If you're thinking about getting a nose piercing, you might have questions. "How much are nose piercings?", "When can I change the jewelry in my nose piercing?" or "How long does it take a nostril piercing to heal?" are pretty common things to ask.
To help you on your nose piercing journey, we’ve put together some information on what you need to know. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about nose piercings, from the beginning of the piercing process to healing and aftercare, so you can enjoy your new look with confidence.
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Nose piercings have become very fashionable and it’s easy to see why. A nose piercing can be as subtle or as bold as you want it to be—and they have become more accepted in the workplace.
A nostril piercing, sometimes referred to as a nose hoop piercing or nose stud piercing, is a popular body modification where a small hole is made through the nostril cartilage, or the alae, of the nose in order to wear nose piercing jewelry.
Many people choose nose piercings as a way to express their style and personality. The jewelry comes in a variety of designs and materials, making it easy to find the jewelry that's perfect for you!
Nose piercings can be done in different locations around the nose. While the septum and single nostril piercings are popular options, there are also other kinds of nose piercing placements like the double nostril piercing. Learn more about different types of nose piercings here.
In this guide we'll be focusing on the nostril piercing or nose piercing.
Getting a nostril piercing is an exciting way to add flair to your look, and for the first step to getting the one you want you'll need to choose a professional piercer experienced with nostril piercings.
During the process, the piercer will take a look at your anatomy and mark the nostril piercing placement, usually on the side of your nose. Some people even go for a double nose piercing, which means having either two holes on the same side or one on each side for a unique touch. Whatever you choose, nostril piercings should always be done with a hollow needle and never with a piercing gun.
The typical gauge size for nostril piercings ranges from 20g to 16g and the initial jewelry is usually a nose or nostril screw or labret stud. Choosing high quality starter jewelry for your nostril piercing like implant-grade titanium will help for a smoother healing process.
Everyone's pain tolerance is different and the pain will vary from person to person. The pain is usually quick and generally manageable. When the piercer uses a needle to make the hole, you might feel a sharp pinch for just a moment. After that, it may feel a little sore or tender, but this is normal and will go away as the piercing heals.
So, how much does a nose piercing cost? It can vary depending on the type of jewelry, piercing studio's location and the piercer's experience. On average, you might pay between $30 and $80, not including the jewelry. Opt for high-quality jewelry to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction to the material and for a better healing period.
Healing a nose piercing is not one-size-fits-all. Different placements heal at different speeds, and your body, lifestyle, and aftercare routine all play a role. There are also different healing stages. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect.
Inflammation Stage (First Few Weeks):Your piercing is fresh, and your body is working hard to protect and repair the area. Expect redness, soreness, and swelling. This is totally normal. Just avoid touching it.
Proliferation Stage (Early Healing, Can Last Months):Swelling and redness start to go down, but you might notice more “crusties.” This is still part of the healing process and nothing to worry about.
Maturation Stage (Final Stage):The piercing should feel less sensitive, and the color will begin to even out. Crusties will mostly disappear. Even if it looks healed, the tissue is still delicate. Do not switch jewelry or touch it yet. Wait until the full healing period has passed.
Here’s a quick look at how long common nose piercings typically take to heal:
Keep in mind, these are general timelines. Some people heal faster, while others take longer, especially if complications happen. Patience is key.
Piercings heal from the outside in. Just because your piercing looks healed on the outside does not mean it is fully healed on the inside. The surface may look calm, with no redness or swelling, but deeper tissue can still be repairing itself.
A fully healed piercing means there is no pain, tenderness, or swelling. You should not have discharge or crusting, and the jewelry should move freely without irritation. The tissue inside the piercing channel should also be strong and stable.
If you judge healing based only on appearance, it is easy to change your jewelry too early, which can set your healing back.
Knowing the difference between normal healing and infection can save you a lot of stress.
During normal healing, it is common to see mild redness or swelling, especially early on. You may notice clear or slightly white discharge. These “crusties” are a normal part of healing. Some light tenderness is also expected.
On the other hand, signs of infection usually get worse instead of better. This can include increasing pain or throbbing, bright redness that spreads, or yellow or green discharge. You may also notice heat coming from the area or swelling that does not improve.
If something feels off, trust your instincts. It is always best to check with a professional.
Even if you are doing most things right, some habits can delay healing.
Touching your piercing, especially with unwashed hands, can introduce bacteria and cause irritation. Wearing low-quality jewelry can also slow healing, since some materials can trigger reactions. Moving or flipping your jewelry too early, especially with septum piercings, can damage healing tissue. Sleeping on your piercing adds pressure and friction, which can lead to irritation. It is also important to avoid bumping or snagging your jewelry.
