Your Guide to Nose Piercings
Nose piercings continue to be one of the hottest looks amongst those who want to add a bit of edge to their style. Their beauty lies in the fact you can opt for something a bit more subtle like a nose stud, or fully embrace their rock star energy by going for an alternative hoop or ring.
But taking the plunge and getting a nose piercing can be a daunting thought if you don’t know what the process entails. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to answer all your questions so you can decide if a nose piercing is right for you.
What different types of nose piercings are there?
Nose Ring
As the name suggests, nose rings are a circular metal hoop that pierces the nostril from the outside and loops round the inside of your nose. They’re perfect for anyone who wants their piercing to be noticed. But it’s worth noting that they can be a bit more intrusive than studs so you'll need to be careful it doesn’t get caught on things whilst it’s healing.
Nose Stud
Nose studs come in a simple ‘L shape’ design that slots easily through the nostril from the outside. They’re more subtle than a ring but can heal very quickly if removed.
Nose screws are similar to studs but are designed with a twist that hooks into the nose to keep it in place. Although this makes them slightly more difficult to insert, it also means they’re more secure than some of the other options.
Nose Bone
Nose bones are perfectly straight pieces of metal that go through the nose and lock into place with a small ball at the end. This makes them slightly thicker than the other piercings but they take up less space inside the nose.
How painful is getting a nose piercing?
No piercing is painless. But nose piercings shouldn’t be much more painful than getting an ear piercing if done correctly. Make sure you go somewhere you trust to get it done and follow the correct aftercare routine and the pain should be minimal.
How long do nose piercings take to heal?
On average, nose piercings take around 3 months to heal properly. They can often seem like they’ve healed in less time but this can be deceptive and you may find it closes over quickly or becomes infected if you don’t treat it as unhealed for the full period.
How do you care for a nose piercing?
You need to clean new nose piercings twice a day. First, make sure your hands are clean by using hand sanitiser or antibacterial soap. Then use a clean cloth or swap to apply a sea salt solution to the area. Gently twist the piercings as you do so to make sure the liquid soaks through the hole.
Try to avoid using thick creams on your face whilst it’s healing and be careful to avoid the area if applying makeup or it can cause infection. And most important of all, try not to touch it too much as it heals!
What metal should you choose for a nose piercing?
It’s best to avoid gold and silver jewellery when getting a nose piercing as they’re more likely to cause an allergic reaction or lead to your piercing being rejected by your nose. That’s why you should go for allergy free options like our hypoallergenic surgical steel or titanium jewellery to give yourself the best chance of avoiding infection.