Types of Nose Piercings & How to Care for Them

Did you know nose piercings have adorned human faces for over 4,000 years? Ancient Aztec and Indian cultures prized these body blings as symbols of beauty, wealth, and spiritual significance. Today, with the different types of nose piercings available, this body modification has become an edgy trend among fashion enthusiasts.

From the classic nostril stud to the bold bridge piercing, the variations of this bling are diverse and exciting. Whether you’re drawn to the subtle sparkle of a tiny nostril gem or the statement look of a septum ring, there’s a nose piercing to suit every taste and face shape.

However, each piercing has its unique style, and knowing all of them helps you choose the one that resonates with you most. That’s what this post seeks to do.
 
Here, we’ll walk you through the various types of nose piercings, helping you understand the differences between each style. We’ll also explore how to choose the perfect piercing for your facial features and provide aftercare tips to ensure your new bling heals beautifully. 

Types of Nose Piercings

Here’s a look at the popular types of nose piercing:

Nostril Piercing 

The nostril piercing is the most popular type of nose piercing. It usually stays on the side of the nostril, typically at the crease where the nose begins to curve. Adorn it with various jewelry options, including small studs, L-shaped pins, or hoops.
 
The healing process for a nostril piercing usually takes four to six months. During this period, you should clean the area twice daily with a saline solution and avoid touching it with dirty hands.

A variation of the standard nostril piercing is the high nostril piercing. As the name suggests, this piercing is placed higher on the nose, closer to the bridge. It often creates a more dramatic and unique look than traditional nostril piercing.

Septum Piercing

The septum piercing has surged in popularity in recent years. This piercing goes through the thin strip of tissue between the nostrils, known as the nasal septum. 

A properly done septum piercing doesn’t go through the cartilage but rather the soft tissue just below it. Popular jewelry choices for septum piercings include horseshoe rings and curved barbells. 

This piercing can be easily hidden by flipping the jewelry up inside the nose when needed. That’s not all. It’s considered less painful than nostril piercings due to the thinness of the tissue involved. The healing time is usually around six to eight weeks, which is quicker than many other nose piercings, and of course, keeping it clean is key.

Bridge Piercing 

The bridge piercing is an intriguing option if you want a more striking and unconventional look. It is a horizontal piercing that goes across the bridge of the nose, between the eyes. It uses a straight barbell as jewelry, though you can opt for curved barbells depending on what you want.

The healing time for a bridge piercing is about eight to twelve weeks. However, note that this type of nose piercing carries a higher risk of migration or rejection than other nose piercings. This is due to its placement in an area with relatively little tissue. So, follow your aftercare process diligently to minimize these risks and ensure successful healing. 

Despite these challenges, lovers of this bling are drawn to the bold and unique aesthetic that a bridge piercing provides.

Other Unique Nose Piercings

Austin Bar Piercing

The Austin Bar piercing, also known as the horizontal nose tip piercing, is a striking modification. This piercing runs horizontally through the tip of the nose, creating a unique look that’s sure to turn heads.
 
Unlike a septum piercing, the Austin bar doesn’t pass through the nasal septum but rather through the soft tissue at the very tip of the nose. It often uses a straight barbell, with the ends of the jewelry visible on either side of the nose tip. Furthermore, the healing time for an Austin bar can be lengthy, often taking six to nine months for complete healing. 

Due to its placement, your bling can be prone to rejection, so monitor it closely during healing. However, you can quicken the process by cleaning the saline solution to avoid any trauma to the area. 

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Nasallang Piercing

The nasallang piercing combines three piercings in one. These types of nose piercings pass through both nostrils and the septum in one straight line, creating a dramatic and symmetrical appearance. It’s a nostril piercing on both sides connected by a single piece of jewelry that also passes through the septum.

You need a long straight barbell for this piercing. The ends of the barbell are visible on the outside of each nostril, while the middle section runs through the septum.
 
Due to its complexity, the nasallang requires an experienced piercer and has a longer healing time, often six to nine months or more. It also requires intensive aftercare that involves cleaning the three sites. Also, the risk of infection or rejection is higher with this piercing due to the amount of tissue involved. If you want this bling, ensure you follow your aftercare diligently.

Rhino Piercing 

The rhino or vertical nose tip piercing is perhaps the most daring of all nose piercings. This piercing enters at the tip of the nose and exits at the top, between the eyes, creating a bold and unique look. It’s named after the rhinoceros’s horns due to its placement and appearance.

Piercers use a curved barbell or custom-bent straight barbell for this piercing. The bottom bead sits at the tip of the nose, while the top bead rests between the eyes. 

Furthermore, the rhino piercing has one of the longest healing times of any nose piercing, often taking six to twelve months or more to heal fully. And its aftercare is quite complex. You must keep the area clean and be extremely careful to avoid bumping or snagging your jewelry. 

Furthermore, due to its placement in an area with little tissue and a lot of movement, it has a higher risk of migration and rejection than other nose piercings. It’s also more prone to scarring if your body rejects it. Despite these challenges, people still love the piercing for its striking appearance and the statement it makes. 

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Choosing the Right Nose Piercing for You

Now that you know the different types of nose piercings available, it’s time to find your perfect match! Here’s how to choose the bling that complements your unique style:

Consider Your Face Shape

Different piercings flatter different face shapes. For example, a nostril piercing can add width to a narrow face, while a bridge piercing might elongate a rounder face. Considering your face shape before wearing a nose piercing helps to create balance.

Consider your Lifestyle

Consider your daily grind. Does your work dress code allow for facial piercings? For example, active hobbies like sports may require a piercing that won’t get snagged.

Pain Tolerance

Be honest with yourself; what’s your pain threshold? While individual experiences vary, some piercings are generally considered more painful than others. For instance, septum piercings have a lower ouch factor than nostril piercings. So know the kind of pain you can endure and the one that’s beyond you. Choose your piercings according to your pain tolerance level.

Start Simple

New to the piercing world? A classic nostril stud is a great place to begin. It’s versatile, heals well, and lets you ease into the world of nose bling.

Aftercare Tips for a Gorgeous Nose Piercing

Follow these aftercare tips for a hygienic healing process after getting a nose piercing:

Cleaning Instructions

Use a saline solution twice daily to clean your piercing. Gently spray or soak the area and allow the solution to soften and remove any crust or debris. Avoid harsh chemicals, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate the piercing and cause slow healing.

Avoid Irritation 

One of the most essential rules of piercing aftercare is to avoid touching your new piercing. Your hands carry bacteria that can lead to infection. If you must touch the area, always wash your hands thoroughly first. Also, avoid playing with or rotating the jewelry, as it can introduce bacteria and cause irritation.

Healing Timeline and Expectations

The healing process for nose piercings varies depending on the type of piercing and individual factors. Here’s a general timeline:

• Nostril piercings: four to six  months
• Septum piercings: six to eight weeks
• Bridge piercings: eight to 12 weeks

More complex piercings (like the Rhino): six to 12 months or longer.

You may experience some swelling, tenderness, and occasional clear or slightly bloody discharge during healing. This is normal. However, if you notice excessive redness, swelling, pain, or yellow/green discharge, consult your piercer or a healthcare professional, as these may be signs of infection.

Embrace these Different Types of Nose Piercing for an Eye-catching look

This guide has covered many nose piercings, from the classic nostril stud to more adventurous options like the Rhino piercing. Each type offers a unique way to express your personal style, whether you prefer subtle elegance or bold statements.

While this guide provides a comprehensive overview, consult a professional, experienced piercer before you decide. They will assess your anatomy, discuss your lifestyle needs, and advise you on the best piercing and jewelry options.

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