Nostril vs Septum: Which Piercing is Right for You?

"Should I get my nostril or my septum pierced?"

We hear this question every single day at Platinum Body Piercings in San Antonio. It's one of the most common decisions people face when they walk in wanting a nose piercing — and the answer isn't as simple as "whichever looks cooler."

Nostril and septum piercings are fundamentally different in almost every way that matters: how they're done, how they heal, what jewelry options you have, how they affect your daily life, how easy they are to hide, and yes — how much they hurt.

After 26 years of performing both piercings thousands of times, here's the honest, detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.

The Basics: What Each Piercing Is

Nostril Piercing

A nostril piercing goes through the curved cartilage/tissue on either side of your nose — left side, right side, or both (a "double nostril" or "paired nostrils"). The standard placement is in the crease where the nostril flares out from the bridge, though exact placement is customized based on your anatomy and aesthetic preference.

At Platinum, we pierce nostrils at 18 gauge — this is the standard gauge for nostril piercings and accommodates the widest range of jewelry options.

Septum Piercing

A septum piercing goes through the "sweet spot" — a thin membrane of tissue (the columella) between the cartilage of the nasal septum and the bottom of the nose. Despite what many people think, a properly placed septum piercing does not go through cartilage. It goes through soft tissue, which is why it's typically less painful than people expect and heals faster than most nose piercings.

At Platinum, we pierce septums at 16 gauge — slightly thicker than nostril jewelry, which gives the jewelry more structural stability and accommodates the circular barbells and clickers that are standard for septum piercings.

Pain Comparison: Honest Assessment

Let's get the question everyone really wants answered out of the way.

Nostril Pain

A nostril piercing goes through tissue that contains some cartilage (depending on exact placement) or dense connective tissue near the cartilage edge. The piercing itself is a quick, sharp pinch that lasts about a second. Most clients rate it around a 4-5 out of 10.

The real discomfort with nostril piercings comes afterward. Your eyes will water — that's a reflexive response, not an indication of how much it hurts. And for the first few days, the nostril will feel tender, stuffy, and sensitive. Blowing your nose becomes an adventure.

Septum Pain

Here's where the reputation doesn't match reality. Most people expect septum piercings to be excruciating — after all, it's through the middle of your nose. But a properly placed septum piercing through the sweet spot (soft tissue, not cartilage) is often less painful than a nostril piercing.

The sensation is a sharp pinch followed by intense eye-watering that lasts 10-30 seconds. Most clients say it's a 3-4 out of 10. The common reaction? "That's it? I was bracing for so much worse."

The key phrase here is "properly placed." A septum piercing that goes through cartilage (incorrect placement) will hurt significantly more and heal slower. This is why choosing an experienced piercer matters — finding the sweet spot requires skill and anatomical knowledge.

The Verdict

For most people, septum piercings are less painful than nostril piercings. Septum goes through soft tissue; nostril goes through denser tissue near cartilage. But individual pain tolerance, anatomy, and piercer technique all play a role. Neither is unbearable.

Healing Time

Nostril Healing

4-6 months for full healing. Nostril piercings are one of the slower-healing facial piercings because of the tissue type and the location — your nose is constantly moving (talking, eating, facial expressions), exposed to airflow, and subject to bumps and snags.

During healing:

• The first 2-4 weeks involve the most tenderness and swelling
• Crusties (dried lymph fluid) around the jewelry are normal for months
• The inside of the nostril tends to be more problematic than the outside
• Downsizing from initial longer jewelry should happen at 5-7 weeks
• The piercing may seem healed at 2-3 months but isn't — keep up aftercare

Septum Healing

2-3 months for full healing. Septum piercings heal significantly faster than nostril piercings because the sweet spot is a thin membrane with good blood supply. Many clients report their septum feeling completely comfortable within 4-6 weeks, though we still recommend allowing the full 2-3 months before changing jewelry.

During healing:

• Swelling is usually minimal and resolves within a week
• Tenderness is primarily in the first 1-2 weeks
• The nose may feel stuffy or produce more mucus initially
• Crusties are normal but tend to be less persistent than with nostril piercings

The Verdict

Septum heals faster — roughly half the time of a nostril piercing. If healing speed is a factor in your decision, septum has the clear advantage.

