Nostril Piercing: Pain, Healing, Placement, Cost, Jewelry, Sizes, and Aftercare
Sep 09, 2024
Fast facts:
- Placement: It goes through your nostril.
- Cost: $25-$60.
- Pain: The least painful nose piercing. Suitable a first piercing.
- Healing time: 2-4 months.
- Jewelry: Hoops, labret studs, D-shape studs, L-shape studs, and chains.
- Risks: Rejections, scars, infections.
What Is a Nostril Piercing?
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.
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.
Variant: 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.
Variant: High Nostril Piercing
This one has a pretty self-explanatory name. It is also called the 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.
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.
The most popular nose jewelry for this combination is horseshoe barbells or septum clickers and Nostril piercing studs.
Nostril Piercing Healing Time
How long does a Nostril piercing take to heal? It usually will only take around 2-4 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.
Do Nostril Piercings Hurt?
As far as pain goes, this is one of the least painful nose piercings you can get. On a pain scale of 1 to 10, a Nostril piercing typically ranges from 3 to 5 for most people. However, please note that everyone has different tolerances for pain.
Nostril Piercing Cost
How much does a Nostril piercing cost? 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.
When Can I Change My Nostril Piercing?
You can typically change your Nostril piercing after 2 to 4 months, once it has healed enough to reduce the risk of irritation or infection.
However, full healing may take up to 6 months. It's important to consult your piercer before changing jewelry to ensure it's safe and the piercing has healed properly.
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
Nose ring hoop 6mm 8mm 10 mm simple and minimalist $15.9, SHOP NOW.
The most common type of nose rings are segment clicker rings. There are also rings that are just loops of thin metal. They are called seamless hoops.
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 Labret Studs
Cute piercing with natural semi-precious gemstones titanium $25.9, SHOP NOW.
A labret 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. D-Shape Nose Stud
D shape nose ring titanium $17.9, SHOP NOW.
4. Corkscrew Nose Stud
Corkscrew nose ring with round CZ different colors titanium 20G $19.9, SHOP NOW.
A corkscrew nose stud is made of a metal wire that is twisted into an odd shape, unlike normal nose studs or rings. The combination of straight and circular wires need specific care to be inserted without getting hurt.
5. L-Shaped Nose Studs
20G L-shaped nose stud with a cross titanium nose piercing $18.9, SHOP NOW.
The L-shape nose stud is bent and shaped like an L, hence the name. Thanks to its shape, once inserted, it firmly sits against your nostril.
6. Double Nostril Piercing Chain
Nose piercing chain 0.5mm nose piercing chain $17.9, 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 Size
1. 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 (1.0 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.
2. Diameter
The most common sizes are 8 mm (about 5/16 inch) for a snug fit and 10 mm (about 3/8 inch) for a looser fit or larger nostrils. Size choice depends on your anatomy and personal style.
3. Length
The standard stud length for Nostril piercings typically ranges from 6 mm to 8 mm (approximately 1/4 inch to 5/16 inch). The length depends on the thickness of the nostril tissue and personal preference.
A longer stud (around 8 mm) is often used initially to accommodate swelling, while shorter lengths are more suitable for healed piercings.
Safe Metals for Nostril Piercing Jewelry
1. Titanium: About $20-$40
16 gauge captive bead nose ring made of implant grade titanium $19.9, SHOP NOW.
Titanium has a reputation for being the best metal for piercings for many reasons. It is lightweight, hypoallergenic, durable, non-corrosive, and won’t tarnish.
Its non-porous nature reduces places bacteria can hide, promoting healing.
Titanium is also hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely to cause allergic reactions. Titanium is nickel-free.
Its high density-to-strength ratio means your jewelry is very durable.
A lower density also makes Titanium lightweight, a big plus in many user's eyes. Finally, the metal comes in many colors because you can anodize it.
The only real downside to titanium jewelry is that you will pay more for all those positive traits. Shop for implant-grade titanium with designations like ASTM F-136, ASTM F-67, or ISO 5832-3.
