The Septum Piercing: from ancient wonder to modern icon

Jewellery has always been about making a statement—whether it’s declaring love with a wedding band, showing status with a signet ring or symbolising faith with a cross necklace. But a Septum Piercing? The history of this badass beauty actually goes back even further.

So, what even is a septum? It’s that little strip of soft tissue that runs down the centre of your nose and separates your two nostrils. Traditionally, Indian, Native American, warrior cultures and many First Nations people around the world used Septum Piercings (sometimes also called a Bull Ring Piercing) for adornment, to mark rites of passage or signify strength.
 
Once a rare sight in Western culture, Septum Piercings are now de rigueur in celeb circles, with the likes of Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Bella Thorne, Willow Smith, Zendaya and Florence Pugh all celebrating the septum on red carpets. 

Whether you opt for a minimalist or statement jewellery piece, the Septum Piercing is a fashion favourite. Want to know more? Well keep on reading.

Through the nose and into the spotlight: the wonderful world of Septum Piercings

A Septum Piercing goes through the thin strip of tissue (called the ‘columella’) just below the cartilage in your nose. This placement means it doesn’t actually pierce cartilage, making the healing process pretty manageable for most people.

One of the coolest and most practical features of a Septum Piercing is its ‘stealth mode’. Many types of septum jewellery, like Circular Barbells, can be flipped up inside the nostrils. This makes the piercing almost invisible—a  major bonus for those occasions when you want to hide it away.

So, what else do you need to know?

How is a piercing for a septum performed?

As mentioned, the piercing goes through the soft tissue located between the tip of the nose and the cartilage of the septum. However, it’s really important to have your piercing done by a trained piercer. This ‘sweet spot’ is small and you want it pierced by someone who has experience getting it right. 

At SkinKandy, we typically use a 16-gauge horseshoe or segment ring on the piercing. But we’ll also take into account your anatomy and the look you’re after and may recommend using a 14-gauge.

What age can you get a Septum Piercing?

Got parental consent for a new piercing? Then you can get one from the age of 13. At 16, you don’t need anyone else’s permission. If you’re in WA you’ll have to wait a couple more years as you need to be 18 years old to get a piercing without consent. 

How much does a Septum Piercing cost?

Our Septum Piercings start at just $45 but ask your piercer about our combo deal where you can get two piercings for just $80. How good is that!? For prices and more, check out our Piercing Menu.

Can I get a Nose Piercing with a Septum Piercing?

It’s something our customers often ask us. If they’re coming in for a piercing, why not get more than one? We love their enthusiasm. Getting a second piercing that complements your new Septum Piercing is a fantastic idea. A septum and a nostril piercing make a beautiful combo. Though just be aware you’ll have two piercings healing at the same time.  

 

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Does a Septum Piercing hurt?

Okay, let’s get real about Septum Piercing pain. The idea of getting a needle through your nose can be a little daunting. But done by a professional (like our piercers at SkinKandy), a Septum Piercing is actually pretty painless. Many of our clients rate it on the low end of piercing pain, even saying it’s the least painful piercings they’ve ever had.

That’s because the ‘sweet spot’ is just a thin layer of tissue. Your eyes might water a little as it’s being done but you’ll probably feel nothing more than a pulling sensation. And then it’s over! Easy peasy septum breezy!

What about the Septum Piercing healing time?

The healing time of a piercing depends on the location, your anatomy and ensuring you keep up with good aftercare.

The good news is that Septum Piercings usually heal within six to eight weeks. You might feel that it’s healed before this time, but keep up with your aftercare and check with your piercer before swapping out jewellery.

It rarely happens, but what do you do with an infected Septum Piercing? If you feel any signs of infection, like burning or tenderness, pop in and see your piercer. But with proper aftercare, infections are super unlikely.

Let’s talk piercing aftercare

Speaking of aftercare. What’s the best way to look after your piercing? Follow our aftercare instructions and clean your piercing at least twice a day with a saline spray—your SkinKandy piercer can hook you up with that when you get it done. Dry the piercing gently with a cotton pad and then leave it alone.

Be careful not to bump, twist or play with your jewellery while your piercing is healing. Need to blow your nose? Be careful and avoid applying pressure to the jewellery. Use unscented, clean tissues and give it a spritz with the spray afterwards to keep the piercing clean.

From subtle to statement: Septum jewellery that slays

Now the fun part—Septum Piercing jewellery. After the initial six-to-eight-week healing period, you can downsize to shorter, sterile jewellery. We recommend sticking with surgical steel or titanium. Then after three months or so when you’re fully healed you can explore other options, including:

Hinged Segment Rings

Segment Rings are stylish simple hoops and are a great choice for the septum. Want a little more bling? Our segment hoops also come adorned with various jewels and in a range of designs. Choose from various metals, such as steel, titanium and premium 14K Gold.

Horseshoe Rings

Super versatile, the Horseshoe (or Circular Barbell) is a popular choice. The shape of a semicircle, these rings come with beads, jewels or spikes on each end. They’re easy to flip up inside your nose for those times when you want to make your jewellery more discreet.

Septum Bars

A Septum Bar, or Straight Barbell, is less common but a fun option. Unlike curved or circular jewellery, a bar offers a more unique and striking look when worn in the septum. It features various ends from simple balls to decorative shapes.

Clicker Rings

Clickers (or Closure) Rings feature a hinged closure, making them super easy to insert and remove. They come in endless styles, from sleek minimalist bands to intricate, bejewelled designs that are made for the spotlight.

Ready to find your perfect septum style?

Septum Piercings are more than just a trend — they’re a timeless blend of history, personal expression and versatile style. Whether you’re drawn to their edgy vibe, the historical significance or just love the look of the jewellery options, this type of piercing lets you make a statement on your terms.

So, whether you’re taking the plunge for the first time or looking for new jewellery to refresh your look, a Septum Piercing is a stunning option.

Ready to join the septum revolution? At SkinKandy, we’re waiting for you to book in today!