DIFFERENT TYPES OF NOSE PIERCINGS

Everything About The Different Types Of Nose Piercings

What are the Different Types of Nose Piercings?

“Noses are the second most popular area to pierce”

Noses are the second most popular area to pierce after the ears and the practice dates back thousands of years. Although the two most common types of nose piercings are the nostril and septum piercings, all the other types of nose piercings are also gaining popularity. In total, there are nine different nose piercing types in the nasal area, all of them using distinct kinds of nose jewelry. These different nose piercing types are all pierced in unique ways, have varying healing periods, and require distinct aftercare protocols.

The most requested and traditional piercing of the nostril is located in the crease of the nostril curve. Nostril piercings are among the nose piercing types that are not only requested by women but are also popular with men. There are different types of nose piercing studs that can be placed on either side of the nose but most commonly, the left nostril is pierced. The standard types of nose piercings are centrally located on the nostril side and high nostril nose piercing stud types are higher up, closer to the cartilage.

STANDARD TYPES
OF NOSE PIERCINGS

The second most requested nose piercing types are septum piercings which go through the skin at the bottom of the nose called the columella or sweet spot. The septum jewelry is visible as coming out of both nostrils. Not everyone can get a septum piercing especially if the potential wearer has a deviated septum.

On the upper and middle parts of the nose, there are three types of nose piercings. The first and most popular of these are the nose bridge piercings. These nose piercing types are shallow and placed horizontally through the skin on the upper part of the nose beyond the cartilage between the eyes. A vertical variation to the nose bridge piercing is the third eye piercing which is higher up the nasal bridge located between the eyebrows and symmetrical. The most intensive of all types of nose piercings are the nasallang piercings that go through both nostrils and the septum cartilage appearing as two separate nostril piercings. Nasallangs are visible in the nasal cavity and are not very common among the different types of nose piercings as it involves the piercing of three holes at the same time through the septum.

On the tip of the nose are located three other types of nose piercings which are the Austin bar, rhino, and septril piercings. Austin bar piercings are horizontal piercings through the tip of the nose but do not penetrate the septum like a nasallang piercing and are not visible within the nasal cavity. Rhino or vertical tip piercings are nose piercing stud types located directly above the top of the nose tip and end directly under the nose between the nostril opening. Finally, of all the different types of nose piercings, the septril piercing goes through the fistula or healed tunnel of the flesh of a stretched septum piercing and exits on the outside of the nose usually below the nose tip. For these nose piercing types, a stretched septum is necessary.

High-Quality Nose Jewelry Every Professional Piercer Should Have

The nose jewelry used for the different types of nose piercings ranges from straight, curved, and horseshoe barbells to bead captive rings, septum clickers, seamless and segment rings. The selection continues with specific nostril piercing jewelry including nose studs which are Bend-It-Yourself or L-shaped, nose screws, and nose bones. There is also a large choice of fancy ethnic nose rings as well as fake or illusion nose jewelry for those who would like to sport a pierced nose without getting an actual piercing.

Nostril Piercing Jewelry

The most popular jewelry for nostril piercings is Bend-It-Yourself nose screws or studs, L-shaped nose studs, and nose bones. Although it is recommended that nose bones are used as nostril jewelry after the piercing is healed, some professional piercers may include these nose piercing stud types in their initial inventory.

Bend-It-Yourself Nose Studs

These 7/16 or 43/64 inches (11mm or 17mm) nostril jewelry posts are bent after insertion to secure them in the piercing and are sold in 20g (0.8mm or 1/32 inches) or 22g (0.6mm or 1/32 inches). The top attachments for this nostril jewelry come in various designs such as prong set or bezel-set genuine natural stones and crystals. They are supplied in different shapes such as solid balls, hearts, stars, flowers, infinity symbols, butterflies, and balls with dangling ornaments. The choice of materials for this nostril piercing jewelry includes 316l surgical steel, 14kt gold, rose gold, white gold, 9kt gold as well as sterling silver in solid, and gold plated variants.

L-shaped Nose Studs

Pre-bent nose studs are 18g (1mm or 3/64 inches), 20g (0.8mm or 1/32 inches) or 22g (0.6mm or 1/32 inches). This nostril piercing jewelry has various sized attachment ends which are solid balls, hearts, stars, flowers, infinity logo designs, balls with dangling ornaments as well as prong-sets or bezel-set crystals and genuine natural stones. Material choices for this nostril jewelry are 316 L surgical steel, anodized surgical steel, titanium, solid 14kt gold, white gold, rose gold as well as 9kt gold, Bioflex, sterling silver, and gold plated silver.

