A high‑nostril piercing is a nasal piercing placed on the upper part of your nostril, closer to the nasal bridge rather than the soft, lower part of the nostril. This positioning creates a distinct look that emphasizes the upper contour of the high‑nostril.
Yes. Like any nasal piercing, you’ll feel a brief, sharp pinch during insertion, with some moderate discomfort afterward. Because the tissue in the upper nostril is thinner and closer to cartilage, some individuals might experience slightly more sensitivity than with a standard nostril piercing.
The area is prepped thoroughly via alcohol or povidone iodine.
A professional piercer marks the appropriate entry and exit points with a single-use sterile surgical marker.
The area is pierced using a sterile, single-use, disposable needle, sometimes braced by a NRT or other various instruments.
The piercer will then install sterile, implant-certified titanium or solid gold jewelry through the newly created piercing channel and thread on the bead.
Healing time varies, but most high‑nostril piercings take around 6–9 months to fully heal. Some may take up to a year depending on individual healing factors.
The upper nostril area consists of thinner tissue and a higher proportion of cartilage, which has a lower blood supply compared to softer tissue. This means healing is typically slower and requires more careful aftercare.
A standard nostril piercing is usually placed through the softer, lower part of the nostril, while a high‑nostril piercing is positioned higher up along the nasal bridge where the tissue is thinner and firmer. This difference in location not only affects the overall look but also the healing process.
The ideal jewelry is typically a small, low-profile stud or hoop made from implant‑grade materials like titanium, niobium, or surgical steel. Such jewelry minimizes irritation and reduces the risk of snagging.
Absolutely—you just need to ensure your glasses don’t press against the jewelry. Adjusting your frame or choosing a design with a low profile can help avoid irritation.
Yes, some choose to have both nostrils pierced in the high position for a symmetrical look. The procedure is similar for each side, and a skilled piercer can ensure balanced placement.
This refers to jewelry that connects two high‑nostril piercings with a small chain for decorative effect. It’s an option for those looking to add a unique, interconnected style to their high‑nostril piercings.
It is recommended to wait at least 6 months before changing jewelry to ensure proper healing, however 9 months is often suggested for transitioning to small huge hoops.
When done by an experienced professional and cared for properly, they are generally safe. However, as with all piercings, there are risks of infection, irritation, or rejection if aftercare is neglected.
No. High‑nostril piercings (and all cartilage or nasal piercings) should always be done with a sterile needle—not a piercing gun—to minimize trauma and reduce the risk of complications.
Yes, although rejection is less common than with some surface piercings, it can occur if the body reacts adversely to the jewelry or if the piercing is subjected to repeated trauma.
The cost of a high‑nostril piercing ranges from $40–$100 for the piercing service fees before adding on the cost of your jewelry. All of which will vary, depending on the studio, jewelry material (e.g., implant‑grade titanium) and piercer expertise.
During healing, expect mild redness, some swelling, and possibly slight crusting around the site. These symptoms should diminish gradually. Excessive redness, significant swelling, or a foul odor may indicate infection and should be addressed by a professional.
Swelling usually subsides within a few days to a week. Some minimal swelling may persist during the early stages of healing, but it should steadily decrease.
It’s best to avoid swimming—whether in pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water—until the piercing is fully healed, as water can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
Be gentle when blowing your nose to avoid irritating the fresh piercing. If possible, cover the area lightly with a clean tissue and try not to use excessive force.
These unsightly bumps are caused by irritation. Anything ranging from touching with your hands, sleeping on your piercing, wearing a mask, or simply even too many puppy‑dog kisses. No matter the event, it’s the irritation that causes the bump. Irritation bumps can be very stubborn and tricky to mitigate, but fortunately they are usually temporary when addressed correctly. It’s important to know that this bump will remain or even grow larger if your piercing is experiencing prolonged irritation or repetitive trauma. The goal is to identify moments in your day to day life where irritation could be occurring and then make the necessary changes to eliminate the irritation events in question. This helps create a sense of extra mindfulness in protecting your piercing, giving the area time to catch back up without trauma reoccurring as frequently. While this process may not be immediate, and the dissolution of the irritation bump may not seem linear, it is a tried and true approach for helping irritation bumps disappear. Feel free to ask your dermatologist about cortisone treatment to help speed up the process if you need immediate results or for stubborn irritation bumps. Keep in mind, Keloid disease is rare, but it does happen. However, if you’ve never had keloid scarring develop on any previous cuts or injuries, then it would not be likely that you are suddenly experiencing your first keloid as an adult on your helix piercing. It’s more common that people misidentify the common irritation bump as a keloid due to it being so similar in visual appearance.
