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Nose Rings and Piercings

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Nose piercing has been a part of various world cultures for hundreds of years

It's only been in the last two decades that nose piercing has gained a mainstream popularity in Western culture.  Presently, it is the second most-popular body piercing desired by teens and young adults, after ear piercings. Due to the piercing being through cartilage and not soft tissue, nose piercings take a bit more care to heal properly than ears, and they can be more likely to develop scar tissue or have other healing issues. Unfortunately the explosion in popularity of this piercing has led to too many mall piercing huts doing noses without knowing just how tricky these piercings can be, and a lot of people aren't getting the sort of in-depth information that would help them have a more successful healing experience.

This lens will tell you about nose piercings, give some history, offer advice on healing and aftercare, and makes some recommendations for nose rings and jewelry. And be sure to let you opinion be known in the debate about nose piercings in the workplace!

Please let me know what you think of this lens by rating it.
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get info about...

table of contents

  1. Take the Piercing Poll!
  2. Information About Piercing Your Nose
  3. Nostril Piercing
  4. The Nose Knows
  5. Nose Rings - body jewelry
  6. Which "Side" Should You Get Pierced?
  7. Septum Piercing
  8. Nostril Screws - body jewelry
  9. Piercing "Guns" Are BAD! - Learn Why Here
  10. Aftercare and Piercing FAQs
  11. Nose Pins and L-Bars - body jewelry
  12. The Earl or Bridge Piercing
  13. Nose Piercing Prejudice
  14. Nose Piercing and Personal Rights
  15. Nose Piercing Videos
  16. Ask the Nose Piercing Lensmaster!

Take the Piercing Poll!

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Information About Piercing Your Nose


Body Jewelry for Sale at BodyCandy.com Nose piercings don't always heal as easily as people assume. They do not heal as easily as pierced ears. The tissue of the nose is "cartilage" which is a hard-but-flexible material in our bodies. The blood flow isn't as plentiful as "soft tissue" which is the type of material that forms the lower ear lobes.

Friction from a too-tight or too-large nose stud or ring, an accidental yank or snag, or even some people's genetic predispositions can cause a type of scar tissue, called a keloid, to form on healing nose piercings. This is that "bump" that everyone always talks about. Reading up on piercing care and knowing how to take care of your healing nose can really help avoid things like infections and keloids (aka "the bump).

Remember to ask your body piercer how to take care of your new nose piercing BEFORE you get your nose pierced. This is important because some people get sort of dizzy or feel a head rush from piercing, and it can make it harder to remember the aftercare info if you talk afterwards. (really!)

Also, many states have rules and regulations about ages and nose piercings. Be prepared to have legal ID, a legal guardian and their legal ID on hand to get your nose pierced in some states.

Nose Piercings
By Rae Schwarz
Many people decide get their nose pierced and then have a lot of questions afterwards. Educate yourself before you get pierced and have a better experience. Learn why piercing guns are bad and get tips for getting rid of keloids.
Price: $4.95


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Nostril Piercing

the common nose ring

The most commonly pierced place on the nose is somewhere along the rim of the nostril. Placement is most often at the peak of the curved edge.

Jewelry is most often a small stud or ring. For healing a nose piercing, wearing a ring allows the piercing to be cleaned more easily. Whatever is worn, it's best to wear gold or steel during the 3 month healing period. Do NOT wear sterling silver as it has the unfortunate side effect of leave a permanent black mark on your nose.

The most common complaint about nose piercings is that, like many other cartilage piercings, these can form a keloid, a bump-like type of scar tissue. This is most often due to friction or continuous irritation of the piercing.

As common as this piercing has become, they aren't as easy to heal as most young people assume. Many people do not truly anticipate what it's going to be like to have what is really a healing wound on their face for two to three months.

It often helps to try not to sleep facedown and to change your pillowcase more often while healing a nose piercing. Do not put rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on a healing nose piercing as both can burn the raw tissues inside the piercing and increase irritation.

