Hızma guide: nose ring styles, sizes and how to insert
What is a hızma, and is it the same as a nose piercing?
Hızma is a word used for generations in Anatolia to mean nose jewellery. Today, most people who search for “hızma” or “burun hızması” mean the ring or small jewelled stud worn in a nostril piercing. So a hızma is not a type of piercing but a name for the jewellery: first the nostril is pierced, the hole heals, and then the hızma is worn.
This distinction matters, because many people come to the studio wanting to be pierced directly with a hoop-style hızma. In a fresh hole a ring constantly turns and moves; this can prolong healing and increase the chance of a bump forming around the hole. That is why professional studios use a flat-back stud as the first jewellery and leave the ring until after healing. For all the details of the piercing process, nose piercing guide see our guide; this article focuses on the jewellery itself: hızma styles, sizes and how to put one in.
What styles of hızma are there?
A ring is the first thing that comes to mind, but nose jewellery is made in several forms. Each differs in comfort, look and suitability for a fresh hole. The table below summarises the most frequently asked-about styles.
| Style | Look | For a fresh piercing | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat-back stud (flatback labret) | Small top, jewelled or plain | Recommended | Sits flat inside the nose; less snagging and pressure |
| Segment / clicker ring | Ring with a seamless look | After healing | Easy to insert; the style most people search for as “hızma” |
| Captive bead ring | Ring with a ball or stone in the middle | After healing | The bead is held in place by the tension of the ring |
| L-shaped jewellery (L-bend) | Looks like a stud from the outside | For some noses | Easy to insert; the inner bend can press on some noses |
| Nose screw | Looks like a stud from the outside | Not recommended | The curled end can irritate the hole when putting it in and out |
| Nose bone | Plain stud with a slightly thicker end | Not recommended | Pushed into the hole; not suitable for frequent changes |
Hoop hızma or jewelled stud?
Both can be worn in a healed hole; the choice mostly depends on style and daily life. A hoop hızma is more noticeable and looks more like jewellery. A jewelled stud stays subtler and is less likely to catch on masks, towels or jumpers. People who want a discreet look at work often keep a small jewelled stud and switch to a hoop at the weekend. For these switches to go smoothly, the hole must be fully healed.
Right or left?
There is no single correct side for a hızma. Most people choose the side where they part their hair or the side they consider their “good side” in photos. The shape of the nostril also matters: on some noses one side offers a better curve for a ring. Before the procedure, the piercer assesses both sides and shows you a few placement options.
How do you choose a hızma size?
Two measurements decide your hızma: wire thickness and the inner diameter of the ring. For studs, length matters as well as thickness. The wrong size can cause irritation and marks even in a healed hole.
- Thickness (gauge): Nose jewellery is usually made between 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm. If you wear jewellery thinner than the hole for a long time, the hole can narrow; thicker jewellery has to be forced in. Ask your piercer the thickness of your first jewellery and choose your hızma in the same thickness.
- Inner diameter (ring): The ring’s inner diameter is chosen according to the thickness of the nostril and the distance of the hole from the edge. A ring that is too tight squeezes the tissue and can leave a mark; one that is too wide hangs loose and catches easily. Having the right diameter for your nose measured at the studio is the most reliable way.
- Length (stud): In a fresh hole a slightly longer stud is used to leave room for swelling; once the swelling goes down it is shortened. This is called downsizing; details in our downsizing guide.
For unit conversions and general sizes for ear and facial jewellery, see our piercing jewellery size guide .
What material should a hızma be made of?
Because it sits close to the mucous membrane inside the nose, the material of a hızma matters even more than for ear jewellery. The initial jewellery standards of the international piercers’ association APP highlight documented body-compatible materials for jewellery placed in the body.
- Titanium: Light and nickel-free; the most popular material for sensitive skin and fresh holes. To learn why it stands out, see our titanium piercing jewellery article article.
- Surgical steel: The standard jewellery included in the price at our studio is surgical steel. People with nickel sensitivity can choose titanium.
- Solid gold (14k and above, nickel-free): A stylish option for a healed hole. Always ask about the difference between plated and solid gold; plating can wear off over time.
- Silver and plated jewellery: Not suitable for a fresh hole; silver can oxidise and discolour the tissue.
If you have had itching or redness from jewellery before, our nickel allergy and piercing jewelry article will make choosing a material easier.
When can you wear a hızma?
A nose piercing usually heals in 4–6 months; for some people it takes longer. The right time to switch to a hızma (a ring) is when your piercer has checked the hole and confirmed that healing is complete. A hole that looks fine from outside may still be healing inside, so go by the condition of the hole, not the calendar.
The signs below suggest the hole may be ready for a hızma; still, the soundest approach is to decide after a check-up:
- No redness, swelling or tenderness left around the hole.
- No discharge or crusting for several weeks.
- No pain when the jewellery is moved gently.
- No bump or raised area around the hole.
To compare average healing times for all piercing spots, see our piercing healing times table see our guide.
