Septum Piercing 101: Pain, Healing, Safety, and Style
Curious about septum piercings? Here’s your expert guide on pain, healing, aftercare, and choosing the perfect jewelry for your new look.
Septum piercings have quickly become one of the trendiest and most versatile forms of self-expression, blending seamlessly from casual to high-fashion looks. Seen on celebrities from Zoë Kravitz to Zendaya, the septum ring is a statement chosen by many for its unique placement and customizable style. If you’re debating whether to embrace this bold piercing, or simply want to understand every aspect before commiting, this comprehensive guide covers pain, healing, safety, aftercare, jewelry options, and more.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Septum Piercing?
- Does a Septum Piercing Hurt?
- Septum Piercing Healing Process
- Septum Piercing Aftercare Tips
- How to Change Your Septum Jewelry
- How Much Does a Septum Piercing Cost?
- How Is a Septum Piercing Performed?
- Best Metals for Septum Jewelry
- Septum Piercing Safety and Risks
- Should I Get a Septum Piercing?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Septum Piercing?
A septum piercing is a perforation made through the thin wall of tissue (the septum) that divides your left and right nostrils. Unlike nostril piercings—which go through one side of the nose—a septum piercing is situated directly in the center below the cartilage, usually passed through what’s known as the “sweet spot” (the soft part just beneath your cartilage and above the base of your nostrils) .
- The jewelry is typically visible just under the nose and is often referred to as a “bull ring” piercing.
- Common jewelry options include hoops, horseshoes (circular barbells), or more ornate clickers.
- Some people choose bars, but rings are most popular for visibility and aesthetic reasons.
Does a Septum Piercing Hurt?
The leading concern for many: Does it hurt? Pain is highly subjective, but most people experience a few seconds of sharp pain, followed by a nose-tingling or sneeze-inducing sensation .
- The needle doesn’t pass through cartilage (which would be more painful), but through the “sweet spot”—a soft, flexible membrane.
- Some watery eyes, a slight pinch, and pressure are common, but the pain is brief and manageable for most.
- Right after, you may feel a tender or warm sensation in the area, much like with other cartilage or advanced ear piercings.
- After the initial minutes, lingering soreness generally resolves within a few days.
Most describe septum piercing pain as stronger than a simple earlobe piercing but far from excruciating. Everyone’s threshold varies, but it’s generally tolerable and over quickly.
Septum Piercing Healing Process
Septum piercings typically require six weeks to three months to heal the surface tissue, but deeper healing can take up to a year. Here’s what to expect:
- The surface may seal and appear healed in 6-12 weeks if kept clean and undisturbed .
- Full, deep healing—meaning the area is totally resistant to irritation—may take 6 months to a year, and in some cases, up to two years .
- Avoid changing jewelry prematurely to prevent scarring or tearing.
What others are reading
Piercing professionals advise patience; premature handling or switching jewelry before full healing can delay the process and increase the risk of complications.
| Healing Stage | Time Frame | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Healing | 6-12 weeks | Soreness, mild redness, maybe slight crusting; don’t touch. |
| Intermediate | 3-6 months | Swelling reduces, but tissue still vulnerable. No jewelry changes yet. |
| Full Maturation | 6-24 months | Piercing is strong, less irritation risk. Jewelry swaps safe. |
Septum Piercing Aftercare Tips
Proper aftercare is vital for a smooth, infection-free healing period. Here are essential septum piercing care guidelines:
- Clean twice daily: Use a sterile saline spray or wound wash. Spray the area, let sit for a moment, and gently pat dry with a clean paper towel or gauze. Do not twist or move the jewelry.
- Avoid hands and makeup: Hands carry bacteria; keep them and makeup away from the healing site.
- Be patient with cleaning: Don’t overclean, as this can dry or irritate the tissue.
- Check your linens: Change bed sheets and pillowcases often to avoid dirt and oil buildup.
Signs of trouble (such as persistent redness, swelling, pus, or worsening pain) mean it’s time to see your piercer or a healthcare provider promptly.
How to Change Your Septum Jewelry
Wait until your piercing is fully healed before changing jewelry. Once swelling and discharge have completely resolved, follow these steps for safe jewelry changes:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Disinfect the new jewelry by soaking it in saline or an antiseptic solution designed for body jewelry.
- Look in a mirror for accurate placement.
- If using a ring with a ball closure or clicker, carefully open it and remove the old piece by gently sliding it out.
- Gently thread the new jewelry into the piercing; avoid force or twisting.
- Reattach any clasps or closures securely.
If you experience pain, bleeding, or resistance, stop and consult your piercer. Early jewelry changes can irritate or damage the delicate healing tract.
How Much Does a Septum Piercing Cost?
Prices vary depending on the studio, city, and jewelry:
- Professional studio fee: Typically $40–$80 for the piercing alone.
- Jewelry costs: Stainless steel rings start around $15; gold or gemstone-adorned pieces can cost several hundred dollars .
