Nose piercing jewellery comes in a variety of styles and materials, from studs and rings to septum jewellery, to suit different placements, comfort needs and personal style.
Types of nose piercings and the jewellery they suit
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Nostril piercing: the most common nose piercing, placed through the side of the nose. Nostril jewellery includes nose studs in L-bend, nose twist and flatback styles, as well as nose rings.
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High nostril piercing: sits higher up on the nostril, towards the upper curve of the nose, and suits flatbacks.
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Septum piercing: goes through the centre of the nose, between the nostrils. Septum rings come as segment rings and horseshoes.
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Bridge piercing: a surface piercing across the bridge of the nose, between the eyes. It uses a straight barbell, so browse our bridge jewellery for this placement.
How long do nose piercings take to heal?
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Nostril and high nostril piercings: need a minimum of 6 months to heal fully, and many take 6 to 12 months.
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Septum piercings: need a minimum of 6 months to heal fully, and can take up to 12 months.
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Downsizing: if your piercer recommends it, this happens at around 6 to 8 weeks, when they swap your jewellery for shorter, sterile jewellery. This is not full healing, so your piercing still needs time to settle.
Healing times vary with your anatomy and how well you look after your piercing.
Nose studs vs nose rings
| Jewellery |
Styles |
Suits |
| Nose studs |
L-bends, nose twists and flatbacks |
Standard and high nostril piercings |
| Nose rings |
Segment rings, bendable rings and horseshoes |
Nostril and septum piercings, once healed |
| Bridge jewellery |
Straight barbells |
Bridge piercings |
Which materials suit nose piercings?
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Titanium: lightweight, implant grade and recommended by our piercing specialists during the healing phase.
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Gold: a good choice for sensitive skin and suited to both new and healed piercings.
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Surgical Steel: durable and can be used in a new piercing, though it can contain traces of nickel.
Which nose jewellery is best while my piercing heals?
Our piercing specialists recommend implant grade Titanium or Gold during the healing phase, and high nostril piercings use a flatback. Surgical Steel can also be used in a new piercing. Your original jewellery should stay in place until your piercing has fully healed, which is a minimum of 6 months for a nose piercing, unless one of our piercing specialists advises a size change. If you're not sure what suits your placement, book in and we'll help you decide in studio.
Should I choose a nose stud or a nose ring?
Nose studs suit standard and high nostril piercings, while nose rings suit nostril and septum piercings once they've healed. If your piercing is new, keep your starter jewellery in place and wait until it has fully healed, which is a minimum of 6 months, before you switch to a ring, unless our piercing specialists advise otherwise. Once you're healed, the choice comes down to the style you prefer to wear. Whichever you choose, your gauge and placement need to match.
What gauge and size is nose piercing jewellery?
Nose piercing jewellery is made in gauges from 20G to 14G, depending on the placement. Standard nostril piercings use 18G or 20G, high nostril piercings use 16G and septum piercings use 16G with 14G also available. Flatbacks for high nostril piercings have an 8mm post, septum jewellery comes in 8mm or 10mm and nostril rings are typically 6mm to 8mm in diameter. A fit that's too tight can irritate your piercing, while one that's too loose can catch and move around. Check the size listed on each product page so your jewellery sits comfortably.
Is Surgical Steel safe for a nose piercing?
Surgical Steel is safe for most people and can be used in a new piercing, though it can contain traces of nickel. If you have a nickel sensitivity, Titanium or Gold are better options. Our piercing specialists recommend implant grade Titanium during the healing phase. All three materials are available across our nose jewellery range, so you can choose what suits your skin.
Can I change my nose jewellery while my piercing heals?
It's best to keep your original jewellery in place until your piercing has fully healed, unless one of our piercing specialists advises a size change. Do not remove your jewellery during the healing phase, because the hole can start to close and putting jewellery back in can cause irritation. If your jewellery feels too tight or too loose, book in with us and we'll check the fit rather than swapping it yourself. Follow our aftercare guide to keep your piercing clean while it settles. Full healing takes a minimum of 6 months for nose piercings, and a size change at around 6 to 8 weeks is not the same as being healed. Once you're fully healed, you can explore studs, rings and other styles.
Book a piercing at SkinKandy
Ready for a new nose piercing? Explore our piercing menu, then book in with our piercing specialists and we'll help you choose the right jewellery for your placement.
