So you're thinking about getting your nose pierced? Cool. I remember walking into the piercing shop for my first nostril piercing – heart pounding like a drum, sweating bullets even though it was freezing. The dude with tattoos up to his eyeballs just laughed and said "relax, it’s over before you blink." And honestly? He was right.
But here’s what nobody tells you: picking a nose piercing isn’t just about looks. It’s about your anatomy, pain tolerance, healing time, and whether you want something subtle or in-your-face. I’ve seen people rush into this without research and end up with infections or jewelry that looks awkward on their face shape. Total bummer.
Nose Piercing Styles Explained (No Fluff, Just Facts)
Let’s cut to the chase. When people say "types of nose piercings," they usually picture that classic sparkle on the nostril. Surprise – there are at least 8 legit styles. Some heal fast, some feel like getting stabbed with a hot poker (looking at you, nasallang).
Most Popular Types of Nose Piercings
| Piercing Type | Where It Goes | Pain Level (1-10) | Healing Time | Jewelry Options | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nostril | Side of nose cartilage | 3/10 | 3-6 months | Studs, hoops, screws | $30-$80 |
| Septum | Soft spot between nostrils | 4/10 (if done right!) | 2-4 months | Horseshoes, clickers, rings | $50-$100 |
| High Nostril | Higher up on nose bridge | 6/10 | 6-9 months | Micro studs | $70-$120 |
| Bridge | Skin bridge between eyes | 5/10 | 3-6 months | Straight barbells | $60-$110 |
| Rhino | Tip of the nose | 7/10 | 6-12 months | Curved barbells | $90-$150 |
| Nasallang | Through both nostrils + septum | 9/10 (seriously intense) | 6-12 months | Straight barbell only | $100-$200+ |
Anatomy Alert: Not everyone can rock every piercing. Thin-nosed folks might struggle with rhino piercings. If your "sweet spot" in the septum is tiny or missing (yes, that happens), skip it. I’ve got a crooked septum – took three piercers to confirm it was a no-go.
Nostril Piercing Deep Dive
This little guy dominates 80% of nose piercings. Quick story: my sister got hers done at a sketchy mall kiosk with a piercing gun. Big mistake. Swelled up like a strawberry. Stick to needles and pros.
Pros:
- Heals relatively fast (if you don’t mess with it)
- Easy to hide with clear retainers
- Works on all nose shapes
Cons:
- Constant snagging hazard (towels, shirts, pets)
- High risk of bumps if aftercare slips
Jewelry Hot Take: Avoid hoops until fully healed. That cute little ring? It’s a bacteria magnet that twists and irritates. Stick to labret studs.
Septum: The Shape-Shifter Piercing
Flip it up for job interviews, flash it at parties. My personal fave. But two critical notes nobody emphasizes enough:
- Placement matters: Too low = constant irritation. Too high = hits cartilage (pain city).
- Jewelry gauge: 16g minimum. Anything thinner might migrate or cause "cheesecutter effect" (Google it. Gross but real).
Healing Hack: Saline spray ONLY. No qtips, no cotton fibers getting stuck. Trust me.
Other Types of Nose Piercings Worth Knowing
Bridge Piercings
Looks edgy, feels surprisingly chill. But rejection rates are high if your skin’s thin. My buddy’s rejected after 8 months – left a gnarly scar.
Rhino and Nasallang Piercings
These are expert-level. Rhino piercings look like a unicorn horn when healed. Nasallang? It’s basically getting triple-pierced at once. Only 10% of piercers will even attempt it. Healing is brutal – expect constant crusties.
Red Flag: If a piercer offers nasallang as your first piercing, walk out. This ain’t beginner territory.
Choosing Your Piercing: Beyond Aesthetics
You love how that high nostril piercing looks on Instagram? Cool. Now consider:
| Lifestyle Factor | Recommended Types of Nose Piercings | Piercings to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Office Jobs | Nostril (stud), Septum (flippable) | Bridge, Rhino |
| Sports/Gym Rats | Septum, Nostril (hoops post-healing) | High nostril, Nasallang |
| Allergy-Prone | Implant-grade titanium ONLY | Surgical steel (nickel risk) |
| Low Pain Tolerance | Nostril, Septum | Nasallang, Rhino |
The Actual Piercing Process: Minute-by-Minute
Nervous? Good. Here’s what really happens:
- Consultation: Piercer checks your anatomy. Don’t skip this! My rhino got vetoed – not enough tissue.
- Marking: They draw dots. SPEAK UP if placement looks off.
- Needle Moment: Deep breath in, exhale during puncture. Nostril feels like a quick pinch + pressure. Septum? Weird crunching sensation (normal!).
- Jewelry Insertion: More pressure than pain. Feels like someone’s pushing a thumbtack through your nose.
Note: Bleeding varies. Nostrils bleed more than septum piercings usually.
Aftercare: The Make-or-Break Phase
This is where most fail. I did – got a nasty bump after using tea tree oil (old myth alert!). Modern aftercare is stupid simple:
- Clean 2x/day: Sterile saline spray only. No homemade salt mixes.
- Hands OFF: Touching = bacteria = infection. Don’t twist jewelry!
- Sleep Smart: Avoid that side. Travel pillows help.
- No Swimming: Oceans/pools = infection stew. Wait 4+ weeks.
Signs of Trouble:
- Normal: Mild redness, clear fluid, itching.
- Danger Zone: Green/yellow pus, throbbing pain, hot skin.
Jewelry Guide: Metals, Sizes, and Swaps
Cheap jewelry ruined my first piercing. Learn from my fail:
| Material | Safety Rating | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implant Titanium | ★★★★★ | $$-$$$ | Sensitive skin, fresh piercings |
| 14k/18k Gold | ★★★★☆ | $$$-$$$$ | Healed piercings |
| Surgical Steel | ★★★☆☆ | $-$$ | Healed piercings (if no nickel allergy) |
| Bioplast | ★★☆☆☆ | $ | Temporary emergencies only |
When to Change Jewelry:
- Nostril: Wait 3+ months
- Septum: Wait 2+ months minimum
- High Nostril/Rhino: Wait 6+ months
Your Nose Piercing Questions Answered
"Do nose piercings leave holes forever?"
Yes and no. Nostril holes shrink but rarely vanish. Septums? Close up completely if removed early. My 10-year-old nostril piercing? Still visible without jewelry. No regrets though.
"What if I hate the placement?"
Take it out immediately before healing sets in. Repierce after 1-2 months. Don’t endure bad placement – you’ll resent it forever.
"Can I numb my nose?"
Skip topical numbing creams. They constrict blood vessels and complicate healing. Pain lasts seconds – breathe through it.
"Why did my piercing bump explode?"
Probably an irritation bump from snagging or overcleaning. Apply warm compresses, stop touching it, see a piercer. Don’t apply random oils.
Final Reality Check
Look, nose piercings aren’t tattoos – they’re mostly reversible if you change your mind. But they demand patience. My septum took 4 months to stop being crusty. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Would I get a nasallang? Hell no. Too intense for me.
Pick what vibes with your life, not just Instagram trends. A well-done nostril stud beats a botched rhino any day. And always, always vet your piercer. Ask to see portfolios of actual healed nose piercings. If they roll their eyes? Walk away. Your face deserves better.
Still have questions? Hit up reputable piercing forums like r/Legitpiercing on Reddit – better than random Facebook groups. And remember: good piercings aren’t cheap, cheap piercings aren’t good. Don’t bargain-shop with your nose.
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