Lifestyle habits matter too. Swimming in pools, lakes, or the ocean can expose your piercing to bacteria and increase the risk of infection. If possible, avoid smoking or drinking during the early stage of healing. Smoking can reduce blood flow and oxygen to the area, making it harder for your body to heal. Alcohol can slow healing by dehydrating your body and affecting your immune system.
Healing works best when your piercing is left alone and you let your body do the work.
While you cannot rush healing, you can support your body and avoid setbacks.
Cleaning your body piercing with a saline solution twice a day helps keep it clean without irritation. Choosing high-quality jewelry, such as implant-grade titanium, can improve the healing process. Staying consistent with your aftercare routine and avoiding unnecessary touching will also help.
Simple, consistent care makes a big difference over time.
You should only change your jewelry after the full healing period has passed, not when it just looks healed. It is often best to wait a few extra weeks after the healing period has passed to be sure.
For example, even if a nostril piercing looks fine after a couple of months, it usually needs closer to 9-12 months or longer to fully heal. If you are unsure, your piercer is the best person to ask. They can check your piercing and help you change your jewelry safely.
Healing takes time, but it is worth it. A little patience now can prevent problems later and help your piercing look and feel great long-term.
You’re finally home with your fresh piercing, now what? Let’s go over some aftercare basics.
First, avoid touching the healing area, or play with, rotate or replace the jewelry in order to avoid any irritating the piercing or causing piercing bumps. If you need to touch the piercing for any reason, wash your hands with soap first.
How do I clean my nose piercing? The best way is to use a gentle saline routine and avoid products that can irritate the area. Follow these steps to clean your nose piercing safely:
What Should You Avoid When Cleaning a Nose Piercing?
Do not use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, harsh soaps, ointments, or other strong products on a healing nose piercing. These can irritate the tissue and make healing more difficult. You should also avoid saline products made for contact lenses or eye drops because they are not the same as a sterile wound wash.
Before jumping into the specifics, let's clarify one thing: This guide is tailored for those with healed nostril piercings. If you just got your nose pierced, it's essential to stick to your piercer's aftercare instructions.
Alright, now that that's out of the way, let's dive right in!
Always start by giving your hands a good wash. You don't want to transfer any dirt or bacteria to your piercing. Make sure you don't skip this step. For an added layer of protection, you might also consider wearing gloves.
We personally vouch for neilmed saline spray for piercings. It's gentle, and guess what? You can even find it on our site. Now, here's a tip: If your piercing is new, avoid cotton swabs or anything fibrous; they could snag. But if you have a well-healed piercing then cotton swabs are just fine to use.
Repeat on the other side if you have piercings on both nostrils.
After cleaning, grab a clean Kleenex or paper towel. Remember, you're just gently patting the area – no sliding or rubbing. Sliding can snag your jewelry, and you certainly don't want that. Just dab away any excess moisture.
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Even if you have a completely healed piercing, it's always important prioritize aftercare. Regular cleaning keeps nasty bacteria at bay, ensuring piercings stay infection-free and beautiful.
Remember, clean piercings are happy piercings!
For procedures like surgery, MRIs, or dental visits, you may need a retainer. Learn more in our guide to medical piercing retainers.
If you’ve ever taken a whiff and thought, “Whoa… what is that smell?” coming from your nose or septum piercing — you're not alone. It’s super common, and honestly, nothing to freak out about. That funky smell happens to a lot of people with healed piercings.
The weird odor you’re smelling is usually caused by a mix of:
All of that can collect on your jewelry and around the piercing hole, especially if you haven’t cleaned it in a while.
Usually, no! If your piercing is fully healed and not red, swollen, or painful, that smell is just a sign you need to give it a good clean. It’s not an infection — just some natural gunk that builds up over time.
Here’s what to do:
Don’t take the jewelry out! Instead, stick to this simple routine:
If your nose or septum piercing smells a little funky, it’s most likely just buildup. A quick cleaning routine can totally fix it. No need to stress — just give it some love and keep it clean.
To help your nose healing process along the way, you’ll want to avoid certain activities.
Blowing your nose after getting a fresh nose piercing can feel a little tricky. Don’t worry, it’s totally manageable. You just need to be careful while your nose piercing heals.
If your nose piercing is still healing, avoid blowing your nose altogether. Instead, use a soft tissue to gently dab away any runny mucus. Keep the area clean and dry, and continue your nose piercing aftercare routine. Blowing your nose should only be a last resort during the healing process.
