to be placed carefully. Misplacing them can lead to pain and even nerve damage.
In order to make placement less complicated, it's usually wise to go for thinner studs or rings.
Nostril piercing healing time
How long does a nostril piercing take to heal? It usually will only take around 2-3 months. Since it heals quickly and isn't that painful, it's a suitable choice for a first piercing.
It's worth knowing that the area around the piercing is likely to be swollen and red for up to three weeks after the piercing, though.
How bad does a nostril piercing hurt?
As far as pain goes, this is one of the least painful nose piercings you can get. However, please note that everyone has different tolerances for pain.
How much is a nostril piercing?
Prices will vary widely based on location and the materials that you will be using. But a nostril nose piercing will probably cost $25-$60.
What gauge is a nostril piercing?
In order to make placement less complicated, it's usually recommended to go for thinner studs or rings for this type of nose piercing. 18 gauge (1.02 mm) is the most common choice. Some switch to even 20 gauge (0.81 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.
Mix and match: Septum and nostril piercing
If you want to spice things up, you can mix and match a septum piercing and a nostril piercing.
Septum piercing is relatively common, especially among younger people. The piercing itself is placed right in front of where the septum cartilage begins, so the result is a piercing between your nostrils.
Compared to nostril piercing, septum piercing isn't particularly painful. Healing time will be about 2-3 months.
The most popular nose jewelry for this combination is curved barbells (horseshoe barbells) or septum clickers and nostril piercing studs.
Variant: High nostril piercing
This one has a pretty self-explanatory name. It is also called upper nostril piercing. It's similar in appearance to a nostril piercing, but it is located higher up on the nose bridge.
It's a good choice if you like the look of nostril piercings but want something that's a bit less common. You can also double high nostril piercings. Usually, a very thin (18 gauge) needle is used.
Since a high nostril piercing goes through a very thick part of your nose, it's a lot more painful than most!
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 piercing jewelry
You can use a wide variety of nose jewelry for nostril nose piercings, although hoops and studs are the most common. In order to make placement less complicated, it's usually wise to go for thinner studs or rings.
1. Nostril hoop piercing
Rosery Poetry 14K gold nose ring simple and minimalist $34.9, SHOP NOW.
Some rings are just loops of thin metal. Others are what's called "captive bead rings." These are rings that are "sealed" with a bead. Sometimes, the bead is inlaid with a gem to add some visual interest. And in some cases, plain "hoop" nose rings may have a small gem on the side.
Pros:
- They're less likely to become crooked
- There are lots of options ranging from simple metal hoops to ornately jeweled rings
- They usually remain securely in place
Cons:
- Complex hoops can be hard to close
- Thin hoops can be bent very easily
2. 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
3. Double 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
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.
Nostril piercing cleaning
How to clean 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.
Nostril piercing infection
You can expect some swelling and redness after a piercing. But if the redness persists or gets worse and you notice extra swelling and/or pus around the area, it's likely infected.
- If the infection is mild, you can usually get rid of it by washing the piercing two to three times a day.
- Use isopropyl alcohol, betadine, diluted hydrogen peroxide, or another antiseptic.
- Applying antibiotic ointment after washing it.
- If the infection persists or gets worse, you may want to see a doctor.
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