The nostril piercing is one of the most popular piercings in the world for good reason it is subtle enough for conservative settings yet expressive enough to anchor a whole facial jewellery look. A small gold stud in the left nostril has become almost as unremarkable as an earring. At the same time, a larger hoop or a double nostril combination makes a considered statement.
Here is everything you need to know before your appointment.
A nostril piercing goes through the alar cartilage on the side of the nose. It rates 3–4/10 on pain (sharp sting, eye watering is normal), takes 6–9 months to heal fully, and uses an 18G or 16G flat-back titanium labret as starter jewellery. Nostril screws, rings and studs can be worn once healed.
Nostril Piercing Placement
Placement is one of the most important decisions in a nostril piercing and it is your piercer's job to advise, not yours to dictate. The most aesthetically harmonious position for most anatomy is aligned with the natural crease of the nostril, where the alar meets the face. This sitting point follows the natural curve of the nose and allows the jewellery to sit flush without protruding awkwardly.
Other placement factors your piercer will consider:
• The symmetry of your nose most noses are slightly asymmetrical, and a good piercer accounts for this
• The projection of your nose more projected noses may need a slightly longer initial bar
• Whether you want a nostril stud, ring, or both in future rings require a slightly different placement angle than flat-back labrets
Nostril Piercing Pain
Most people rate the nostril at 3–4/10. The sensation is a sharp sting that lasts less than a second, followed by a dull throb for 10–20 minutes. The most common experience: eyes water. This is a reflex the nasal tissue and tear ducts share nerve pathways. It does not mean the piercing is unusually painful; it is almost universal.
The nose has a good blood supply, which means it may bleed slightly more than a cartilage piercing on the ear. This is normal and resolves within minutes.
Nostril Piercing Healing Time
| Stage | Timeline | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Initial | Weeks 1–6 | Redness, mild swelling, clear discharge that crusts around jewellery |
| Active healing | Months 2–4 | Discharge reduces, tenderness lessens, channel forming |
| Maturing | Months 4–6 | Mostly settled; occasional sensitivity if snagged |
| Fully healed | 6–9 months | No discharge, no tenderness, stable channel — safe to change jewellery |
The nostril heals from the outside in. The skin around the entry point settles well before the internal channel is mature. Changing jewellery when the outside looks healed typically around month 2 or 3 is the most common cause of nostril complications.
Nostril Piercing Jewellery: Sizes and Styles
Starter Jewellery
A 18G (1.0mm) or 16G (1.2mm) flat-back labret in implant-grade titanium ASTM F-136, 6–8mm length. The flat disc at the back sits inside the nostril and prevents the jewellery from falling out far more secure than a push-back stud. The initial bar is slightly longer to accommodate swelling; your piercer will downsize to 6mm once the initial swelling resolves.
Healed Jewellery Options
• Flat-back labret (with decorative top) — the most popular nostril style. Stays secure, low-profile, huge variety of tops.
• Nostril screw — curved post with a small hook inside the nostril. Secure but fiddlier to insert.
• Seamless hoop — 8–10mm inner diameter. Gives the classic nose ring look.
• Clicker ring — hinged hoop for easy daily wear.
• L-shaped pin — bends at 90° inside the nostril; less secure than labret or screw but very easy to change.
| Style | Security | Ease of change | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat-back labret | High | Easy (threadless or internal thread) | Healing + daily wear |
| Nostril screw | High | Moderate | Daily wear |
| Seamless hoop | High (when correctly sized) | Easy | Healed piercings |
| Clicker ring | High | Very easy | Daily wear, healed |
| L-shaped pin | Moderate | Very easy | Occasional wear only |
Browse: Nostril Collection
Nostril Piercing Aftercare
• Saline spray twice daily — inside and outside the nostril
• Pat dry with a clean paper towel
• Blow your nose gently — never forcefully in the first 8 weeks
• Avoid touching with unwashed hands
• Keep makeup, foundation, and powders away from the site
• Avoid swimming for the first 3 months
• Sleep on the opposite side or use a travel pillow
Full guide: Body Piercing Aftercare
Nostril Bump: The Most Common Complication
A small bump next to the nostril piercing hole is the most common issue piercers are asked about. In almost every case it is an irritation bump — caused by snagging, sleeping on the piercing, poor-quality jewellery, or changing too early. It resolves when the cause is removed.
Read the full guide: Nose Piercing Bumps: Causes & Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a nostril piercing take to heal?
A nostril piercing takes 6–9 months to fully heal. The surface settles earlier, but the internal channel takes longer. Do not change jewellery before your piercer confirms full healing.
What size nose ring for a nostril piercing?
Most nostril piercings use 18G (1.0mm) or 16G (1.2mm) gauge. Healed nostril rings are typically 8–10mm inner diameter. Your piercer will measure for your specific anatomy.
Can I change my nostril piercing after 2 months?
2 months is too early. The minimum is 5–6 months; most piercers prefer to confirm at 6–9 months. Changing earlier is the single most common cause of nostril bumps and extended healing.
Does a nostril piercing close quickly?
Yes even a well-healed nostril can close within hours of removing the jewellery if you are unused to leaving it out. A fully healed nostril of several years will shrink significantly within days. Always use a retainer if you need to remove jewellery temporarily.
Which side should I get my nostril pierced?
There is no medically correct side. Choose based on your personal preference and aesthetic. Some cultural traditions favour the left; others the right. Your piercer can advise on which side works better with your facial anatomy.