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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
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

  • Dapped Oval Cable Chain in 14k Yellow Gold from Hialeah
    Dapped Oval Cable Chain in Gold from Hialeah in assorted lengths
    $60.00 - $110.00
    $60.00 - $110.00
    $60.00 - $110.00
    $60.00

    Dapped Oval Cable Chain in Gold from Hialeah

    Hialeah

    A twinkling chain with a checkered look that masterfully exhibits dimension and texture. Size refers to the thickest post these will fit. Each end ...

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    $60.00 - $110.00
    $60.00 - $110.00
    $60.00 - $110.00
    $60.00
  • Long and Short Chain in 14k Yellow Gold from Hialeah
    Long and Short Chain in Gold from Hialeah in assorted sizes
    $70.00 - $90.00
    $70.00 - $90.00
    $70.00 - $90.00
    $70.00

    Long and Short Chain in Gold from Hialeah

    Hialeah

    A series of long and short angular solid gold links form a truly unique chain reminiscent of malleable bamboo. Size refers to the thickest post the...

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    $70.00 - $90.00
    $70.00 - $90.00
    $70.00 - $90.00
    $70.00
  • Twinkle Twinkle Charm in 14k Yellow Gold from Hialeah
    Twinkle Twinkle Charm in Gold from Hialeah group photo
    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00
    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00

    Twinkle Twinkle Charm in Gold from Hialeah

    Hialeah

    Oh my stars! A pair of puffy star charms captivate as they dangle from wisps of starburst chain. Measures approximately 18mm including jump ring.  ...

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    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00
    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00
  • Future, Past and Present Charm in 14k Yellow Gold with Green Sapphire from Hialeah
    Future, Past and Present Charm in Gold from Hialeah with assorted stones
    $96.00 - $96.00
    $96.00
    $96.00 - $96.00
    $96.00

    Future, Past and Present Charm in Gold from Hialeah

    Hialeah

    A 2.5mm bezel-set genuine stone charm accented by a spirited cable chain charm form an endearing duo. Measures approximately 15mm including jump ri...

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    $96.00 - $96.00
    $96.00
    $96.00 - $96.00
    $96.00
  • Barracuda Chain in Gold from Hialeah sizing detail
    Barracuda Chain in Gold from Hialeah in assorted lengths
    $170.00 - $182.00
    $170.00 - $182.00
    $170.00 - $182.00
    $170.00

    Barracuda Chain in Gold from Hialeah

    Hialeah

    Interlocking heart silhouettes and a dainty cable chain come together in this playful, hybrid chain. Size refers to the thickest post these will fi...

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    $170.00 - $182.00
    $170.00 - $182.00
    $170.00 - $182.00
    $170.00
  • Falling For You Charm in 14k Yellow Gold from Hialeah
    $70.00 - $70.00
    $70.00
    $70.00 - $70.00
    $70.00

    Falling For You Charm in Gold from Hialeah

    Hialeah

    An outline of a solid gold heart dangles from a wispy length of cable chain so you can wear your heart on your sleeve. Measures approximately 22mm ...

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    $70.00 - $70.00
    $70.00
    $70.00 - $70.00
    $70.00
  • Circus Circus Charm in 14k Yellow Gold Small from Hialeah
    Circus Circus Charm in Gold from Hialeah in various lengths
    $35.00 - $90.00
    $35.00 - $90.00
    $35.00 - $90.00
    $35.00

    Circus Circus Charm in Gold from Hialeah

    Hialeah

    A solid gold flattened kite dangles from an elongated jump ring for a hint of geometric flair. Short version has 1 kite charm, Medium version has 2...

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    $35.00 - $90.00
    $35.00 - $90.00
    $35.00 - $90.00
    $35.00
  • Twilight Zone Press-fit End in 14k White Gold with Clear CZ from Ember Body Jewelry
    Twilight Zone Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry in assorted materials
    $165.00 - $165.00
    $165.00
    $165.00 - $165.00
    $165.00

    Twilight Zone Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    A bold arrangement of 2mm by 4mm baguette-cut gemstones form a lively duo. Measures 5mm by 5.5mm.Press-fit jewelry is sold as two separate pieces: ...

