Safety First: How to Pierce Your Nose

Safety First: How to Pierce Your Nose

Nose piercings are an increasingly popular way to express oneself through body art. Ranging from a delicate nostril stud to an attention-grabbing septum ring, nose piercings allow you to accessorize your face. Though the process seems straightforward, proper technique, aftercare, and jewelry selection are key to avoiding complications. Read this beginner’s guide covering the ins and outs of how to pierce your nose.

Choosing a Piercing Professional

Getting pierced by an experienced professional is perhaps the most important step for any facial piercing. Always visit a licensed piercing shop rather than trying DIY methods at home. Look for these signs of a qualified piercer:

• Has completed official training and apprenticeships
• Is licensed in your state and insured
• Uses single-use needles and sterilized equipment
• Displays certificates and memberships in industry groups like the Association of Professional Piercers (APP)
• Has mostly favorable reviews for being skilled, sanitary, and friendly

A good piercer will guide you through jewelry selection and aftercare. Reputable studios are clean and welcoming. Trust your instincts – go elsewhere if a shop feels sketchy or unsanitary.

How to Pierce Your Nose (Picking the Piercing Location)

The nose offers several possible piercing sites:

Nostril: Through the fleshy nostril sides. Versatile and quick healing.

Septum: Through the cartilage septum between the nostrils. Allows for subtle or showy jewelry.

High nostril: Piercing placed higher on the crease of the nostril. More visibility of jewelry.

Bridge: Vertically through the skin between the eyes. The risk of rejection is higher.

Septril: Combination septum and nostril piercing. Allows for connected jewelry.

For first-timers, nostril and septum piercings are the least complex and heal the fastest. Discuss placement, risks, and lifestyle factors with your piercer.

How to Pierce Your Nose (Procedure)

Expect the process to take 10-30 minutes. Here’s an overview:

1. Piercer will clean the skin and use a pen to mark the placement. They’ll have you approve the location.
2. A receiving tube is inserted behind the piercing site to protect the skin when the needle goes through.
3. A sterilized hollow piercing needle will quickly pass through the marked spot to create the hole. There may be some pinching or sharp heat. This step takes seconds.
4. Jewelry will be slid into the new hole. A bit of pressure or tugging may be felt as it moves through.
5. The piercer will clean the area, review aftercare, and send you on your way sporting new bling!

How to Pierce Your Nose (Caring for a Healing Nose Piercing)

Follow these aftercare tips for the healthiest, least problematic healing:

• Wash your hands before touching the piercing. Leave jewelry in place for 6-8 weeks minimum.
• Use a saline spray twice daily to clean crusties and discharge away. Avoid ointments.
• Dry piercings gently with lint-free paper towels or gauze after cleaning. Air drying is ideal.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed for soreness. Use an ice pack to reduce swelling.
• Avoid getting hair products, makeup, dirt, or germs in the piercing hole.
• Don’t submerge in bodies of water like pools, tubs, or hot tubs.
• Be vigilant for signs of infection like fever, swelling, redness, pus, or foul odor. Seek medical care if these occur.
• Adjust activities to avoid trauma to the piercing. Protect the nose during contact sports.

Proper aftercare can shorten healing time and prevent dangerous infections. Most nose piercings take 2-4 months to heal fully.

How to Pierce Your Nose (Risks and Considerations)

While relatively low-risk, be aware of these potential nose-piercing risks:

• Bacterial infection – Practice good hygiene during healing to prevent infection.
• Bleeding – A piercing may bleed lightly afterward. Apply pressure if excess bleeding occurs.
• Scarring – Scarring is possible if the hole closes or trauma damages tissue. The skill of the piercer reduces scarring risks.
• Swelling – Tenderness, bruising, and mild swelling are common during the first week. Follow aftercare to minimize.
• Rejection – A piercing may be rejected. Seek help from your piercer if migration or rejection occurs to prevent scarring.
• Reaction to metals – Nickel allergies can cause a reaction. Opt for hypoallergenic jewelry.

Discuss your medical history with your piercer to avoid problems. While relatively safe when done properly, nose piercings require diligent aftercare and awareness of risks.

How to Pierce Your Nose (FAQs):

• How much does a nose piercing cost?
  Answer: From $30-$100 including the jewelry. Septum and bridge piercings may cost more.
• Do nose piercings hurt a lot?
  Answer: There may be a quick pinch and dull ache, but the pain lasts mere seconds.
• Can I hide a nose piercing without removing it?
  Answer: Yes, clear spacers or retainers allow nose piercings to stay hidden. Nostril piercings can turn up inside the nose temporarily.
• How do I clean crusties from a new nose piercing?
  Answer: Use saline spray and lint-free gauze. Crusting is normal. Avoid picking them away.
• When can I change my nose ring?
  Answer: After about 6-8 weeks once healed. Avoid changing jewelry during initial healing phase.

In summary, nose piercings make bold style statements if cared for properly. Do your research, see a licensed professional, follow aftercare, and enjoy your new look!