Piercing Updated October 26, 2020
Nose piercing is the most common of all facial piercings. The positioning of your nose piercing is a personal choice, there are many different piercing placements to choose from depending on your anatomy and personal preference.
The placement of a nose stud, ring or hoop can be anywhere along the nostril. The most common positioning is through the curve of one of the nostrils (the crease of the ‘wing’ of the nostril). Many people come in with a particular idea of how they would like their nose piercing to look and which side they want pierced. There is no right or wrong side of the nose to get a piercing, it is up to you. A good idea is to pick your best ‘selfie side’ of your face whether that be the left or right side!
If you are unsure about which nostril to get pierced or the position of the nostril, think about the below questions before going to your appointment. Your Piercing Specialist will also give you a few different options and mark the spot where the piercing will go so you can agree on the placement before anything happens.
- Will you be getting pierced with a ring or a stud? Or will you want to change between the two in the future?
- Do you ever see yourself getting a stacked or double nose piercing, or a symmetrical nose piercing on both sides of your nose?
- Is the crease and wing of your nostril more prominent on one side?
- Do you want your piercing sitting closer to the front of your nostril or further back? On the crease or up high?
Your Piercer will mark up a few different positions after consulting with you to help you decide the best option for your individual style and nose shape.
We always take our time with marking the piercing placement, so you get all the possible options for your piercing.
If you prefer to wear a ring or hoop, your piercing may need to be lower or you may need to wear a larger ring in the future. If you are sure that you will always wear a nose stud and would prefer a higher piercing that is totally fine as well. Keep in mind that the higher the position, the harder it will be for you to change your jewellery on your own and convert to a ring.
You may need to position your nose piercing differently to accommodate space for a second piercing in the future as well. You can have a stacked or double nose piercing performed on the same day which means you will be able to get the positioning exactly right.
Remember, your face is not completely symmetrical. Lining up a double piercing for the nostrils takes care and planning. We have various ways to create the best possible piercing symmetry for you, including using measuring tools like callipers.
One side of your nose may protrude more than the other. It is better to choose the thinnest part of your nostril where it dips in more. This means there is less chance of swelling. However, if you have your heart set on piercing the side that is thicker or bulges out more, that is ok as well. We would recommend choosing a ring or hoop in this case as they allow more room for swelling.
The positions of a nose piercing really depends on the type of jewellery you choose. If your piercing is close to the front of your nose a ring or hoop can sit better. A stud or a ring can be worn midway on the nasal crease/ wing.
A stud may look better than a ring if your piercing is further back or up high on the nasal crease or wing. A ring in this area will need to be quite large, whereas if it is further down the nose it will give you the option to choose a smaller, snug looking ring.
If you change your mind after you get a nose piercing, don’t worry, nose piercings heal up fast after you take your jewellery out and you can always try another position or the opposite side in future.
You can also get pierced with a clear Bioplast nose retainer during school or work and have it ready to show off in your holidays.
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FAQs
The placement of a nose stud, ring or hoop can be anywhere along the nostril. The most common positioning is through the curve of one of the nostrils (the crease of the 'wing' of the nostril). Many people come in with a particular idea of how they would like their nose piercing to look and which side they want pierced.
What is the correct angle for a nose piercing? ›
For healing purposes, it is very important for the piercing to be done at a perfect 90 degree angle to the skin tissue as different angles can cause healing complications.
How should a nose piercing sit? ›
They sit about 8mm from the edge of the nose, below the nasal crease. Some people will want their nose piercings directly on the nasal crease, but we do not recommend this as it is the thickest part of the cartilage, where two cartilage plates meet. This means that 'nasal crease' piercings can be very tricky to heal.
Is there any meaning to which side of your nose you pierce? ›
In traditional Chinese medicine, the left side was believed to be the female side, and right the masculine side. Some people use this as a reason to choose their facial piercings on the left side for females or right side for males. However, in modern culture, there really isn't a male or female side.
How do you know if a nose ring will suit you? ›
When selecting the correct nose pin for your unique facial features, look at the shape of your nose and choose a nose ring or hoop with a curved design. A straight nose ring would not look good on someone with a long face. Diamond studded nose pins are perfect for those with a long face type.
What is the best type of nose ring for healing? ›
Because of this, “the best style of jewellery for healing is an implant grade titanium threadless labret stud with a smooth surface top from companies approved by the APP (association of professional piercers).
What is the ideal nose angle? ›
Based on these standard deviations, the ideal nasolabial angle would be 93.4 to 98.5 degrees for men and 95.5 to 100.1 degrees for women.
What is a good nose angle? ›
The angle is formed at the juncture where the line from the glabella (forehead) to the nasion (bony depression between the eyes) crosses the line from the nasion to the tip. This angle should be between 115-130 degrees and is usually greater in females than males.
What are the rules for nose piercings? ›
During the healing process, it is important not to touch it, play with it, or rotate it. Leave the jewelry in a stationary position for as long as you can. If you have to touch your piercing, make sure you wash your hands with antibacterial soap before you do.
Does nose piercing placement matter? ›
The traditional placement for a nostril piercing is at the crease line on the side of the nose. A big smile accentuates this feature to help pinpoint the spot. This area is often thinner than the rest of the nose, so it may heal faster and feel less tender when pierced.
Some clients have such short nostrils that to go below, even just right below, would be way too low. And some clients just prefer a placement directly in that crease of their nostril- that's the look they want!
How should a nose piercing be done? ›
After cleaning your nose and skin thoroughly, they'll use a special hollow needle to carefully make a hole in your skin. It's not a good idea to have any body piercing done with a piercing gun. This tool can't be properly disinfected between uses, which raises your risk of infection.
What does a nose piercing symbolize? ›
Culturally, the piercings signified the social status of the individual and their right to access other ceremonies. For women, it displayed their ability to acquire a husband. For the husband, it displayed his ownership and right to his wife. For men, it presented the boy now as a man and his place is society with men.
How to know if you'd look good with a nose piercing? ›
Nose studs essentially go with every shape. If your nose is broad then you can go for a bigger nose stud that has a stone in it. If your nose is narrow then you can go for a smaller stud. A nose stud looks good on any type of attire, Indian or western.
What does it mean if a girl has a nose piercing on the right side? ›
A nose piercing on the right side is believed to show self-confidence. You know who you are, what you believe, and what you stand for. Your piercing can also indicate that you're confident in your spirituality and you're willing to take risks when it matters.
How do you know if your nose piercing is too low? ›
Depending on your preferences, other placements are also possible: higher or lower, closer to the tip of your nose or your face. The backing of a nostril screw or mini barbell will be visible when the piercing is too low, even if the jewelry is properly sized.
Can I re-pierce my nose in a different spot? ›
At the same time, you may be able to choose a slightly different location near the original location to get pierced. Some piercing establishments are of the opinion that you cannot get re-pierced in the same location. This is not true.
Can I push my nose piercing up to clean it? ›
"The nose is filled with a high volume of bacteria, and infections are common in this area, so don't manipulate the piercing within the first two to three weeks," notes Nazarian. Use saline or saltwater solutions.
What is the difference between a high and low nose piercing? ›
Nostril vs high nostril piercing
The two styles are different in placement, with the nostril piercing being lower on the thinner skin of the nose while the high nostril piercing is closer to the bridge.