The Nose Knows

links to more nose piercing info

Nose Piercings
Details of the nostril and septum piercing, types of jewelry, healing and aftercare, keloids
Nose Piercings - Ebook
Nose piercing has been practiced by many cultures both ancient and modern. Learning about this popular body piercing before you get pierced often makes for a more enjoyable and succesful piercing experience.
All About Nose Piercings
Learn more about the types of nose piercings (nostril, septum and bridge), jewelry (rings, bones, studs, screws), see how nose piercings are done and get healing and aftercare advice.
Adorning the nose
Nose speaks for the face. If Mother Nature has carefully shaped it, then everything else is put in its proper place. A well-chiseled nose adds beauty to a woman's face. A tiny nose stud makes it more beautiful.
Piercings - Sepia Mutiny
I had recently gone to a Bengali family party, and was sitting on the floor talking to an older auntie type, when I noticed she had something gold in her nose. I asked her what it was, and with a little pull here and there, she pulled out a punk-rock style gold septum ring.
Nostril Piercing - BME Encyclopedia
The nostril piercing is, on a global and historical level, the most common piercing next to the earlobe piercing.
nose rings
Although nose rings are very common in India, they actually originated in the Middle East. It was only during the 16th century that the practice of piercing the nose filtered into India....
Nose piercing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nose piercing is the piercing of the skin or cartilage which forms any part of the nose, normally for the purpose of wearing jewelry; among the different varieties of nose piercings, the nostril piercing is the most common. Nose piercing is one of the most common varieties of piercing after earlobe piercing.
get a nose ring on 43 Things
Chat, message and meet over 150 people who want to get a nose ring
Piercings, Body Piercing
Body piercing has become very popular, trendy and fashionable. Body piercing greatly varies with multiple hoops up, around, and inside the ear, or studs and rings sticking out of the tongue, eyebrow, nostril, belly-button and lips.

Nose Rings - body jewelry

A small hoop is the healthiest piece of jewelry to wear in a new nose piercing because they aren't too tight to the skin surface and they can be rotated, which helps you to clean the entire inside surface of the piercing. These might look large in the photos, but they are the appropriate thickness and sizes for nose piercings.
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Which "Side" Should You Get Pierced?

It's an URBAN MYTH that somehow getting one side of your nose pieced or the other has some sort of special meaning. Whichever side you decide to get pierced is just your personal preference, nothing more. Any of your friends who tell you differently are just spreading internet rumors.

Septum Piercing

Sometimes nicknamed the "bull ring" piercing, the nose is also sometimes pierced through the cartilage that separates the chambers of the nose, the septum. This piercing is more common in tribal peoples. Reasons for this peircing were to imitate totem animals, to bring luck and to keep evil spirits from entering the body by coming in through the nose.

This piercing can be made invisible by wearing a U-shaped piece of jewelry with the ends flipped up into the nose.

Nostril Screws - body jewelry

a type of jewelry that was tradionally worn in India for pierced noses

For nose piercings, you want the starter jewelry to be surgical-grade steel, or 14k gold or better.

You want to avoid sterling silver for any fresh or still-healing nose piercings because the silver tarnishing not only can cause or increase irritation in the healing piercing, it can also trigger a condition where the healing skin is permanently stained with a dark color.

You should not start out with anything nylon or plastic in a fresh piercing, as those surfaces tend to cause adverse skin reactions and interfere with healing. They are fine for piercings that have fully-healed. So, don't think about getting a new nose piercing and then hiding it on the job. It really doesn't work well.