If you really need to blow your nose with a healing nose piercing, here are some tips to help. Your nose piercing is especially sensitive during the first few weeks, so it’s important to avoid anything that could irritate it.
If you must blow your nose, do it gently, one nostril at a time. Blowing too hard can push moisture and bacteria into the nose piercing, which may slow healing or cause irritation. Afterward, use a clean tissue to gently pat around the nose piercing. Do not rub, twist, or move the jewelry.
If you’re feeling sick or congested, try using a saline spray to help clear your nasal passages. This can reduce how often you need to blow your nose and help keep your nose piercing clean. If you sneeze, that is okay. Just try not to wipe or touch your nose piercing right after.
If your nose piercing is fully healed, you should still be careful. Gently blow your nose one nostril at a time while keeping the pressure light to avoid irritation. If anything feels uncomfortable, go back to dabbing with a tissue instead.
Blowing your nose with a nose piercing takes a little patience and care. Stay gentle, keep your nose piercing clean, and your piercing will heal smoothly. Further down the blog post, you can watch a video and read step-by-step instructions on how to blow your nose with a nose piecing.
Everyone is different so the healing time will vary, but it’s recommended to wait until your piercing is fully healed before changing your jewelry. A good way to tell if your piercing is healed is by checking for symptoms. If you haven’t experienced pain, tenderness, swelling, or discharge for at least three weeks after the healing period has passed, then your piercing is likely healed. The more time you give your piercing to heal, the safer it is to change your jewelry.
It’s normal to have swelling or irritation during the healing process, but if you don’t notice an improvement or notice your symptoms are getting worse, contact your doctor. When in doubt, get your piercing checked out by a professional to prevent an infection or permanent damage.
Thinking about swapping out your nostril jewelry before it's fully healed? Here's the deal: you really shouldn't. Nostril piercings take 6 to 9 months—and sometimes even longer—to completely heal. Even if it looks fine on the outside, the inside might still be healing.
Your nostril piercing is a cartilage piercing, which means it can be a bit trickier to heal compared to soft tissue piercings. Changing your jewelry too early can cause irritation, infection, and even the dreaded piercing bump. Trust us, none of that is fun.
When you swap out your jewelry prematurely, you're risking some serious issues. Here’s why you need to wait:
So, how can you tell if your nostril piercing is ready for a jewelry change? The only surefire way is to make sure it's fully healed. Healing times vary for everyone, but here are some tips:
Got a nose piercing and dealing with a runny nose? Whether it's allergy season or you're just feeling under the weather, blowing your nose can get tricky. Don't worry—it's totally doable! You just need to be a little extra careful.
If your nose piercing is fully healed (usually after a few months), you're in a better spot to handle things like blowing your nose or dealing with allergies. If it’s still fresh, skip to the section for some specific tips.
Let’s get into some easy tips to help you take care of your nose and piercing at the same time.
Extra mucus means more buildup. That stuff can get all over your jewelry and cause irritation or even infections if left too long.
Sometimes your usual jewelry can make your piercing feel worse, especially when your skin is already irritated.
We know—it’s itchy. It might even feel weird during allergy season. But try your best not to touch your piercing. Touching it too much can lead to irritation or infection.
If you just got your nose pierced, things are a little trickier. Here’s what you can do:
Allergy season might be annoying, but with a little extra care, your piercing will be just fine.
If you just got a new piercing and it’s starting to itch, take a deep breath. You’re not alone — and most of the time, this is totally normal.
A fresh piercing is a small wound, and as your body works to heal it, itching can happen. Think of it like a scab healing on your skin. Annoying? Yes. Dangerous? Usually no.
When your body repairs pierced tissue, it sends extra blood flow and healing cells to the area. That healing process can cause:
This is most common during the early healing stage and can happen with any piercing — ears, nose, lips, belly button, or cartilage.
As tempting as it may be, scratching or messing with your piercing can slow healing or cause problems.
Touching the piercing can irritate the skin and introduce bacteria, which increases the risk of infection.
The best thing you can do for an itchy piercing is keep up with proper aftercare.
Use a sterile saline spray twice a day.
That’s it. Simple, gentle care works best.
Mild itching on its own is normal. However, itching along with other symptoms may mean irritation or infection.
Trust your gut. If something feels off, it’s always better to ask.
An itchy piercing is usually a sign that your body is doing exactly what it should — healing. Be patient, keep your hands off, and stay consistent with aftercare.
Healing takes time, but a little care now helps prevent problems later.
If you just got a new piercing and noticed some blood, you might be wondering: is it normal for a fresh piercing to bleed? The short answer is yes — and most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about.
