A nose ring is a piece of jewellery worn in a nostril or septum piercing, and rings and hoops are most often chosen once the piercing has healed.
Types of nose rings
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Segment rings: a ring with a section that opens and closes. They suit both nostril and septum piercings.
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Bendable rings: a flexible ring that you shape to fit around the piercing. They suit nostril piercings.
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Horseshoes: an open-ended curved bar that suits septum piercings. Browse more septum rings for this placement.
Nostril rings vs septum rings
|
Nostril ring |
Septum ring |
| Where it sits |
Through the side of the nose |
Through the centre of the nose, between the nostrils |
| Ring styles |
Segment and bendable rings |
Segment rings and horseshoes |
| Gauge |
18G or 20G |
16G, with 14G also available |
| Diameter |
Typically 6mm to 8mm |
8mm or 10mm |
Nose ring materials
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Titanium: lightweight, implant grade and a good choice for sensitive skin.
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Gold: a good choice for sensitive skin and suited to healed piercings.
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Surgical Steel: durable, though it can contain traces of nickel.
What size nose ring do I need?
Most nostril rings are 6mm to 8mm in diameter, while septum rings are 8mm or 10mm. Nostril piercings use an 18G or 20G ring, and septum piercings use 16G with 14G also available. Your anatomy and placement decide which diameter is comfortable, so there's no single right answer. If you're unsure, our piercing specialists can help you choose in studio.
When can I wear a nose ring in a new piercing?
Wait until your piercing has fully healed before you switch to a ring, which is a minimum of 6 months for nostril and septum piercings, unless our piercing specialists have advised otherwise. Do not remove your jewellery during the healing phase, as the piercing can close quickly. That means your starter jewellery, such as a nose stud, stays in until you're healed. Once it has, you can swap to a ring that matches your gauge and diameter, and if you're not sure you're ready, pop into the studio and we'll take a look.
What's the difference between a segment ring and a bendable ring?
A segment ring has a section that opens and closes, so you can change or adjust it without bending the ring out of shape. A bendable ring is a flexible ring that you shape to fit around your piercing. Segment rings suit both nostril and septum piercings, while bendable rings suit nostril piercings. Both are worn once your piercing has healed, unless our piercing specialists advise otherwise. Browse our nose jewellery to compare the styles side by side.
Which nose ring is best for sensitive skin?
Titanium and Gold are the best choices for sensitive skin. Surgical Steel is safe for most people, though it can contain traces of nickel, so it isn't the best option if you have a nickel sensitivity. Our piercing specialists recommend implant grade Titanium during the healing phase. Whichever material you choose, make sure the gauge and diameter match your piercing.
How do I look after a nose ring?
Clean around your piercing as set out in our aftercare guide, and wash your hands before you touch your nose. Take care when you dry your face so the ring doesn't catch. Avoid twisting or pulling the ring more than you need to. If your piercing looks red or sore for longer than you'd expect, get in touch with our piercing specialists for advice.
Book a piercing at SkinKandy
Thinking about a nose piercing before you buy a ring? Book in with our piercing specialists via our piercing menu and we'll talk you through your options.