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Nostril Piercing FAQ

Nostril Piercing Illustration
How long until I can change my jewelry?

Wait at least six months. Nostril piercings are not very forgiving if you try to change the jewelry too soon. Not waiting long enough could result in irritation, a tear to the piercing channel, scarring, an increased risk of infection, or difficulty reinserting the jewelry. Make sure you get pierced with jewelry you like and wait until it's fully healed to change it.

How long until I can leave the piercing empty?

The inner wall of a nostril piercing is made up of a mucus membrane, so this part of the piercing tends to close up very quickly without jewelry—even for a few short minutes. If you like your piercing, keep jewelry in it; don’t remove your jewelry without first having another piece of jewelry to fill its place.

Are there jewelry options if I need to hide the piercing?

There are several options that make your piercing less visible but none that will make it invisible. We sell nostrils screws made of quartz glass that are incredibly discreet—and are a good option for surgery where metal is not allowed. We also carry ends for press-fit posts made of matte-finish titanium and anodized in several different shades of copper to approximate different skin tones. (This option is available for initial piercings, but then should not be changed for six months during healing.) While these do not make your piercing disappear, they are much less noticeable than other options—especially if someone is not looking for your piercing—and they work in situations where wearing jewelry is not acceptable, such as work, family events, school, surgery, etc.

How do I get the jewelry out?

We typically use press-fit jewelry for nostril piercings—though nostril screws or rings can be worn as well. Press-fit jewelry is just what it sounds like: jewelry where the end stays secured inside a post or labret by pressure (as opposed to threaded jewelry that screws together). Press-fit jewelry for nostril piercings has only one end that comes off: the end on the outside of your nose. To remove, grab the ball or disk on the inside of your nose and the decorative outside end, and pull the two pieces apart. When re-inserting, the post should be put in first from the inside of your nose.

Nostril screws are a long wire "post" with an attached stone, ball, or disc on one end. The long post is bent into a modified spiral, or screw, to fit each person's individual nostril. To remove, grasp the end and give a slight twist as the jewelry comes out.

Initially, the process of removing your nostril jewelry can be frustrating and troublesome. If you do have difficulty changing or removing your jewelry, come in and see us.

Can I get this piercing wherever I want?

The location of your nostril piercing will depend upon the size and shape of your nose as well as the location of the crease of your nostril—the thinnest part of your cartilage and traditional location for the piercing. To find your nostril crease, look in the mirror and flare your nostrils; the natural line that forms is your nostril crease. Almost anywhere along that line will work, though most people will have one particular spot that most flatters their facial features most.

Why can't I get a really tight-fitting ring?

Rings tend to be troublesome during healing, so we will almost always recommend healing with a post. (Even if you never see it, your nostril tissue will swell slightly after getting your piercing and during the healing process, so the initial jewelry will need to be large enough to accommodate for any swelling that may occur, and wearing a ring that is too tight will irritate the tissue and often results in difficulty healing or even scarring). Allow your piercer to recommend a fit and style for you, your nose, and your lifestyle; you can always switch to something more snug once the piercing has fully healed.

Why does my jewelry stick out?

Nostril screws are initially bent to fit your nose and your piercing during the healing process. This means that the jewelry, at first, will be slightly larger in order to accommodate for swelling. This may cause the screw to protrude from the base of the nose. Press-fit barbells must also be longer initially to account for swelling.

If you find your nostril screw sticking out, or the ends flip down after getting the piercing, give it a week; this will often resolve itself. If the jewelry is still loose and uncomfortable after that time, stop in and see your piercer. He or she can sometimes tighten the nostril screw without removing it so that it will better stay in place but will still allow for healthy healing. Once the piercing is completely healed, you can have it bent for the perfect close, custom fit you are looking for, or go for a shorter post altogether.

Why shouldn't I get my nose pierced with a gun? It's cheap!

It may be cheaper, but you do get what you pay for. Piercing a nostril with a gun is more painful and tends to result in nasty scarring, seldom producing a healthy, attractive piercing. What’s more, due to their plastic parts, piercing guns cannot be sterilized; this means that the blood and bodily fluids of others tend to accumulate in various cracks and crevices. Plus, employees of locations using ear-piercing guns are seldom effectively trained in bloodborne pathogens transmission, and there are several documented case in the United States of staph infections acquired from the improper use of piercing guns.

