Types of Nose Piercings

Which nose piercing hurts the least?: Most individuals find septum piercings to be the least painful, with a pain level around 2-3/10. Septum piercings can be done by an experienced piercer and have a quick healing time of 2-3 months.
How long does a nostril piercing take to heal?: Nose piercing types like the nostril, high nostril, and Austin bar typically require 4-6 months for healing. The septum piercing usually takes 2-3 months but can vary based on individual anatomy.
Can I get a septum piercing if I need to hide it for work?: Yes, you can get a septum piercing. It is a versatile option that allows the jewelry to be hidden beneath the skin, making it suitable for professional settings.
What's the difference between a nose screw and flat-back stud?: A nose screw is a type of jewelry designed specifically for nose piercings; it has a head on one end and an adjustable shaft that fits into a drilled hole. A flat-back stud, however, is made to look like a regular jewel without the need for additional hardware.
Can I get my nostril and septum done at the same time?: Yes, it is possible to combine these piercings in what's known as a "double nostril plus septum" setup. However, this requires an experienced piercer who can accurately place both piercings correctly.
Why is my nose piercing sinking into my nose?: If you are experiencing your nose piercing sinking or moving out of position, it could be due to incorrect healing care techniques such as rotating the jewelry. Proper aftercare and keeping the area clean can prevent this issue.
At what age can I get a nose piercing in Oregon?: In Oregon, you must be at least 18 years old to get a nose piercing legally without parental consent. This legal requirement ensures that piercings are chosen responsibly and with mature understanding of the procedures involved.
Can nose piercings close up after years of wearing them?: Nose piercings generally do not "close" or retract over time, but they may require adjustments due to changes in skin thickness. Proper care and regular maintenance are key to keeping your piercing looking its best.

Nose Piercing Types Detailed Breakdown

**NOSTRIL PIERCING**

The classic nose piercing, placed at the crease of the nostril. It can be high (above the crease) or double (on both sides). Standard jewelry includes flat-back studs and hoops.

**SEPTUM PIERCING**

A versatile option that involves placing the jewelry through the columella, avoiding the cartilage. The "sweet spot" for a smooth pierce is the area between the nostrils. Flipping up the septum can be done to hide it from view.

**HIGH NOSTRIL PIERCING**

A less common and more complex placement, higher on the nose. Requires precise anatomy-dependent positioning and usually uses a straight flat-back stud.

**BRIDGE PIERCING**

A rare and often used surface piercing technique that involves placing jewelry across the bridge between the eyes using a flat-back barbell.

**AUSTIN BAR**

A dramatic and non-functional horizontal placement through both nostrils AND the septum, using a straight barbell. Requires an experienced piercer to ensure proper healing times of 9-12 months.

**NASALLANG**

The most complex tri-piercing that combines both nostril and septum placements with one single barbell. This piercing must be performed by a highly skilled technician, as it is quite challenging to execute correctly.

Nose Piercing Types Comparison Table

Type	Pain Level	Healing Time (months)	Can Be Hidden?	Jewelry Type	Difficulty Level
NOSTRIL PIERCING	3-4/10	4-6 months	No	nose stud, hoop, L-shaped pin	Standard
SEPTUM PIERCING	2-3/10 (usually eye-watering but brief)	2-3 months	Nope, but can be flipped up	circular barbell, captive ring, clicker	Moderate
HIGH NOSTRIL PIERCING	5-6/10 (more cartilage)	6-12 months	Nope	straight flat-back stud	Difficult
BRIECEG PIERCING	3-4/10	8-12 months	Nope, requires surface piercing technique	flat-back barbell	Rare
AUSTIN BAR	6-7/10 (horizontal positioning)	9-12 months	Nope, requires specific placement technique	nose screw or flat-back stud	Rare
NASALLANG (NO STRONG PIERCING)	7-8/10 (tri-piercing, most complex setup)	6-12 months	Nope, requires highly skilled technician for placement	single barbell with three piercings	Highest Difficulty Level