The Complete Guide to Nostril Piercings: Jewelry, Healing, Aftercare & More
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The nostril piercing is a classic for a reason.
It's subtle enough to be someone's very first facial piercing, versatile enough to fit almost any personal style, and has an incredible range of jewelry options—from a tiny titanium bead to a delicate diamond, solid gold statement piece, or perfectly fitted hoop.
But while nostril piercings may look simple, there's a lot of thought that goes into creating one that looks great and heals well.
If you're considering a nostril piercing, here's everything you should know before getting pierced.
What Is a Nostril Piercing?
A nostril piercing passes through the tissue of either side of the nose and is typically positioned within the natural curve of the nostril.
Placement can vary depending on:
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Your anatomy
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Nostril shape
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Jewelry preference
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Whether you eventually want to wear a hoop
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Existing piercings
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Personal aesthetic
There isn't one universally "correct" spot that works for everyone.
A professional piercer evaluates your anatomy and discusses your jewelry goals before determining placement.
Which Side Should I Pierce?
Whichever side you like!
There's no piercing rule requiring your nostril to be pierced on a particular side.
Some clients choose based on:
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Their favorite side in photos
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Hairstyle
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Existing facial piercings
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Facial symmetry
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Future piercing plans
And sometimes the answer is simply:
"I just like this side better."
That's a perfectly good reason.
Can Everyone Get a Nostril Piercing?
Most people have anatomy that can accommodate a nostril piercing, but anatomy still matters.
Nostril thickness, shape, internal structures, and your desired placement can all influence how and where the piercing should be performed.
If you're planning something more specific—such as paired nostrils, high nostrils, or eventually wearing a very snug ring—tell your piercer before you're pierced.
Future jewelry goals can influence placement decisions.
How Much Does a Nostril Piercing Hurt?
Pain is incredibly subjective, but most clients describe a nostril piercing as a quick, sharp pinch followed by some watering of the eyes.
Yes, your eyes may water.
No, that doesn't necessarily mean you're crying.
Your nose is simply dramatic like that.
The actual piercing takes only a moment.
You may experience mild tenderness afterward, especially if you accidentally bump your nose during the first few days.
What Jewelry Is Best for a Fresh Nostril Piercing?
For many initial nostril piercings, a properly fitted flat-back labret made from verified implant-grade titanium or appropriate solid gold is an excellent choice.
Flat-back jewelry offers:
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A smooth interior surface
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Secure wear
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Comfortable fit
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A huge selection of decorative ends
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Easy professional downsizing
Threadless and internally threaded styles allow the decorative end to be changed independently from the post.
That means your tiny gem today can eventually become something much more elaborate without necessarily replacing the entire jewelry system.
Why Don't We Start Every Nostril With a Hoop?
This is one of the most common questions we hear.
"Can I just start with a ring?"
In certain circumstances, a professional piercer may determine that a ring is appropriate.
However, studs are often preferred for initial nostril healing because they generally provide greater stability and less movement.
Rings naturally rotate and move through the piercing channel. They can also be bumped, pulled, and subjected to pressure differently than a properly fitted labret.
If your ultimate goal is a hoop, tell your piercer.
We can plan your placement with that future look in mind while giving your piercing the best opportunity to heal first.
What About Nose Screws and L-Bends?
Nose screws and L-shaped jewelry have traditionally been used in nostril piercings, and you may still encounter them frequently.
However, many professional piercers prefer flat-back labrets for initial nostril piercings because they're secure, comfortable, and less likely to accidentally come out.
Anyone who has ever lost an L-bend while drying their face knows exactly what we're talking about.
Can I Wear Gold in a New Nostril Piercing?
Absolutely—when it's the right gold.
High-quality solid 14k or 18k gold specifically manufactured for body piercing can be appropriate for fresh piercings.
Gold-plated or gold-filled fashion jewelry is not the same thing.
If you love gold, you don't necessarily have to wait until your piercing heals to have something beautiful.