Furthermore, piercing gun studs were not designed to pierce nostrils. The post used is far too short to allow for swelling, often resulting in jewelry that becomes embedded in the skin. All of this means more discomfort, swelling, and scarring—and makes it unlikely the piercing will heal in the first place.

More information about the dangers of piercing guns can be found on the Association of Professional Piercers’ website, here.

Nostril piercing by John
Nostril piercings by Zach
Nostril piercing by John
Nostril piercing by Anna
Nostril piercing by Anna
Nostril piercing by John
Nostril piercing by John
Nostril piercings by Andru
Nostril piercing by John
Nostril piercing by John
High Nostril and Nostril piercing by Anna
Nostril piercing by Andru
Nostril piercings by Andru
High Nostril piercings by Andru
Nostril piercing by John
Nostril piercing by Zach

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Zach Fitzgerald
Amelia Hancock
Ursula Thomson
Charlie Borelli
Hal Marie
Khyla Corbin
Cicada Silva
Jessica Rae
Maddie Akers
Ariana Flores
James Weber

Book a Piercing in Philadelphia

Book an Appointment to schedule a time to visit our studio. Check out Before Coming In for information on our new protocol for studio visits.

Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Retail space and piercing rooms are accessible.

Book Appointment

Jewelry for Nostril Piercings

  • Claw-set Tourmaline Press-fit End in Gold from Quetzalli with yellow tourmaline
    Claw-set Tourmaline Press-fit End in Gold from Quetzalli in assorted materials
    $400.00 - $400.00
    $400.00
    $400.00 - $400.00
    $400.00

    Claw-set Tourmaline Press-fit End in Gold from Quetzalli

    Quetzalli

    Talon-like prong settings firmly grasp a rose-cut genuine tourmaline. Stone shape, size, and color may vary. Medium measures approximately 5.5mm b...

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    $400.00 - $400.00
    $400.00
    $400.00 - $400.00
    $400.00
  • Mini Triple Marquise Press-fit End in Gold from Quetzalli with black spinel & white sapphire
    Mini Triple Marquise Press-fit End in Gold from Quetzalli in assorted materials
    $285.00 - $285.00
    $285.00
    $285.00 - $285.00
    $285.00

    Mini Triple Marquise Press-fit End in Gold from Quetzalli

    Quetzalli

    A fan-shaped trio of 1.5mm by 3mm marquise-cut genuine stones, with v-prong settings adding an elegant touch. Measures approximately 4.5mm by 6.5mm...

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    $285.00 - $285.00
    $285.00
    $285.00 - $285.00
    $285.00
  • Sunray Starburst Press-fit End in Gold from Quetzalli in yellow gold
    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00
    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00

    Sunray Starburst Press-fit End in Gold from Quetzalli

    Quetzalli

    Radiant beams emanate from the center of this eight-pointed star. Measures approximately 5.5mm by 7.5mm. Press-fit jewelry is sold as two separate ...

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    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00
    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00
  • Diamond Shine Sparkle Press-fit End in Gold from Quetzalli in yellow gold
    Diamond Shine Sparkle Press-fit End in Gold from Quetzalli in yellow gold
    $115.00 - $115.00
    $115.00
    $115.00 - $115.00
    $115.00

    Diamond Shine Sparkle Press-fit End in Gold from Quetzalli

    Quetzalli

    Rugged stippling creates a glittering effect across the face of this four-pointed star. Measures approximately 2.5mm by 4.5mm. Press-fit jewelry is...

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    $115.00 - $115.00
    $115.00
    $115.00 - $115.00
    $115.00
  • Diamond Shine Starburst Press-fit End in Gold from Quetzalli in yellow gold
    Diamond Shine Starburst Press-fit End in Gold from Quetzalli in yellow gold
    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00
    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00

    Diamond Shine Starburst Press-fit End in Gold from Quetzalli

    Quetzalli

    A coarsely textured finish gives this celestial design a bit of edge. Measures approximately 5.5mm by 7.5mm. Press-fit jewelry is sold as two separ...

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    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00
    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00
  • Claw-set Sapphire Press-fit End in Gold from Quetzalli with clear sapphire with peach inclusions
    Claw-set Sapphire Press-fit End in Gold from Quetzalli in assorted materials
    $220.00 - $220.00
    $220.00
    $220.00 - $220.00
    $220.00

    Claw-set Sapphire Press-fit End in Gold from Quetzalli

    Quetzalli

    Rough genuine stones grasped by four talons of polished gold make for a rugged but elegant design. Exact stone size, shape, and color may vary.  Mi...

