If you're thinking about getting a nose piercing, you might have questions. "How much are nose piercings?", "When can I change 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.
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 accepted more often in the workplace.
A nostril piercing, sometimes referred to as a hoop nose piercing or stud nose piercing, is a popular body modification where a small hole is made through the cartilage of the nose to wear nostril 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 something 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.
How long does it take for a nose piercing to heal?
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.
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To help your nose healing process along the way, you’ll want to avoid certain activities.
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.
One of the reasons nose piercings are so popular is due to the wide 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. 316L steel can also be used for fresh piercings, but if you have sensitive skin then implant grade 316LVM steel is recommended. 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.
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.
Why does my nostril piercing smell?
If your nostril piercing smells, it can be due to bacterial buildup, especially if your piercing isn't getting cleaned properly. Your body produces natural oils and sweat, which can mix with the skin cells around the piercing. Once it's fully healed, it’s important to clean your nostril piercing regularly with a saline spray or a gentle soap to keep it fresh and healthy. If the smell continues or if you notice other signs, like redness or swelling, you should talk to a professional piercer or a doctor.
How do you blow your nose with nose piercing?
If your piercing is still healing, avoid blowing your nose. Instead, use a tissue to dab around the piercing to remove any dripping mucus. If your piercing is already healed, when you need to blow your nose, gently pinch the other nostril closed. This helps direct the air out of the open nostril without pushing too hard on the piercing. Be careful and try to be gentle so you don’t irritate the area. If you feel any discomfort use a tissue to dab instead of blowing forcefully. Just remember to keep your piercing clean to avoid any issues!
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.