Jewelry Options

This is where the two piercings diverge significantly, and it's often the deciding factor.

Nostril Jewelry

Nostril piercings are incredibly versatile in terms of jewelry:

• Flat-back labret studs — The standard for initial piercing and everyday wear. A flat disc sits inside the nostril (comfortable, won't fall out) with a decorative end on the outside. Available in implant-grade titanium (NeoMetal) or 14kt gold (Junipurr, Anatometal, Modern Mood, Buddha Jewelry).
• Nostril screws — An L-shaped or corkscrew-shaped post. Less secure than labrets but some people prefer them.
• Rings (hoops) — Seamless rings, clicker rings, or captive bead rings. Not recommended for initial piercing — rings move too much and create irritation during healing. Once healed, hoops are the classic nostril look.
• Gem ends, opals, cabochons — The decorative end can be anything from a tiny 1.5mm diamond to a larger opal, gemstone, or custom design. This is where brands like Junipurr, NeoMetal, and Buddha Jewelry shine — the variety is staggering.

The aesthetic range of nostril piercings is enormous. From a barely-there micro gem to a bold statement hoop, nostril piercings can be dressed up or down in countless ways.

Septum Jewelry

Septum jewelry options are different but equally appealing:

• Circular barbells (horseshoe shape) — The most common initial and everyday option. Two balls (or decorative ends) visible below the nose, with the curved bar hidden inside.
• Clicker rings — Hinged rings that "click" shut. Available in simple smooth designs, ornate decorative styles, and everything in between. Clickers are the statement jewelry of septum piercings.
• Seamless rings — Simple, clean hoops for a minimalist look.
• Retainers — Clear or skin-colored horseshoe barbells or staple-shaped retainers designed to make the piercing virtually invisible. More on this in the "hiding" section.
• Stacked looks — Multiple rings or combinations of rings and clickers for a layered aesthetic.

Septum jewelry tends to make more of a statement. The placement — center of the face, framed by the nostrils — means even small jewelry draws attention. Ornate clickers can be absolutely stunning.

The Verdict

Both offer excellent jewelry options, but the aesthetics are fundamentally different. Nostril piercings offer more subtle, everyday versatility. Septum piercings offer more dramatic statement potential. Your personal style should drive this choice.

Hiding the Piercing: Which Is Easier?

This matters if you work in a conservative environment, have family situations, or simply want the option to make the piercing invisible when needed.

Hiding a Nostril Piercing

Difficult. A nostril piercing is on the outside of your nose. Even the smallest gem or flat disc is visible. Clear retainers exist but are still somewhat noticeable — they maintain the hole but don't make it disappear.

Makeup can partially conceal a healed nostril piercing if the jewelry end is very small and flat, but it's not foolproof. For professional settings that don't allow visible piercings, nostril piercings are hard to fully conceal.

Hiding a Septum Piercing

Easy. This is one of the septum's biggest advantages. A circular barbell or retainer can be flipped up inside the nostrils, making the piercing completely invisible to anyone looking at you. Nobody can tell it's there — not your boss, not your grandma, not anyone.

This works during healing too (once initial swelling has subsided), though we recommend not flipping it up and down constantly, as the movement can irritate the healing piercing. Pick a position and leave it for a while.

The Verdict

Septum is dramatically easier to hide. If concealability matters to you, septum wins by a mile. It's one of the few piercings that can be 100% invisible at will.

Lifestyle Considerations

Nostril: Daily Life Impact

• Blowing your nose: Annoying during healing. You'll need to be gentle and work around the jewelry.
• Colds and allergies: If you live in San Antonio, cedar fever season (December-February) with a healing nostril piercing is... an experience. The constant runny nose and tissue use creates irritation.
• Sleeping: If you sleep face-down or on the side of your nostril piercing, you'll need to adjust. Pressure from a pillow can cause irritation bumps.
• Glasses and sunglasses: Depending on placement, nose pads from glasses can interfere with a nostril piercing. Discuss this with your piercer during placement planning.
• Masks: Less of a concern now than during peak COVID, but masks can catch on nostril jewelry, especially during healing.