How to Wear a Nostril Screw - This jewelry starts out by twisting into place. Rotate the nostril screw so that the curled part of the wire pokes through your nose. Once you get the curl turned through the piercing, rotate the jewelry so that the straight part pops into place inside your nose. The curl should now be parallel to your nostril, hidden on the inside of your nose and should hold the jewelry in place securely but without digging into your nose too tightly.
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Piercing "Guns" Are BAD! - Learn Why Here

Piercing guns are very bad for noses because they were not made to pierce noses, they pierce using a very blunt stud (increases chances of scarring), the jewelry fits too tightly (increases chances of infection) and, most importantly, they are NOT sterilized properly in between customers so as to prevent the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C!
Do yourself a favor and do NOT get your nose pierced this way!

Aftercare and Piercing FAQs

All About Nose Piercings
Learn more about the types of nose piercings (nostril, septum and bridge), jewelry (rings, bones, studs, screws), see how nose piercings are done and get healing and aftercare advice.
Nose Piercing FAQ
Frequently asked nose piercing questions. Should you be worried if you got your nose pierced with an earring gun? Is there anything you can do for a pierced nose that just won't heal? Can you pierce your nose at home?
How To Remove A Nose Ring
Remove a Nose Ring or Stud Whether you've outgrown your nose pierce, or simply feel the need for a change, the removal process is pretty straightforward. Expect the hole to leave its mark, though - a legacy to the period you're leaving behind.
Go Ask Alice!: Nose piercing
Dear Alice, I am a first-year student and I want to get my nose pierced. This isn't just a whim; I've wanted one for a long time. However, I know that there will come a time when the ring will look juvenile on me. My question: will such a hole close up fairly quickly, without leaving an ugly scar?
NOSE PIERCING AFTERCARE
History, Jewelry, Gun vs Needle and more

Nose Pins and L-Bars - body jewelry

more nose piercing jewelry

I really recommend NOT wearing a nose "bone" as it's a stud with a fat rounded end on the back end that has to be forced in and out of the nose piercing to change. Frequently the piercing canal shrinks down to the size of the bar part, and I get a lot of email from people who are stuck trying to yank the bone out of their nose. Sometimes they even have to be cut to be removed. Essentially, this type of jewelry can be a literal pain in the nose, and I suggest that people absolutely avoid wearing them.

L-bars however have a tiny bend, often smaller than a nostril screw and this holds the stud in place. Nose pins are a straight post with no form of backing, and those either stay in place for you, or they don't. I think both styles are much more viable for nose jewelry options. The best is a tiny ring or the nostril screws listed above.
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The Earl or Bridge Piercing

A modern nose piercing that's been invented is sometimes called the "earl" or bridge piercing and involves a barbell being pierced through the skin over the bridge of the nose. The only part of the body jewelry visible are the two balls on the ends of the bar, which rest on either side of the nose.

Facial movement and surface tension makes this a difficult piercing to heal for some people. Others abandon the piercing as having the balls just inside their field of vision becomes annoying.

This piercing got the name "earl" from one of the first people who ever got this piercing. Earl played the tattooed and pierced elder on the vampire high council in the first Blade movie, wearing his own body art, not makeup, for the role.

Nose Piercing Prejudice

The one thing you have to remember if you're going to get your nose pierced is that in Western culture, it's still frowned upon in a lot of places. There are plenty of people who will dismiss you as weird, kinky, masochistic, self-damaging and just not "right" when they see you have a nose piercing. It's pretty common for people to be told to take any facial piercings out at their place of work, or to not get hired for a job if you have a facial piercing, regardless of your actual resume and qualifications.

If you aren't up to withstanding any of these prejudgments, don't get your nose pierced.

Some people switch out metal jewelry for retainers when they have to deal with certain work or family situations. This type of jewelry is made out of clear acrylic, so as to be of a lower visual profile than metal. These are only appropriate for piercings that are completely finished healing, as the plastics sometimes interact badly with still-healing skin surfaces.
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Nose Piercing and Personal Rights

Where do you stand on the issue?

Welcome to the debate on nose piercings! Let us know whether you think nose piercings have an effect on how someone does their job. (when you start to type an answer, the buttons that let you pick the pro or con option will appear)

Do you think it's discrimination when people are forced to take out their nose rings for work?

