The vertical nose tip piercing, or “rhino,” is a very unique contemporary piercing of the cartilage that comprises the front of the nose. These piercings get their name from the resemblance of their shape to the nose of (you guessed it) the common rhinoceros.
Rhino piercings are interesting, they’re unisex, and they’re wearable long term when taken care of properly. The standard nose tip piercing is done with a regular hollow piercing needle and normally extends from just under the tip of the nose, to the top of the rose, at or near the spot where the nose tip begins to curve. They can be performed deeper though, as individual anatomy allows, extending as far as the top of the nose near the beginning of the bridge.
For regular rhino piercings a curved barbell is normally worn, while a long, flexible straight bar is often made use of for deeper variations. Due to the piercing’s placement, a bioflex or bioplast barbell is a good option for both styles, as the nose sees a lot of movement from sneezing, tissue use, and facial expressions. Aftercare is comparable to that of standard nose piercings, and a focus on avoiding makeup and limiting the risk of blunt trauma is generally encouraged.
Besides being an awesome and unique looking piercing, the rhino is also a great aid for raising awareness of the dire situation that our real rhinos are in. All five major species of African and Asian rhino are experiencing dwindling numbers, with the African Black Rhino and the Javan Rhino now facing critical endangerment. At current numbers, it is likely that more than one of these species may become extinct within our lifetime. To create an awareness initiative in your community, talk to your local piercers about group discounts for rhino piercings, post your rhino piercing photos with donation links, or visit your local Save the Rhino or International Rhino Foundation sites.
