Nose Piercing – What Is It, Types & Care

Nose Piercing – What it is, Types & Care

A nose piercing is one of the oldest and most popular forms of body adornment — part of cultural and religious traditions worldwide for thousands of years. Today, nose piercings are worn as a fashion accessory and expression of personal style. The most common type is the nostril piercing; the septum piercing is the bolder choice. Healing time: 2 to 4 months for a nostril piercing, 6 to 8 months for a septum.

Types of Nose Piercings

Nostril piercing — the most common nose piercing, placed on the side of the nostril. Worn with a nose stud, nose ring, or nose screw. Subtle and elegant.

Septum piercing — through the soft tissue of the nasal septum, just below the cartilage. Worn with a horseshoe barbell or septum clicker. Bolder look that can be discreetly flipped up.

Bridge piercing — horizontally through the skin at the top of the nose, between the eyes. Less common, worn with a straight barbell. See also: barbell piercing explanation.

High nostril piercing — higher on the nostril, closer to the bridge of the nose. Unique look, can be combined with a standard nostril piercing for a layered style.

Jewelry for Nose Piercings

Nose studs — small, straight jewelry with a slight bend at the end. Often adorned with a stone or ball. Subtle and suitable for daily wear.

Nose rings — round jewelry in various diameters. From subtle thin rings to more striking designs.

Nose screws — a twisted piece of jewelry that is screwed into the nostril and stays securely in place. Ideal for daily wear.

Septum clickers — specifically for septum piercings, with a click closure that is easy to open and close. Available from simple to adorned with stones or patterns.

Materials for Nose Piercings

Titanium — 100% nickel-free, lightweight, and the safest choice for new piercings and sensitive skin.

Surgical steel (316L) — strong and durable. Low nickel content but theoretically contains traces of nickel — less suitable for nickel allergy.

925 silver — nickel-free and timeless. More susceptible to oxidation — it is advisable to remove it when showering.

History and Cultural Significance