An Ultimate Guide to the Different Types of Nose Piercings

A recent study found that 61% of adults have a piercing, with the second most popular piercing location being the nose. Deciding to get your nose pierced is a big decision that requires a lot of research and preparation to ensure you end up with a piercing you like. 

Don't get us wrong, nose piercings are fun and expressive, but it's important to know the basics of each type of nose piercing before you settle on one. So what are the different types of nose piercings?  

Don't worry, with this guide, you can find out! We've investigated each type of nose piercing, including its healing time, cost, and first-time questions. That way, you can decide the right type of piercing for you. 

Now, are you ready to get started? Here's an in-depth look at nose piercings: 

What Are the Different Types of Nose Piercings?  

Nose piercings are generally broken up into three categories: 

• Nostril 
• Septem 
• Bridge 

These locations define the piercing, making it easy or complicated to pierce and guiding the average price point. If you're having trouble choosing a type of piercing, first determine where you want it and how much you're willing to pay. 

After all, piercings can get expensive, starting at a base price of $30 and can end up going over $100. Now, pay close attention; that is just the price for the procedure, so you also have to factor in aftercare supplies and jewelry. The total can add up quickly to over $200 to $300. 

However, each placement location has one or more piercings that are affordable and great to start with if it's your first piercing. So once you figure out the placement, all you have to do is determine the exact piercing you want and if it's in your budget. 

Types of Nostril Piercing 

There are three types of nostril piercings. Each is a little different from the next, so to ensure you choose the right one; we've explained each in detail for you below:   

1. Standard Nostril Piercing 

This piercing is certainly the most known for its simplicity and sophistication. It's even recommended for beginners who are getting their first piercing due to its fast healing time of four to six months. 

Plus, it's one of the more comfortable piercings out there. Not to mention, it's relatively affordable, after all; a standard nostril piercing costs around $25 to $60, depending on the location, studio, and the piercer's experience.  

The piercing itself is placed on either side of your nostril. Generally, a needle with an 18 to 20 gauge is used to pierce your nostril, but sometimes, a piercing gun is used instead.  

However, the great thing about nostril piercings is that they can fit different jewelry styles. You can wear nose rings, hoops, a small or large stud, and even nose pins. That means you can swap between these styles when you're accessorizing yourself for the day to match your outfit or your mood.  

Due to all these possibilities, a nostril piercing is ideal if you want to decorate your nose; but don't want to worry about a long or painful recovery. In fact, many celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, and Kesha have obtained nostril piercings to update their look and express their individuality.  

2. High Nostril Piercing 

The high nostril piercing is a little different than a standard nostril piercing. Rather than the side of the nostril, the arch of your nose is pierced, which results in a higher piercing location. Like a standard nostril piercing, the piercing itself is performed with an 18 to 20-gauge needle. 

You can wear various jewelry styles, including nose rings, nose bones, and of course, the infamous stud. Due to their location, high nostril piercings often look modern and fashionable. Recently, they've become even more popular, with celebrities and influencers rocking this facial piercing on their social media pages. 

While the high nostril piercing is generally more trendy, it does garner more discomfort, especially since it's so close to the bone. Due to its complexities, this type of piercing requires an expert piercer, which can be costly. Expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $90 for this piercing. 

After all, this piercing has a higher risk of swelling and an increased chance of infection if done wrong. To be safe, you'll want to apply a meticulous aftercare regime; that way, no infection develops. 

If you do develop an infection, the recovery time is likely to be doubled. However, if you don't, you'll likely recover in six to nine months.  

Since a high nostril piercing is more painful and requires more aftercare, it's recommended that you get this piercing after you've had one or more piercings. That way, you're not blindsided by the discomfort and already have the knowledge about how to properly care for it.  

3. Multiple Nostril Piercing 

This piercing combines both a standard nostril piercing and a high nostril piercing. You can get these piercings either paired together or split between  the nostrils. That means you can get two or more piercings done around the same time; how cool is that?  

Again, the piercing is performed with an 18 to 20-gauge needle. However, one of the perks of this piercing type is that you can mix and match jewelry styles. You can wear a nose ring and two studs, a hoop and a nose pin, or all studs; the combinations are endless! 

Although, one of the biggest drawbacks is that it does have quite a long recovery time. Due to the troublesome high nostril piercing, it can be painful and inflamed if not taken care of properly. 

Besides the location, how many piercings you get will also determine the length of your recovery. If you get two, it will be between six to nine months, but if you get three, the recovery can last up to a year at most.  

You can stagger your piercings over time to decrease the recovery time and make the process less painful. For example, once one is fully recovered, you can proceed with the other, and so on. Just because you don't get them all at once doesn't mean you won't have a multiple nostril piercing. 

