The Piercing Dictionary (With Pictures!):
Nose Piercings
Humans have been piercing their noses for over 4000 years! From subtle nostril rings to statement septum bars, nose piercings have represented different things for different cultures for centuries (it's even referenced in the Bible)! Now, nose piercings are a mainstream part of Western society... but did you know that there are at least ten different ways to pierce your nose?
Disclaimer: Everybody's body is different; the diagrams included in this article may not accurately reflect the structure of your nose or face. Some of these piercings may not be be possible in every individual person's nose. In any situation, the best piercing advice will come from a consultation with a professional piercer - they can provide you with accurate information regarding your comments, questions, or concerns about piercing.
From austin bar to vertical tip piercings, Body Candy's got your back (or your nose in this case)! We're here to help you make the most informed decisions when it comes to your nose piercings.
Don't forget that when people see you for the first time, they don't notice your earrings or your necklace first, they notice your nose jewelry!! At Body Candy, we ensure our jewelry is always high-quality and the styles and colors you want at a great price.
Austin Bar
Location: an austin bar piercing is performed horizontally through the tip of the nose. The austin bar does not go through the septum and is not exposed within the nasal cavities (it would otherwise be known as a nasallang).
Recommended Jewelry: straight barbell, potentially made of bioplast.
Due to the rarity of this piercing, consult your professional piercer for more information on jewelry suitable for your anatomy.
Healing Time: anywhere from two (2) to three (3) months
Bridge
Location: A bridge piercing is a type of horizontal surface piercing, done at the top of the nasal bridge, in the area between/around the eye sockets and eyebrows. A vertical bridge piercing is known as a "third eye."
Recommended Jewelry: straight barbell - may eventually be able to accommodate curved barbells, horseshoe rings, or BCRs
Healing Time: Anywhere from two (2) to three (3) months. As this is a surface piercing, there is a high rate of rejection. There is also a high risk of scarring.
High Nostril
Location: a high nostril piercing is similar to a regular nostril piercing, but performed higher up on the nasal bridge. Because of its high location on the bridge of the nose, a typical nose ring is not possible in this piercing.
Recommended Jewelry: Nose studs, nose screws, or L-shaped nose rings
Healing Time: Anywhere from six (6) to nine (9) months. High nostril piercings are significantly harder to heal than regular nostril piercings.
Multiple Nostril
Location: nostrils can be pierced multiple times in sequence for a "layered" look. This look can be accomplished with either studs or rings.
Recommended Jewelry: nose rings, BCRs, nose studs, L-shaped rings, horseshoe rings
Healing Time: Anywhere from four (4) to six (6) months
Nasallang
Location: a nasallang piercing is performed through both nostrils and the septum. A piercer will insert the needle through one nostril, continue through the septum, and finally exit through the other nostril. Unlike an austin bar, a nasallang travels through the septum and is visible in the nasal cavity.
Recommended Jewelry: straight barbell
Due to the rarity of this piercing, consult your professional piercer for jewelry that is suitable for your anatomy.
Healing Time: Anywhere from three (3) to nine (9) months.
Nostril
Location: the most "basic" of nose piercings, a nostril piercing is set right along the curve of cartilage that makes up the sides of your nose/nostrils. Can be done in multiples next to or above one another.
Recommended Jewelry: nose rings, nose screws, L-shaped nose rings, nose studs, BCRs, or horseshoe rings
Healing Time: anywhere from four (4) to six (6) months
Septril
Location: A septril piercing is located through the "fistula" (healed tunnel of flesh) of a stretched septum piercing, and exits on the outside of the nose, usually just below the tip.
A septril piercing is a combination of a vertical tip/rhino and septum. This piercing requires a stretched septum worn with a curved barbell, in conjunction with a nose bone and an eyelet. When piercing, the needle goes through the septum piercing and exits through tip of nose.
Recommended Jewelry: Flat-back stud jewelry or small curved barbells. Custom-size tunnels or eyelets can be worn in the stretched portion of the septum. The septril itself can also be stretched using small acrylic or titanium plugs.
Healing Time: healing time will vary per person depending on the state of the fistula before piercing - consult your professional piercer for more information specific to your body.
Septum
Location: a septum piercing is located in the thin piece of tissue between your nostrils. Ideally, there will be a portion of flesh called the columella (aka: "the sweet spot") for the piercer to go through.
Every nose is different, and not everyone has a columella. In that case, the piercer will have to go through cartilage.
Recommended Jewelry: Septum rings and clickers, BCRs, segment rings, horseshoe rings are best for septum piercings.
Healing Time: one (1) to three (3) months.
Third Eye
Location: a third eye piercing is a surface piercing located between the eyebrows, just above the bridge of the nose. Unlike a bridge piercing, a third eye piercing is performed vertically. Symmetry is very important in this piercing.
Recommended Jewelry: dermal or microdermal
Healing Time: Anywhere from two (2) to three (3) months. As this is a surface piercing, there is a high rate of rejection. There is also a high risk of scarring.
Vertical Tip / Rhino
Location: a vertical tip or "rhino" piercing goes vertically through the tip of your nose, from the "top" of your nose to just underneath near the septum.
Recommended Jewelry: curved barbell
Healing Time: Anywhere from three (3) to nine (9) months. Rook piercings have a reputation as being a slower healer.
The good news for you is with your initial piercing, the nostril piercing is often recommended for first-time piercings due to its relatively simple procedure and healing process. Yes, it is easier than they ear which many complain of not only the initial pain, but the healing process often has complications. You're making a great choice! For the type, there are three options we recommend: nose studs (also called nose rings), nose hoops, and nose screws.
