Nose Piercing: Types and What You Need to Know

A nose piercing is a procedure where a small piece of jewelry or ornament is inserted by perforating the nostril cartilage or sweet spot of the septum. This practice, which can be done in different areas of the nose, is chosen by both men and women for aesthetic, cultural, spiritual, or tribal reasons and is considered a form of body modification.

Depending on where the jewelry is placed, there are several types of nose piercings. The most common are Nostril (nostril piercing), Septum (base of the nasal septum). There are less common types of nose piercings:

• Rhino Piercing: This type of piercing passes vertically through the tip of the nose, mimicking the appearance of a rhinoceros horn.
• Septril Piercing: This is a rather complex piercing that combines a septum piercing with a horizontal piercing at the tip of the nose, requiring the septum to be pre-stretched.

Let’s now look at the three most well-known types.

Il Bridge è un piercing superficiale che attraversa la pelle nella parte superiore del naso, tra gli occhi. Poiché non attraversa cartilagine o tessuto spesso, il rischio di complicazioni è relativamente basso, ma è fondamentale assicurarsi che sia eseguito con precisione. Come tutti i piercing, è realizzabile solo su un’anatomia corretta, se eseguito scorrettamente può portare problematiche di rigetto.

High Nostril piercings are typically performed symmetrically and are placed in the lateral cartilages above the alar cartilages.

These piercings are done on the frontal area of the alar cartilages. The name was given by Massimo Cortese, an Italian piercer, because the position resembles the eyes of a praying mantis.

Nose piercing has a millennia-old history, with origins dating back over 4,000 years in the Middle East. It was later adopted by various cultures, such as the Indian culture, where it is often linked to matrimonial or religious symbolism.

In India, adorning oneself with a nose piercing is not merely an aesthetic practice but carries profound cultural and symbolic meanings. This ornament is not just an accessory but a status symbol reflecting the individual’s social standing. Traditionally, women of childbearing age use it to signal their openness to marriage or confirm an established romantic commitment, serving also as a tribute to the deity Parvati, revered in Hinduism as the guardian of marital relationships. During wedding ceremonies, it is common to see brides wearing elaborate nose piercings, which are a fundamental part of their ceremony.

The practice also has roots in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, where it is believed that a piercing on the left nostril is connected with female fertility and reproductive health.

In the Western world, it gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s with the punk subculture and later was embraced as a form of fashion and self-expression.

The process of performing a nose piercing requires professionalism and attention. At TattooLab, piercers use specific needles and ASTM F136 Titanium (implant-grade titanium) jewelry to minimize the risk of infections. After marking the exact spot, the needle is inserted, and the jewelry is positioned. Following the post-care instructions provided by the professional is crucial for proper healing.

The level of pain experienced during the procedure can vary greatly from person to person. Generally, nostril and septum piercings are considered relatively easy and bearable. However, it is normal to feel a pinching or pressure sensation when the needle is inserted.

Proper care of the piercing is essential for a complication-free healing process. After the piercing is done, it is important to clean the area with a sterile saline solution and avoid touching the jewelry with dirty hands. Additionally, it is crucial to follow the specific recommendations of your piercer regarding cleaning and maintenance.

If you notice signs of infection or irritation, such as excessive redness, swelling, pain, or pus discharge, it is important to consult your piercer immediately. They will assess the situation and, if necessary, advise you to contact a doctor. Do not remove the jewelry, as this may trap the infection inside. Following medical advice and maintaining rigorous cleanliness are key steps to resolving the irritation.

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for a nose piercing.

Certain medical conditions – such as metal allergies, blood clotting disorders, and skin issues – can negatively affect the decision to get a piercing. It is always recommended to discuss with a professional piercer and your doctor before proceeding.