How to put in a hızma, step by step
Changing a hızma in a healed hole is something most people can do at home. Having the first change done at the studio helps you find the right size and see the technique. If you are changing it at home, follow these steps:
- Preparation: Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds and dry them with a clean paper towel. Rinse the new hızma with sterile saline.
- Setting: Work in front of a well-lit mirror with the sink plug closed; small parts are easily lost.
- Remove the old jewellery: On a flat-back stud, hold the top and gently support the post from inside. On threadless models the top comes off with a light pull; don’t force it.
- Open the ring: On a clicker ring, open the hinged segment sideways. On a captive bead ring, to remove the bead, open the ring very slightly forwards and backwards, not sideways, and release the bead.
- Insert the hızma: Gently insert the end of the ring into the hole from outside and move it inwards following the curve of the nostril. If you feel resistance, stop and change the angle.
- Close and check: Make sure the clicker segment sits with a “click” and the bead stays in place. Turn the ring slightly to check that it doesn’t catch.
If the jewellery won’t go in, the hole bleeds or you can’t get it in after a few tries, don’t keep forcing it; the hole can narrow quickly. You can drop by the studio and have your piercer insert it. For how different jewellery types work, our internally and externally threaded jewelry article will help.
How should you care for a hızma day to day?
Even in a healed hole, a hızma comes into contact with sweat, make-up and nasal secretions. A simple routine keeps both the jewellery and the hole trouble-free for a long time.
- At the end of your shower, rinse around the hole with lukewarm water and dry with a clean paper towel.
- Try not to apply foundation, concealer or face cream right around the jewellery.
- Be careful not to pull the ring when wiping your nose or using a face towel.
- Clean the jewellery once a week with a soft brush and mild soap, then rinse well.
- Don’t turn the ring unnecessarily while it is in; this habit can cause irritation.
For cleaning steps during the fresh-hole period, see how to clean a new piercing article.
What problems can occur when wearing a hızma?
The most common issue is a small bump right next to the hole. This is usually irritation caused by changing the jewellery too early, a ring turning in a fresh hole, or the wrong size. For causes and what you can do, see piercing bumps article.
Signs such as increasing redness, spreading warmth, foul-smelling or coloured discharge, or fever should be taken seriously. In that case, don’t remove the jewellery yourself; if the hole closes, the problem may stay inside. Talk to your piercer first, and if the symptoms are clear, see a doctor without delay.
Hızma and nose piercing in Ümraniye: studio and booking
Cadde Piercing Studio is at İstiklal Mah. Mithatpaşa Cad. No:7B, Ümraniye/İstanbul, in Ümraniye Çarşı, within walking distance of the Çarşı stop on the M5 Üsküdar–Samandıra metro line. Nose piercings are done by our female piercers; for every client a sterile, single-use needle is opened in front of them. We serve both women and men. A nose piercing costs 450 TL and standard surgical steel jewellery is included; if you choose titanium jewellery, 350 TL is added to the piercing price. For the full list of current prices, see prices page.
We are open every day: Monday–Saturday 10:00–20:30, Sunday 11:00–20:00. Payment at the studio is cash only. To check whether your hole is ready for a hızma, have the right inner diameter measured or have your first hızma fitted, you can make an online booking or write to us on WhatsApp (0533 250 01 77) . For more about our studio and how to get here, see Ümraniye piercing; for other areas, see piercing styles page.
Common mistakes
- Having a hoop hızma put straight into a fresh hole
- Changing the hızma at home before healing is complete
- Buying jewellery online in a random size without knowing the hole’s thickness
- Leaving silver or plated jewellery in for a long time
- Continuing to force the jewellery when it won’t go in
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your piercer or doctor about your personal situation.
Official and reliable sources
Not sure about the right size for your hızma? To have your hole checked at the studio, book an appointment or message us on WhatsApp.
Got a question? Ask on WhatsApp or book an appointment in Ümraniye at our studio in Ümraniye Çarşı.
FAQ
What is the difference between a hızma and a nose piercing?
A nose piercing is the procedure of piercing the nostril. Hızma is the everyday name for the ring or jewelled stud worn in that hole. First the hole is made and heals, then the hızma is worn.
Can I get a hızma put in right away when my nose is pierced?
It is not recommended. Because a ring moves constantly in a fresh hole, it can prolong healing and cause irritation. A flat-back stud is used as the first jewellery; you switch to a hızma after healing.
When can I switch to a hızma?
A nose piercing usually heals in 4–6 months; for some people it takes longer. It is soundest to switch to a hızma once redness, discharge and tenderness are completely gone and after a check by your piercer.
What size should a hızma be?
Nose jewellery is mostly made 0.8–1.2 mm thick. Choose your hızma in the thickness of your first jewellery; having the ring’s inner diameter measured for your nostril at the studio is the most reliable way.
How much does a nose piercing cost?
At Cadde Piercing Studio a nose piercing costs 450 TL and standard surgical steel jewellery is included. If you choose titanium jewellery, 350 TL is added to the piercing price. Payment at the studio is cash.
Browse jewellery for nose piercings
This content is for general information only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.