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Yes, it's unfair. Piercings are unrelated to job performance and professionalism.

Morgan says:

Yeah, freedom is what the world is all about today. Anyone and everyone should be aloud to exercise that freedom however they please.

Atreyusmommy says:

I have my left nostril pierced as well as my septum. I've had them for about 7 years. Neither of them hurt much to get done and they both healed fairly quickly. (I've had a total of 28 piercings, now I only have 13 and I've never had a single one get infected because I take really good care of them.) I've worked at both places that allow a few and some that don't allow any visible piercings. I think it's ridiculous to have to take out a nose ring if it's a tiny stud or loop because earrings are usually allowed.

Codolod says:

It depends, as mentioned above there are a lot of prejudices for nose rings and it just can't be helped. If a worker having a nose piercing is likely to put a customer off then I think it would be unfair on the employer to lose custom. I 100% disagree with the prejudice but it is an opinion that can't be changed and will affect people and their decisions no matter how un fair it is. If the person is working in the food industry, i.e. a restaurant, where there is any risk at all of the stud falling into food then I also think it is perfectly fair to be asked to take the piercing out, but only while the employee is working.~

I also 100% disagree with the take a side option, life isn't black and white (to quote donnie darko I think haha) and you can't just say something is right all the time.

Allison says:

I don't really understand why it's a problem. If earlobe piercings are allowed, why not nose rings? An earring can fall out too, so it's not a health standard. It's purely cosmetic and I actually don't think most customers would notice or care. With very few exceptions. And, I DEFINITELY don't think an employer has ANY right to not hire someone because your religion doesn't mix with their dress code. Unless it's a safety issue, and they should work with you to find an acceptable alternative in that case.

No, the employer/biz has the right to set a dress code, even if it violates your religion or personal beliefs.

blondemom1979 says:

GJ: There are other forms of descrimination besides male/felmale. I am not allowed to wear nose studs at work as I do work in a resteraunt but I put in a 1mm silver ball stud and I wear a transparent piece of medical tape over it so it is extremly hard to see. I don't think my boss even realizes I wear it. I have no problem with taking my stud out when it is healed and will not heal in over the course of my shift. It's my boss's decision, and as an employee I have to respect that.

GJ says:

Its not really discrimination as both males and females are forced and there no specific discrimatory matter. But i do feel its relative to the type of workplace the person is in, because who would want to find a dirty unsterilised nose stud hidden in their sandwhich? its completely different if they were to work within an office place not necessarily customer facing...But has no effect on a persons performance or professionalism at all.

Frank2009 says:

I like piercings, but i cannot use piercings in my daily job. When i'm meeting customers for my own company, i cannot have any piercings at all. In Germany they will send you to the door directly for that.. :)

rm2 says:

I SAY IT IS MY RIGHT TO HIRE WHOM I SEE FIT FOR THE JOB, AND MY DRESS CODE !!!!!!!!!!! I DONT CARE WHO YOU ARE TO TELL ME WHO I SHOULD HIRE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IF I DONT LIKE PIERCINGS--HAIR STYLE OR THE COLOR OF YOUR EYES THATS MY RIGHT TO DECIDE WHO GETS THE JOB..... RM2

 
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Nose Piercing Videos

See what getting your nose pierced is like

nose piercing!
by kimhyeyun | video info

1,390 ratings | 3,542,433 views
curated content from YouTube

Ask the Nose Piercing Lensmaster!

questions and answers about nose piercings

Got a nose piercing question? If it's a brief one, you can ask it here. Questions that are addressed by something written in the lens already will get deleted to cut down on repetition.

It's also a good idea to read through past questions to see if someone has already asked what you wish to ask about, as that might get you your answer right away!

