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.

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

OPAL NOSE RINGS

NOSE RINGS & HOOPS

BCR CAPTIVE RING SETS

14k GOLD NOSE RINGS

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

Healing Time: one (1) to three (3) months.

SEPTUM SEGMENT RINGS

SEPTUM CLICKERS

HORSESHOE RINGS

MICRO NOSE RINGS

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.