Nose Piercing Ultimate Guide: What is it, benefits, pros and cons, jewelry and more | Body Piercing Hub (2024)

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What is a nose piercing?

A nose piercing is a type of body piercing that passes through the skin or cartilage in multiple places on, you guessed it, your nose (the one on your face!). Nose piercings have a long history and have been traditionally worn by people in various cultures around the world. In modern times, nose piercings have become increasingly popular as a form of body modification and self-expression.

Types of nose piercings

There are several different types of nose piercings that can be done. The most common type is the nostril piercing, which is a piercing through the skin on the side of the nostril. Other types of nose piercings include the septum piercing, which is a piercing through the cartilage that separates the nostrils, and the bridge piercing, which is a piercing through the skin on the bridge of the nose.

Ask anyone that’s ever had anything pierced before and you’ll quickly find out there are lots and pros and cons that come with the procedure itself, but even more commonly, during the healing period or sometimes even years down the line. Nose piercings are certainly no exception to that rule.

Here are the benefits, pros and cons of nose piercings you need to know before you get one.

Nose piercing pros and cons

  • Pro: They look AWESOME!
  • Pro: They’re not very painful to get pierced at all, even the cartilage ones like the septum piercing
  • Pro: More and more guys are getting them, so they’re much less of a taboo and are super cool.
  • Pro: You’ll get loads of likes from your friends on Insta!
  • Pro: You can mix and match the jewellery easily to suit your mood. Lots of people like to switch between tiny studs and hoops
  • Pro: If you have a septum piercing, you can easily flip it up to hide if you wear horseshoe-shaped jewellery (known as a circular barbell)
  • Pro: If you ever want to take it out, you can just remove the jewellery and it won’t leave a scar
  • Con: It’s not uncommon for a lot of employers to ask for them to be taken out in customer-facing jobs, so make sure you check with your boss first before getting one
  • Con: It’s sometimes easy to forget it’s there and easy to bump with your hand when you’re wiping or washing your face
  • Con: A standard nostril piercing takes the longest to heal out of all nose piercings (usually between 4-6 months to fully heal)
  • Con: It’s pretty common to get an infection during healing because they’re out in the open, boogers and nasties often get caught in it (that’s the job your nose hairs do), and you’ll often get makeup or shampoo running into it by accident
  • Con: If you do happen to get an infection, it’s pretty hard to hide it because it’s on your face, but in most cases, it’s just a bit of redness around the piercing
  • Con: You can’t swim or jump in a hot tub for a few weeks after getting one
  • Con: Can sometimes catch on your clothes when you’re getting changed

The full lowdown on nose piercings

Hear first-hand from DaVo, a professional body piercer from Axiom Body Piercing Studio, who explains loads more about getting your nose pierced and what to expect when you get one.

Do nose piercings hurt?
The pain level of a nose piercing can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may find the experience to be relatively painless, while others may find it to be quite uncomfortable. The level of pain that you experience will depend on factors such as your individual pain tolerance and the skill of the piercer. It is also worth noting that the healing process for a nose piercing can be somewhat painful, as the piercing site may become sore and tender as it heals.

Types of jewelry for nose piercings

There are many different types of jewelry that can be worn in a nose piercing. Some common choices include nose studs (which usually have a hook shape on the end instead of a clip like a regular ear stud), hoops, and nostril screws. The best type of jewelry for you will depend on your personal preferences and the size and shape of your nose piercing. It is important to choose jewelry that is made of high-quality materials and that fits comfortably in your piercing.

Nose piercing aftercare information

Proper aftercare is essential for ensuring the successful healing of a nose piercing. This includes cleaning the piercing regularly with a sterile saline solution, avoiding touching the piercing with dirty hands, and avoiding activities that may irritate the piercing, such as swimming or using headphones. It is also important to follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your piercer, as every individual’s piercing may have unique needs.

Ready to get your nose pierced yet?

Check out our nose piercing photo galleries: Nostril piercing photo gallery / Septum piercing photo gallery

Want to learn more about nose piercings? Check out these links too:

  1. Nose piercing pictures
  2. Nose piercing aftercare (Healthline)
  3. Learn more about other types of face piercings

Or…

  • Share your piercing pictures with us
  • Have questions? Sign up to our community and ask questions in our forums.

Are you ready to get your nose pierced yet? Of course you are!
If you’ve been inspired and you’re ready to get your nose pierced, simply click the button below to find a professional piercer near you.

We hope you’ve learnt a thing or two about nose piercings after reading this guide. If you liked it, make sure you share it with your friends…It’d mean that world to us 🙂 If you think something’s missing or you were looking for more information, please let us know on our feedback page or leave a comment below.

