What Are the Different Types of Nose Piercings?
A complete guide to every nose piercing placement, from the classic nostril stud to the bold nasallang. Pain levels, healing times and jewellery advice all covered.Nose Piercing Types Explained
The nose is one of the most versatile areas of the face for piercing, with at least nine distinct placements spanning the nostril, septum, bridge and tip. Nose piercings have thousands of years of cultural history across Asia, the Middle East and indigenous communities worldwide and they remain among the most requested piercings in the UK today.
Each nose piercing type differs in placement, pain level, healing time and the jewellery it can accommodate. Whether you are considering a subtle nostril stud or something more striking like a bridge or nasallang piercing, this guide covers everything you need to know before making your decision.
Every Type of Nose Piercing
Nose Piercing Types: Pain, Healing and Jewellery
| Piercing Type | Placement | Pain | Healing Time | Best Jewellery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nostril | Side of nostril curve | 3/10 | 16–24 weeks | Studs, L-pins, small hoops |
| High Nostril | Upper nostril cartilage | 5/10 | 6–9 months | Flat-back studs, L-pins |
| Septum | Columella (soft tissue) | 5/10 | 6–8 months | Clickers, horseshoes, rings |
| Bridge | Upper nose bridge skin | 4/10 | 8–12 weeks | Curved barbells, straight barbells |
| Nasallang | Both nostrils and septum | 8/10 | 6–9 months | Straight barbell |
| Rhino | Tip of nose, vertical | 8/10 | 9–12 months | Curved barbell |
| Austin Bar | Tip of nose, horizontal | 7/10 | 2–3 months | Straight barbell |
| Third Eye | Between the eyebrows | 5/10 | 6–9 months | Surface barbell, dermal |
| Septril | Stretched septum, tip exit | 9/10 | 12+ months | Nostril screw, plug |
What Jewellery Can You Wear in a Nose Piercing?
The right jewellery depends on your placement. Standard nostril piercings accept the widest range of styles including L-shaped nose pins, nose bones, twist studs and hoops. Septum piercings are ideally paired with clickers, horseshoe barbells and seamless rings. Bridge and third eye piercings require surface barbells due to their shallow placement.
For all fresh piercings, implant-grade titanium is the recommended starting material. It is lightweight, hypoallergenic and reduces the risk of irritation while the fistula forms. OSCO London uses implant-grade titanium flat-backs as standard for all new piercings.
Want to explore all piercing types in one place? Visit the Piercing Types Explained hub page for a complete overview of every piercing placement available in the UK, from ears and nose to body and specialist piercings.
Book your nose piercing at OSCO London
All piercings at OSCO London are just £10, carried out by trained professional piercers using implant-grade titanium as standard.
OSCO London is a professional piercing studio based in Northwood, London, offering expert nose piercings using implant-grade titanium jewellery. Visit the OSCO London homepage to browse piercing services and book your appointment.
How to Care for a New Nose Piercing
Nose piercing aftercare follows the same core principles as other piercings: clean twice daily with a sterile saline solution and avoid touching the jewellery unnecessarily. Nose piercings are more exposed to environmental contaminants than ear piercings so consistency is particularly important during the first few months.
Avoid swimming in pools, lakes or the sea during initial healing as chlorine and bacteria can cause irritation. Do not apply makeup, skincare or sunscreen directly over a fresh nose piercing. Blowing your nose forcefully can also disturb the healing fistula so be gentle during recovery.
Signs of normal healing include mild swelling in the first few days, occasional clear or white discharge and some tenderness around the piercing site. If you notice green or yellow pus, significant worsening pain after the first week or spreading redness, consult a healthcare professional promptly.
For guidance on every other piercing style, head to the Piercing Types Explained hub, which covers all placement categories from ear cartilage to body and specialist piercings in one central resource.