Everything you need to know about nose piercing

Thinking of getting a nose piercing? Then look no further! In this article, you can read everything you need to know about nose piercing.

Nose piercing is one of the most common piercings. After ear piercing, nose piercing is a great way to express individual style & choice. Where to put your nose piercing is all about personal preference.

Get inspired about the possibilities by reading more below!

Table of contents:

• Nose piercing positions
• Nose piercing bump
• Nose piercing infection
• Nose piercing aftercare
• Nose piercing jewelry
• Where can I get a nose piercing?
• Frequently asked questions about nose piercing (FAQ)

Nose piercing positions

There are so many options when choosing a nose piercing. Some positions, like the placement of a nose stud, ring or hoop in one of your nostrils are well known. But have you heard about a septum piercing or third-eye piercing?

Traditional nostril piercing

This type of piercing is usually placed in the crease of the nostril or in a different position if preferred. The piercer marks the spot and uses a needle or blade to pierce through the nostril, after which he pushes a piece of jewelry to seal the piercing from behind.

Pain level: 2/10

High nostril piercing

As the name describes it, this type of piercing is placed as high as possible up the nostril, just underneath the nose's bridge. It's usually not the first nose piercing and mostly requested by people that like to go for a more distinctive or unique look. These piercings need to be performed by a more experienced piercer and are a bit more painful than a normal nostril piercing.

Pain level: 4/10

Septum piercing

A septum piercing is placed exactly in the middle of your nose (septum), just underneath the plates of cartilage. It's a more outspoken type of piercing with 1 great benefit: it can be instantly flipped inside, making it invisible (depending on the type of jewelry). Since the septum is sensitive, prepare for tears when getting pierced.

Read more on septum piercing

Pain level: 6/10

Rhino piercing

A less common piercing is the Rhino piercing. A rhino piercing is placed vertically through the tip of the nose. The reason this tip of piercing isn't done often is because the aesthetic is less popular within the piercing community and the healing process can be quite cumbersome. If you are looking for a unique look, the rhino piercing is definitely one to consider.

Pain level: 7/10

Austin bar piercing

Just like the rhino piercing, an Austin bar piercing is done through the tip of the nose. The Austin bar piercing is pierced through the tip of the nose horizontally and is quite a rare type of piercing. Most common jewelry chosen for an Austin bar piercing is a straight barbell.

Pain level: 7/10

Nasallang piercing

The most complex piercing of this category is the nasallang piercing. The nasallang piercing is actually 3 piercings. It's a piercing in each nostril and through the septum, all connected with 1 piece of jewelry, usually a straight bar. The piercing requires a very experienced piercer and a high pain-tolerance.

Pain level: 8/10

Bridge piercing

A bridge piercing is place high up the nose bridge, in-between the eyes. It's a surface piercing, which means it's placed underneath the skin's surface and has an entry and exit point. This type of piercing is usually fitted with a straight barbell which makes it look like 2 piercings. As with any surface piercing, bridge piercings proper aftercare, since they are prone to migration.

Pain level: 6/10

Third-eye piercing

Just like the bridge piercing, a third-eye piercing is placed in-between the eyes. The difference between a bridge piercing and a third-eye piercing is that the third-eye piercing is placed vertically on the nose bridge. This type of piercing requires proper aftercare and might migrate during the healing process, making it look a-symmetrical when healed. It can also be place in the lower forehead but beware: there might be bloodvessels in that area that cannot be pierced, so always make sure you go to an experienced piercing if you want this type of piercing.

Pain level: 6/10

Nose piercing bump

It can take up to 6 months for a nose piercing to fully heal. Nose piercing aftercare is really important to prevent complications after getting a nose piercing. Without the right aftercare, you could start to notice symptoms of infection or irritation. You could even see a bump developing.

A nose piercing bump is usually one of 3 things:

• Pustule: a puss filled pimple, which is a clear sign of irritation/infection
• Granuloma: a lesion which forms 6-8 weeks after piercing
• Keloid: a thick scar around the pierced area

Nose piercing infection

Any type of piercing poses an infection risk. Good hygiene during piercing and aftercare are essential to prevent any type of infection. Minor swelling and redness are normal when you just got pierced. Professional body piercers will always recommend you to not touch the piercing area with your bare hands. Good disinfection and rest help the healing process. If your piercing does get infected, usually of the following symptoms can be noticed:

• pain, throbbing or swelling around the pierced area
• tenderness around the pierced area
• puss or unpleasant odour around the piercing site

Nose piercing aftercare

Hygiene, hygiene, hygiene! Most important for a piercing to heal quickly is hygiene and minimal disturbance of the pierced area. Before cleaning the piercing with gauze pad soaked in saline solution, wash your hands thorougly and pat the area dry with a clean paper towel.

Do not remove your jewelry before the piercing is healed! The piercing will close and trap bacteria, risking (worse) infections

Nose piercing jewelry

For any fresh piercing, but especially for nose piercings, it's recommended to always choose high-quality body jewelry from renown brands like NeoMetal, Anatometal or BVLA. The best material for a fresh piercing is hands-down: implant-grade titanium. Second-best is 18-carat gold.

Where can I get a nose piercing?

Find a piercing studio in your area by typing the city name in the top search bar on this page or visit piercing-studios.com. Always choose a premium studio. They work according to the highest professional hygiene standards and with the best materials and jewelry.

Frequently asked questions about nose piercing (FAQ)

1. What type of nose piercing can I get?

   The most popular type of nose piercings are: traditional nostril piercing, high nostril piercing, Septum piercing, Rhino piering, Austin bar piercing, Nasallang piercing, Bridge piercing, Third-eye piercing.

2. How much does a nose piercing cost?

   Depending on the quality of the body jewelry used and the professionalism of the piercer. A nose piercing will cost anywhere from $30.00 up to $120.00 for a fresh nose piercing.

3. How painful is nose piercing?

   It depends on the area that is pierced. A nostril is less painful than piercing the septum or nose bridge surface. A nostril piercing is not perceived as painful by most, whereas a Nasallang piercing is one of the most painful piercings in the nose.

4. How long does it take a nose piercing to heal?

   It can take up to 6 months for a nose piercing to full heal! To speed up the healing process, ensure to keep the pierced area clean, dry and prevent irritation. Do not touch your piercing if you don't have to!

5. How to clean nose piercing?

   Wash your hands really well before touching the jewelry or the pierced area. Clean the pierced area with a gauze pad soaked in saline solution and pat the area dry after cleaning.

6. When can I change my nose piercing?

   When your piercing is fully healed, you can change your jewelry for something fancy! Always choose implant-grade titanium or 18-carat gold jewelry to minimise risk of irritation, allergies or infection!