2. Solid Gold: About $40-$200
18K gold ring hinged segment clicker from $79.9, SHOP NOW.
This metal will not rust or tarnish. It is also easy to decorate and shape. The added alloys in 18k, and especially 14k, make them more durable than 24k gold pieces.
One downside to gold jewelry is the price tag, which is expensive. Another concern will be that the metal is soft, making it susceptible to bends, breaks, and gouges. Gold can also be heavy, especially with more pure karat ratings.
3. Surgical Steel: About $5-$30
Even surgical-grade steel contains small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions in those with skin sensitivities. Choose a different option if you are concerned about irritation or a nickel allergy.
Steel combines iron and carbon, improving its strength and ability to resist fracturing.
However, this silver alloy can contain other elements, including nickel. Make sure to buy surgical-grade steel jewelry. These will have ratings: ASTM F-138, ISO 5832-1, ISO 10993-6, ISO 10993-10, or ISO 10993-11.
One of the pros most people cite for steel jewelry pieces is the lower price point. Steel is also a durable option. These pieces are low maintenance because the steel does not corrode, rust, or tarnish.
Weight is the top complaint for those using steel jewelry pieces. Steel can be less comfortable if worn in piercings for long periods.
Nostril Piercing Aftercare
How to take care of a nostril piercing?
- Be gentle when blowing your nose. Blowing your nose too hard can irritate the piercing site and slow down the healing process. Be gentle when blowing your nose, and avoid using tissues or other materials that may get caught on the jewelry.
- Take care to avoid contaminating the piercing.
- Avoid touching it or applying makeup very close to it.
- Avoid getting in the water that might be dirty.
- Clean your piercing twice per day using a saline solution made for wound cleaning or soap and water to prevent infection.
- Avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation.
- And of course, make sure to avoid snagging on clothes or towels.
- Wear loose clothing. Avoid wearing tight clothing or clothing that may rub against the piercing, as this can cause irritation and slow down the healing process.
- Use hypoallergenic jewelry like implant-grade titanium and 14- or 18-karat gold. Surgical-grade steel may contain small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions.
- Don't move the piercing unless you're cleaning it. Pulling on a piercing early in healing is painful, but it also can get in the way of healing or damage the piercing itself.
- Wait until your piercing heals before changing out your jewelry.
- Watch for potential signs of infection and consult your piercer or doctor if it becomes infected.
You should ensure you get pierced by someone experienced and reliable who utilizes the right cleaning and sterilization procedures. You’ll also need to choose high-quality jewelry that you aren’t allergic to. After you get your piercing, be sure to follow all instructions from your piercer.
Nostril Piercing Cleaning
How to clean nostril piercing? It is recommended to use sterile saline that you buy from the store, rather than homemade saline, for cleaning your piercings. Homemade saline may be too salty for delicate piercing sites, leading to dryness and delayed healing.
Using mild, fragrance-free soap and water to clean your piercing site is also an option.
If you prefer homemade salt solution. You can start by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt with one cup of distilled or boiled (for at least 20 minutes) water. You may choose to use less of the salt mixture like 1/4 to 1/8 teaspoon if you want a weaker solution that’s less likely to burn or sting. Stir the solution until it dissolves.
If you see signs of infection, you can also use antiseptic solutions, such as betadine, isopropyl alcohol, or diluted hydrogen peroxide. However, avoid using them for daily cleaning as they can damage cells.
Then proceed with the following steps to clean your piercing:
- Soak a cotton ball, a paper towel, or a non-plush cloth with the solution. Avoid fabrics that could snag and pull the jewelry or leave fibers behind. Gently saturate the piercing and cleanse it. Don't remove the jewelry!
- If you have a sterile saline wound wash that you buy from stores, then spay it while healing.
- Ensure you cleanse the piercing of any discharge or crusty material.
- Take clean gauze or cotton swabs and pat the area dry.
Your piercer should give you detailed instructions on how to keep your piercing clean once it has been placed.
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