Now, you can get multiple nostril piercings done at the same time; however, generally, it's not recommended if you're beginning your piercing journey. In fact, it can be pretty expensive. 

Multiple nostril piercings range from $60 to over $100. The cost is dependent on the piercer, how many piercers, and the overall studio's charge. So, if you know for certain that you want to get more than one, talk with a professional piercer to see what is right for your body and budget.   

Types of Septum Piercing

There are four types of piercings that involve the septum. Each pierces the septum differently to achieve a distinct look. We've detailed each one to aid in your decision-making; read on below: 

1. Standard Septum Piercing 

A septum piercing, otherwise known as a bull piercing, is certainly one of the more popular piercings out of the bunch. In fact, it's one that beginners should try first. After all, it has a short recovery period, it's comfortable to wear, and it's affordable. Septem piercings usually cost around $40 to $75, depending on the piercer's experience and the studio.  

Even celebrities like Rhianna, Zendaya, and Bella Throne have pierced their septum and worn different jewelry to match their personal taste and individual features. However, take note that not everyone can get a septum piercing. 

If you have a severally deviated septum or, in a rare instance, don't have the fleshy tissue that is in front of the cartilage, you won't be able to get a septum piercing. If you have any questions about your ability to get a septum piercing, always ask your piercer for their advice first. 

The piercing itself runs through the cartilage wall that separates your nostrils. Now, the piercing process is fairly uncomfortable since there's not much tissue to absorb the pain, and the tissue that is there is thin. Recovery time can take anywhere from one to three months.   

However, since this piercing is located towards the bottom of your nose, aftercare is incredibly important. You'll want to clean it daily to ensure you don't develop an infection. Now, cleaning may be difficult, but it needs to be done in some fashion to keep your piercing clean and healthy. 

For jewelry, it's recommended that you wear circular jewelry to accommodate the location of the piercing. That means you should wear either a horseshoe ring, circular barbell, or seamless hoop. 

While there are not a lot of categories to choose from, there is a lot of variety within each, so don't feel tied to one. Just look at Bella Throne; she often changes her circular barbell for a seamless hoop.  

2. Vertical Tip Piercing 

This piercing runs vertically from the bone of your nose to between your two nostrils. In fact, because of its vertical position, it's often seen from the top of your nose. 

This piercing has a long history with many South African and African tribal communities; however, it only recently started to become popular with the West. It was even given the nickname "the rhino piercing" for its similarities to a rhino horn.   

Now, if you're a beginner, strongly note that this is one of the most difficult piercings you can get. It's performed with a standard piercing needle, but because the piercing has to travel from the tip of your nose to above your septum, it requires perfect technique and precision, or the cartilage in your nose can be damaged. 

It's also pretty painful since there isn't a lot of tissue; there's not much to absorb the pain. Even though the procedure is relatively quick, you'll likely still feel pain or discomfort after it's over. 

However, because of its position, the chances of getting an infection are reduced. Nonetheless, recovery time takes about six months to nine months at maximum.     

The jewelry recommended for this piercing is seriously limited. Due to the placement, you can really only wear a curved barbell. So while this piercing is eye-catching, to say the least, it certainly doesn't give you much room to change up your accessories.  

Not to mention, it's costly; generally, a rhino piercing starts at around $75 and can end up costing more than $100. So if you're looking for a quick and affordable piercing option, this piercing is not for you. It requires an in-depth aftercare process and is certainly one of the more expensive piercings out there, which is why if you're a beginner, this piercing may not be the right one for you. 

3. Septril Piercing 

Septril piercing is a distinctive mix between a septum piercing and a half of a vertical tip. They're not all that common, but when done correctly, they can look stunning. The procedure is accomplished by running a needle through the top of your nose to the bottom of your septum.  

Now, to get to the bottom of your septum, the piercer will need to stretch your septum. The stretching process is as painful as it sounds, which means if you don't want to be in a lot of pain, certainly don't choose this piercing.  

In fact, due to the stretching process, not every piercer can perform this procedure. Only piercers with expert precision and the necessary experience should complete this piercing. 

If a piercer doesn't have the needed qualifications, they risk stretching the septum too much, which could result in damaging your cartilage. If your cartilage gets torn or broken, you'll have long-lasting pain or discomfort, so it's crucial that you choose a piercer that's knowledgeable about this piercing in particular. 

Recovery times for this piercing vary from a few months to a whole year, depending on the extent of the stretching. Since this piercing is complex, it's relatively expensive compared to other piercings. Expect to pay around $50 to $75 for a septril piercing with a good and talented piercer. 

