Once mostly associated with punks and cartoon bovines, the septum piercing — which passes through the soft tissue between your nostrils — has edged into the mainstream, helped along by celebrities who flaunt them.
about getting one? Here’s what to expect.
Can anyone get one?
Generally, yes — but remember that noses vary. Not everyone has a prominent columella, the thin strip of flesh that sits in front of the cartilage between your nostrils.
That little strip of tissue is the ideal “sweet spot” piercers aim for when doing septum piercings. If yours is especially thin or absent, a piercer might pierce through cartilage instead, which is more painful and takes longer to heal.
If you care about symmetry and you have a deviated septum, the piercing might not be perfectly centered. It’s not a major issue for most, but it can matter to some people.
How’s it done?
After you pick your body artist (the piercer), you’ll be asked for ID and to complete some paperwork, including a waiver.
When it’s time, you’ll recline in a chair or lie on a table while the inside of your nostrils is cleaned with disinfectant.
The exact method can differ by piercer.
They may use:
- a needle only (called freehand)
- forceps to hold the nostrils open plus a needle
- a receiving tube, a hollow tube that supports tissue on one side and catches the needle as it’s pushed through
The jewelry is threaded into the new hole as the needle is withdrawn.
While techniques vary, sanitary and safety practices should be consistent and include:
- the piercer wearing fresh disposable gloves
- thorough disinfection of the inside of both nostrils
- the piercer taking needles and other tools from sterile packaging
The whole process is pretty swift — usually just a minute or two from start to finish.
How much does it actually hurt?
Any time you have a hole made in your body there’s going to be some discomfort. That said, septum piercings are generally not among the most painful piercings.
If the piercer hits the proper spot, most describe the sensation as more “strange” or “odd” than outright painful, often likened to the feeling of needing to sneeze.
The sting from the needle through tissue lasts only a moment. Some people feel that placing the jewelry can hurt more than the initial puncture.
If you want to keep pain down, try to stay relaxed. Most piercers and clients agree that tension seems to amplify pain.
Expect mild soreness at the tip of your nose for the first week or so, but not severe pain. Persistent or worsening pain could indicate an infection or other issue.
What should I expect to pay?
Septum piercing costs commonly range from about $40 to $90.
A few factors affect the price, such as:
- the piercer’s experience
- the studio and its location
- the jewelry used — check whether it’s included in the fee
If budget matters (when doesn’t it?), also account for extras like aftercare supplies and a tip.
What’s the best metal to use?
Most piercers choose surgical stainless steel (SSS) for initial piercings because it’s generally safe and affordable.
The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) recommends initial jewelry made from any of the following metals:
Surgical stainless steel
If it’s suitable for surgical implants, it’s typically fine for septum jewelry.
Surgical stainless steel is tough, nonporous, and non-absorbent, with a low rate of nickel release. Although it contains some nickel, processing usually makes it safe even for those with a mild nickel sensitivity.
However, someone with a severe nickel allergy may still react to SSS; in that case, titanium is a better alternative.
Titanium
Titanium is another implant-grade metal.
Piercers often recommend it, particularly for initial piercings, because it’s fully hypoallergenic and safe for virtually everyone. It’s the top option for those with pronounced nickel allergies.
The drawback is it costs more.
Niobium
Niobium resembles titanium and is safe for most people.
Key differences are that it isn’t classified as implant-grade (not approved for surgical implantation), which isn’t a huge concern in this context, and it’s heavier than titanium.
Price-wise it’s more costly than SSS but typically cheaper than titanium.
Solid 14-karat or higher gold
If you choose gold for a septum piercing, it should be 14 karat or higher.
It can be yellow, white, or rose gold — just make sure it’s solid gold, not gold-plated or gold-filled, since plating can peel and alloys (including nickel) in plated pieces can cause reactions.
Solid gold jewelry is unsurprisingly pricier than other metals.
What about jewelry type?
Once your piercing is fully healed, you can experiment with many styles. Initially, though, you’ll likely have a 14- or 16-gauge ring, circular barbell, or horseshoe.
Discuss options with your piercer and mention any concerns, since some shapes may suit your needs better. For example, if you need to conceal your piercing for work, a horseshoe shape often tucks away more easily.
Any potential risks to consider?
There are a few. Choosing an experienced, reputable piercer significantly reduces risks.
Potential complications include:
- Allergic reactions. Some jewelry — especially those containing nickel — can trigger allergies. Tell your piercer about any known allergies beforehand.
- Infections. An open wound can let bacteria in, causing redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. Proper cleaning and following aftercare are essential.
- Septal hematoma. If blood vessels or the tissue lining the cartilage are damaged, blood can collect and form a hematoma, causing pain, swelling, pressure, and congestion.
- Bloodborne diseases. Using unsterilized needles risks transmitting bloodborne infections like HIV, hepatitis B and C, or tetanus. Make sure your piercer uses a new, sterile needle.
- Scarring. Scarring is usually not a cosmetic issue for septum piercings since they’re hidden, but excessive scar tissue or keloids can be uncomfortable.
- Tearing. Jewelry can get caught and potentially be torn out, depending on the type worn.
What do I need to do afterward?
Aftercare is crucial to help the piercing heal and to prevent infection or other problems.
Your piercer will give you specific aftercare steps, but here are key do’s and don’ts:
- DON’T handle it unnecessarily — the more you touch it, the longer healing can take.
- DO wash your hands before touching or cleaning it to avoid introducing bacteria.
- DON’T flip it up if you can avoid it until fully healed.
- DO rinse with warm water first if you must flip it, to help loosen crusts and reduce bleeding or harm.
- DON’T use products with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, and avoid harsh soaps containing iodine or triclosan.
- DO use a saline solution — either store-bought or homemade — to rinse the area.
- DON’T overwash; limit cleaning to two or three times daily or as needed.
- DO be cautious when dressing, blowing your nose, or doing anything that might catch or pull the jewelry.
How long does it take to heal?
A septum piercing does most of its healing within 2 to 3 months, although for some people it can take 6 to 8 months to be fully healed.
Healing speed depends on factors like:
- how closely you follow aftercare
- how frequently you touch the piercing while it heals
- your general health
- any complications such as infection
When can I change the jewelry?
Opinions vary, but a common guideline is to wait until:
- it’s no longer tender
- the minimum healing time (usually at least 2–3 months) has passed
- it’s no longer weepy or crusty
Unless there’s a problem, keep the initial jewelry in place for the entire healing period. If you must swap jewelry during healing, have a professional piercer do it.
Do they really start to smell?
Some people with septum piercings notice a particular odor even after healing.
If there are no signs of infection, the smell is often from a buildup of oils and dead skin around the jewelry. Being located under your nose can make it more noticeable.
Regular cleaning should control any odor.
How do I know if there’s a problem?
You’ll likely notice it if something is wrong.
Watch for these signs:
- severe or worsening pain, redness, or swelling
- itching
- pressure
- thick green, yellow, or gray discharge or foul-smelling pus
- fever or chills
- a lump or hardened tissue around the piercing
- skin outbreaks or bumps
- thinning, flaking, or peeling of tissue around the piercing
See your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms.
What if I end up not liking it?
It’s best to wait until it heals and then swap jewelry or change the look. If you’re certain you don’t want it, you can remove it yourself or have your piercer do it.
The hole usually closes over time — commonly within a couple of months.
Remember that if you remove it during the healing phase, you should continue aftercare until the opening is fully closed.
The bottom line
If a septum piercing appeals to you, find a trusted piercer, take a calming breath, and go for it.
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