Nose Piercing: Types, Materials, Price

A nose piercing involves puncturing an area of the nose to fit a piece of jewellery, most often a small ring or a discreet stud. Worn for centuries across several cultures, notably in India where it accompanies long-established customs, it has become widely popular in the West to the point of being one of the most requested facial piercings in France.

The term nose piercing actually covers several quite different placements, which explains the frequent confusion around its exact name. The nostril piercing designates the classic piercing on the wing of the nose. The septum piercing goes through the nasal septum, between the two nostrils. Other, rarer variants target the tip of the nose or the area between the eyebrows. Each of these placements comes with its own constraints in terms of piercing technique, jewellery and visibility, detailed further below.

As with ear piercings, where the choice ranges from a simple lobe to the more technical cartilage placements covered in the guide to ear piercings (helix, conch, tragus), the nose offers several piercing points with distinct characteristics. The nose nonetheless remains a more uniform area, with a noticeably smaller number of placements than the ear.

The different types of nose piercing

Not all nose piercings are equal in terms of visibility, comfort and piercing constraints. The table below summarises the most common placements before each one is detailed.

The nostril piercing

The nostril piercing is by far the most common. It is placed on the wing of the nose, at a spot where the cartilage becomes thinner, which allows for a quick piercing. It is worn with a thin ring, a straight stud or a curved post, depending on personal preference and the piercer’s recommendations for the period following the piercing. Its discretion and quick placement often make it the first facial piercing people choose.

The septum piercing

The septum piercing goes through the thin area of tissue located between the two nostrils, just in front of the septal cartilage. When correctly placed, it is worn with a ring or a horseshoe barbell that can be flipped up inside the nose to hide it, an advantage appreciated in settings that limit visible jewellery. Poor placement, on the other hand, can affect the cartilage and make the piercing more delicate, which is why choosing an experienced piercer for this specific placement matters.

Rarer placements

Other nose piercings exist but remain marginal in France. The high nostril sits above the classic nostril piercing, higher on the wing of the nose. The bridge pierces horizontally through the skin at the bridge of the nose, between the eyes. The septril combines a stretched septum piercing with a piercing at the tip of the nose, an advanced technique reserved for people who already have a well healed septum. These placements require compatible anatomy, assessed case by case by the piercer.

How does a nose piercing appointment work?

A nose piercing appointment follows a standard protocol at a professional piercer. The studio must work with single-use equipment: a sterile hollow needle for the piercing, never an ear-piercing gun on this area, and gloves changed between each client. The piercer disinfects the area, marks the intended placement and has it confirmed before piercing, a step that allows the position to be adjusted at the last moment if needed.

The piercing itself is quick, followed by fitting the chosen jewellery directly. The whole appointment generally takes a few minutes, including the discussion of aftercare instructions. Checking beforehand that the studio displays its hygiene conditions and uses single-use hollow needles remains the best reflex before booking an appointment.

Which jewellery and material to choose for a nose piercing?

The choice of jewellery affects both the aesthetic result and comfort during the first weeks. Two criteria matter most: the shape, suited to the placement, and the material, which determines skin tolerance.

Jewellery shapes

The ring, segmented or hinged, suits both nostril and septum piercings and remains the most versatile shape. The straight stud, often finished with a small stone or a ball, is mostly used for nostril piercings for a discreet look. The curved post (L-shape) follows the curve of the nostril and limits snagging during healing. The horseshoe barbell, reserved for the septum, slides into the channel and flips up easily inside the nose.

Materials to look for

For a first piercing, implant grade materials reduce the risk of a skin reaction. Titanium that meets implant grade standards, lightweight and hypoallergenic, is commonly recommended by piercers for initial jewellery. Solid gold, starting at 14 carats, is another option for sensitive skin, provided alloys containing nickel are avoided.

Gold plating, already covered for necklaces, follows the same logic on nose jewellery: a thin layer of gold applied over a base metal, best reserved for fully healed piercings to limit wear from friction. In terms of finish, cubic zirconia, a material already reviewed for rings, decorates some set nose jewellery for a diamond-like sparkle at a more accessible price. Silver, more affordable, is generally not recommended on a recent piercing due to its sensitivity to tarnishing on contact with skin secretions during healing.

Pain and price of a nose piercing

Pain felt during a nose piercing remains highly subjective and varies according to individual sensitivity and the placement chosen. A nostril piercing, on a fleshy area, is usually described as quick, with a sensation comparable to a brief pinch. A septum piercing, positioned on a more innervated area, has a reputation for feeling more intense at the moment of piercing, without lasting any longer. This momentary sensation should not be confused with the period following the piercing, during which the area remains tender to the touch.

On the budget side, the price of a nose piercing varies widely from one studio to another, depending on the city, the reputation of the establishment and the material of the jewellery fitted. It generally consists of two elements: the piercer’s service and the initial jewellery, which should be implant grade rather than plain costume jewellery. Asking for a clear quote before the appointment, covering both the jewellery and the aftercare follow-up, makes it possible to compare several studios on the same basis rather than on the displayed price alone.

Which side to choose and at what age to get a nose piercing?

Choosing which side for a nostril piercing is mostly a matter of aesthetic preference. Some cultural traditions associate a specific side with a particular meaning, notably in India, where nose piercing is part of long-established customs. Outside of these cultural references, nothing dictates one side over the other, and a piercer can help decide based on facial symmetry and the shape of the nostrils.

The minimum age to get a nose piercing depends on the conditions set by each piercing studio, generally aligned with the legal age of majority or with parental consent below that age. These conditions vary from one establishment to another and can evolve with local regulations. Checking directly with the chosen studio remains the only way to get a reliable, up to date answer, rather than relying on a general rule.

Healing and good habits after the piercing

The time needed for a nose piercing to heal depends on the placement, the jewellery worn and factors specific to each person. As with any piercing, the area remains sensitive for a period that should be respected before changing the jewellery. For comparison, ear piercing healing times follow a similar logic: each pierced tissue has its own pace, and the orders of magnitude differ noticeably between a fleshy area and a cartilage area.

The piercer who performed the piercing remains the best source for aftercare instructions suited to the placement and jewellery chosen. These instructions generally cover cleaning frequency and gestures to avoid during healing. Any unusual redness, persistent swelling or discharge that does not improve should be shown to a healthcare professional or to the piercer, without waiting or attempting a remote diagnosis. The septum piercing requires particular care due to its proximity to the nasal cartilage, an area where a poorly performed piercing can take longer to correct.

Frequently asked questions