For jewelry, piercers generally recommend three options: curved barbells, a nose bone, or a tiny stud. Most people tend to stick with a tiny stud due to its fashionable and sleek aesthetic, but also because it's generally the most comfortable.  

However, just because studs happen to be popular doesn't mean you should feel pressure to choose a stud. Many influencers and celebrities wear curved barbells instead. 

4. Nasallang Piercing

This unique nose piercing is a tri-nasal piercing, which means it enters both nostrils and the septum simultaneously. The procedure starts with a single needle entering one nostril, continuing through the septum, and exiting via the second nostril. The nose is then clamped together and threaded with the selected jewelry.   

The result often looks like two tacks firmly placed on the side of each nostril. Due to its intense process, it's highly painful and can take up to ten months to heal. 

In fact, piercing infections are more common, and the rate of rejection is even higher. So you'll want to clean it often and watch out for any swollen areas or if any part of your nose becomes more painful. 

Since this piercing is so intrusive, it's not recommended for beginners. If you want this piercing, ensure that the piercer has great precision and is highly reviewed. A piercer that's inexperienced or can't show you their portfolio shouldn't be trusted with this complex piercing. 

Only an experienced piercer should perform this procedure, and because of that experience, this piercing will cost more. Generally, nasallang piercings cost around $75 to over $110, depending on the piercer themselves and their studio.   

For jewelry, the only recommended pieces are straight barbells. While this piercing doesn't give a lot of room for creativity, it makes up for it by being sleek, simple, and, when done correctly, striking. 

Types of Bridge Piercings 

There are three common bridge piercings. All vary in healing time and cost, so before you decide on one, look at all the styles explained below:

1. Standard Bridge Nose Piercing   

As the name implies, a bridge piercing is located on the bridge of your nose, usually high up by your brows. However, bridge piercings are different from other piercings since they only puncture the surface skin.  

Since this is a skin piercing, infections and even rejections are more likely to occur. You'll want to watch it closely to ensure that it doesn't start swelling or become painful. Generally, the recovery time is around two to three months.  

While this piercing does have its drawbacks, that doesn't mean it's not a good piercing to start with. After all, it's affordable; most bridge piercings cost around $30 to $50. 

Before getting a bridge piercing, it's important to consider the placement. Do you wear eyeglasses or sunglasses daily or even situationally? Well, then you'll want to make sure the location of the piercing is either higher or lower than where your glasses rest on your nose. 

After all, you don't want them rubbing, tugging, or resting on each other. That will only cause irritation and possibly even mild discomfort. So choose a location where they both have minimal contact with the other. If you have further questions about placement due to your circumstances, ask your piercer for their advice.  

As for the recommended jewelry, bridge piercings only have two options: a straight barbell or a curved barbell. While both do come in a variety of designs, there are not a lot of accessory options as there are with other piercings, which means you'll likely have to repeat using the same accessories over and over.  

2. Austin Bar Piercing 

An Austin bar piercing is placed on the tip of the nose. It runs parallel to the nasallang piercing; however, the length of the Austin bar is much shorter. To accomplish this procedure, a piercer will run the needle through one side of the tip of your nose and exit out the other. This piercing does not go through the septum, unlike the nasallang piercing. 

On average, this piercing costs $50 to $75, depending on the piercer and the studio prices. Since this piercing doesn't run through any cartilage, it heals relatively fast. In fact, most people have noticed that it's healed within two to three months at most. 

However, it's more susceptible to infection because it's on the skin's surface. If you do get this piercing, it's important to clean it thoroughly and not touch it too much. 

In fact, when you sleep, try not to sleep on your side; that way, it doesn't come into contact with items like pillows or blankets. These items can have oil and bacteria on them, which, if spread to your piercing, could create an infection. 

As for the recommended jewelry, most piercers suggest a straight barbell for this piercing. After all, since the piercing itself does not go through the septum, you can't wear it with a circular jewelry piece. 

Now, a straight barbell doesn't give you much room to be creative with your jewelry pieces; although, with this piercing, you don't need stylish pieces. The piercing itself already has the wow factor, so no matter what jewelry piece you use, even if it's a simple silver barbell, your piercing will be striking. 

3. Third Eye Piercing  

As the name implies, the third eye piercing is located in the middle of your eyes and at the top of the bridge of your nose. Unlike other bridge piercings, it's oriented in a vertical position, which is why sometimes it's called a unicorn piercing for its resemblance to a unicorn horn. 

Plus, it's a surface piercing, meaning the pain you feel during and after the procedure will be light. However, because it's a skin piercing, there's a higher risk of infection and rejection. You'll want to monitor it closely and clean it daily. 

