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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
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

  • Triple Chain Press-fit Ring in Gold from Origins Handmade in rose gold with diamond
    Triple Chain Press-fit Ring in Gold from Origins Handmade in rose gold with diamond
    $450.00 - $450.00
    $450.00
    $450.00 - $450.00
    $450.00

    Triple Chain Press-fit Ring in Gold from Origins Handmade

    Origins Handmade

    Three delicate curb chains in graduating lengths dangle freely from a press-fit post. A 2mm bezel-set stone with a milgrain border sits front and c...

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    $450.00 - $450.00
    $450.00
    $450.00 - $450.00
    $450.00
  • Engraved Disk Press-fit End in Gold from Origins Handmade in 2.5mm and 2mm
    Engraved Disk Press-fit End in Gold from Origins Handmade in assorted sizes
    $120.00 - $120.00
    $120.00
    $120.00 - $120.00
    $120.00

    Engraved Disk Press-fit End in Gold from Origins Handmade

    Origins Handmade

    A hammered pinwheel pattern shapes the front of a textured disk. Press-fit jewelry is sold as two separate pieces: the decorative end is one piece,...

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    $120.00 - $120.00
    $120.00
    $120.00 - $120.00
    $120.00
  • Starburst Disk Press-fit End in Gold from Origins Handmade in yellow gold
    Starburst Disk Press-fit End in Gold from Origins Handmade
    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00
    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00

    Starburst Disk Press-fit End in Gold from Origins Handmade

    Origins Handmade

    A hammered six-pointed star is recessed in a subtly textured disk. Press-fit jewelry is sold as two separate pieces: the decorative end is one piec...

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    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00
    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00
  • Hammered Disk Press-fit End in Gold from Origins Handmade
    $80.00 - $80.00
    $80.00
    $80.00 - $80.00
    $80.00

    Hammered Disk Press-fit End in Gold from Origins Handmade

    Origins Handmade

    Craters of hammered texturing add depth to a classic design. Press-fit jewelry is sold as two separate pieces: the decorative end is one piece, and...

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    $80.00 - $80.00
    $80.00
    $80.00 - $80.00
    $80.00
  • Wrapped Press-fit End in Gold from Origins Handmade with black diamond
    Wrapped Press-fit End in Gold from Origins Handmade with black diamond
    $200.00 - $200.00
    $200.00
    $200.00 - $200.00
    $200.00

    Wrapped Press-fit End in Gold from Origins Handmade

    Origins Handmade

    A 1mm genuine stone is wrapped in a unique scalloped setting and set atop a similarly textured disk. Measures 4mm across. Press-fit jewelry is sold...

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    $200.00 - $200.00
    $200.00
    $200.00 - $200.00
    $200.00
  • Fracture Press-fit End in Gold from Seasons Handmade with diamond
    Fracture Press-fit End in Gold from Seasons Handmade with diamond
    $80.00 - $80.00
    $80.00
    $80.00 - $80.00
    $80.00

    Fracture Press-fit End in Gold from Seasons Handmade

    Seasons Handmade

    A textured rim and partial bezel setting create edgy asymmetry while a 1.5mm genuine stone adds a touch of glamour. Measures approximately 3mm acro...

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    $80.00 - $80.00
    $80.00
    $80.00 - $80.00
    $80.00
  • Diamond Calamity Press-fit End in Gold from Seasons Handmade with diamond
    Diamond Calamity Press-fit End in Gold from Seasons Handmade with diamond
    $120.00 - $120.00
    $120.00
    $120.00 - $120.00
    $120.00

    Diamond Calamity Press-fit End in Gold from Seasons Handmade

    Seasons Handmade

    An off-center design featuring a genuine stone with a milgrain beaded border offset on top of a textured disk.  Small measures 3mm across and holds...

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    $120.00 - $120.00
    $120.00
    $120.00 - $120.00
    $120.00
  • Phantom Press-fit End in Gold from Seasons Handmade with diamonds
    Phantom Press-fit End in Gold from Seasons Handmade with diamonds
    $190.00 - $190.00
    $190.00
    $190.00 - $190.00
    $190.00

    Phantom Press-fit End in Gold from Seasons Handmade

    Seasons Handmade

    A triad of 2mm by 3mm baguette-cut genuine stones with a 0.8mm genuine stone accent placed between each one for extra flare on an already striking ...

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    $190.00 - $190.00
    $190.00
    $190.00 - $190.00
    $190.00
  • Inner Circle Fusion Press-fit End from Black Forest Jewelry in black niobium & 14k yellow gold
    Inner Circle Fusion Press-fit End from Black Forest Jewelry in black niobium & 14k yellow gold
    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00
    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00

    Inner Circle Fusion Press-fit End from Black Forest Jewelry

    Black Forest Jewelry

    Contrasting materials lovingly distressed come together, balancing elegance with a bit of edge. Each piece is handcrafted and unique; style and det...

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    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00
    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00
  • Dotted Fusion Press-fit End from Black Forest Jewelry in black niobium & 14k yellow gold
    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00
    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00

    Dotted Fusion Press-fit End from Black Forest Jewelry

    Black Forest Jewelry

    A 2mm disk sits atop a larger 5mm disk with an off-set hollow center, both lovingly and aggressively distressed. Press-fit jewelry is sold as two s...

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    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00
    $90.00 - $90.00
    $90.00
  • Square Up Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry with blue tourmaline
    Square Up Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry with blue tourmaline
    $290.00 - $290.00
    $290.00
    $290.00 - $290.00
    $290.00

    Square Up Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    A 2mm princess-cut stone bezel-set in solid gold is surrounded by two halos of gold beaded detail. Measures 4mm by 6mm. Press-fit jewelry is sold a...

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    $290.00 - $290.00
    $290.00
    $290.00 - $290.00
    $290.00
  • Lust Charm in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry in assorted materials with clear CZ
    Lust Charm in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry in assorted materials
    $170.00 - $170.00
    $170.00
    $170.00 - $170.00
    $170.00

    Lust Charm in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    A vibrant design featuring a 2mm by 4mm marquise-cut stone accompanied by a trio of 1.3mm stone charms that form a graceful arc below. Measures app...

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    $170.00 - $170.00
    $170.00
    $170.00 - $170.00
    $170.00
  • Tandem Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry in assorted materials
    Tandem Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry in assorted materials
    $180.00 - $180.00
    $180.00
    $180.00 - $180.00
    $180.00

    Tandem Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    Two petite baguette-cut genuine stones are linked together by two jump rings creating subtle movement on this small piece. Measures 3mm by 4mm. Pre...

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    $180.00 - $180.00
    $180.00
    $180.00 - $180.00
    $180.00
  • Impulse Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry with diamond
    Impulse Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry in assorted materials
    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00
    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00

    Impulse Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    Concentric circles surround a 1mm genuine stone set at the center of a low-profile gold disk. Measures 4mm across. Press-fit jewelry is sold as two...

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    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00
    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00
  • Loves It Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry with clear CZ
    Loves It Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry in assorted materials
    $180.00 - $180.00
    $180.00
    $180.00 - $180.00
    $180.00

    Loves It Press-fit End in Gold from Ember Body Jewelry

    Ember Body Jewelry

    A 1.3mm prong-set stone dances around a polished heart on a freely moving jump ring. Measures 4mm by 7mm. Press-fit jewelry is sold as two separate...

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    $180.00 - $180.00
    $180.00
    $180.00 - $180.00
    $180.00
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