A three-quarter view of a person wearing a black hijab and round, black-rimmed glasses. A small pink gemstone nose stud glimmers on the side of their nose piercing, serving as a stylish facial accessory.

Nostril Piercing FAQ

The cost of a nostril piercing ranges from $50-$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.

Initial healing generally takes around 6 months, though full healing may take up to 9 months. Consistent aftercare is key to proper healing.

It’s best to wait until the piercing is completely healed (usually after 6 months) before changing jewelry. Always consult your piercer before switching pieces.

Most people feel a quick, sharp pinch during the procedure followed by mild discomfort that subsides quickly. The pain is generally brief and manageable.

Yes—if jewelry is removed, especially before complete healing, the hole can close quickly. Even well-healed piercings may close gradually if left without jewelry for a prolonged period.

Nostril piercings are typically done in a 20-gauge, though some may be performed in an 18-gauge depending on your anatomy and the piercer’s recommendation.

The most common is the standard nostril piercing, but variations include:

  • High Nostril: Placed higher on the nasal bridge.
  • Multiple Nostril Piercings: More than one piercing on the same nostril.
  • Para Nostril: A surface piercing adjacent to the nostril rather than through it.

Yes—many people opt for bilateral nostril piercings, which are often done simultaneously for a balanced look.

Yes. While studs are common, many individuals choose hoops for a different aesthetic. The best option depends on your anatomy and personal style.

A standard nostril piercing is placed through the soft tissue of the nostril, whereas a high nostril piercing is positioned higher on the nasal bridge. This variation can affect the overall look and may have slightly different healing characteristics.

  • Avoid any touching, twisting, or playing with the piercing site or jewelry.
  • Gently rinse with water while you shower. Use sterile saline solution/wound wash spray as needed.
  • Avoid harsh soaps, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antiseptics.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

An odor may be caused by a buildup of dead skin cells, sebum, or bacteria. Proper cleaning usually resolves this; however, a strong, foul odor might signal an infection that requires professional attention.

It’s best to have a professional remove your jewelry to avoid damaging the tissue. If you must remove it yourself, make sure your hands are thoroughly clean and gently twist or unscrew the piece without forcing it.

  • 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 barbell through the newly created piercing channel and threads on the bead.
  • Extreme precision is required.

Ideal jewelry is small, smooth, and made of implant-grade materials (such as titanium, surgical steel, or gold). Both studs and hoops work well, provided they suit your anatomy and healing process.

That’s entirely a matter of personal preference. Some choose one side for a subtle look; others opt for both nostrils for symmetry.

Nostril tissue is delicate and generally not suited for stretching like earlobes. It’s best to keep the piercing at its original size.

A para nostril piercing is a surface piercing placed adjacent to the nostril rather than directly through it. It creates a similar aesthetic but is positioned on the side of the nose.

No. Nostrils should always be pierced with a sterile needle rather than a piercing gun, which can cause more trauma and increase the risk of complications.

Common risks include infection, allergic reactions to jewelry, migration or rejection of the piercing, and potential scarring. Choosing a reputable piercer and following aftercare instructions help reduce these risks.

Signs of infection include increased redness, spreading swelling, pain in areas that arean't the piercing site, discharge (especially if yellow or green), and a foul odor. If you notice these symptoms, contact your piercer or healthcare provider.

If a fresh piercing falls out, contact your piercer immediately. Do not attempt to reinsert the jewelry yourself, as the hole can close quickly and may increase the risk of infection.

A fresh nostril piercing can begin to close within hours to days if the jewelry is removed. Fully healed piercings are more resistant to closing, but prolonged absence of jewelry can still lead to closure.

You can use makeup to cover the area or opt for a clear or flesh-colored retainer if you need to conceal the piercing for work or other reasons.

A retainer is a discreet piece of jewelry—often made of clear quartzed glass or biocompatible material—that keeps the piercing open while being less noticeable than typical metal jewelry and usually MRI/CAT safe .

A person’s face with blue eyes and a nostril piercing, wearing a delicate gold chain between paired nostril piercings. One end connects to a small circular nose ring in a pierced nose. Wearer also has adorned a gold septum ring.