When you get a piercing, your skin is being punctured on purpose. That means your body treats it like a small wound.
Just like a minor cut or scrape, a little bleeding is part of the normal healing process. Your body sends blood to the area to help protect and repair the tissue.
It’s very common to see some blood:
You might notice a small amount of blood on the jewelry, a tissue, or when cleaning the piercing. This is usually no big deal.
While some bleeding is normal, the amount matters.
If you notice heavy or ongoing bleeding, it’s important to reach out to your professional piercer for advice.
If your fresh piercing starts bleeding:
Avoid removing the jewelry unless instructed by a professional. Taking it out too early can make things worse.
So, is it normal for a fresh piercing to bleed? Yes! A small amount of bleeding is just your body doing its job and starting the healing process.
As long as the bleeding is light and goes away on its own, there’s usually no cause for concern. Just keep an eye on it, follow proper aftercare, and don’t hesitate to check in with your piercer if something feels off.
Thinking about getting a nostril piercing? Nostril piercings are one of the most popular facial piercings, and it's easy to see why! They're stylish, versatile, and can work with just about any look. But like any piercing, there are a few things you should know before getting one.
While nostril piercings have plenty of benefits, they also come with some downsides, especially when it comes to healing and aftercare.
Let's break down the pros and cons of a nostril piercing so you know what to expect before making your decision!
There are plenty of reasons why people love nostril piercings. From different jewelry styles to how easily they fit into your personal aesthetic, here are some of the biggest benefits.
One of the biggest advantages of a nostril piercing is how versatile the jewelry can be. Once your piercing has fully healed, you can experiment with different styles depending on your mood or personal preference.
Some popular nostril jewelry options include:
Keep in mind: Not every jewelry style is suitable for a fresh nostril piercing. A properly fitted, implant-grade titanium flat-back labret is often a great starting option. Your professional piercer can help you choose the right jewelry for your anatomy and healing needs.
Another great thing about nostril piercings is how easily they can match your style.
If you prefer a simple, minimal look, a tiny gemstone or metal stud might be all you need. If you love something a little more eye-catching, you can choose decorative ends, larger designs, or a hoop once your piercing has healed.
You can even build a more elaborate setup with:
Whether you like something subtle or bold, nostril piercings give you plenty of room to express yourself.
If you're worried about how much a nostril piercing hurts, here's some good news. Most people find the actual piercing process pretty manageable.
Many describe the feeling as a quick, sharp pinch that only lasts a moment. You might also notice your eyes watering during the piercing, which is a normal reflex when your nose gets irritated.
Of course, everyone's pain tolerance is different. What feels like a small pinch to one person might feel more intense to someone else.
The good news is that the piercing itself is usually over before you know it!
As much as people love nostril piercings, there are some downsides worth considering. Most of these have to do with the healing process and how easily nose jewelry can get irritated.
While the actual piercing only takes a moment, the healing process is a completely different story.
Your nostril might feel sore, tender, or sensitive for a while after getting pierced. You may also notice some swelling or discomfort when touching your nose or making certain facial movements.
For some people, the healing period can be more frustrating than the actual piercing.
That's why it's important to remember that getting pierced is the easy part. Taking care of your piercing afterward requires patience.
One of the most common complaints about nostril piercings is irritation bumps.
These small bumps can develop around the piercing when the area experiences too much irritation or pressure.
Some common causes include:
Not every bump is the same, and a bump doesn't automatically mean you have a keloid or an infection.
If you notice one developing, avoid picking at it or trying to pop it. Have a professional piercer check your jewelry and help identify possible sources of irritation. If you notice spreading redness, worsening pain, fever, or unusual discharge, contact a healthcare professional.
One downside that catches people off guard is how long nostril piercings can take to heal.
Even though your piercing might start feeling better after a few weeks, that doesn't mean it's fully healed.
Nostril piercings typically take around 6 to 9 months to heal, and some can take up to a year or longer.
This is because nostril piercings pass through tissue that includes cartilage, which generally takes longer to heal than a standard earlobe piercing.
During this time, you'll need to be careful with your jewelry and continue following appropriate aftercare practices.
Here are a few ways to help your piercing heal:
Remember, a piercing can look healed on the outside while the inside is still recovering.
Something you might not think about before getting a nostril piercing is how often things come into contact with your nose.
Everyday activities like washing your face, drying off with a towel, or pulling a shirt over your head can accidentally catch on your jewelry.
Even things like makeup brushes, pillowcases, and face coverings can cause problems if you're not careful.
Snagging your jewelry can be painful and may lead to irritation, swelling, or healing setbacks.
