What Is a Nostril Piercing? Placement, Healing and Jewellery
A nostril piercing is one of the most popular nose piercings, positioned through the side of the nostril. Its simple placement makes it easy to wear on its own or style alongside other facial piercings, with plenty of jewellery options available once fully healed.
Nostril placement can vary depending on your anatomy, the shape of your nose and the look you want to achieve. Understanding what to expect before getting pierced can help you feel more confident about the placement, healing process and caring for it afterwards.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about a nostril piercing, including placement, anatomy, suitable nostril jewellery, healing and aftercare.
Quick Answer: A nostril piercing passes through the side of the nose and can be positioned slightly differently depending on your anatomy and preferred look. Studs are commonly used for initial jewellery, while hoops can be an option later depending on placement, fit and healing.
Jump to a section
- What Is a Nostril Piercing?
- Is a Nostril Right for Your Anatomy?
- What Jewellery Is Used?
- Healing and Aftercare
- Why Choose a Nostril Piercing?
- FAQs
What Is a Nostril Piercing?
A nostril piercing is a type of nose piercing that passes through the side of the nostril. It can be placed on either the left or right side of the nose, depending on your preference and anatomy.
The exact nostril piercing placement can vary slightly from person to person. Some piercings sit a little higher or lower depending on the shape of the nostril, the thickness of the tissue and whether you may want to wear a hoop in the future.
Once fully healed, a nostril piercing can be styled with anything from a small, subtle stud to a fitted hoop. Its simple placement makes it easy to keep minimal or combine with other piercings for a more layered look.
Is a Nostril Right for Your Anatomy?
Nostril anatomy varies from person to person, so the most suitable placement will depend on the shape and thickness of your nose. Your piercer will look at the available tissue, the natural curve of the nostril and how the jewellery is likely to sit.
Placement can also influence future jewellery choices. For example, a nostril piercing positioned too high may make it more difficult to achieve a close-fitting hoop, while a lower placement may sit differently depending on the shape of the nostril.
Because the best position can't be determined by appearance alone, an experienced professional piercer should assess your anatomy in person. They can help choose a placement that suits both your nose and the type of jewellery you may want to wear later.
What Jewellery Is Used?
For a fresh nostril piercing, your professional piercer will choose jewellery that's appropriate for initial healing. This is commonly a flatback labret or another secure nostril stud selected to suit your anatomy and allow appropriate room for early swelling.
Fit is particularly important with nostril piercing jewellery. The gauge, post length and shape of the jewellery, together with your anatomy and exact piercing placement, all influence how comfortably it sits.
Once your nostril piercing has fully healed, you'll have more freedom to explore different styles, including delicate studs, flatback labrets, L-shaped studs and fitted hoops. For more inspiration, explore our Nostril Jewellery Guide.
Healing and Aftercare
Nostril piercing healing takes time even if the piercing starts to feel comfortable relatively quickly. A nostril piercing can typically take around 4 to 6 months to heal fully, although everyone's healing journey is different.
Some initial swelling, tenderness and sensitivity are normal during the early stages of healing. Even if the piercing looks healed on the outside, the tissue inside may still be healing, so it's best to avoid changing the jewellery yourself until your professional piercer confirms that it's ready.
Good aftercare can help minimise unnecessary irritation while your nostril heals. Clean the piercing with sterile saline solution, wash your hands before touching the area and avoid twisting or rotating the jewellery unnecessarily.
If you're concerned about how your piercing is healing, contact a professional piercer for personalised advice. For more detailed guidance, read our New Piercing Aftercare Guide.
Why Choose a Nostril Piercing?
A nostril piercing is a great choice if you want a versatile facial piercing that can be styled in a subtle or more noticeable way. A small stud can create a simple, understated look, while a fitted hoop can give the piercing more definition.
Once fully healed, nostril jewellery offers plenty of styling possibilities. From minimal metal designs and tiny gemstones to hoops and decorative studs, you can adapt the look to suit your personal style.
If your anatomy is suitable and you're prepared to give the piercing time to heal properly, a nostril piercing can be an easy-to-style addition that you can continue to restyle over time.
FAQs
Does a nostril piercing hurt?
Everyone experiences piercing pain differently, but a nostril piercing is often described as a brief sharp pinch followed by some tenderness. Your individual anatomy, placement and pain tolerance can all influence how it feels.
How long does a nostril piercing take to heal?
Nostril piercing healing typically takes around 4 to 6 months, although healing times vary from person to person. Even if the piercing feels comfortable sooner, the tissue inside may still be healing, so follow your professional piercer's advice before changing your jewellery.
Can a nostril piercing be placed on either side?
Yes. A nostril piercing can usually be placed on either the left or right side of the nose. The best side will depend on your personal preference, anatomy and how you want the piercing to work with any existing or future facial jewellery.
What jewellery is best for a nostril piercing?
For a fresh nostril piercing, your professional piercer will usually choose a stud-style piece that's suitable for your anatomy and initial healing. Once fully healed, you may be able to wear other styles such as flatback labrets, L-shaped studs or hoops depending on the placement and fit.
Can everyone get a nostril piercing?
Most people can have a nostril piercing, but the most suitable placement will depend on your individual anatomy. A professional piercer can assess the shape and thickness of your nostril and choose a position that allows the jewellery to sit comfortably.