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    $165.00 - $165.00
    $165.00
    $165.00 - $165.00
    $165.00
  • Side Piece Press-fit End in 14k Yellow Gold with Tsavorite Garnet & White Sapphire from Ember Body Jewelry
    $180.00 - $180.00
    $180.00
    $180.00 - $180.00
    $180.00

    Side Piece Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    A genuine pear-cut and baguette-cut stone are attached at the hip in this endearing design. Measures approximately 3mm by 4mm. Press-fit jewelry is...

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    $180.00 - $180.00
    $180.00
    $180.00 - $180.00
    $180.00
  • Golden Hour Press-fit End in 14k Yellow Gold with Citrine from Ember Body Jewelry
    $215.00 - $215.00
    $215.00
    $215.00 - $215.00
    $215.00

    Golden Hour Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    A radiant 2mm by 4mm hexagon-cut genuine stone in a bead-prong setting enhanced by a princess-cut stone charm. Measures 2mm by 9.5mm.Press-fit jewe...

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    $215.00 - $215.00
    $215.00
    $215.00 - $215.00
    $215.00
  • Offset Press-fit End in 14k Yellow Gold with Moissanite from Ember Body Jewelry side detail
    Offset Press-fit End in 14k Yellow Gold with Moissanite from Ember Body Jewelry
    $280.00 - $280.00
    $280.00
    $280.00 - $280.00
    $280.00

    Offset Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    A mothership of genuine stones elevated by thoughtfully placed tri-bead accents. Measures approximately 7.5mm by 8mmPress-fit jewelry is sold as tw...

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    $280.00 - $280.00
    $280.00
    $280.00 - $280.00
    $280.00
  • Tinsel Press-fit End in 14k White Gold with Blue Moonstone and Moissanite from Ember Body Jewelry
    Tinsel Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry in assorted materials
    $190.00 - $190.00
    $190.00
    $190.00 - $190.00
    $190.00

    Tinsel Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    Three 1mm genuine stone charms flitter about below a 2mm by 3mm pear-cut genuine stone. Measures approximately 4mm by 7.5mm.Press-fit jewelry is so...

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    $190.00 - $190.00
    $190.00
    $190.00 - $190.00
    $190.00
  • Aurora Press-fit End in 14k White Gold with Blue Moonstone and Moissanite from Ember Body Jewelry
    Aurora Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry in assorted materials
    $206.00 - $206.00
    $206.00
    $206.00 - $206.00
    $206.00

    Aurora Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    A 2mm by 2.5mm pear-cut genuine stone cabochon holds a triple gem cluster with two chain tassels, each accented by a single prong-set stone at the ...

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    $206.00 - $206.00
    $206.00
    $206.00 - $206.00
    $206.00
  • Joy Press-fit End in 14k White Gold with Blue Moonstone & Moissanite from Ember Body Jewelry
    Joy Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry
    $210.00 - $210.00
    $210.00
    $210.00 - $210.00
    $210.00

    Joy Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    A 2.5mm genuine stone encircled by a halo of twelve 1mm stones elevating it to an ethereal realm. Measures approximately 4.5mm across.Press-fit jew...

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    $210.00 - $210.00
    $210.00
    $210.00 - $210.00
    $210.00
  • Amulet Press-fit End in 14k Yellow Gold with Green Agate from Ember Body Jewelry
    Amulet Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry with various stones
    $165.00 - $165.00
    $165.00
    $165.00 - $165.00
    $165.00

    Amulet Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    A delectable prong-set genuine stone cabochon rests atop a hexagon platform of solid gold. Measures approximately 4.5mm across.Press-fit jewelry is...

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    $165.00 - $165.00
    $165.00
    $165.00 - $165.00
    $165.00
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