There are a variety of nose piercing locations but one of the most popular is a nostril piercing. This piercing is placed on one side of the nose and goes through to the nostril. The nostril piercing has become increasingly popular over recent years. Want to find out more? Check out our list of FAQs for more information.

Is nose piercing painful?

Many people think nose piercing will hurt but generally nostril piercing pain is fairly low. A nose piercing can be painful if not performed by a professional piercer or if it not performed with the correct equipment. Nose piercing pain, from anecdotal evidence, tends to be rated at about 3 out of 10 on the pain scale.

How long does it take for a nose piercing to fully heal?

Nostril piercing healing time usually takes 4-6 weeks. The soft flesh in this part of the nose allows for quick healing so if you are looking for a nose piercing that will fully heal quickly this is a good choice. Nostril piercing healing can vary if you get a cold or infection but with the correct aftercare, you should experience no problems with healing your new nose piercing.

What is the correct side to pierce your nose?

It is thought by some that the left side is pierced on a male and the right side on a female. If the opposite side is pierced on either gender it is thought to signify a gay or lesbian identity in Western culture. However, with ideas about gender and sexuality frequently changing many think that this is an outdated concept, especially since some people opt to have both sides of their nostril pierced and some piercing experts disagree and say the sides are the other way round. Some believe if a woman gets the left side of her nose pierced it can help reduce pain from childbirth or issues such as endometriosis because this side of the nose correlates with female reproductive organs.

When can I change my nose piercing?

We know many people are keen to change their nose piercing to a ring after getting pierced with a stud but it is important to wait until your piercing has fully healed. It takes 4 – 6 weeks for your piercing to heal and we recommend leaving your piercing an extra couple of months before changing the jewellery to ensure it is definitely healed and has settled into place.

How much is a nostril piercing?

The typical cost of a nostril piercing is £30 - £35. The nose piercing price reflects the experience of the piercer. Only go to piercers that use gauge needles or guns designed for nose piercing. Some may offer to pierce with a normal piercing gun and may offer a lower price to do so but it is not worth it as it will risk your safety. Piercing costs often vary depending on the type of jewellery you are pierced with.

Should I get my nostril pierced?

Your lifestyle is often the main factor when deciding which piercing to get. If you are thinking about getting a nostril piercing then think about if it is practical for you to leave in piercing jewellery all the time. Getting a nose piercing will mean you have a piercing that you cannot hide. However, a nostril piercing is small and can be worn with retainer jewellery which is often clear.

What does a nose piercing symbolize?

In some cultures, a nose piercing symbolises wealth and can be worn as a status symbol. Other traditional nose piercing symbols include coming of age which shows readiness for marriage and a sign of fertility. In terms of piercing culture, the nose piercing was originally seen as an act of rebellion stemming from 80s punk culture but is now a more mainstream body modification.

Can I put Vaseline on my nose piercing?

Vaseline should not be used on your nose piercing or on any other piercing. Petroleum jelly is very thick and will block oxygen from reaching the piercing wound, therefore, hindering the healing process. If you would like to moisturize your piercing we recommend using a small amount of Tea Tree Oil. Sometimes people use oils such as Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E Oil or Coconut Oil to keep the skin hydrated but this should be done sparingly.

When carrying out nostril piercing aftercare, you should find that cleaning the area twice a day with a saltwater solution or Tea Tree Oil is enough to keep your piercing clean and help it to heal.

If you notice that you have a potential nose piercing infection you should not try to treat this yourself but should consult your GP as you may need antibiotics. You can also talk to your piercers about any issues you are having such as a nostril piercing bump.

Should I twist my nose piercing?

You should not twist your piercing while it is healing as this will aggravate your wound and slow down the healing process. You should avoid touching your nose piercing as this is one of the most common ways to introduce infection into your piercing. Only touch your piercing while cleaning it and make sure you have washed your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap first.

Do nose piercings make your nose look bigger?

Piercing your nose will not make it look any bigger or smaller. It may draw attention to your nose but only because of your cute new piercing. Once your piercing has healed you can try out a variety of jewellery types and sizes so that you can find the one that makes you feel great. Things such as jewel size and ring diameter can make all the difference in how you feel about your nose piercing. Be confident and love your new piercing, then you might find it helps you to love your gorgeous unique nose too!

If you do want to think about different ways to try out nostril piercings then there are a variety of nose piercing types that can help you customise your look and stand out from the crowd. With nostril piercings becoming more common why not switch your look up with a high nostril piercing. Instead of being placed near the crease at the end of your nose, it is placed higher up on the fleshy part of your nose. Other options include double nostril piercing or triple nostril piercing. The number of piercings you can have will depend on the size of your nose.

With nose piercings increasing in popularity, there’s plenty of awesome jewellery to choose from to make yours stand out from the crowd. Want to know more about piercing at Blue Banana? Check out our Piercing Guides and other FAQ articles for more tips and advice.