Nose Bones

Nose bones are among have a small knob on the end to keep the nostril jewelry from falling out. They are supplied in 18g (1mm or 3/64 inches), 20g (0.8mm or 1/32 inches), or 22g (0.6mm or 1/32 inches) and 6mm or 15/64 inches in length. The ends of this nostril piercing jewelry come in different sizes and these are in a variety of designs from solid balls, bezel-set crystals, prong-set crystals, and natural stones in shapes of stars, hearts, dolphins, hands, feet, flowers, butterflies, and even balls with slave hoops. Nose bones are sold in 316L surgical steel, anodized steel, PVD plated steel, 14kt gold, rose gold, and white gold as well as sterling silver, Bioflex, and acrylic.

Jewelry for Septum Piercings

Circular Barbells

These horseshoe shape barbells are ideal for septum types of nose piercings. They have two internally threaded end attachments in varying gauges from 14g (1.6mm or 1/16inches), 16g (1.2mm or 3/64 inches), and 18g (1mm or 3/64 inches). Lengths supplied range from 15/64 to 35/64 inches (6 to 14mm). The end attachments of this nose piercing jewelry come in different designs such as solid balls, wooden balls, dice, cones, acrylic or frosted steel balls, and Ferido-glued multi-crystal balls in varying sizes. They are sold in materials ranging from 316L surgical steel, anodized steel and PVD plated steel to G23 titanium and anodized titanium.

Ball Closure Rings

This jewelry has an indented ball inserted between the ring-opening to keep it secure in 18g (1mm or 3/64 inches) to 0g (8mm or 5/16 inches). It comes in sizes from 15/64 to 43/64 inches (6 to 17mm) in length. The balls are solid and are made in different designs such as bezel set crystals, synthetic opal, and even balls with dangling ornaments. These ball closure rings are made of 316L surgical steel, plated PVD, G23 titanium, and anodized titanium in various colors.

Continuous Twist Rings, Segment Rings, and Septum Clickers

Seamless rings have a very small opening and require the jewelry to be twisted to be inserted. Segment rings have a section that clicks into the opening of the ring and septum clickers have a hinged clasp that will click the ring shut. This type of nose piercing jewelry is 15/64 to 5/32 inches (6 to 12mm) in gauges from 16g (1.2mm or 3/64 inches) to 22g (0.6mm or 1/32 inches). It comes in sterling silver, plated silver, 14kt gold, rose gold and white gold finishing. Design choices range from solid rings or prong-set genuine stones or crystals as well as ethnic designs. Continuous twist rings and segment rings are also used as nostril jewelry.

How Painful are the Different Nose Piercing Types?

“Pain is relative and experienced differently by each individual”

The same is true for all types of nose piercings. It is understood that nose piercings are slightly more painful than those for ears but the different types of nose piercings also have varying pain levels. Nose piercings and the insertion of nose jewelry such as the various types of nose piercing studs are relatively quick and so the pain does not last very long. However, because the nasal nerves are connected to sinuses, the pierced wearer is likely to shed a few tears.

The least painful of the nine types of nose piercings are the nostril, high nostril, nose bridge, third eye, and septum piercings. These nose piercing types only go through flesh and hurt a lot less than the different types of nose piercings that go through the nasal cartilage. The most painful of all is the nasallang as it is a triple-piercing going through the nose’s central cartilage. This piercing also takes the longest time to perform. The Austin bar, rhino, and septril piercings are rated as moderately painful. Professional piercers understand that the piercing needle can be seen during the procedure and so the wearer is asked to close their eyes during the procedure for all the different types of nose piercings. In general, nose piercing pain is bearable and does not last long.

The Gauges, Length, Material, and Types of Jewelry for Nose Piercings

Most nose piercings are usually done in 18g (1mm or 3/64 inches) to 20g (0.8mm or 1/32 inches) in size. For some types of nose piercings, a 16g (1.2mm or 3/64 inches) needle and jewelry is used to prevent rejection and migration. This is particularly so in nose bridge and Austin bar nose piercing types as they are closer to the surface of the skin.