How Long Does a Nostril Piercing Take to Heal?
Nostril piercings typically require several months to fully heal, and individual healing times vary.
One of the biggest mistakes clients make is assuming a nostril piercing is healed because:
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It doesn't hurt anymore
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There's no swelling
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It stopped producing crusties
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It looks normal from the outside
The outside can look fantastic while the piercing channel inside is still developing.
Don't rush jewelry changes simply because your piercing feels good.
What Is Normal During Nostril Healing?
During healing, you may experience:
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Mild tenderness
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Slight swelling
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Localized redness
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Clear or pale lymph fluid
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Small crusties around the jewelry
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Occasional itching
These symptoms should generally become less noticeable over time.
Healing isn't always perfectly linear, either.
Your nostril may be completely happy for weeks and then become irritated after you accidentally snag it with a towel.
That doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong.
Does a Nostril Piercing Need Downsizing?
Often, yes.
Initial jewelry may include extra length to accommodate swelling.
Once that swelling subsides, the longer post may begin moving unnecessarily.
Downsizing to a properly fitted shorter post can:
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Reduce movement
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Reduce snagging
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Improve comfort
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Help prevent irritation
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Give the jewelry a cleaner appearance
Your piercer should evaluate your nostril and determine when it's ready for a shorter post.
How Do I Clean My Nostril Piercing?
Keep it simple.
For most nostril piercings:
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Wash your hands before touching the area.
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Use sterile saline wound wash as recommended by your piercer.
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Allow softened debris to rinse away naturally.
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Gently dry the area after cleaning.
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Avoid twisting or rotating the jewelry.
Look for sterile saline containing only:
0.9% sodium chloride and sterile water.
You don't need harsh chemicals to make your body heal.
What Should I Avoid?
During healing, try to avoid:
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Twisting your jewelry
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Picking crusties
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Alcohol
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Hydrogen peroxide
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Tea tree oil
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Homemade salt mixtures
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Makeup directly around the piercing
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Skincare products on the piercing
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Swimming or submerging the piercing while it's fresh
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Changing jewelry prematurely
Also be careful when washing and drying your face.
Towels have an almost supernatural ability to find new nostril piercings.
Be Careful With Skincare and Makeup
Your nose is prime real estate for skincare products.
Unfortunately, your healing piercing doesn't need to participate in your ten-step routine.
Keep products such as:
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Foundation
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Concealer
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Moisturizer
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Sunscreen
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Exfoliants
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Retinoids
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Acids
away from the piercing opening while it's healing.
You can still care for your skin—just give the piercing some breathing room.
What About Glass Retainers?
Some clients need a discreet option because of work, school, medical procedures, sports, or other circumstances.
High-quality glass retainers can be appropriate for certain piercings when properly sized and installed by a professional.
If you know you'll need to hide your nostril piercing shortly after getting it, tell your piercer before the appointment.
Planning ahead is much easier than trying to solve the problem afterward.
Why Do Nostril Piercing Bumps Happen?
Nostril piercings have earned a reputation for irritation bumps.
Common contributing factors include:
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Excess jewelry movement
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Jewelry that's too long
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Snagging
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Pressure
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Poor-quality jewelry
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Changing jewelry too early
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Overcleaning
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Harsh products
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Trauma
A bump doesn't automatically mean your piercing is infected.
And it doesn't automatically mean it's a keloid.
Instead of attacking the bump with every home remedy the internet can invent, have your piercer evaluate the piercing and look for the source of irritation.
Please Don't Put Tea Tree Oil on It
Or aspirin paste.
Or toothpaste.
Or crushed-up mystery concoctions from social media.
Piercing bumps generally improve by identifying and addressing the underlying irritation—not by trying to burn, dry, or chemically attack the bump.
Your piercing wants less drama, not more.
When Can I Put a Hoop in My Nostril?
This depends on how your piercing is healing.