You'll probably need to make a few small adjustments to your daily routine, especially during the first few months.
Another downside is that nostril piercings can shrink or close surprisingly fast when jewelry is removed.
This is especially true for newer piercings, but even fully healed nostril piercings can start shrinking after jewelry is taken out.
For example, if your jewelry accidentally falls out while you're sleeping, you might have trouble getting it back in the next morning.
How quickly a piercing closes depends on the person, how long they've had the piercing, and how well it's healed.
If your jewelry falls out, don't force it back through the piercing. A professional piercer may be able to help you safely reinsert it if the channel is still open.
If you're someone who deals with frequent allergies, seasonal sniffles, or colds, a healing nostril piercing can be a little inconvenient.
Think about how often you blow or wipe your nose when you're sick. Now imagine trying to do that while avoiding a fresh piercing!
Constantly wiping your nose can irritate the area, especially if your jewelry gets bumped or moved around.
If you're dealing with a runny nose while your piercing heals, try to:
Having allergies doesn't mean you can't get a nostril piercing. It just means you may need to be a little more careful during the healing process.
So, after looking at the pros and cons of a nostril piercing, is getting one actually worth it?
That really depends on your lifestyle, personal preferences, and how much patience you have for the healing process.
If you love experimenting with different jewelry styles and want a piercing that works with almost any aesthetic, a nostril piercing could be a great choice.
However, if you frequently change your jewelry, touch your face throughout the day, or don't want to deal with several months of healing, it's worth thinking about those challenges before making your decision.
Before booking your appointment, ask yourself a few questions:
If you're comfortable with these things, you're already better prepared for what comes with getting a nostril piercing.
Nostril piercings are popular for a reason! They're versatile, stylish, and offer plenty of jewelry options once fully healed.
But they're not completely hassle-free. Between the longer healing time, potential irritation bumps, and the occasional snagged piece of jewelry, there's definitely some maintenance involved.
The biggest thing to remember is that a nostril piercing requires patience. Take your aftercare seriously, choose appropriate jewelry, and give your body enough time to heal before experimenting with new styles.
With proper care and realistic expectations, a nostril piercing can be a fun way to express your personal style!
One of the reasons nose piercings are so popular is due to the variety of pieces of jewelry styles that can be worn. Some of the most common pieces include nose studs, hoops, labrets, circular barbells and even plugs. However, not all jewelry styles are recommended for the initial piercing. The jewelry style you choose will depend on the location of the nose piercing and the piercer’s recommendation. Your starter jewelry should leave enough space to accommodate swelling. Don’t worry, you can always change your starter jewelry later.
Choosing the right material is important to prevent infection or jewelry rejection. You want to choose a metal that has few alloys. A popular choice is titanium, which is durable, lightweight and contains almost no nickel. Stainless steel or 316L steel can also be used for fresh piercings, but if you have sensitive skin then implant grade stainless steel or 316LVM steel is recommended or implant grade titanium titanium 6AL4VELI ASTM F-136. Initial materials you should avoid are plastics, nylon, sterling silver and plated metals. These materials do not make for a healthy healing process and some can cause tissue damage.
Once your nose piercing is completely healed, it’s time for the fun part! You can start changing your jewelry. The standard jewelry size for the nose will be 20 gauge or 18 gauge. Don’t forget to ask your piercer for your gauge size so you can shop for the right jewelry later. If you don’t know your gauge this nose measurement guide may help you. Some popular styles are:
Have fun with your jewelry! When you’re ready to switch to something new, check out our nostril jewelry collection here.
It’s a super common question: can I get my nose pierced with a nose ring? The short answer is not right away. While hoops and rings look amazing, they’re not the best choice for a fresh piercing. Let’s break down why and what your options really are.
When you first get a piercing, your nose needs a stable environment to heal properly. Unfortunately, hoops and rings create a lot of movement, which makes healing harder. Here’s what can happen if you start with a ring:
A professional piercer will usually recommend jewelry that gives the piercing more stability and space to heal, such as:
These styles don’t move around as much, and they allow room for swelling, which makes for a smoother healing process.
This part takes patience. You should only switch to a nose hoop after your piercing is fully healed. For most people, this healing process takes anywhere from 6 to 9 months, and sometimes even up to a year depending on your body and how well you follow aftercare.
It may feel like a long wait, but it’s worth it. If you switch too early, you risk bumps, irritation, or even losing the piercing completely. Waiting ensures you’ll be able to wear hoops safely and comfortably later on.