Please note, I can NOT answer the following questions:
- how much will it hurt? (no clue, that all depends on your own perceptions and physical tolerance)
- how much do piercings cost? (go ask a piercer)
- how will something heal? (your own body's healing process and how diligent you are taking care of your nose can't be predicted)
- is this infected? (go see a doctor for a medical diagnosis)

  • Meeks May 27, 2012 @ 8:34 am | delete
    Switching to a nose hoop for the first time. I want to find something that will hug my nostril and not stick out, something subtle. Any suggestions for what to look for size wise and where to buy?
  • relache May 28, 2012 @ 1:15 am | delete
    To measure, take a ruler and measure the distance from the piercing to the edge of your nostril. That will be the minimum diameter you will want to wear, although make sure there is a little space so it doesn't pull on the piercing or chafe your nostril.
  • HM May 23, 2012 @ 9:13 pm | delete
    I've had my piercing since yesterday. I'm really worried about infections because i got my tragus done and it had to be removed even tho i kept it clean. My nose is sore even while sitting down. How long does it take for it to stop hurt for people normally. and how do i prevent infections from happening
  • relache May 24, 2012 @ 2:12 pm | delete
    Infections tend to come from two things: improper piercing situations (the piercing isn't pierced under sterile conditions) or from poor aftercare. Talking with your piercer, getting clear instructions on how to care for it and then being responsible about really caring for the new piercing most often results in no problems.

    As for pain, each person is different, and brand new piercings tend to be sore (even if you are just sitting there) especially if you have swelling. How long it takes to stop hurting varies from person to person.
  • gonzalezdenise May 15, 2012 @ 1:27 pm | delete
    Thanks a very interesting lens.
  • Hannah May 5, 2012 @ 2:40 pm | delete
    My piercing is about 3 1/2 months old and for 2 months, I have been hating this pesty kelloid. I have tried everything people have told me and nothing has worked. I have decided to take it out. Is it okay to take it out with having a kelliod. And also, if i try to get it re -pierced the same place, do you think i will have a higher chance for problems with a kelloid again(since i already had one there).
  • relache May 12, 2012 @ 4:00 pm | delete
    Having a keloid is a sign that you are prone to them, and repiercing in the same place is even more likely to do it again.
  • Silvia Gilbert Apr 26, 2012 @ 12:20 am | delete
    i got a stud nose straight size of gauge 15g, what sizes can i use and what other kinds?
  • relache May 12, 2012 @ 3:59 pm | delete
    Since cartilage does not stretch, you will want to stick with the gauge you got pierced.
  • naidene Apr 3, 2012 @ 4:56 am | delete
    So If I get it pierced with the gun can they put a ring in it or does it have to be a stud
  • relache May 12, 2012 @ 3:57 pm | delete
    You should never use piercing guns no matter what you are getting pierced. And they only use studs, so the answer to your question is no.
  • Melissa Mar 21, 2012 @ 6:01 am | delete
    hey i have my nose pierced with three years now and I have outside nose scarring but my nose has turned black no body explained that tis would happen...how do i remove the black? its ugly and I love my piercing ....removing it isnt an option. and i agree nose bones are the worst invention ever!!!
    PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!
  • relache May 12, 2012 @ 3:56 pm | delete
    Unfortunately the black mark is a permanent skin stain and comes from wearing sterling silver in a healing piercing. You might want to see if a dermatologist has a surgical way of helping you.
  • joy Mar 13, 2012 @ 1:50 am | delete
    I had my nose pierced 3 times & it would always come out while I was sleeping, usually within days of having it done & I couldn't figure out how to put the damn thing back in so I had to wait for it to "heal" before I did it again. I want to know if I can get pierced with an endless hoop kind of thing cuz it's way easier to put back in. Thanks!
  • relache Mar 14, 2012 @ 2:35 pm | delete
    If you go back and read the lens, you'll see a I recommend that people get their noses pierced with hoops, not studs.
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Rae is a writer-artist-alchemist who delights in finding the extraordinary in the everyday and then sharing those moments with her readers.

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because your nose is worth it!

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