Nostril piercing or “nose piercing” first began as a marriage rite in the Middle East. The nose ring served 2 purposes; a display of wealth from the groom, and also financial security for the bride should the marriage end. The symbolism behind nose piercing changed when it came to Western cultures.

Nose piercing took the main stage in everyday society during the punk movement. It was due to this fact that nose piercing was considered a sign of rebellion and often thought of as distasteful. While nose piercing is far more commonplace nowadays, it still experiences some levels of stigma. Many company dress codes do not allow employees to have their noses pierced. Employees that do have their noses pierced are expected to take them out while on the clock. Employees that wear nose piercings for religious reasons (as with some Arabic cultures) are exempt from these stipulations.

Nose piercing can be done in one of two ways. Nose piercing can either by performed with a gun similar to that used in the piercing of earlobes, or with a needle and cork. Many people prefer to have it done with a needle as there are more jewelry options if one takes this route. Why would the method of piercing determine jewelry options you ask? Simple. Piercing guns use a stud that is the same diameter of a standard earring. Standard earrings are typically 20 gauge which is very small. It is very uncommon to find body jewelry in anything smaller than an 18 gauge. The larger the piercing the more options the wearer has.

Septum piercing is not as common as nostril piercing but is still considered a nose piercing. In this scenario, a larger gauged needle must be used to remove the skin where the piercing will be placed. Typical septum piercings are done with gauges ranging from 14 and larger. Septum piercing is the 2nd most common piercing of primitive civilizations. The piercing of the septum was popular among many ancient civilizations including the Mayans and the Aztecs.

Jewelry options for a nose piercing are generally either a hoop or what is known as a “nose stud”. Nose studs differ from a standard earring in two ways, size and backing. The backing of a nose stud in curved to fit comfortably against the inside of the nostril while still being secured. Nose studs are also less gaudy by comparison to wearing traditional earrings in a nose piercing. Nose studs can be found in an array of metals from stainless steel and gold, to silver and even acrylic.

The typical nose piercing can take anywhere between 6-12 months to fully heal. It is important that the nose piercing is treated with a cleaning solution several times a day. It is also imperative to the healing of the nose piercing that it be turned within the nostril throughout the day. Turning the nose piercing prevents it from healing around the jewelry. Aftercare for nose piercing is very similar to ear lobes in this regard. Understanding nose piercing will help you take care of your newly pierced nose, as well as explain the procedure so that you are better informed.