Even with increased infection risk, the recovery time is only a couple of weeks, making it a good candidate for beginners. In fact, it's even affordable; you can get this piercing for about $30 to $40.  

Now, there's only one recommended jewelry style, which is a curved barbell. However, since you're pretty limited with accessories, this piercing isn't something you can express much creativity with. It's more of a statement piece rather than a decorative element that you can switch and swap. 

Common FAQ's 

We've gathered some commonly asked questions about piercing types so you can have all the answers. Here are six of the most asked questions:  

1. What Age Can I Get a Piercing? 

In the United States, if you want to get a facial or body piercing, you must be at least eighteen years old or older. Now, most states allow minors to get a piercing, that is if the minor presents parental consent. However, since each state is different, it's best to check with your piercer or look up your state's laws regarding body modifications.

2. What Piercing Is In Style Now? 

Nostril piercings have never gone out of style; however, they are not seen as cool as other piercing types for their simplicity. The bridge piercings have increased in popularity over the years and are currently in style. Many celebrities and influencers alike have bridge piercings to help accessorize themselves and make their individual features stand out. 

3. Are Surface Piercings Better? 

Surface piercings have the advantage of not being as painful since the piercing is just going through the skin rather than the cartilage of your nose. However, surface piercings or skin piercings are more likely to get an infection, be rejected by your body, or even migrate. In fact, if you get an infection, healing time can be doubled, resulting in some of the same recovery times as more challenging piercings. 

So while a surface piercing may be more affordable or easier to handle, they are no safer than any other piercing. If you're having trouble deciding whether or not to get a surface piercing, ask your piercer. They can guide you towards what's right for your body. 

Which Nostril Should I Pierce? 

If you've decided on getting a nostril piercing, you may be wondering what side to get it on. Here are a few questions to get you thinking: 

1. What side do you sleep on?  
2. Which side do you part your hair?  
3. Where are your other piercings positioned? 

Piercings are meant to draw the eye; however, you don't want people staring because your piercing is red and irritated from coming into contact with your pillow each night. The piercing should act just like any other accessory would and stand out among your ensemble. 

Although, if you cover it with your hair, no one will be able to see it. So choose the nostril that is most in view, or to make it easy, choose the nostril that you already have piercings on. That way, your piercing does not get inflamed, and it's in plain view to add to the aesthetic of your outfit. 

Where Can I Find Piercing Jewelry? 

You can find jewerly piercings on our webshop. We have everything you could need, including but not limited to, curved and straight barbells, nose rings, nose studs, and septum jewelry. We even have a large assortment of other body jewelry piercings like eyebrow rings, belly button rings, and standard earrings.  

We offer piercings in various materials, colors, and lengths, all at an affordable price. To ensure that our piercings are accessible for everyone, we have jewelry pieces that cost under $5 and jewelry pieces that cost over $20. That way, everyone can find something they like without having to break the bank. 

We even have seasonal sales and many discounts, including a first-time customer discount. So if you want a certain piercing, but don't have the money, come back and check later to see what our new sales contain.  

What Should I Do for Aftercare?  

First things first, always wash your hands before cleaning or touching your piercing. Let's face it; our hands are dirty, whether we can see it or not. Hands pick up bacteria and viruses and spread them from one place to the next. Having clean hands ensures that you don't spread infections to your nose. 

However, when you wash your hands, don't just use any type of soap. Purchase an unscented bar of soap. If you purchase soap that contains a heavy fragrance or dyes, it could irritate your piercing and swell up. 

You'll also want to purchase an aftercare spray, especially for piercings, like a saline rinse. 

To sterilize your piercing, pour some of the rinse on a cotton ball or folded paper towels. Then gently pat your nose with the solution to clean your piercing.

Be careful as it could be tender or painful. Once done let it sit on the nose for a couple of minutes before going back to doing your daily tasks. 

Which Piercing Will You Choose?  

Choosing a nose piercing out of the many different types of nose piercings is difficult; but thankfully, you now have this ultimate guide. If you're a beginner, a standard nostril piercing, a septum piercing, or a bridge piercing is a good place to start. However, if you want to add to your current piercings, you can always choose a multiple nostril piercing, a rhino piercing, or a nasallang piercing to express more of your personality.  

All piercing costs a minimum of $30; in that total, that does not include the aftercare equipment or the jewelry itself. So before choosing a piercing, make sure you have the right budget and proper knowledge of healing and recovery. 

Now, what are you waiting for? Get a nose piercing today. 

For body and facial piercings, check out our website for the latest styles and trendy arrivals.