Nose Piercing Jewellery Types and Sizes

Why does choosing nose piercing jewellery matter?

The edge of the nostril is made of a thin layer of cartilage and skin. The jewellery moves every day as you breathe, wash your face, put on make-up or lie on a pillow. So the shape, length and material of the jewellery directly affect healing time, the chance of a bump (irritation bump) forming and the risk of losing the jewellery. Two different styles in the same nostril can behave very differently: one sits without trouble while the other causes constant friction.

For the general procedure, price and healing of a nose piercing, see our nose piercing guide . This article focuses only on jewellery types, sizes and when to change them.

Nose jewellery types: comparison table

Which jewellery for a new nose piercing?

In a fresh hole, it matters that the jewellery moves little and allows for swelling. That is why many professional piercers start with a flat-back labret. The bar is chosen a little long with the swelling of the first weeks in mind; replacing it with a shorter bar once the swelling has gone down is called downsizing . This change reduces friction and the risk of bumps caused by excess jewellery length.

Takıdan önce delik yerini seçiyorsanız nostril, high nostril, septum ve bridge gibi seçenekleri burun piercing isimleri article.

A ring can also be used in a new hole, but it turns and moves more when you breathe, wash your face and lie down. That is why people who want a ring are usually advised to heal with a bar first, then switch to a ring. When to switch from bar to ring varies from person to person; the hole should be free of discharge, tenderness and crusting.

Nose jewellery sizes: thickness, length, diameter

• Thickness: 0.8 mm and 1.0 mm are most common for nose jewellery; some piercings are done at 1.2 mm. In a healed hole it is possible to go down one thickness, but the jewellery must always suit the size of the hole. For thickness units, see the gauge and length guide .
• Wearable length: Mostly 6–8 mm, depending on the thickness of the nostril. Jewellery that is too short squeezes the tissue; jewellery that is too long moves and catches.
• Ring inner diameter: For rings that sit close to the nostril edge, 7–8 mm suits most people; 9–10 mm is used for a wider look. The further the hole is from the edge of the nostril, the larger the diameter needed.
• Stone or ball size: 1.5–3 mm gives a small, simple look; 4 mm and above is more noticeable.

Septum (centre of the nose) jewellery uses different sizes; for septum rings and clickers, see our septum piercing guide, and for hızma styles, our hızma guide .

Material: steel, titanium, gold, silver

Surgical steelis the standard jewellery included with a nose piercing at our studio; it is durable for everyday wear. Steel contains a very small amount of nickel, so people with a nickel sensitivity should mention it beforehand (nickel allergy and piercing jewelry).

Titanium is lightweight and often chosen for nickel sensitivity. At our studio titanium jewellery costs 350 TL; if titanium is chosen for a nose piercing, +350 TL is added to the piercing price: 450 + 350 = 800 TL. Why titanium is preferred is explained in our titanium piercing jewellery article article.

Gold jewellery is a stylish option in a healed hole. It is important to know the difference between plating and solid gold; plating can wear off over time (solid gold, vermeil and plating). Gold jewellery is priced separately depending on the style.

Silver should not be used in a fresh nose piercing; it can tarnish on contact with body fluids and irritate the tissue. For details, see the is silver jewelry suitable for a fresh piercing article.

When should you change your nose jewellery?

A nose piercing takes about 4–6 months to heal; for some people it can take longer. Frequently taking the jewellery out and putting it back in the first months damages the new tissue inside the hole. The general approach is:

• First weeks: Don’t touch the jewellery; just do your aftercare. When the swelling goes down, drop by the studio to have the long bar shortened.
• During healing: If you need to change style (for work, school or sport), have it done at the studio.
• After healing: You can switch to a screw, L-shaped stud or ring. Doing the first change with your piercer helps you learn the right angle.

A nose piercing left without jewellery, especially in the first year, can shrink quickly. If you need to remove the jewellery for a long time, read the do piercings close article.

When changing your nose jewellery yourself

• Wash your hands and prepare the jewellery on a clean surface.
• On a flat-back labret, don’t remove it by twisting the outer stone; pull it (threadless) or unscrew it (threaded) depending on the style; if you don’t know your style, see internally threaded and threadless jewellery article.
• Turn a nose screw in the direction it entered, following the curve; don’t force it.
• If there is blood, sharp pain or the jewellery won’t go through, stop forcing it and come to the studio.

Common jewellery mistakes

• Putting a ring in a new hole and turning it constantly.
• Not shortening the long bar once the swelling has gone down.
• Putting plated jewellery or jewellery of unknown size in a fresh hole.
• Not keeping spare jewellery in case of loss; L-shaped and ball-end styles fall out more easily.
• Thinking a nose bump has nothing to do with the jewellery: most bumps are related to friction, the wrong length or pressure (piercing bumps).

Nose jewellery at our studio

At Cadde Piercing Studio a nose piercing is 450 TL with standard surgical steel jewellery included; with titanium jewellery the total is 800 TL. A sterile, single-use needle is used for nose piercing. For jewellery changes, downsizing or switching to a ring, visit our studio in Ümraniye Çarşı (İstiklal Mah. Mithatpaşa Cad. No:7B); for a suitable time, use the booking page or Message us on WhatsApp. Current list on the prices page.

This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice. Ask your piercer or doctor about your personal situation.

Takından önce tarafını seçmek için: burun piercing sağ mı sol mu.

İlgili yazı: Burun piercing takısı nasıl takılır.

Official and reliable sources

• APP: Minimum standards for initial jewellery
• APP: Piercing aftercare brochure (PDF)

FAQ

Can I wear a ring in a new nose piercing?

You can, but a ring moves more in a new hole. Most people are advised to heal with a flat-back labret first and switch to a ring after healing is complete.

Nose screw or L-shaped stud?

A screw falls out less easily thanks to its curved end; an L-shaped stud is easier to insert. Both are usually worn in a healed hole.

What size should nose piercing jewellery be?

Nose jewellery is mostly 0.8–1.2 mm thick with a wearable length of 6–8 mm. The right size depends on your nose and the thickness of the hole.

When should you change your nose jewellery?

Once the swelling goes down, the long bar is shortened. For a change of style, wait until healing is complete; a nose piercing takes about 4–6 months to heal.

How much is titanium nose jewellery?

At our studio titanium jewellery costs 350 TL. If titanium is chosen for a nose piercing, it is added to the 450 TL piercing price, for a total of 800 TL.

Can I wear silver in a nose piercing?

Silver should not be worn in a fresh nose piercing; it can tarnish and irritate the tissue. Even for short-term wear in a healed hole, quality material should be chosen.

Browse jewellery for nose piercings

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