A nostril piercing, also referred to as nasal piercing, is less complex than other nose piercings, such as septum or bridge piercings, and is generally less painful due to the thinner cartilage. It also provides a great starting point if you're considering more complex piercings in the future.
However, it's essential to remember that everyone's pain tolerance and healing process can vary, and what works best for one person may not work best for another. Therefore, always consult with a professional piercer who can provide guidance based on their expertise and your circumstances.
Also, remember to follow aftercare instructions carefully to prevent infection and ensure a smooth healing process. This usually includes cleaning the piercing with a saline solution and avoiding touching or twisting the jewelry. Don't think you will be okay and you don't need to do the aftercare, because if you don't it will be an awful experience. Follow ALL instructions!!
Tip: if you have seasonal allergies, it would be best to wait until allergy season is over before getting a nose piercing as blowing your nose, or dealing with a runny nose isn't impossible, but it also isn't comfortable during the healing process.
Once you are ready to venture out and up your body jewelry game in different styles, you can check out Hoop Nose Rings in different colors, or other body piercing options.
Some possible downsides of a nose piercing could include:
Pain: While individual pain tolerance varies, getting a nose piercing can be painful due to the sensitivity of the area.
Infection: Any piercing comes with a risk of infection, especially if aftercare instructions are not followed properly.
Healing Time: Depending on the type of piercing, healing times can vary, with some taking up to six months to fully heal.
Cleaning: During the healing process, using a saline solution twice a day is recommended, so don't think you can just get a piercing and not have to take care of it. Use a gentle cleanser (as directed) and be cautious when applying spot treatments with either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to fresh piercings, as they're more sensitive and prone to pain (burning or stinging).
Scarring: There's a risk of developing a scar or keloid, particularly if the piercing becomes infected or is accidentally torn out.
Allergies: Some people may be allergic to certain metals used in piercing jewelry.
Career Considerations: Some jobs may have policies against visible piercings.
Sensitive Skin: You might have issues with some of the metals in the jewelry or other problems which can cause irritation or even swelling.
Avoid: Swimming pools, lakes, rivers, water parks, beaches, hot tubs, etc. until your healing process is complete and you are fully healed.
Remember, it's essential to consult with a professional piercer to understand all potential risks and downsides before getting a nose piercing.
There are several types of nose piercings, each with its own name:
Nostril Piercing: This is the most common type of nose piercing, where the piercing is made on the outer part of the nostril, either on the left or right side of the nose.
Septum Piercing: This type of piercing goes through the nasal septum, the thin piece of cartilage that separates your right and left nostrils. However, most septum piercings don't pierce the cartilage but rather the softer space of tissue just below the septum.
Bridge Piercing: This type of nose piercing is placed horizontally across the bridge of the nose, between the eyes.
High Nostril Piercing: Similar to a standard nostril piercing, this is located higher up on the nose, closer to the bridge. This type of piercing is generally more challenging and a more experienced piercer is recommended.
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Nasallang Piercing: This tri-nasal piercing goes through both nostrils and the septum.
Remember, no matter what type of nose piercing you're considering; it's important to consult with a professional piercer to discuss your options, the associated risks, and the proper care and healing process for each type of piercing.
Regarding symbolic or secret meanings, the side of the nose you choose to pierce can depend on cultural, traditional, or personal beliefs.
In certain cultures, particularly in South Asia, nose piercings often have specific traditional and symbolic significance. For example, in India, it's common for women to have their left nostril pierced due to the belief in Ayurvedic medicine that this can make childbirth easier.
However, in many Western cultures, there isn't typically a symbolic significance attached to which side of the nose is pierced. Instead, the choice usually comes down to personal preference or aesthetic reasons, such as which side the individual feels looks better or balances their facial features more effectively.
Remember, these are generalizations and individual reasons for choosing a specific side for a nose piercing can vary widely. It's always best to determine what feels right for you, regardless of any supposed symbolic meanings or cultural traditions. And often, that incredible story your friend tells you about an ancient tribe piercing one side of their nose is usually more fiction than fact.
If you are considering self-piercing, including nose piercings, is NOT recommended. Your safety and health need to have piercings performed by a professional.
Piercing your own nose or any other part of your body at home can carry significant risks, including:
Infection: Without the proper sterilization equipment and training, you significantly increase your risk of infection.
Improper placement: Without professional training, it's easy to misjudge the placement or angle of a piercing.
Increased pain: Professionals know how to minimize pain and discomfort during a piercing.
Nerve damage: Particularly in areas like the nose, there's a risk of causing nerve damage if a piercing is not done correctly.
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Scarring: Incorrectly performed piercings can lead to significant scarring, including keloid scarring.
Instead of attempting to pierce your own nose, please seek out a professional piercer who has the necessary knowledge, skills, and sterilization equipment. They can provide a safe and clean environment, use the correct tools, help you choose the right jewelry, and give you detailed aftercare instructions to minimize the risk of complications. Remember, it's crucial to prioritize your health and safety over all else!
Professional piercers charge anywhere from $30 to $80 for the piercing service alone, however, location, the piercer's experience, the type of piecing performed, and the jewelry chosen all play factors in the cost of the service. Jewelry can range from $10 to $100 or more.
It's essential to remember that while cost is a consideration, it shouldn't be the primary factor in choosing a piercer. Safety, cleanliness, and the piercer's professional reputation and experience are much more important to ensure a good piercing experience. It only takes a few seconds to perform the actual piercing, so you want to get the best piercer in your area.
Always make sure to ask about the total cost, including jewelry, before getting a piercing, and ensure that you understand the aftercare instructions to maintain the health of your new piercing.