Getting your nose pierced can be an exciting and transformative experience. With so many options for placement, jewelry type, and more, picking the right nose piercing for your anatomy and style is key. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about nose piercing placement, from anatomy considerations to perfectly positioning your nostril or septum piercing. Read on for tips, guides, and advice to help you get the nose piercing you’ve always wanted.
Table of Contents
The Anatomy of the Nose
When considering a nose piercing, it’s important to understand the basic anatomy of the nose. The nose is the central structure of the face and serves as a pathway for air to travel to the lungs. The nose is composed of bone, cartilage, skin, blood vessels, and nerves.
The tip of the nose is called the nasal tip or apex. This is composed of cartilage and skin. The sides of the nostrils are also made of cartilage which can be seen when looking inside the nostrils. The bridge of the nose is the bony part made up of the nasal bones. The septum divides the left and right nasal passageways. It is composed of both bone and cartilage. All of these anatomical structures need to be taken into account when determining nose piercing placement.
Different Nose Shapes and Types
People have varying nose shapes and types. Common nose types include:
Roman or aquiline nose: Distinguished by a prominent bridge and large nasal tip. Often slightly curved or hooked.
Greek nose: Straight and symmetrical with a proportional triangular tip.
Snub nose: Shorter, sloped nose with a rounded nasal tip. Nostrils may point upwards.
Hawk nose: Long, protruding nose with a prominent bridge and hooked tip.
Bulbous nose: Wide, round tip with enlarged, flared nostrils.
Knowing your nose shape and type will help determine the most flattering and suitable piercing placement.
Key Landmarks of the Nose
There are several key structures and landmarks of the nose that piercers evaluate when determining placement:
Nostrils: The openings of the nose into which nose rings or studs can be placed. Nostrils vary in size and position. Septum: The wall between the nostrils, composed of cartilage and membrane. Can be pierced in the sweet spot. Nasal tip: The fleshy external end of the nose. Varies in size and shape by person. Bridge: Bony part of the nose between the eyes is made of nasal bones. Range of widths among people. Nasal dorsum: Upper part of the nose cartilage between tip and bridge. Columella: Narrow area of skin between the nostrils. Range of lengths.
Factors to Consider Before Getting a Nose Piercing
Nose piercings require careful planning and consideration to ensure proper placement and the best result. Here are key factors to think about beforehand:
Your Nose’s Shape and Size
Your individual nose anatomy should guide placement. Those with smaller noses may not be suitable for large statement jewelry. Larger nose bridges and wider nostrils provide more surface area for multiple piercings. Your piercer can assess your nose shape and structure to recommend flattering positions.
Desired Jewelry Type
The specific piercing jewelry you wish to wear – hoops, studs, rings etc – will influence placement. Rings or hoops require room to comfortably fit inside the nostrils or septum. Studs allow for more precise positioning in narrower places. Discuss your ideal jewelry with your piercer.
Nostril Piercing
One of the most popular and versatile nose piercings is the nostril piercing. Proper placement is essential to minimise risks and create a flattering look. Here’s what to know about getting your nostril(s) pierced.
Nostril Piercing Placement Options
Nostril piercings can be placed in multiple locations on the nostril depending on anatomy and personal preference:
- High nostril – Upper area near middle of nostril
- Low nostril – Lower part closer to nostril opening
- Inner nostril – Toward inside of nostril opening
- Outer nostril – Near outside edge of nostril
Proper placement will complement your features while allowing room for your desired jewelry.
The Sweet Spot
The “sweet spot” is the optimal area for nostril piercing placement. This is the thicker part of the nostril rim that will heal best. The sweet spot allows enough space for jewelry without compromising the structure of the nostril. Piercing this fleshier area usually results in less pain and quicker healing.
Rings & Hoops Piercing Placement
Nostril rings or hoops require more room than studs. Wider nostrils work best for hoops to avoid discomfort. Position hoop piercings farther back in the nostril, not too close to the front. Allows adequate space inside the nostril for the full diameter of the ring.
Studs Piercing Placement
Nostril studs allow for more versatility in placement since they take up less space. They can be positioned farther forward, closer to the opening or tip of the nose. Make sure to leave enough of a flat surface for the backing of the stud to rest against the nostril.
Planning for More Nose Piercings
If you think you may want multiple nose piercings in the future, discuss ideal placements with your piercer. Mapping out symmetrical or complementary positions for potential additional piercings will create a cohesive look. This also avoids overcrowding the nostrils.
Consultation is Key
Always have a thorough consultation with an experienced piercer about placement before getting your nostril(s) pierced. They can examine your nose anatomy and shape to determine the most suitable piercing locations for your desired result.
Nose Piercing Placement: Guide
Here is a quick guide to ideal nose piercing placements including pros, cons and examples:
Pros:
Nostril sweet spot: Optimally thick skin for healing, accommodates various jewelry
High nostril: Flattering, eye-catching, suits most nose types
Septum sweet spot: Low pain, quick healing
Cons:
Outer nostril edge: Thinner skin, risk of migration, irritation
Low nostril: Can alter nose contour, less stable
Septum through cartilage: More painful, slower healing
Correct Nose Piercing Placement
The ideal area for a nostril piercing is centered on either the right or left bottom half of the nostril. This placement sits flush on the thick cartilage rim without being too low or high. It avoids the thin skin and allows room for future piercings on the other side without crowding. Proper centering in the nozzle crease also ensures symmetry over time as the nose naturally shifts with age. Correct positioning here lets the piercing heal smoothly and reduces rejection risks long-term as it’s an area with good blood flow and less risk of unexpected bumps or knocks.
Incorrect Nose Piercing Placement
Common mistakes are getting pierced too low near the tip of the nose or placing the jewellery excessively high towards the nasal bridge. These locations have a higher likelihood of rejection risks as they perforate very thin nasal skin more prone to accidental bumps and movements during everyday activities like blowing one’s nose.
Low piercings can also look uneven from the front over time compared to the other nostril if not positioned with symmetry in mind. High piercings may irritate skin when wearing glasses or cause issues when rubbing against face masks. Optimal healing is less likely in these riskier alternative placement areas.
FAQ’s
Does nose piercing placement affect healing?
Yes, the specific location impacts healing. Nostril sweet spot and septum sweet spot provide optimal thickness for healing. Avoid bony areas and cartilage.
How do I choose the right nose piercing for my nose size and shape?
Those with small noses should opt for daintier jewelry like a high nostril stud. Larger noses can accommodate statement jewelry like septum hoops or low nostril rings.
Can I get both nostrils pierced?
Yes, you can pierce both nostrils for a symmetrical look. Space them evenly and suitably for your nose width. Avoid overcrowding.
Will a nose piercing alter the shape of my nose?
In most cases, no. But jewelry placed very low in the nostrils can potentially impact contour. Reputable piercers choose placements to complement your natural nose shape.
Conclusion
Nose piercings require careful planning and placement for the best results. Factors like nose shape, desired jewelry, pain tolerance, and future plans for more piercings should all impact optimal positioning. Consult an experienced piercer to determine the most suitable and flattering nostril or septum piercing locations to accentuate your natural features and minimal risks. With proper anatomy considerations and piercing best practices, you’ll be rocking your dream nose piercing in no time.