With length considerations for nose jewelry, the initial jewelry for all types of nose piercings should fit snugly in the fistula to prevent excessive movement. For nostril piercings, there are three different types of nose piercing studs. A nose screw is preferred to other nostril piercing jewelry such as nose rings or bead captive rings which tend to move around much more. For nasallang, bridge, rhino, septril, and Austin bar types of nose piercings, it is important for the straight or curved barbell to fit well in the piercing. When it comes to the different types of nose piercings consideration is also given to the swelling that occurs during healing. Jewelry that is too snug or tight will be uncomfortable. The professional piercer will be able to advise on which areas are the most likely to swell up. Once the piercing has fully healed, the choices of lengths, styles and jewelry for the various nose piercing types are virtually limitless.

Hypoallergenic nose piercing jewelry is recommended by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) as the initial jewelry. Not only will it help with the healing process but also prevent complications for all types of nose piercings such as infections and allergies. Material choices include 316L surgical steel, G23 titanium, gold, Bioflex and PTFE. Silver nose jewelry is only recommended after the piercing has healed. Recommended materials for initial jewelry are G23 titanium and 316L surgical steel. Jewelry for the different nose piercing types is supplied in solid or anodized versions in vibrant colors.

The suggested initial body jewelry for nostril piercings are nose screws, L-shaped nose studs, and Bend-It-Yourself nose studs. Nose bones are types of nose piercing studs that have a bulbous end to keep the nostril piercing jewelry secure. These should only be used after the piercing has healed. Labrets, curved or circular barbells, seamless or segment rings, and ball captive rings should also only be used when the nostril piercing has fully healed. With high piercings of the nostril, only nose screws, L-shaped nose studs, and Bend-It-Yourself nose studs should be worn as new nostril piercing jewelry. Nose hoops or rings may initially be too tight around the nostril.

Septum piercings are completed with a circular barbell and after healing nose jewelry like, ball captive rings, hoops, septum clickers, seamless and segment septum rings can be worn. Straight or curved barbells are first used for bridge types of nose piercings and circular barbells and ball captive rings are also used after healing. Third eye nose piercing types, namely Austin bar and nasallang are done with a straight barbell. The rhino and septril are different types of nose piercings and are pierced with a curved barbell.

The Healing Times of Nose Piercings

The healing times for the different types of nose piercings vary and depend on how vigilant the aftercare regime is. Generally, nostril piercings take 16 to 24 weeks to fully heal and septum piercings take about 32 weeks. The bridge and third eye nose piercing types heal within 8 to 12 weeks whereas the nasallang takes a lot longer, from 12 to 36 weeks to heal. Austin bar piercings are healed between 8 to 12 weeks and rhino piercings take between 12 to 36 weeks. The healing time of septril piercings varies depending on the status of the fistula of a septum prior to piercing.

16WEEKS

24WEEKS

NOSTRIL
PIERCINGS

12WEEKS

36WEEKS

NASALLANG

Nose Piercing Aftercare

Staying healthy and cleansing of the piercing area and nose jewelry used are recommended aftercare steps. These can reduce the chances of infections, migration, and even rejection of the nose piercing jewelry. As the healing time varies greatly on the type of nose piercing, proper aftercare must be taken during the whole healing process.

Cleaning the piercing site with solutions such as packaged non-additive sterile saline or a sea salt solution mixture is best. With clean washed hands, the wearer should be encouraged to perform a saline or sea salt solution soak. The easiest method for the various types of nose piercings is to use fresh gauze that is soaked in the saline solution. The gauze should be dabbed on the piercing area and then placed on the site for 3 to 5 minutes each time.

CLEANING THREE TO SIX TIMES A DAY

For nose tip, nostril, and septum piercings, a small disposable cup filled nearly to the brim with a saline solution or sea salt solution is brought up to the nose to submerge the area. Cleaning should happen at least 3 to 6 times a day. Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and soap should not be used. Rotating or twisting the jewelry is not recommended. The area is then dried by gently patting with a clean, disposable paper product, Avoid using cloth towels that house bacteria and can snag the jewelry.

Some discoloration and itching around the piercing are normal. If a whitish-yellow secretion of plasma occurs, it will form a crust that should never be removed by force. Tightness around the jewelry may happen during the healing of the various types of nose piercings. Therefore it is important to not forcibly move the nose jewelry. Even if the area of the piercing may seem fully healed before the recommended healing time is completed, the inner tissue that is not visible externally may still be fragile.

“Any jewelry change or removal during healing should only be done by a professional piercer”

Stay healthy during the healing process by getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet. Avoiding stress, recreational drugs, excessive caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol is also recommended. Finally, immersing the nose piercings in unhygienic bodies of water such as lakes, pools, hot tubs, and bathtubs should be refrained from. If unavoidable, protect the various nose piercing using a waterproof wound-sealant bandage.