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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
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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 Opal Threaded End in Titanium with Lavender Opal 3mm from People’s Jewelry
    Claw-set Opal Threaded End in Titanium with Lavender Opal from People’s Jewelry group photo
    $20.00 - $24.00
    $20.00 - $24.00
    $20.00 - $24.00
    $20.00

    Claw-set Opal Threaded End in Titanium from People’s Jewelry

    People's Jewelry

    A round, synthetic opal cradled within an implant-grade titanium claw prong setting.  Sold as singles. For a pair, order a quantity of 2.These ends...

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    $20.00 - $24.00
    $20.00 - $24.00
    $20.00 - $24.00
    $20.00
  • Textured Paper Clip Chain in 14kYellow Gold from Hialeah
    Textured Paper Clip Chain in Gold from Hialeah in assorted sizes
    $75.00 - $95.00
    $75.00 - $95.00
    $75.00 - $95.00
    $75.00

    Textured Paper Clip Chain in Gold from Hialeah

    Hialeah

    A series of flattened, elongated links form a dynamic solid gold chain.  Size refers to the thickest post these will fit. Each end of the chain is ...

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    $75.00 - $95.00
    $75.00 - $95.00
    $75.00 - $95.00
    $75.00
  • Bezel-set Tiny Charm with Chain in 14k White Gold with Diamond from Modern Mood
    Bezel-set Tiny Charm with Chain in Gold from Modern Mood in assorted materials
    $98.00 - $98.00
    $98.00
    $98.00 - $98.00
    $98.00

    Bezel-set Tiny Charm with Chain in Gold from Modern Mood

    Modern Mood

    A 2mm genuine stone embraced by an open-back bezel setting suspended from a lively strand of cable chain. Measures approximately 10mm long includin...

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    $98.00 - $98.00
    $98.00
    $98.00 - $98.00
    $98.00
  • Pyramid Disk Press-fit End in 14k Yellow Gold 3mm from Modern Mood side profile
    Pyramid Disk Press-fit End in 14k Yellow Gold 3mm from Modern Mood
    $100.00 - $100.00
    $100.00
    $100.00 - $100.00
    $100.00

    Pyramid Disk Press-fit End in Gold from Modern Mood

    Modern Mood

    A high-polished disk enhanced by a riveting surface texture of miniature spikes. Press-fit jewelry is sold as two separate pieces: the decorative e...

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    $100.00 - $100.00
    $100.00
    $100.00 - $100.00
    $100.00
  • Leia Press-fit End in 14k White Gold with Moonstone & Diamond from Modern Mood
    Leia Press-fit End in Gold from Modern Mood in assorted materials
    $210.00 - $210.00
    $210.00
    $210.00 - $210.00
    $210.00

    Leia Press-fit End in Gold from Modern Mood

    Modern Mood

    A prominent 2.5mm prong-set genuine stone accompanied by a lively trio of complimentary stones. Measures approximately 3mm by 4mm.Press-fit jewelry...

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    $210.00 - $210.00
    $210.00
    $210.00 - $210.00
    $210.00
  • Cry Baby Charm in 14k Yellow Gold with Clear CZ from Ember Body Jewelry
    $164.00 - $164.00
    $164.00
    $164.00 - $164.00
    $164.00

    Cry Baby Charm in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    A trio of 3mm round-cut gemstones cascade from a scintillating flat cable chain for added movement and shine. Measures approximately 20mm long incl...

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    $164.00 - $164.00
    $164.00
    $164.00 - $164.00
    $164.00
  • Good Times Press-fit End in 14k White Gold with Clear CZ from Ember Body Jewelry
    Good Times Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry in assorted materials
    $134.00 - $134.00
    $134.00
    $134.00 - $134.00
    $134.00

    Good Times Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    A pair of 1.5mm gemstones rest on either side of a luminous, retro-inspired column. Measures 2mm by 5.5mm.Press-fit jewelry is sold as two separate...

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    $134.00 - $134.00
    $134.00
    $134.00 - $134.00
    $134.00
  • Lumen Press-fit End in 14k White Gold with Clear CZ from Ember Body Jewelry
    Lumen Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry in assorted materials
    $154.00 - $154.00
    $154.00
    $154.00 - $154.00
    $154.00

    Lumen Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    A winding bar embellished with three 1.5mm prong-set stones. Measures 2.5mm by 10.5mm.Press-fit jewelry is sold as two separate pieces: the decorat...

