Septum or Nostril? Nose Piercing Comparison (Price, Healing, Hiding)

Everyone thinking about a nose piercing starts with the same question: septum or nostril? Both are on the nose, but the tissue, the look, how easily they can be hidden, the healing time and the jewellery options are quite different. In this guide we put the two piercings side by side using the same criteria; after reading it you can decide for yourself which one suits your face shape, your work life and your daily routine.

The main difference between septum and nostril

A septum piercing passes through the thin, soft layer of tissue at the very bottom of the wall separating the nostrils, just in front of the cartilage. Piercers call this area the “sweet spot”. When placed at the right point, the needle goes through this flexible tissue rather than the cartilage. The jewellery sits right in the centre of the face, symmetrically.

A nostril piercing passes through a thin layer of cartilage close to the crease of the side of the nose (the ala). It is one-sided, done on the right or left side. It is worn with a small stone, a ball or a thin ring and creates a subtler accent on the face. To choose a side, see right or left nose piercing guide.

Comparison table

The healing times in the table are averages; they vary with each person’s tissue, aftercare routine and how often the jewellery is touched. General list for all areas: piercing healing times table.

Which one hurts more?

Pain varies from person to person; it would not be right to give anyone a definite ranking. In general, when the right point is found on the septum there is a short, sharp sensation, your eyes may water and you may feel like sneezing. On the nostril, because it goes through cartilage, people describe a brief pressure and a burning feeling. Both procedures are over in a few seconds; mild tenderness over the next few days is normal. For details see how much does a piercing hurt article.

An important note: in some people the septum wall may be shifted to one side (deviation) or the sweet spot may be very narrow. In that case the piercer checks the area before the procedure and tells you whether the jewellery will sit straight. If the anatomy is not suitable, a nostril may be a more sensible alternative.

Hideability: which is more practical for work and school?

The biggest advantage of a septum is that it can be hidden. When a horseshoe (circular barbell) or “U” shaped septum ring is flipped up into the nostril, it is almost invisible from the outside. We explain step by step how to do this in our how to flip a septum ring guide. Flipping the jewellery too often in the first weeks can irritate the tissue; flip it only as healing progresses and with clean hands.

On a nostril the jewellery stays outside the nose, so it cannot be fully hidden. Still, a small flat-top piece or a skin-toned stone is barely noticeable. For other ways to hide it see how to hide a piercing article.

Choosing by face shape

• If you love symmetry: A septum highlights the centre line of the face; it looks especially balanced on faces with a defined lip line and a wide nose tip.
• If you want a simpler touch: A nostril with a small stone fits easily into everyday and office looks.
• If you want your nose to look slimmer: A small nostril stud placed close to the crease of the side of the nose usually gives a slimmer look.
• If you are considering both: A septum and a nostril can also be done together; we decide with you, based on the condition of the area, whether both can be done in the same session. Each piercing is priced separately: 550 + 450 = 1,000 TL.

For the traditional nose ornament that comes from Indian culture and is also common in Anatolia, you can read our hizma guideguide.

Healing and aftercare differences

Both piercings are cleaned twice a day with sterile saline solution; there is no need to rotate or move the jewellery or apply cream. For the cleaning method see our how to clean a new piercing guide. The differences are:

• Septum: In the first days there is mild aching and crusting in the nose. Be careful when wiping or blowing your nose; press the tissue gently without catching it on the jewellery. Check the area more often during colds and flu.
• Nostril: Because it is cartilage, healing takes longer. Face towels, make-up sponges and glasses frames can catch on the jewellery. The most common problem with nostrils is a small bump that forms after the jewellery is knocked; on this topic see piercing bumps helps.
• For both: The first jewellery is fitted long enough to allow for swelling. Once the swelling has gone down, switching to shorter jewellery (downsizing) reduces movement.

If there is redness, severe pain, warmth or foul-smelling discharge, visit the studio or see a doctor instead of trying to treat it yourself. To tell normal signs from problem signs see infection or irritation guide.

Jewellery options

For the septum, the most common styles are the horseshoe (circular barbell), the segment ring and hinged rings called “clickers”. Clickers are popular because they are easy to put in and take out once healing is complete. For the nostril, flat-top labret-style jewellery, nose screws and, after healing, thin rings are used. We describe all styles with visual explanations in our nose piercing jewellery types article; for how to insert them see how to insert nose piercing jewelry guide.

As for material, surgical steel standard jewellery is included in the price at our studio. If you have a metal sensitivity you can choose titanium jewellery; titanium jewellery is 350 TL, and if it is used for the piercing, +350 TL is added to the piercing price. To learn why titanium is preferred see titanium piercing jewellery article.

Decision list: which one suits you?

• If you sometimes need to hide it at work or school → septum.
• If a shorter healing time is your priority → septum (about 2–3 months at our studio).
• If you want a simple, one-sided everyday accent → nostril.
• If budget is your priority → nostril (450 TL; septum 550 TL).
• If you wear glasses or often touch your face → in terms of aftercare, the septum usually catches less.
• If your septum wall is clearly crooked → get it checked first; if it is not suitable, nostril.

FAQ

Does a septum or a nostril heal faster?

A septum usually heals faster because it goes through soft tissue; at our studio this takes about 2–3 months. A nostril piercing, which goes through cartilage, heals in about 4–6 months. Times vary with the person and the aftercare.

Can a septum piercing be fully hidden?

When a horseshoe or “U” shaped septum ring is flipped up into the nostril, it is almost invisible from the outside. Because flipping the jewellery often in the first weeks can irritate the tissue, flip it only as healing progresses and with clean hands.

How much do septum and nostril piercings cost?

At Cadde Piercing Studio a septum is 550 TL and a nostril (nose) piercing is 450 TL; surgical steel standard jewellery is included. If you choose titanium jewellery, +350 TL is added to the piercing price: the septum becomes 900 TL and the nostril 800 TL.

Can a septum and a nostril be done on the same day?

If the area is suitable they can be done in the same session; the decision is made together during the check before the procedure. Each piercing is priced separately: septum 550 TL + nostril 450 TL = 1,000 TL.

Can I get a septum if my nose is crooked?

With a slight deviation it can usually be done, although the jewellery may sit slightly to one side. The piercer checks the septum before the procedure; if the sweet spot is very narrow or clearly shifted, a nostril may be a better alternative.

Which side should a nostril piercing be on?

There is no fixed rule. Most people decide based on the side they part their hair, the profile they show more in photos, or the side they sleep on less. Not sleeping on that side makes healing easier.

If you can’t decide between a septum and a nostril, message us or visit our studio at İstiklal Mah. Mithatpaşa Cad. No:7B, Ümraniye Çarşı, Istanbul (Mon–Sat 10:00–20:30, Sunday 11:00–20:00); let’s assess the area together. Detailed guides: septum piercing guide and nose (nostril) piercing guide. For all prices see our piercing prices for more.

Browse jewellery for septum piercings

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