Nose Piercing: Left or Right Side?

Left or right: quick comparison

“Which side should a nose piercing go on?” is one of the questions we hear most at the studio. The answer depends on the person; the table below brings together the criteria that make the decision easier.

Does the left or right side mean anything?

In some cultures the side of a nose piercing has a traditional meaning. In India, for example, nose jewellery is mostly worn on the left nostril, a preference explained by traditional Ayurvedic beliefs. These explanations are based on cultural tradition; there is no scientific evidence that either side has a health advantage.

In Anatolia there is the tradition of the hizma, a nose ring that is seen on different sides depending on the region. For the history and modern use of the hizma, see our hizma guide. Today, choosing a side in Turkey is largely a matter of personal taste; popular claims such as "the right side means this" have no basis.

Why is your sleeping side the most important factor?

A new nose piercing takes months to heal. During this time, jewellery pressed against the pillow every night moves slightly, which can lead to irritation, swelling and the raised lump known as a piercing bump. So if you usually sleep on your right side, choosing the left nostril makes sense, and vice versa.

If you turn to both sides while sleeping, a travel pillow with a hole in the middle can reduce pressure during healing. Detailed sleep tips: sleeping with a piercing.

Face symmetry and appearance

Most faces are not perfectly symmetrical. If you always show the same side in photos, getting pierced on that side makes the jewellery more visible. You can decide by placing a small dot on both sides in front of a mirror; at the studio your piercer also marks the spot and shows it to you before piercing. If you do not like the dot, it can be moved, so take your time with the marking.

If you always part your hair on the same side, the open side is usually the better choice. When a strand of hair catches on a ring or stud, it can pull the jewellery; this can cause irritation, especially in the first weeks.

Placement height: where on the nostril?

The height of the piercing on the nostril shapes the look as much as the side. A spot slightly higher, close to the nostril crease, looks more balanced and lets the jewellery sit comfortably inside the nostril. A spot that is too low can make a ring hang off the edge later, while one that is too high can cause pressure inside. Your piercer suggests the right height based on the thickness and curve of your nose; you make the final decision together in the mirror.

Can both sides be pierced at once?

Yes, both nostrils can be pierced (symmetrical nostril piercings). However, when both sides are pierced at once, you lose the option of choosing a sleeping side and need to sleep on your back or front while healing. That is why some people get one side first and the other after it heals. If a second hole is added on the same side (double nostril), the distance between the two holes is planned according to the jewellery size.

After choosing a side: jewellery and price

Whatever the side, the first jewellery is usually a flat-back stud or an L-shaped nose stud; rings are usually saved for after healing. We explain the difference between jewellery types here: nose piercing jewellery types.

At Cadde Piercing Studio, a nose (nostril) piercing is 450 TL, including standard surgical steel jewellery. If you choose titanium jewellery, 350 TL is added to the piercing price: 450 + 350 = 800 TL. For prices of other areas: all piercing prices.

Healing and aftercare: the same rules for both sides

Whether left or right, a nose piercing usually heals in 4–6 months; this varies from person to person. Cleaning with sterile saline twice a day, leaving the jewellery without twisting it and not changing it before healing is complete are the basic rules. For step-by-step aftercare, see the how to clean a new piercing and piercing healing times guides. If redness lasts a long time, pain gets worse, or you have a fever or dark discharge, see a doctor. For details specific to the nose: nose piercing guide.

If you want a nose piercing in Ümraniye, you can ask us on WhatsApp or book an appointment; walk-ins are welcome too. Our studio is open Mon–Sat 10:00–20:30 and Sunday 11:00–20:00.

Official and reliable sources

• APP (Association of Professional Piercers): Aftercare recommendations (PDF)
• NHS: Signs of an infected piercing

FAQ

Should a nose piercing go on the right or left?

Either works; there is no medically correct side. Choosing the side opposite to the one you sleep on, the side your hair leaves open or the side you show in photos is a practical approach.

What does a nose piercing on the left side mean?

Across Turkey, the side has no established meaning. In some cultures, such as India, the left side is traditional; this is based on cultural belief, and no scientific health benefit has been shown.

Does the right or left side heal faster?

The side does not change healing time. A nose piercing usually heals in 4–6 months; pillow pressure, touching the jewellery and your aftercare routine affect the time far more than the side.

Can I get both nostrils pierced at the same time?

Yes. However, you should not sleep on either side while healing. That is why some people get one side first and the other after it heals.

I wear glasses — which side should I choose?

A nostril piercing sits below where the nose pads of your glasses rest, so glasses usually do not affect the choice of side. Your piercer can check during marking whether the pads touch the jewellery.

How much does a nose piercing cost?

On the Cadde Piercing Studio price list, a nose piercing is 450 TL, including standard surgical steel jewellery. If you choose titanium jewellery, 350 TL is added; the total is 800 TL.

Browse jewellery for nose piercings

This content is for general information only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.