If you’re asking, “can I get my nose pierced with a nose ring?” the answer is: not at first. Start with a stud or screw to let your piercing heal correctly, then switch to a hoop once you’ve given it the proper time to fully heal.
Trying to figure out what jewelry you need for your nose piercing can be a challenge. Whether you’re looking for the perfect nose ring after the healing process that seemed to take forever, a nosescrew for a special event, or a new nosebone just because you deserve it, finding jewelry that is as comfortable as it is attractive is important.
The nostril is a popular place to have pierced, and there is a good range of jewelry styles to choose from when shopping for new nose jewelry. But when considering which jewelry to buy, it’s vital to remember that each person’s nose is different and knowing what measurements you’ll need is the first step to finding the piece you’ll be happy to add to your collection.
When we discuss the gauge of body jewelry we’re talking about the thickness of the jewelry, in particular the section that fits inside your piercing. We usually refer to that part of the jewelry as the “wearable area.”
The most common sizes for nostril jewelry are 20 gauge and 18 gauge, although some jewelry can also be as small as 22 gauge.
The easiest way to find out what gauge nose ring you need is to ask your piercer when you’re getting pierced. But if you're like me, your eyes may have been watering too much at the time to type the information into your notes app. If your piercer isn’t available for questions, there are several ways to measure your jewelry’s gauge:
A caliper is an inexpensive tool to get highly accurate measurements for body jewelry. You can use it to measure the gauge or other dimensions of your jewelry, as well. It’s even possible to use it to measure the positions of your piercings on your anatomy to obtain useful specifications if you don’t have jewelry available. Use steel calipers with care, it’s possible to scratch the polished finish of your jewelry with them, which can affect its comfort of wear. Plastic calipers are less expensive and won't pose the same danger to your nose ring. After consulting your piercer, calipers are your best option!
We include a free gauge card with each order we ship, and you may already have one handy if you’ve ordered from us before. We also have our gauge card available to download and print (down below). The gauge card should have the different thickness options marked clearly for easy comparison. You should be able to determine which gauge your nose piercing is by holding your old jewelry up to designated marks on the card.
Gauge wheels are tools intended for measuring straight wire, not oddly shaped pieces of body jewelry. The wheel is a round piece of thin steel or plastic with grooves of different thickness cut out of the sides. It’s possible to use one to estimate the gauge of a nose stud by inserting your jewelry into those cut-outs, but like steel calipers, gauge wheels made out of metal have sharp edges that can scratch your jewelry.
Another similar tool is a sheet metal gauge tool, which looks like a small rectangle with similar cutouts along one side that fit different gauges. These tools function the same way as a measurement wheel and suffer from the same weaknesses.
The second measurement that will be useful to find for the perfect fit is the length (or diameter) of your nose jewelry. How you can best identify those specifications depends on what style of nose jewelry you want to wear, so let’s review the most common nose jewelry designs, the pros and cons of each design, and where to find their wearable lengths.
Nosebones are nostril studs with a gemmed or plain front, and a straight wearable post flared slightly at one end. This back flare is usually a small ball, and it is used to keep the stud from falling out. The benefit of wearing a nosebone is that, like the design itself, it is very straightforward and usually simple to pop in or remove. On the other hand, the flared bulb can be as much as 0.5mm larger than the post. Inserting this design can cause irritation in an unhealed or inflexible piercing. They are designed to only be worn when your piercing is well healed.
To measure the wearable length of a nosebone, you can use calipers, a gauge card, or a ruler to find the distance between the front end and the back bulb. When finding this specification, it is important not to make the mistake of measuring the entire piece, end to end. You do not want to include the rise of the front end and the thickness of the back bulb in your calculations.
If you don’t have an old piece of nose jewelry at hand, or if you are downsizing the length of your jewelry after healing, you can use calipers to measure the thickness of the outer part of your nostril.
Nosescrews are similar to nosebones, in that they have a straight wearable section that sits in your piercing. However, instead of a thicker back flare, they have a bent section that is worn inside the nostril and comes in two distinct styles:
Nosescrews can be easily put in without the possible discomfort that can be caused by a nosebone. On the other hand, the curved section that sits inside of your nose has the potential to fall forward and be visible in your nostril. Some people can also find having the back part of the nosescrew sit inside the nose can feel slightly uncomfortable.
To measure the wearable length of a nosescrew, use a tool to determine the length of the post between the front of the piece and the inner edge of the angled bend. Like a nosebone, calipers are the most useful tool to discover the wearable length for your best fit if you don’t have an older nosescrew for comparison.