If your high‑nostril jewelry falls out, visit a professional piercer as soon as possible to have your jewelry cleaned and re‑installed safely. High‑nostril piercings begin to close by shrinking. High‑nostril piercings without jewelry tend to shrink very quickly, even when it’s completely healed. Your piercer may need to perform a recovery service to return your piercing to the appropriate size for your jewelry.
Pain is different for every individual. Some say it's minimal compared to cartilage piercings, while others find the pinch and eye‑watery sensation associated with a high‑nostril piercing to be more uncomfortable than a cartilage piercing.
There are many different styles of jewelry. Visit a local piercer to determine what jewelry type you are wearing and the easiest way to remove it. For nostril screws (corkscrew style): Pull outwards until you feel resistance and then rotate the jewelry 90 degrees and continue to remove. For threaded jewelry: Gently unscrew the top by bracing both ends and twisting. For thread‑less jewelry: Disengage the jewelry by pulling the flat‑back in the opposite direction from the top. For seam rings and captive beads, it's often better to seek assistance from your local APP Piercer by checking the “Find a Professional Piercer” search function on the Association of Professional Piercers website.
While overnight solutions are unlikely, rest assured your piercing bump is temporary. These irritation bumps, sometimes called ‘piercing bump’ or ‘Hypertrophic scar tissue,’ are caused by irritation from various sources such as touching, sleeping on your piercing, wearing a helmet, or even excessive puppy‑dog kisses. Irritation bumps can be stubborn and tricky to mitigate, but they are usually temporary when addressed correctly. Identify and eliminate the sources of irritation in your daily routine to help the area heal. If necessary, consult your dermatologist about cortisone treatment for faster results. Note that keloid disease is rare, and if you've never experienced keloid scarring before, it's unlikely to occur suddenly.
There are many different styles of jewelry. Visit a local piercer to determine what jewelry type you are wearing and the easiest way to remove it. For nostril screws (corkscrew style): Pull outwards until you feel resistance and then rotate the jewelry 90 degrees and continue to remove. For threaded jewelry: Gently unscrew the top by bracing both ends and twisting. For thread‑less jewelry: Disengage the jewelry by pulling the flat‑back in the opposite direction from the top. For seam rings and captive beads, it's often better to seek assistance from your local APP Piercer by checking the “Find a Professional Piercer” search function on the Association of Professional Piercers website.
Companies like Claire’s, Studs, Rowan, and Piercing Pagoda may offer high‑nostril piercings, but it is NEVER advised or considered a safe choice for piercing. Professional studios with experienced, properly trained piercers using aseptic technique and a sterile field are always recommended over boutique store employees who only train for a few weeks and/or use piercing guns. Beware of companies that claim their piercers are all RNs.
Please feel free to use trusted resources like the “Find a Professional Piercer” search function on the Association of Professional Piercers website.
If your high‑nostril piercing is fresh, it can close within hours. Fully healed piercings may take slightly longer but will still close quickly compared to other popular piercings.
If your high‑nostril is fresh, it can close within hours. Fully healed piercings may take slightly longer but will still close quickly compared to other popular piercings.
Age requirements vary by state law and studio preference. Many studios require clients to be at least 18 years of age for high‑nostril piercings with no exceptions. However, some states allow for parental consent for minors under 18 with a birth certificate and matching ID.
Increased redness, over‑swelling, pus, fever, nausea, flu‑like symptoms and worsening pain (especially in areas that were not directly pierced) may indicate infection. Please don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical assistance. Visiting your piercer does not substitute for medical advice.
Leave your jewelry in and seek immediate medical assistance for antibiotics if you think your piercing is infected. Visiting your piercer does not substitute for medical advice.
Increased redness, over‑swelling, pus, fever, nausea, flu‑like symptoms and worsening pain (especially in areas that were not directly pierced) may indicate infection. Visiting your piercer does not substitute for medical advice.
Any untreated infection can lead to further, more severe complications, such as sepsis, which can be lethal. Seeking medical assistance for antibiotics to treat a piercing infection is always advised. Please leave your jewelry in until receiving medical treatment to avoid added complications. Visiting your piercer does not substitute for medical advice.
