Septum Piercing: Pain, Healing Time And Jewellery
A septum piercing goes through the 'sweet spot', a thin strip of soft tissue just below the cartilage in your nose. It's ready for a sterile downsize at 6 to 8 weeks and fully healed at a minimum of six months, and once it's healed, the right jewellery lets you flip it up and out of sight whenever you need to.
Here's everything to know before you book, and every septum is pierced by a SkinKandy piercing specialist.
Pain is subjective, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee of what you'll feel. Everyone's pain tolerance is different.
What Is A Septum Piercing?
Our septum piercing goes through the columella, the narrow strip of soft tissue between the tip of your nose and the cartilage. Your septum is the strip down the centre of your nose that separates your nostrils, but the piercing doesn't go through that cartilage. Piercing specialists call the spot the sweet spot, and getting it right is what makes a septum comfortable to heal.
Can Anyone Get A Septum Piercing?
Most people can, but placement depends entirely on your anatomy, because not every nose has a pronounced columella. Our team checks this before piercing. If the sweet spot isn't there, we'll tell you honestly rather than pierce through cartilage and leave you with a harder heal.
Does A Septum Piercing Hurt?
Having a needle go through your nose can sound daunting, but most of our clients are surprised how quickly it's over. We rate a septum piercing 4 to 5 out of 10. You'll probably feel a pulling sensation and your eyes might water. Pain is subjective, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee of what you'll feel. Everyone's pain tolerance is different.
How Long Does A Septum Piercing Take To Heal?
A septum piercing is fully healed at a minimum of six months, and it can take up to 12. You might feel it's healed sooner. Keep up your aftercare anyway, and check with your piercing specialist before swapping jewellery.
Healing time depends on placement, your anatomy and your aftercare. For how the septum compares with other placements, see healing time by piercing type.
How Old Do You Have To Be For A Septum Piercing?
From 13 with a parent or legal guardian's consent. At 16 you don't need anyone else's permission, unless you're in WA, where you need to be 18. A stacked septum is from 16. Our ID and consent page has the full rules.
How Is A Septum Piercing Done?
- 01Your piercing specialist checks your anatomy to find the sweet spot.
- 02They mark the placement and check it with you.
- 03The piercing is done with a sterile, single-use needle through the soft tissue between the tip of your nose and the cartilage.
- 04Your jewellery goes straight in: at SkinKandy that's usually a 16-gauge horseshoe or segment ring, though depending on your anatomy and the look you want, your piercing specialist may recommend 14-gauge.
Septum Piercing Aftercare
Clean it at least twice a day with a saline spray, dry it gently and leave it alone. Follow the aftercare instructions your piercing specialist gives you. The basics:
- 01Clean it at least twice a day with a saline spray. Your SkinKandy piercing specialist can set you up with one.
- 02Dry it gently with a cotton pad, then leave it alone.
- 03Don't bump, twist or play with the jewellery.
- 04Blowing your nose? Go gently and avoid putting pressure on the jewellery. Use clean, unscented tissues and give the piercing a spritz of spray afterwards.
- 05Don't put anything inside the pierced nostril, including some medicated nasal sprays, which can disrupt healing.
- 06Keep make-up away from the area.
- 07Avoid soaking it in pools, the ocean or baths until your piercing specialist says it's safe, and rinse well after showering.
- 08Don't take the jewellery out while it's healing.
Infection is rare with proper aftercare. If you notice signs like burning, tenderness or swelling that gets worse, pop in and see your piercing specialist or see your GP.
Can You Hide A Septum Piercing?
Yes, and it's one of the most practical things about it. Horseshoe rings (also called circular barbells) can be flipped up inside your nostrils, making the piercing almost invisible. If you'll need to keep it hidden, our aftercare guide recommends keeping it tucked for the whole healing period rather than flipping it up and down.
Septum Jewellery: What Goes In First And What To Wear Once Healed
Your septum starts with a horseshoe or segment ring. After your sterile downsize, stick with Surgical Steel or Titanium until you're fully healed. Then you can explore our septum jewellery:
- Hinged segment rings: simple hoops, plain or jewelled, in Steel, Titanium and 14K Gold.
- Horseshoe rings: a semicircle with beads, jewels or spikes on each end. Easy to flip up.
- Septum bars: a straight barbell for a less common, striking look.
- Clicker rings: a hinged closure makes them easy to put in and take out, from sleek bands to statement pieces.
A Short History Of The Septum Piercing
The septum piercing goes back further than most jewellery traditions. Indian, Native American and warrior cultures, and many First Nations peoples around the world, have used septum piercings for adornment, to mark rites of passage or to signify strength. Once a rare sight in Western culture, it's now a red-carpet regular.
Septum Piercing FAQs
Can I Get A Nose Piercing And A Septum Piercing At The Same Time?
Yes, and a septum and nostril piercing make a great combo. Just be aware you'll have two piercings healing at once, so your aftercare needs to cover both.
Can I Blow My Nose Normally With A New Septum Piercing?
Yes, gently. Avoid putting pressure on the jewellery, use clean, unscented tissues and give the piercing a spritz of saline spray afterwards.
What If I Don't Like My Septum Piercing?
While it's healing, you can flip a horseshoe up so it's out of sight. Don't take the jewellery out during healing.
When Can I Change My Septum Jewellery?
Your piercing specialist will do a sterile downsize from 6 to 8 weeks. Wait until you're fully healed, a minimum of six months, before changing to fashion jewellery.
Ready To Find Your Septum Style?
Whether it's your first piercing or your next, a septum is a stunning option. Book in today and we'll find your sweet spot.
Want ideas for your next one? Browse our piercing menu for every placement we offer.
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