A nose hoop or nose ring, is a circular design that goes through your nostril piercing and curves around your nose. There are many different types of rings that can be worn as a nose hoop, including clickers, captive bead rings, seamless rings, segment rings, and open nose hoops with a disk on one end that sits inside the nostril to hold it in place.
To determine the best fit for your nose hoop you need to measure the inner diameter of the ring. For a snug fit, the minimum diameter of the ring will need to be the same as the distance between your nostril piercing and the lower edge of your nostril. Of course, rings with diameters that are larger than that can still usually be worn comfortably and make a bold statement, but they are also more prone to getting snagged on hair or clothing.
Labret studs are often thought of as meant for lip piercings, but it is a very versatile design that you can wear many ways. With the growing popularity of the threadless designs, and the increasing availability of small gauge internally threaded versions, labret studs have become a great option for nostril piercing jewelry.
They have a large number of options for external ends, whether you like gemmed discs or other decorative shapes. Labrets also have the advantage of the straight post without having a screw section that sits inside the nostril or having to insert the flared back of a nosebone. The only disadvantage is that the design requires you to insert it from the inside of your nostril. That can be a struggle depending on the location of your piercing, but one that can be made a lot easier with the help of a taper.
Like nosebones and nosescrews, the wearable area for labrets should be calculated by measuring the length of the post between the front and back disc. If you reference the total length of the labret, it is likely to be loose in the piercing.
It’s pretty common for new nostril jewelry to feel too long or start sticking up while your piercing is healing. This happens a lot with L-bend nose studs and nose screws because these styles rely on the bend inside your nostril to stay in place.
If your jewelry keeps lifting up, shifting around, or feels loose, don’t panic. In most cases, it’s a normal part of the healing process. The important thing is knowing how to handle it without irritating your piercing.
When you first get pierced, your piercer usually uses jewelry with a little extra length to make room for swelling. As the swelling goes down, the jewelry may start to feel too long or move around more than before.
This is especially common with:
Because these styles depend on the bend inside your nostril, movement and swelling can sometimes cause the top of the jewelry to pop upward or stick out.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is constantly pushing the jewelry back down or twisting it around. Even though it’s tempting, too much movement can irritate the piercing and slow down healing.
A healing nostril piercing needs time to settle. Touching it too often can lead to:
If the jewelry lifts up occasionally, it’s usually better to leave it alone instead of constantly adjusting it.
If your nostril jewelry feels too long, the best solution is usually to visit your piercer for a downsize.
A downsize means replacing your current jewelry with a shorter wearable length once the swelling has gone down. This helps the jewelry fit more securely and comfortably.
Your piercer may:
Many piercers recommend flat back labret studs for healing nostril piercings because they tend to stay in place better than L-bends or screws.
Flat backs are:
If your jewelry constantly sticks out or shifts, switching styles may help a lot. Always consult with your piercer before making the change.
Even if your jewelry feels too long, your aftercare routine should stay simple.
Stick with the basics:
Keeping the area clean and leaving it alone as much as possible gives your piercing the best chance to heal properly.
You should check in with your piercer if:
A professional piercer can make sure your jewelry fits correctly and help prevent healing issues before they get worse.
If your nostril jewelry is too long, you’re definitely not alone. The best thing you can do is avoid messing with it too much, keep up with saline aftercare, and visit your piercer for a proper downsize when the time is right.
A properly fitted piece of jewelry can make healing much smoother and way more comfortable.
If a nosebone, nosescrew, or labret has a post that’s exposed on the outside of your nose, the length is probably too long. If the nosecrew you’re wearing can be seen inside your nostril then it may not be the ideal design for your anatomy. If your nose hoop is too tight, it won’t just look pinched, it will be uncomfortable in the long term. If your jewelry regularly gets snagged, if your piercing is irritated because your jewelry is loose, if you are constantly having to manually adjust your jewelry so that it looks the way you want it to, then it’s probably a good time to reassess what size jewelry you need.
If you’ve made the daring choice to have your nose pierced, then you probably know what quality of jewelry you want to wear. Everyone deserves jewelry that they love and that you can be comfortable wearing. Finding the right fit for your jewelry is an important step in finding that dream piece that made you want to get pierced in the first place.
With the knowledge to find the jewelry that fits the way you want it to fit, you can explore the wide variety of designs, materials, and embellishments that are available to you.
Choosing the right size nose ring can be a bit tricky, but don't worry! We’re here to help you get that perfect fit. Here's a simple guide to measure your nose for a nose ring, ensuring it looks and feels just right.
First things first, you’ll need to know your gauge size. If you don’t remember it, no big deal! Just grab your current jewelry and measure it using one of these methods:
Next, let’s figure out the inner diameter of the ring you need. Here’s how:
This measurement will give you the minimum diameter of your new nose ring. For example, if the distance is 11 mm, a 7/16" clicker ring might be perfect.