A hoop changes the type of movement and pressure placed on the piercing channel, so switching too early can irritate a piercing that seemed perfectly happy with a stud.
We recommend having your piercer evaluate the piercing before making the switch.
If your dream is a perfectly fitted nostril hoop, patience is worth it.
How Do We Choose the Right Hoop Size?
Hoop sizing isn't universal.
Your piercer considers:
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Nostril anatomy
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Piercing placement
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Distance from the piercing to the edge of the nostril
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Jewelry gauge
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Desired fit
Some people want a very snug ring.
Others prefer a little breathing room.
The difference between "perfect" and "why does this look weird?" can literally be one millimeter.
Professional sizing matters.
Can I Get Both Nostrils Pierced?
Absolutely.
Paired nostrils can create beautiful symmetry and open up even more jewelry styling possibilities.
If you think you may eventually want both sides pierced, mention it during your first appointment.
Planning ahead allows your piercer to consider symmetry and future jewelry placement from the beginning.
What About Double Nostril Piercings?
Two piercings on the same nostril can also create a beautiful stacked or paired look.
Placement requires careful planning because the jewelry needs enough room to sit comfortably without crowding neighboring pieces.
This is another situation where anatomy and long-term jewelry goals matter.
Nostril Jewelry Can Be as Simple—or Elaborate—as You Want
Once healed, nostril piercings offer an incredible range of jewelry possibilities.
You can choose:
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Tiny titanium beads
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Gemstones
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Diamonds
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Solid gold ends
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Decorative shapes
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Chains
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Rings
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Seam rings
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Clickers
You can keep it nearly invisible or turn it into the centerpiece of your facial jewelry.
That's part of what makes nostril piercings so timeless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get pierced with a hoop?
Sometimes, but a stud-style piece is often preferred for initial healing because it provides greater stability. Your piercer can determine what's appropriate for your anatomy and piercing goals.
What gauge is a nostril piercing?
Nostril jewelry is available in several gauges. Your piercer will select an appropriate gauge based on your anatomy, jewelry choice, and placement.
How long does a nostril piercing take to heal?
Nostril piercings generally take several months to fully heal. Looking healed externally doesn't necessarily mean the internal piercing channel has finished healing.
When can I change my nostril jewelry?
Wait until your piercer determines the piercing is ready. A professional downsize may occur during healing, but that doesn't mean the piercing is ready for frequent decorative jewelry changes.
Why does my nostril piercing have a bump?
Pressure, movement, snagging, improper jewelry fit, trauma, or other sources of irritation can contribute to bumps. Have your piercer evaluate it rather than attempting to diagnose or treat it yourself.
Can I wear makeup with a new nostril piercing?
Yes, but keep makeup and skincare products away from the piercing opening while it's healing.
Can a nostril piercing close?
Yes. Even established nostril piercings can shrink quickly when jewelry is removed, and newer piercings may begin closing very rapidly.
Should I twist my nose jewelry while it heals?
No. Your jewelry doesn't need to be rotated. Unnecessary movement can disturb healing tissue.
Can I get a nostril piercing if I wear glasses?
Usually, yes. Your piercer can evaluate how your glasses sit and plan placement accordingly.
Can I get two nostril piercings at once?
For many clients, yes. Your piercer will consider your anatomy, healing ability, existing healing piercings, and overall piercing plan.
Thinking About a Nostril Piercing?
There's a reason nostril piercings never really go out of style.
They're versatile, customizable, and can be as subtle or statement-making as you want.
At Essential Ink Body Art, we'll evaluate your anatomy, discuss your future jewelry goals, help you select high-quality jewelry, and place your piercing with both healing and aesthetics in mind.
And our relationship doesn't end when you leave the piercing room.
We're here for your healing checkups, downsizing, troubleshooting, jewelry changes, and—eventually—that perfectly fitted hoop you've been waiting for.
Book your nostril piercing or stop by the studio to explore our jewelry collection.