Nose Piercing Ultimate Guide: What is it, benefits, pros and cons, jewelry and more | Body Piercing Hub (2024)

FAQs

What is a downside nose piercing? ›

Bacteria that line the inside of your nose can cause an infection. And viruses like HIV, hepatitis B or C, or tetanus from poorly sterilized equipment could get into your bloodstream. Bleeding. Any piercing will bleed.

What are the downsides of nose rings? ›

Cons:
  • If removed, it can scar permanently even when done well and healed you can almost always see a mark.
  • It can take a while to heal and requires gentle care to avoid irritation.
  • Some places of employment won't allow nose piercings.
  • Scarfs and clothing can get caught in it.
Jan 3, 2023

Are there any benefits to nose piercing? ›

According to acupuncture, piercing is highly beneficial for the immune system. Nose piercing with a good quality metal like a bestnose pin gold can purify the air that we take in while breathing and hence result in building a better immunity.

Who shouldn't get their nose pierced? ›

You definitely shouldn't go in for a nose piercing if you're sick. First, you don't want to be spreading germs where there needs to be a sterile environment. But also, when you're sick, especially if you have a runny nose or are congested, you are blowing your nose a lot.

What I wish I knew before a nose piercing? ›

Consider factors such as pain tolerance, jewelry material, visibility, and commitment before getting a nose piercing. Bonus tips include doing research, bringing a friend for support, and not picking or playing with the piercing while it heals.

What hurts more a nose piercing? ›

Traditional nose piercing i.e. nostril piercing has a medium-high pain level with an uncomfortable pinching or pricking feeling, and a healing time of up to 3 months. Non-traditional nose piercings hurt more like septum piercing which involves going through cartilage.

What foods to avoid after nose piercing? ›

Skip sticky foods, chewing gum, spicy, salty, acidic or hot foods as they can irritate the new piercing. To keep swelling down sip cold water, eat ice cream or other cold and frozen foods.

Do nose piercings affect breathing? ›

A nose piercing can lead to narrowed airways, swelling of your nostrils, or breathing obstruction— but only temporarily. As you adjust to a new piercing— like a septum piercing— you get used to the new object in your nose as your piercing heals. Once everything is healed, your breathing should return to normal.

Are nose rings high maintenance? ›

A new nose piercing requires frequent cleanings. Like any new piercing, regular cleanings help keep debris out of the piercing while also preventing infection. However, the aftercare doesn't stop there. You'll need to regularly ensure your nose piercing and jewelry are both in good shape to prevent any future problems.

Which side of nose to pierce female? ›

In traditional Chinese medicine, the left side was believed to be the female side, and right the masculine side. Some people use this as a reason to choose their facial piercings on the left side for females or right side for males. However, in modern culture, there really isn't a male or female side.

What does it mean when a woman has a nose piercing on the right side? ›

A nose piercing on the right side is believed to show self-confidence. You know who you are, what you believe, and what you stand for. Your piercing can also indicate that you're confident in your spirituality and you're willing to take risks when it matters. Your intuition will be heightened.

Should I get a nose stud or ring? ›

Piercing experts recommend that it is best to avoid nose rings in fresh piercings to prevent discomfort. Otherwise, the act of insertion could be unnecessarily painful and in some cases, detrimental to the fresh piercing's healing process.

Do nose piercings make your nose run? ›

Many people ask if it's normal to have a runny nose after you get your septum pierced and the answer is yes. While this doesn't happen to everyone, it is a common response after the piercing is done to experience a runny nose as your body responds to the wound it's working to heal.

Is a nose piercing attractive? ›

The answer to this question varies with personal preference. For some, wearing a nose ring or stud may be considered attractive as it can add a personal touch and unique style. However, for others, wearing a nose ring or studs may not be considered attractive, as aesthetic opinions vary from person to person.

What's the most painful piercing? ›

Here is how much each type of piercing may hurt in order of most painful to least painful.
  • Genital piercing. Your genitals are among the most nerve-dense areas on your body. ...
  • Nipple piercing pain level. The nipple is another commonly pierced area that's pretty sensitive. ...
  • Nose piercing pain level. ...
  • Dermal piercing pain.
Apr 16, 2020

Should you get a nose piercing on your good or bad side? ›

There is no right or wrong side of the nose to get a piercing, it is up to you. A good idea is to pick your best 'selfie side' of your face whether that be the left or right side!

How much does a nose piercing hurt on a scale of 1 to 10? ›

On the pain scale, a nose piercing ranks at a 6 or 7 out of 10 varying from person to person.

How do you know if a nose piercing will look good on you? ›

Nose studs essentially go with every shape. If your nose is broad then you can go for a bigger nose stud that has a stone in it. If your nose is narrow then you can go for a smaller stud. A nose stud looks good on any type of attire, Indian or western.

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