- Luxury counters or retailers may waive piercing fees if you buy their jewelry.
- Always consider quality over price—lower-quality jewelry may cause irritation or infection.
How Is a Septum Piercing Performed?
Professional piercing studios follow strict hygiene protocols and use special tools for a safe, precise septum piercing:
- Licensing and hygiene: The piercer should be licensed, wear new gloves, and use sterile, single-use needles straight from a sealed packet.
- Marking: The piercer locates your “sweet spot” (soft tissue beneath cartilage), then marks the entry and exit points on your septum for accuracy.
- Needle technique: Piercing is completed using a hollow, single-use needle—not a piercing gun, which is unsafe for cartilage or septum procedures.
- Jewelry insertion: Jewelry is threaded through immediately after. Expect mild discomfort but minimal bleeding if the piercing is placed correctly.
Research your piercer and studio thoroughly. Read reviews and seek out recommendations before committing to any body modification service.
Best Metals for Septum Jewelry
Using the right material is crucial for healing and long-term wear. Leading safe metals include:
- Stainless steel: Hypoallergenic, affordable, and widely available.
- Niobium: Great for sensitive skin, moderately priced, and less likely to cause allergic reactions.
- Titanium: High-end option, hypoallergenic, lightweight, and ideal for sensitive piercings.
- Solid gold (14k or higher): Luxurious and hypoallergenic, but opt for solid rather than plated gold. Gold plating can wear off, exposing other metals that may irritate the piercing .
Always avoid nickel-heavy, low-quality alloys, and steer clear of jewelry that is tarnished, coated with unknown substances, or feels rough to the touch.
Septum Piercing Safety and Risks
- Only visit professional, licensed studios. Hygiene and expertise prevent infection and bad placements.
- Avoid unsterile environments, piercing guns, or DIY methods. These can cause pain, swelling, infections, and wreck proper placement.
- Signs of infection to watch for:
- Persistent redness and heat
- Yellow or green discharge
- Severe swelling or pain after several days
- Fever or chills
- If symptoms persist, consult a piercer or healthcare professional promptly. Infection can lead to tissue damage if ignored.
Using proper aftercare, appropriate jewelry, and reliable studios dramatically lowers your risk of complication.
Should I Get a Septum Piercing?
If you’re considering it, here are the main considerations:
- Personal style and expression: Septum jewelry is easy to conceal (flip it up) or display, making it suitable for different environments.
- Commitment: Dedication to aftercare is a must for a successful healing process.
- Reversibility: When removed after full healing, septum piercings often close up with minimal, if any, visible scarring.
- Health and allergy status: Always disclose sensitivities and ask your piercer about hypoallergenic metals.
If you choose a reputable studio and care for your piercing, most people find septum piercings a rewarding and stylish choice with minimal long-term drawbacks .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I hide my septum piercing for school or work?
A: Yes! Many jewelry types (like horseshoe barbells) can be flipped up inside your nostrils, making the piercing virtually invisible for professional or personal reasons.
Q: What if I have allergies to certain metals?
A: Stick to titanium, niobium, or certified implant-grade stainless steel. These metals are least likely to cause allergic reactions. Avoid nickel-based or mystery metals.
Q: How soon can I switch to a different ring?
A: Wait until your piercing is completely healed—usually at least 3 months, often longer. Changing jewelry too soon can re-traumatize the area and prolong healing.
Q: How do I know if my septum piercing is infected?
A: Signs include severe redness, pronounced swelling, heat, green/yellow discharge, and worsening pain after the first few days. Persistent symptoms mean you should consult your piercer or physician.
Q: Will a septum piercing leave a permanent scar?
A: In most cases, the hole closes with minimal to no visible scarring if you remove the jewelry after full healing.
Q: What piercing jewelry thickness (gauge) should I get?
A: Most septum piercings are done at 16 or 18 gauge. Your piercer will help you choose what’s best for your anatomy and desired style.
Q: Can I go swimming after getting my septum pierced?
A: It’s best to avoid pools, lakes, or hot tubs for the first several months. Chlorine and bacteria increase the risk of infection during healing.
Q: Can I get a septum piercing if I have a deviated septum?
A: In most cases, yes, but discuss it with your piercer. Anatomy varies, and some deviations may affect placement or healing.
Q: What if I change my mind—will the hole close?
A: Most septum piercings close quickly after jewelry is removed, especially if they’re less than a year old. Older, well-healed piercings may leave a tiny opening, but this is typically invisible.
Final Thoughts
If you’re about to embrace the septum trend, research, safe practice, and patience are key. The right studio, correct jewelry, and diligent aftercare routine can make the journey from pinching pain to empowered style a breeze.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/fashion/style/a40058398/septum-piercings/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a29813455/septum-piercing-101-guide/
- https://www.grazia.co.in/beauty/the-ultimate-guide-to-nose-piercings-9758.html
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/fashion/best-ear-and-nose-piercing-ideas-to-try-in-2023
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