The nose piercing is one of the most popular piercings of all – and one of the most personal. A small stud in the nostril can be almost invisible, a ring changes the whole look, and a septum can be hidden completely whenever you want. Here is the complete guide: the placements, the price, the healing, the sizes – and the answer to the question almost everyone asks: when can I change to a ring?
The placements: Nostril, septum and the others
- Nostril is the classic – the piercing in the side of the nose. It can sit low and discreet or higher up (high nostril) for a bolder look.
- Septum sits in the soft skin between the nostrils – not in the cartilage itself. The septum's superpower: with a horseshoe-shaped bar, the jewellery can be flipped up and hidden completely, for example for a job interview or a family party.
- Double nose piercing – two holes in the same nostril or one on each side – has become a popular look. Preferably have them done in two sessions so each hole can heal in peace.
How much does a nose piercing cost?
At a professional studio, the price of a nostril piercing and a septum depends on the studio and the country – the initial jewellery is usually included, and the septum is usually a little higher. As always: choose your studio for experience and hygiene – especially for the septum, where correct placement in the soft skin (and not the cartilage) makes all the difference between a smooth and a difficult healing process.
Does it hurt?
The nostril feels like a quick, sharp sting – and then your eyes water. That is a reflex, not crying, and it is completely normal. Most people describe the septum as an intense urge to sneeze. Both are over in a second.
Healing: Here you need to know the difference
| Placement | Typical healing time | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Nostril | 2-4 months (fully stable after up to 6) | Quick on the surface but slow inside – do not change too early |
| Septum | 6-8 weeks | One of the fastest-healing piercings – soft skin heals quickly |
- Clean with saline solution 1-2 times a day, and otherwise do not touch the piercing.
- Watch out for towels, make-up and glasses – the three classic culprits that snag or irritate.
- If the piercing becomes red, warm and tender for a longer period, clean with saline and contact the studio or a doctor if in doubt – an infection in a nose piercing should be taken seriously.
"Can I have a ring put in straight away?" The short answer: it is not recommended. A ring moves more than a stud and disturbs the healing, so most piercers put in a labret stud first. Wait typically 2-4 months – then the hole is ready for the nose ring you are really dreaming of. Patience is the price of a nice result without bumps and scars.
Stud, screw or ring – guide to nose jewellery
- Labret stud with a flat back – the most comfortable for everyday wear; the back is not felt inside the nose.
- Nose screw – a stud with a small curve that holds itself in place without a back.
- Nose ring/hoop – the classic look. Choose a snug diameter, typically 8-10 mm, so it follows the nostril without hanging.
- Septum: clicker or horseshoe – the clicker is easy to open and close, the horseshoe can be flipped up and hidden.
The standard thickness for the nostril is 0.8 mm (20G) – thinner than most other piercings – while the septum typically uses 1.2 mm (16G). Our nose jewellery is made of implant-grade titanium (ASTM F-136): nickel-free, hypoallergenic and waterproof. See the range of nose piercing jewellery, nose rings and septum jewellery.
Fake nose ring – the look without the hole
Want to try the look before you decide – or not have a hole at all? Fake nose rings and fake septum rings clip gently onto the nostril or septum and cannot be told apart from a real piercing at a distance. It is an obvious way to test whether a ring or a stud suits you before you book an appointment with the piercer.
Nose piercings for men
The nose piercing stopped having a gender long ago – septum and nostril are worn by everyone. For men, the most popular choices are a thin ring in the nostril or a simple septum horseshoe in silver-coloured titanium. The jewellery is the same – it is all about the look.
Questions and answers about nose piercings
How much does a nose piercing cost?
The price of a nostril piercing or a septum at a professional studio depends on the studio and the country, usually including initial jewellery. Nose jewellery for changing after healing is available from BY CARA.
How long does a nose piercing take to heal?
The nostril typically heals in 2-4 months but can take up to 6 months to become fully stable. The septum heals faster – typically 6-8 weeks. Clean with saline and only change the jewellery once the piercing has healed.
When can I change to a nose ring?
Typically after 2-4 months, when the nostril has healed. You are almost always pierced with a stud, because a ring moves too much during healing. Then choose a snug 8-10 mm ring in titanium.
What size does a nose piercing use?
The nostril typically uses 0.8 mm (20G) in thickness with studs of 6-8 mm in length. The septum typically uses 1.2 mm (16G) with rings of 8-10 mm in diameter. If in doubt, measure the jewellery that sits well today.
What do I do if my nose piercing gets infected?
Clean with saline 1-2 times a day, avoid fiddling with it, and do not take the jewellery out on your own – the hole can close over the infection. If the area stays red, warm and tender, or you develop a fever, contact your piercing studio or your doctor.
Can you hide a septum piercing?
Yes – that is the septum's big advantage. With a horseshoe-shaped bar, the jewellery can be flipped up into the nose and hidden completely, for example at work or when visiting family.
This guide is for general guidance and does not replace advice from a piercer or doctor.