Now that you have your measurements, it’s time to choose the fit:
Most people go for rings sized between 1/4" to 3/8", but if you have a thicker nostril or just like a looser fit, you might want to size up.
If you’re ever unsure about your measurements, it’s always a good idea to visit your piercer. They can help you get the most accurate sizing and ensure you pick a ring that feels just right.
Measuring your nose for a nose ring doesn’t have to be complicated. With these simple steps, you’ll find a ring that fits perfectly and looks amazing.
Thinking about trying out a nostril chain but not sure how to figure out the right size? No worries! We’re here to walk you through the simple process of measuring for a nose chain, so you can get that perfect fit. Let’s dive in!
Before we get started, you’ll need a few basic items:
Grab your string and stretch it across the piercings where you want the chain to sit. If you’re working with a nostril and septum piercing, hold the string between these two points.
Once you’ve got the string stretched to the right length, use a pen to mark the points where the string meets each piercing. Then, lay the string flat and measure the marked section with a ruler. This will give you the base length for your nose chain.
It’s a good idea to add an extra millimeter or two to your measurement. This ensures the chain won’t be too tight across the bridge of your nose. If you prefer a looser, draped look, add a few more millimeters for a little extra slack.
Once you’ve got your measurements down, you’ll know exactly what size nose chain you need. This makes shopping for your new accessory a breeze. With the right fit, you’ll not only look great but also feel comfortable.
SHOP OUR NOSE CHAIN COLLECTION HERE
Tip: Always re-measure if you switch piercings or if your jewelry preferences change. A little adjustment can make a big difference!
Today, we're addressing a common question: How do you take out a d-shaped nose ring? Don't worry; it's a straightforward process similar to removing a standard nose hoop. Let's dive into the steps.
If you have a d-shaped nose ring in place, the first step is to gently grasp it and give it a twist. This movement is in the opposite direction of how you initially inserted it. For instance, if it went in through your nostril, you'll twist it back toward your nose.
This action helps loosen the ring from the piercing and prepares it for removal.
Once the ring starts to come out of your nostril, maintain a gentle grip and keep twisting. The goal is to completely remove the ring from the piercing. This twisting motion ensures a smooth and painless removal process.
Remember, patience is key. Take your time to avoid any discomfort or potential harm.
As you continue twisting, you'll eventually free the ring from the piercing. Once it's out, you've successfully removed your d-shaped nose ring!
If you wish to put the ring back in, the process is just as simple. Follow the same steps in reverse. Gently position the end of the ring into your nostril, making sure the disc is concealed inside your nostril to create a seamless look.
Remember, it might take a moment to find the exact hole for the piercing. If you need a mirror for guidance, that's perfectly okay. Your comfort and confidence are what matter most.
And there you have it! Removing a d-shaped nose ring is an uncomplicated process. By following these steps patiently and gently, you can confidently change your nose jewelry whenever you'd like.
If you have certain health conditions, like severe allergies or are prone to sinus infections, it’s best to wait until those are under control. It can be hard to heal the piercing if you constantly have a runny nose or your sinuses are swollen. Also, if you're not prepared for the aftercare commitment that comes with a nose piercing, it might be best to reconsider this piercing.
A nose piercing can sometimes develop an odor from a buildup of sebum, which is the natural oil produced by your skin. Sebum can mix with sweat, dead skin cells, and other buildup around your piercing and jewelry. This can create an unpleasant smell, even when your piercing is healthy. A smell by itself does not always mean you have an infection.
So, why does my nostril piercing smell? In many cases, the piercing or jewelry simply needs to be cleaned. During the healing process, clean the inside and outside of your nostril piercing with a sterile saline spray made for piercings or wound care. Avoid harsh products like rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which can irritate healing tissue. Once your nostril piercing is fully healed, continue to clean the piercing and jewelry regularly to prevent oils and dead skin cells from building up.
Pay attention to any other symptoms that appear along with the smell. If you notice worsening pain, swelling, redness, warmth, or unusual discharge, the odor may be a sign that something else is going on. Have a professional piercer check the piercing, and seek medical care if you think you may have an infection.
Keeping your nostril piercing and jewelry clean can help control odor and keep buildup from returning.
We hope this guide was helpful in answering the most asked questions like, "how long does a nose piercing take to heal?" and "how much does a nostril piercing cost?". If you have any other questions reach out to our team. Don't forget to follow us on our social platforms @bodyartforms.
