Septum piercings are a super popular piercing and for good reason. Not only is it flattering on everyone, but it also allows for a range of stylish expression. This piercing, positioned at the center of the nose, offers the flexibility of being either eye-catching or subtle. If you're considering getting a septum piercing, here are the essential factors to think about before taking the plunge.
1. Pain Level and Piercing Process
One of the most common questions about septum piercings is, "how much do it hurt?" The good news is that septum piercings typically hurt LESS than you think. The needle goes through a thin, squishy, and soft area of cartilage inside the nose called the "sweet spot." Where this spot is located can vary from person to person, but typically it is tight to the front of the nose.
During the piercing, you may feel a brief stinging sensation, and your eyes might water a bit—that’s normal! Afterward, minor soreness or swelling is common, but this usually fades within a few days. If you're nervous about pain, be sure to talk to your piercer—they’ll explain the process and may offer tips to help you feel more comfortable.
2. Healing Time and Aftercare
Healing is a key factor with any piercing! Typically, a septum piercing take 6-8 weeks to initially heal. Complete healing can take up to 6 months. Here's what to know to ensure your septum piercing stays clean and heals well:
Clean daily: Use a saline solution to gently cleanse the area. You can buy a pre-made sterile solution at a piercing studio, drugstore, or online.
Avoid touching the piercing: Resist touching or twisting your jewelry unless you're cleaning it. If touching is necessary, do so with clean hands! You can flip your piercing while it heals, but do so with caution and avoid doing so frequently.
Wait to change your jewelry: There are so many cute septum jewelry options out there! But it's best to wait until your piercing is FULLY healed before changing your jewelry.
3. Jewelry Choices for Septum Piercings
One of the biggest perks of a septum piercing is the range of jewelry options! When you are pierced, you will most likely be fit with a 16GA horseshoe barbell (unless you opt for a bigger gauge!) If you'd like your initial jewelry to be discreet, discuss with your piercer to explore your options! You may be able to fit with a small piece or jewelry that can be compatible with flipping up into your nose.
Once your piercing is healed, you can experiment with new styles. Here's a quick rundown of popular options:
Circular Barbells: C-shaped with balls at each end, circular barbells can be "flipped up" to hide the piercing when need. They are a comfortable option for new and old septum piercings!
Hinged Segment Rings: These rings feature a design that makes insertion and removal easy. Segment rings come in a range of styles from simple to ornamental.
Clickers: Similar to a hinged segment ring, clickers typically have a partial circle with a flat bar that hinges to open and close.
4. Risks and Allergies
As with any piercing, there are some potential risks to consider. Infection, while rare with proper care, can occur if bacteria enters the piercing. Being pierced by a trusted professional and certified piercer as well as keeping up with aftercare significantly reduces this risk.
Also worth noting is that if this is your first time having a piercing in your nose, your body may need some time to adjust! Whether your nose is running, stuffy, or irritated, be gentle with the area when using a tissue or blowing your nose.
5. Commitment
Septum piercings are typically a low maintenance piercing. Like any piercing, it needs to be regularly cleaned. However, once healed, it is a straightforward piercing that typically doesn't need to be monitored. If a septum piercing is retired, the small scar that may be left will remain discreet and hidden in the nose.
If you're seeking a statement piercing that is low maintenance, a septum piercing makes for a super choice.
When you're ready to take the plunge, choose a reputable piercer. Happy piercing!
About Pierced Owl:
Pierced Owl is a high quality body jewelry retailer selling in the United States, Canada and Australia. Founded in 2016, our team works hard to hand pick the salon quality pieces we carry. We pride ourselves on being the go-to source for unique, safe, and high quality jewelry for our customers.
We offer a unique collection of items, from natural stone and wood plugs to 14K gold barbells, and are dedicated to providing consistently new selections of jewelry. We strive to maintain high customer satisfaction and to offer an extensive selection of body jewelry made from safe materials including titanium, stainless steel, 14K gold and sterling silver.