Septum: Daily Life Impact

• Blowing your nose: Less affected than nostril piercings since the jewelry sits between/below the nostrils, not inside one.
• Colds and allergies: Still annoying but less directly impacted than nostril piercings.
• Sleeping: Almost zero impact. Septum jewelry doesn't get pressed by pillows the way nostril piercings do.
• Glasses: No conflict whatsoever.
• Eating and kissing: Circular barbells can occasionally get in the way of eating (especially with large decorative ends) or intimate moments. Most people adapt quickly.

The Verdict

Septum piercings have less daily lifestyle impact for most people. Nostril piercings interact with more daily activities — nose-blowing, sleeping, glasses, and masks.

Cost Comparison

Pricing for both piercings is similar at most professional piercing shops, including ours. The piercing service fee is comparable. Where cost differs is in the jewelry.

Nostril piercings with a flat-back labret and a basic titanium end will be on the more affordable end. Upgrading to a gold end with a genuine gemstone from brands like Junipurr or Anatometal increases the price accordingly.

Septum piercings with a basic implant-grade titanium circular barbell are similarly affordable. Ornate gold clickers can be significantly more expensive depending on design and materials.

Bottom line: The piercing cost itself is comparable. Your jewelry choice is where the price variation happens, and both piercings offer options at every price point.

Can You Get Both?

Absolutely. Nostril + septum combinations are one of the most popular multi-piercing looks. The combination works beautifully — a septum ring or clicker framed by one or two nostril studs creates a balanced, curated aesthetic.

If you're planning to get both, most piercers recommend getting them at different times rather than simultaneously. Healing two nose piercings at once means double the swelling, double the aftercare management, and double the discomfort. Get one, let it heal (or at least get past the initial healing phase and downsize), and then get the other.

Making Your Decision: Quick Reference

| Factor | Nostril | Septum | |--------|---------|--------| | Pain | 4-5/10 | 3-4/10 | | Healing time | 4-6 months | 2-3 months | | Concealability | Difficult | Easy (flip up) | | Daily life impact | Moderate | Low | | Jewelry versatility | Very high (studs, rings, gems) | High (horseshoes, clickers, rings) | | Gauge | 18g | 16g | | Sleeping impact | Moderate (side sleeping issues) | Minimal | | Best for | Subtle daily accessorizing | Statement piece or need-to-hide situations |

Our Recommendation

There's no wrong choice. Both piercings look great, both heal well with proper aftercare, and both offer excellent jewelry options.

If you want a subtle, versatile everyday accessory that can be dressed up with beautiful gem ends — get a nostril piercing.

If you want something that makes a statement when it's out and disappears completely when you need it to — get a septum piercing.

If you can't decide — get the septum first. It heals faster, it's easier to manage, and if you love it, you can add nostril piercings later. And if you want both from the start, we'll help you plan the timing.

Come see us at Platinum Body Piercings (North Star, (210) 996-8752) or Platinum Tattoos & Piercings (5545 NW Loop 410, (210) 682-5239). Walk-ins welcome at both locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which nose piercing heals faster, nostril or septum?

Septum piercings heal significantly faster — typically 2-3 months compared to 4-6 months for nostril piercings. The septum's sweet spot is a thin membrane with good blood supply, which promotes faster healing.

Can I flip my septum up right after getting it pierced?

We recommend waiting at least a week or two for initial swelling to subside before flipping. Once you do flip it, try to leave it in one position for extended periods rather than flipping up and down frequently, as the movement can irritate the healing piercing.

Do septum piercings smell?

During healing, some people notice a mild smell from lymph fluid and dead cells around the jewelry — this is normal and goes away with regular cleaning and once the piercing heals. It's not a permanent feature of having a septum piercing.

Will a nostril piercing leave a visible scar if I remove it?

It depends on how long you've had it and your personal scarring tendencies. Short-term piercings (under a year) often close with minimal visible scarring. Long-term piercings may leave a small dot. The scar from a nostril piercing is typically tiny and barely noticeable.

Can I get a nostril ring right away instead of a stud?

We strongly recommend starting with a flat-back labret stud. Rings move too much during healing, causing irritation bumps and prolonged healing times. Once your nostril piercing is fully healed (4-6 months minimum), you can switch to a ring.

Is there anyone who can't get a septum piercing?

Most people have the anatomy for a septum piercing, but some have a deviated septum or unusually thick/low cartilage that makes placement challenging. An experienced piercer will assess your anatomy before piercing and let you know if there are any concerns.