Nose Studs

Browse nose stud jewellery at SkinKandy, in gold, silver and titanium L-shaped, bone and decorative-top styles, for the nose piercing.

A nose stud is a small piece of jewellery worn in a nose piercing, most commonly in the nostril, and it comes in styles such as L-bends, nose twists and flatbacks.

Types of nose studs

  • L-bend: a right-angled post whose bend rests inside the nostril to hold the stud in place.
  • Nose twist: a curved post that curls inside the nostril.
  • Flatback: a flat disc at the back of the post that sits flush inside the nose, worn with a decorative top.
  • Threadless: a flatback post with a decorative top that pushes into place.

Nose stud materials

Material Good to know
Titanium Lightweight and implant grade, recommended by our piercing specialists during the healing phase and a good choice for sensitive skin
Gold A good choice for sensitive skin
Surgical Steel Durable and can be used in a new piercing, though it can contain traces of nickel

What gauge is a nose stud?

Nose studs are 18G or 20G for a standard nostril piercing and 16G for a high nostril piercing. High nostril studs are usually a 16G flatback with an 8mm post. A higher gauge number means a thinner post, so a 20G stud is slimmer than an 18G. Your piercing was done at a specific gauge, so it's important to match it when you change your jewellery. Check the gauge on each product page before you buy.

Which nose stud suits a high nostril piercing?

A flatback suits a high nostril piercing, and it's the style used for this placement. High nostril piercings use a 16G flatback with an 8mm post, while L-bends and nose twists are used for standard nostril piercings. Check which placement you've got before you buy, because the two use different gauges. If you're not sure, our piercing specialists can help you in studio.

How do I look after a nose stud?

Keep the area clean, dry and untouched, and follow the steps in our aftercare guide. Avoid twisting or turning your jewellery, because this can irritate the piercing. Do not remove your jewellery during the healing phase, even to clean around it. Wash your hands before you touch your nose, and take care when you dry your face so the stud doesn't catch. If your nostril looks red or sore for longer than you'd expect, get in touch with our piercing specialists for advice.

Which nose stud is best while my piercing heals?

A flatback stud in implant grade Titanium is the best choice while your piercing heals, because it's lightweight and our piercing specialists recommend Titanium during the healing phase. Titanium and Gold are also the best options if you've got sensitive skin. Surgical Steel can be used in a new piercing, though it can contain traces of nickel, so Titanium or Gold are better if you have a nickel sensitivity. Choose the gauge your piercing was done at, which is usually 18G or 20G for a nostril and 16G for a high nostril. Keep the same jewellery in until your piercing's fully healed, which is a minimum of 6 months for a nose piercing, unless our piercing specialists advise a change.

Can I swap my nose stud for a nose ring?

Yes, you can swap a nose stud for a nose ring once your piercing has fully healed, which is a minimum of 6 months for a nose piercing. If you're not sure whether your piercing has healed, our piercing specialists can check it in studio. Pick a ring that matches your gauge, and choose a diameter that sits comfortably, which is typically 6mm to 8mm for nostril rings. A ring moves around more than a stud, so give yourself time to get used to it. Browse our nose jewellery collection to see the full range.

Book a piercing at SkinKandy

Want expert advice on your first nose stud? Book in with our piercing specialists via our piercing menu and we'll help you choose the right fit.