There are two popular nose piercings which are common amongst piercing enthusiasts and they are the nostril and septum piercings. The nostril piercing is completed on the side of the nose while the septum piercing is placed through the middle of the tissue which separates the two nostrils. If you want a more extreme nose piercing, the bridge piercing is certainly unusual. It is a surface piercing that features a horizontal bar placed at the top of the nose between the eyebrows (it can also be placed vertically).

When getting your nose piercing it is best to clean the inside of your nose before the piercing procedure begins. The piercing site may bleed a little, after getting your piercing, and your eyes may water which is completely normal.

Healing a nose piercing is relatively simple, although you’ll need to take extra care while blowing your nose during the healing process, and make sure that you are touching your nose only with clean hands or a tissue.

Nose Piercing FAQs

How bad do nose piercings hurt?

Nose piercing pain will vary for each person however most people say nose piercings hurt enough to make your eyes water. Your nose piercing should only be painful briefly as the piercing procedure is over very quickly. Different types of nose piercing will hurt different amounts but almost all types go through cartilage which can be painful. The pain should not be bad after you have had the piercing done.

How long does a nose piercing take to heal?

The healing time varies depending on which type of nose piercing you have had. The quickest healing time is for a nostril piercing which takes 4-6 weeks. Bridge and septum piercings take longer to heal (usually 4-6 months). How long your nose piercing takes to heal will also depend on the aftercare. If you get a piercing infection it may take longer than the estimated nose piercing healing time.

What can I put on my nose piercing to make it heal faster?

When healing a piercing it is best to be patient and not try to heal it faster. Your body will heal at its own rate and the best thing you can do to help your nose piercing to heal is to follow a strict aftercare routine. Bathing your piercing in a saltwater solution or Tea Tree Oil, twice a day will help to keep your nose piercing clean and free from a nose piercing infection, therefore, helping it to heal faster.

How do I clean the inside of my nose piercing?

Most people find it easiest to use a cotton bud to clean the inside of their nose piercing. To carry out your nose piercing care, soak the cotton swab in a saltwater solution or diluted Tea Tree Oil and wipe around the inside of your piercing. To keep the inside of your nose piercing clean you will also need to be careful when blowing your nose. Make sure to only do this gently and clean away any tissue fibres left on your nose piercing.

Is it better to get a nose ring or stud?

It is down to personal preference whether it is better to have a nose ring or nose piercing stud. Aesthetically speaking both options have plenty of jewellery choices in a variety of colours. From a care point of view, it can be better to get a nose piercing ring once your piercing has healed in order to reduce movement during healing. Some people say that a nose ring is less likely to cause a build-up of mucus however nose studs are much easier to take out and clean.

Can you get a nose ring right away?

Some piercing studios will pierce you with a nose ring right away however it may not be in your best interest. It is easier to heal a nose piercing with a stud as it is less likely to be moved or knocked and it is easier to clean. It may be worth being patient and waiting until your nose piercing is fully healed before getting a nose ring.

What is the bump next to my nose ring?

The bump next to your nose ring could be one of two different types. It could be a keloid which is a hard mass of scar tissue. Without medical treatment, there is no way to get rid of a nose piercing keloid yourself. The other type of nose piercing bump is usually filled with fluid or pus. While it may be tempting to burst this pustule in the same way as a pimple it is best to ask your piercer for help because if the fluid drains into your open piercing wound it can cause an infection.

Can I pop the bump by my nose piercing?

You cannot and should not pop the bump by your nose piercing. Firstly, if it is a keloid you will not be able to pop it as it is made from scar tissue. Secondly, if it is the type of piercing bump that is filled with fluid then popping the bump can cause the fluid to infect your open piercing wound if your nose piercing is still healing. It is best to talk to your piercer or doctor for help and advice.

What does a nose piercing symbolize?

Nose piercing is a fairly old form of piercing which originates in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. It can symbolize a number of things within tribes or religions. Nose piercing meanings include; as a sign of wealth, a status symbol within a tribe, or a sign of fertility. In Western culture, nose piercings gained popularity during the hippie movement and have since been worn by those within Goth and alternative cultures.

What is the correct side to pierce your nose?

There is no correct side to pierce your nose but there are some traditions which date back thousands of years. Women in particular often have the left side of their nose pierced. This can be traced back to Indian culture where the left nose piercing is thought to ease pain caused by menstruating, increase sexual pleasure, and ease childbirth. This can be linked back to Ayurveda which states that the left side of the nose corresponds to the reproductive system.

Want to get some jewellery for your nose piercing? Check out our individual pages on nostril piercing, septum piercing, and bridge piercing to see our full range and for more information.