The high nostril sits in the upper portion of the nose wing distinctly above where a standard nostril piercing would be placed. It is less common than the standard nostril precisely because it is more anatomy-dependent, slightly more intense, and requires a piercer who knows how to work in a tighter space. When it works, the result is striking: an architectural upper-nose detail that reads as deliberate and refined.
A high nostril piercing sits in the upper third of the alar (nose wing), above the standard nostril placement. It passes through thicker cartilage, rates around 5/10 on pain, takes 6–9 months to heal, and uses an 18G flat-back labret as starter jewellery. Not all anatomy supports a high nostril your piercer will assess suitability.
High Nostril vs Standard Nostril: Key Differences
| Feature | Standard nostril | High nostril |
|---|---|---|
| Placement | Natural crease of nostril | Upper third of nose wing |
| Tissue | Thin cartilage + skin | Thicker cartilage |
| Pain level | 3–4/10 | 5/10 |
| Healing time | 6–9 months | 6–9 months |
| Jewellery access | Easy to reach | More restricted — shorter bars needed |
| Ring compatibility | Yes (healed) | Limited — usually studs only |
| Anatomy restrictions | Low | Moderate — needs sufficient alar width |
Anatomy Requirements
The upper nose wing narrows as it approaches the bridge. For a high nostril piercing to work safely, the alar needs sufficient width at the intended placement point enough cartilage and skin on both sides to hold the jewellery without the bar pressing against the inside of the nostril.
Your piercer will assess this during consultation. Noses that are very narrow in the upper alar, or that curve sharply inward, may not be suitable for a high nostril.
High Nostril Jewellery
The high nostril has limited jewellery options compared to the standard nostril, because the tight anatomy restricts bar length and makes rings impractical.
Starter Jewellery
An 18G flat-back labret, 5–6mm length. The upper alar is narrow a bar that is too long will protrude visibly; one that is too short embeds. Your piercer will measure carefully.
Healed Jewellery
• Flat-back labrets with small tops — the primary and usually only practical option
• Very small hoops (6–7mm) — possible on some anatomies with wide upper alar; less common
The high nostril is fundamentally a stud placement — plan your jewellery choices with this in mind.
Browse: [Labrets — /en/collections/labrets] | [Tops — /en/collections/tops]
High Nostril as Part of a Double Nostril Combination
The most popular use of the high nostril is as part of a double nostril combination on the same side pairing it with a standard nostril placement for a vertical stacked effect. The two studs sit at different heights on the nose wing, creating a polished, architectural look.
Both piercings can be done in the same session. Aftercare applies to both simultaneously; the higher placement typically needs a few extra weeks to settle because the cartilage is thicker.
Aftercare
• Saline twice daily spray inside and outside the nostril
• Be extra careful when blowing your nose the upper alar is more vulnerable to pressure
• Glasses that rest on the nose bridge should be checked some frames contact the high nostril area
Full guide: Body Piercing Aftercare
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a high nostril and standard nostril at the same time?
Yes getting both in one session is common. Your piercer will mark both positions for your approval before starting. Healing applies to both simultaneously.
Can you put a ring in a high nostril?
In most anatomies, the tight upper alar makes rings impractical for high nostrils. Flat-back labrets with small decorative tops are the standard and most comfortable option.
Is a high nostril more painful than a standard nostril?
Slightly around 5/10 vs 3–4/10 for standard. The upper alar has thicker cartilage, which requires more pressure from the needle.
How long does a high nostril take to heal?
6–9 months the same as a standard nostril, though the thicker cartilage can mean the upper end of that range is more common.
What bar length for a high nostril?
Typically 5–6mm, shorter than a standard nostril labret. The narrow upper alar means bar length is critical your piercer will measure precisely.