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    $154.00 - $154.00
    $154.00
    $154.00 - $154.00
    $154.00
  • Nova Press-fit End in 14k Rose Gold from Ember Body Jewelry
    Nova Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry in assorted materials
    $144.00 - $144.00
    $144.00
    $144.00 - $144.00
    $144.00

    Nova Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    A sandblasted dome cradled within an elegant twisted border. Measures approximately 4mm.Press-fit jewelry is sold as two separate pieces: the decor...

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    $144.00 - $144.00
    $144.00
    $144.00 - $144.00
    $144.00
  • Solace Press-fit End in 14k Rose Gold from Ember Body Jewelry
    Solace Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry in assorted materials
    $136.00 - $136.00
    $136.00
    $136.00 - $136.00
    $136.00

    Solace Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    A trio of high-polished petals form a dynamic fan that draws the eye. Measures 3.5mm by 6mm.Press-fit jewelry is sold as two separate pieces: the d...

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    $136.00 - $136.00
    $136.00
    $136.00 - $136.00
    $136.00
  • Flutter Press-fit End in 14k White Gold from Tawapa
    Flutter Press-fit End in Gold from Tawapa in assorted materials
    $126.00 - $126.00
    $126.00
    $126.00 - $126.00
    $126.00

    Flutter Press-fit End in Gold from Tawapa

    Tawapa

    Tiny gold beads sprout forth from a recessed, textured disk in this charming design reminiscent of a dandelion. Measures 2.5mm across.Press-fit jew...

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    $126.00 - $126.00
    $126.00
    $126.00 - $126.00
    $126.00
  • A Few Things Lynx Chain in 14k White Gold with White Sapphire from Pupil Hall
    A Few Things Lynx Chain in Gold from Pupil Hall in assorted materials
    $390.00 - $390.00
    $390.00
    $390.00 - $390.00
    $390.00

    A Few Things Lynx Chain in Gold from Pupil Hall

    Pupil Hall

    Business in the front and party in the back! A sleek cable chain morphs into an exuberant gathering of miniature rings accented by a pair of 2mm ge...

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    $390.00 - $390.00
    $390.00
    $390.00 - $390.00
    $390.00
  • Hidden Multitudes Press-fit End in 14k Yellow Gold with Black Enamel & Diamond from Pupil Hall
    Hidden Multitudes Press-fit End in Gold from Pupil Hall with assorted materials
    $456.00 - $456.00
    $456.00
    $456.00 - $456.00
    $456.00

    Hidden Multitudes Press-fit End in Gold from Pupil Hall

    Pupil Hall

    An eye-catching mosaic of polished enamel and textural chains complemented by a 1mm bezel-set genuine stone. Measures 8.5mm by 11.5mm.Press-fit jew...

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    $456.00 - $456.00
    $456.00
    $456.00 - $456.00
    $456.00
  • Vertical Hidden Hodgepodge Press-fit End in 14k Yellow Gold with Diamond from Pupil Hall
    $270.00 - $270.00
    $270.00
    $270.00 - $270.00
    $270.00

    Vertical Hidden Hodgepodge Press-fit End in Gold from Pupil Hall

    Pupil Hall

    A fun mashup of chains creates an elegant hybrid chain adorned with a 1mm genuine stone as it drapes below a slender gold bar. Measures 7.5mm by 12...

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    $270.00 - $270.00
    $270.00
    $270.00 - $270.00
    $270.00
  • Horizontal Hidden Hodgepodge Press-fit End in 14k Yellow Gold with Diamond from Pupil Hall
    $270.00 - $270.00
    $270.00
    $270.00 - $270.00
    $270.00

    Horizontal Hidden Hodgepodge Press-fit End in Gold from Pupil Hall

    Pupil Hall

    A sleek, solid gold bar holds a draped chain that artfully incorporates mixed chain styles and a 1mm genuine stone. Measures 7.5mm by 12.5mm. The h...

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    $270.00 - $270.00
    $270.00
    $270.00 - $270.00
    $270.00
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