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    $220.00 - $220.00
    $220.00
    $220.00 - $220.00
    $220.00
  • Big Bound By Love Press-fit End in Gold from Quetzalli with green tourmaline
    Big Bound By Love Press-fit End in Gold from Quetzalli with green tourmaline
    $240.00 - $240.00
    $240.00
    $240.00 - $240.00
    $240.00

    Big Bound By Love Press-fit End in Gold from Quetzalli

    Quetzalli

    A dramatic piece of raw genuine stone secured within a polished band of gold. Measures approximately 6mm by 6mm across and 4mm tall. Exact stone si...

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    $240.00 - $240.00
    $240.00
    $240.00 - $240.00
    $240.00
  • Sunray Tempo Press-fit End in Gold from Quetzalli showing orientation options
    Sunray Tempo Press-fit End in Gold from Quetzalli group
    $270.00 - $270.00
    $270.00
    $270.00 - $270.00
    $270.00

    Sunray Tempo Press-fit End in Gold from Quetzalli

    Quetzalli

    Two lively square charms are suspended from a solid gold bar on a delicate box chain. Radiating beams of laser-cut texturing add extra flair. Measu...

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    $270.00 - $270.00
    $270.00
    $270.00 - $270.00
    $270.00
  • Lit Dangle Charm in Gold from Quetzalli in yellow gold
    Lit Dangle Charm in Gold from Quetzalli in yellow gold
    $100.00 - $100.00
    $100.00
    $100.00 - $100.00
    $100.00

    Lit Dangle Charm in Gold from Quetzalli

    Quetzalli

    A trio of high-polished diamond-shaped silhouettes dangle from a jump ring on a delicate box chain. Measures approximately 10mm long including the ...

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    $100.00 - $100.00
    $100.00
    $100.00 - $100.00
    $100.00
  • Lit Charm in Gold from Quetzalli in yellow gold
    Lit Charm in Gold from Quetzalli in yellow gold
    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00
    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00

    Lit Charm in Gold from Quetzalli

    Quetzalli

    Three polished diamond silhouettes are arranged side by side and attached to a jump ring. Measures approximately 6.5mm long including the jump ring...

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    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00
    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00
  • Sparkle Dangle Charm in Gold from Quetzalli in yellow gold
    Sparkle Dangle Charm in Gold from Quetzalli in yellow gold
    $100.00 - $100.00
    $100.00
    $100.00 - $100.00
    $100.00

    Sparkle Dangle Charm in Gold from Quetzalli

    Quetzalli

    From a dainty box chain dangles a four-pointed star with a high-polished finish. Measures approximately 12mm long including the jump ring. Charms a...

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    $100.00 - $100.00
    $100.00
    $100.00 - $100.00
    $100.00
  • Sparkle Charm in Gold from Quetzalli in yellow gold
    Sparkle Charm in Gold from Quetzalli in yellow gold
    $80.00 - $80.00
    $80.00
    $80.00 - $80.00
    $80.00

    Sparkle Charm in Gold from Quetzalli

    Quetzalli

    A jump ring holds a polished four-pointed star for the smallest dash of glamour. Measures 7mm long including the jump ring. Charms are made to be a...

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    $80.00 - $80.00
    $80.00
    $80.00 - $80.00
    $80.00
  • Heart Kite Charm in Gold from Quetzalli in yellow gold
    Heart Kite Charm in Gold from Quetzalli in yellow gold
    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00
    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00

    Heart Kite Charm in Gold from Quetzalli

    Quetzalli

    Tiny hearts are linked together and dangle freely from a jump ring on this heart-filled charm. Medium has four hearts and measures approximately 1...

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    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00
    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00
  • Loved Charm in Gold from Quetzalli in yellow gold
    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00
    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00

    Loved Charm in Gold from Quetzalli

    Quetzalli

    A polished heart dangles from a jump ring on a delicate box chain. Measures approximately 11mm long including the jump ring. Charms are made to be ...

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    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00
    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00
  • In Love Charm in Gold from Quetzalli in yellow gold
    $80.00 - $80.00
    $80.00
    $80.00 - $80.00
    $80.00

    In Love Charm in Gold from Quetzalli

    Quetzalli

    Two tiny polished hearts are linked together and suspended from a jump ring for a tender touch of movement. Measures approximately 9mm long includi...

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    $80.00 - $80.00
    $80.00
    $80.00 - $80.00
    $80.00
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