Nose & Nostril Piercings

Nostril piercings are one of the most popular piercings we do — and for good reason. They are versatile, flattering on virtually every face shape, and offer endless jewelry options from subtle studs to statement hoops. The piercing goes through the soft tissue of the nostril, typically placed in the natural crease where the nostril meets the cheek. Left side, right side, or both — it is entirely your preference.

Nostril piercings have been practiced for thousands of years across cultures worldwide, from traditional Indian nose jewelry (nath) to the punk rock adoption of the 1970s. Today they are one of the most universally accepted piercings, appropriate in most workplaces and everyday settings. The range of jewelry options — from barely-visible studs to ornate hoops and chains — means you can adjust the look for any situation.

Proper placement is everything with nostril piercings. The angle, depth, and position on the nostril crease all affect how the jewelry sits, how it heals, and how it looks long-term. A nostril piercing placed too low sits awkwardly with a ring. Placed too high and it can press against cartilage. Placed at the wrong angle and it will never sit flush. This is not a piercing gun situation — it requires a trained piercer with an eye for facial symmetry.

WHY CHOOSE Crepeccino Café & Creperie FOR NOSE PIERCINGS

At Crepeccino Café & Creperie, every nostril piercing is done with a single-use sterile needle and implant-grade titanium jewelry. Our piercers take the time to mark placement precisely and ensure you are happy before the needle touches skin. With over 26 years of experience and thousands of nose piercings under our belt, we know exactly how to place a nostril piercing that looks perfect and heals cleanly.

We never use piercing guns for any piercing, period. For nostril piercings specifically, guns cause unnecessary trauma to the tissue, cannot accommodate proper jewelry, and often result in crooked placement. You deserve a professional piercing experience, and that is exactly what you get at Crepeccino Café & Creperie.

THE PIERCING PROCESS

Walk in, and your piercer will discuss placement and jewelry options with you. They will clean the area, mark the precise spot with a surgical marker, and have you check the placement in a mirror from multiple angles. Once you approve the mark, the piercer will perform the piercing with a single-use hollow needle — it takes about 2 seconds. They will insert the jewelry (typically a flat-back labret stud or a nose bone), clean up, and walk you through aftercare.

The whole appointment takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The actual piercing is a quick, sharp pinch followed by some watering of the eyes (that is a reflex, not tears). Most people are surprised by how fast and manageable it is. You will walk out wearing your new piercing and a set of clear aftercare instructions.

JEWELRY OPTIONS

Nostril piercings accommodate a wide range of jewelry styles. For initial piercings, we use implant-grade titanium flat-back labret studs or nose bones. Once healed (4 to 6 months), you can switch to hoops (seamless rings, clickers, or captive bead rings), L-shaped studs, screw-type studs, or decorative ends. Materials include implant-grade titanium, 14k and 18k gold, niobium, and surgical steel. The initial piercing price includes a starter piece of implant-grade titanium.

PAIN AND HEALING

Nostril piercings are about a 3 to 4 out of 10 on the pain scale — a quick, sharp pinch followed by some mild throbbing and eye watering. The entire painful part lasts about 2 seconds. Most people describe it as significantly less painful than they expected. The immediate aftermath involves mild swelling and some tenderness for the first few days.

Healing takes 4 to 6 months for most people, though some may take up to 9 months for complete healing. During the healing period, you may experience occasional bumps (irritation bumps, not keloids in most cases), some clear discharge, and periods of tenderness. These are normal parts of healing and typically resolve with proper aftercare and patience. Do not switch to a hoop too early — the movement of a ring in an unhealed piercing is the number one cause of irritation bumps.

AFTERCARE

Clean your nostril piercing twice daily with sterile saline solution. Do not twist or rotate the jewelry. Do not touch it with unwashed hands. Avoid makeup, skincare products, and sunscreen directly on the piercing during healing. If you need to blow your nose, be gentle. Avoid sleeping on the pierced side if possible. No swimming in pools, lakes, or hot tubs until healed.

Come back for a check-up at 4 to 6 weeks. Your piercer will assess healing, address any concerns, and downsize the jewelry post if swelling has subsided. Downsizing is important — an overslong post can catch on things and cause irritation.

PRICING

Nostril piercings at Crepeccino Café & Creperie range from $35 to $60 depending on jewelry selection. The base price includes the piercing and a piece of implant-grade titanium starter jewelry. Upgrades to gold ends, gemstone tops, or premium jewelry brands are available at additional cost. Double nostril piercings (both sides) may qualify for package pricing.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How old do you have to be to get a nose piercing? You must be at least 16 with a parent or legal guardian present and consenting, or 18 with valid photo ID. We require government-issued photo identification for everyone.

When can I switch my nostril stud to a hoop? We recommend waiting at least 4 to 6 months — until the piercing is fully healed — before switching to a ring. Switching too early is the most common cause of nostril piercing complications. Come in and let your piercer assess before making the change.

Will a nose piercing leave a scar if I take it out? A small, barely visible mark is common. Most nostril piercing scars fade to nearly invisible over time. The scar is typically smaller than a pinhead and far less noticeable than people fear.

Can I get a nose piercing if I have allergies or a deviated septum? Seasonal allergies are usually fine — just be gentle when blowing your nose. A deviated septum does not typically affect nostril piercings since they go through the soft tissue, not the septum itself. Discuss any concerns with your piercer during the consultation.

Does it hurt to get your nose pierced? It is a quick, sharp pinch — about a 3 to 4 out of 10 for most people. Your eyes will water reflexively (that is the nerve response, not because it is excruciating). The whole painful moment is over in about 2 seconds. Most clients say "that is it?" afterward.

What if I get a bump on my nose piercing? Irritation bumps are common and usually caused by touching the piercing, sleeping on it, changing jewelry too early, or using harsh cleaning products. They are not permanent and typically resolve with proper aftercare. Come in for a check-up and your piercer will identify the cause and recommend a solution.