High Nostril Piercing
Placed higher on the bridge of the nose than a traditional nostril, the high nostril piercing gives a sleek, modern edge. It's often done in pairs for symmetry and looks great with a delicate stud or minimalist gem. We pierce with a 16 gauge flatback, and our SK Certified piercing specialists will confirm the placement with you before we begin.
- Pain level
- 3 to 4 / 10
- Method
- Needle
- Minimum age:
- 16 years*
- Jewellery type:
- Flatback View jewellery options
- Downsizing:
- 6–8 Weeks
- Fully healed:
- minimum 6 months
Pain is subjective, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee of what you'll feel. Everyone's pain tolerance is different.
* Available from 16 years with parental consent, 18 years and over without. Check our ID and consent requirements here.
What Is A High Nostril Piercing?
A high nostril piercing sits further up the bridge of the nose than a traditional nostril, giving a cleaner, more angular line. It's a popular choice on its own or as a second nostril piercing alongside a lower placement.
Because the position sits slightly higher on firmer cartilage, our SK Certified piercing specialists will check your anatomy carefully to find the spot that suits your nose. Read more on our piercing info page.
What To Expect
Here's how your experience at SkinKandy unfolds from the moment you arrive.
How We Pierce
We pierce every high nostril with a single-use hollow needle, never a piercing gun. Our SK Certified piercing specialists are nurse-trained and certified in infection prevention, so you're looked after from consultation through to aftercare advice. Read more about our approach on our piercing info page.
Choosing Your Jewellery
Every high nostril is pierced with a 16 gauge flatback, chosen for a low, sleek profile. Browse our nostril jewellery collection to see what's available.
Step By Step: Your High Nostril Piercing Experience
- Your piercing specialist will examine the bridge of your nose and mark the placement with you.
- We pierce with a single-use sterile needle for a clean, precise channel through the cartilage.
- A 16 gauge flatback is fitted to sit low against the skin while it heals.
- You'll get full aftercare guidance before you leave, plus advice on when to come back for downsizing.
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE
Find Your Nearest Studio
Ready to book in? Check our age, ID and consent requirements before your visit so you know what to bring.
Nearest studios
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Aftercare
Healing takes time, and that's completely normal for a high nostril piercing.
Your Daily Routine
Stick to a simple daily routine and stock up on the right products from our aftercare collection. For the full step by step, read our aftercare guide.
- Clean with sterile saline twice daily.
- Avoid swimming for 6 to 8 weeks.
- Be mindful of skincare, makeup and glasses around the piercing.
When Can I Change My Jewellery?
We recommend downsizing at 6 to 8 weeks once the initial swelling has settled, with full healing taking a minimum of 6 months.
- Pierced
- Day one
- Downsizing:
- 6–8 Weeks
- Fully healed:
- minimum 6 months
Jewellery For Your High Nostril Piercing
The right jewellery makes all the difference to comfort while your high nostril heals, and to how it looks once it's settled.
Starter Jewellery
We pierce every high nostril with a 16 gauge flatback in 316L surgical steel, chosen to support healing from day one.
Building Your Stack
Once you're healed, explore our full nose jewellery collection to build a curated pair with your other nostril piercings.
Not Sure What Metal Suits You?
If you're torn between finishes, our guide on silver, rose gold or gold can help, or browse everything by material to compare options.
FAQs
What is a high nostril piercing?
A high nostril piercing sits further up the bridge of the nose than a traditional nostril, for a sleek, angular look.
Does a high nostril piercing hurt?
Most people rate it a 3 to 4 out of 10. You'll feel a quick pinch through the firmer cartilage higher on the nose. Pain is subjective, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee of what you'll feel. Everyone's pain tolerance is different.
How long does a high nostril piercing take to heal?
Full healing takes a minimum of 6 months. See the average healing time by piercing type for how it compares to other placements.
What jewellery is used for a high nostril piercing?
We pierce with a 16 gauge flatback, chosen for a low, sleek profile while it heals.
When can I downsize my high nostril piercing?
We recommend downsizing at 6 to 8 weeks once the initial swelling has settled. Read why downsize your piercing for more on timing.
Can I get a high nostril piercing paired with a traditional nostril?
Yes, a high and traditional nostril piercing on the same side is a popular combination. We recommend healing one before adding the second.
Is a high nostril piercing suitable for everyone?
Suitability depends on your anatomy. Our SK Certified piercing specialists will check the bridge of your nose at your appointment. See our piercing info page for more.
Is the high nostril part of the two piercings from $80 deal?
This piercing isn't part of our two piercings from $80 deal. It's priced individually from $45, and our specialists can talk you through pairing options at your appointment.
Explore More Nose Piercings
A high nostril pairs beautifully with other nose placements. Check our piercing info page for more on choosing your placement, or explore some of our most popular nose piercings below.
