Traditional Nostril Piercing
One of our most popular piercings, the traditional nostril sits just on or below the crease of the nose, where the cartilage is thinnest. It's a timeless placement that works with a subtle stud or a bold ring. We pierce with an 18 gauge nose twist, flatback or segment ring, and our SK Certified piercing specialists will help you find the exact spot that suits your nose.
- Pain level
- 3 to 4 / 10
- Method
- Needle
- Minimum age:
- 13 years*
- Jewellery type:
- Nose Twist, Flatback or Segment Ring View jewellery options
- Downsizing:
- 6-8 weeks
- Fully healed:
- minimum 6 months
Two Piercings From $80
Get two of your favourite standard piercings for just $80 when pierced with selected surgical steel jewellery. Read more
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 13 years with parental consent, 16 years and over without. Check our ID and consent requirements here.Note: in WA you must be 18 years to get pierced without parental consent.
What Is A Traditional Nostril Piercing?
A traditional nostril piercing passes through the soft cartilage on the side of the nose, usually right on or just below the natural crease. It's one of the most requested piercings at SkinKandy because it suits almost any face shape and pairs well with nearly every jewellery style.
Because the crease is naturally thin, placement is quick and the channel it creates settles well during healing. Our SK Certified piercing specialists will check your anatomy first and confirm the placement with you before going ahead. 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 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 nostril piercing starts with an 18 gauge nose twist, flatback or segment ring, chosen to sit close to the skin while it heals. Browse our nostril jewellery collection to see what's available.
Step By Step: Your Traditional Nostril Piercing Experience
- Your piercing specialist will examine the crease 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.
- An 18 gauge nose twist, flatback or segment ring is fitted to sit close to 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 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 Traditional Nostril Piercing
The right jewellery makes all the difference to comfort while your nostril heals, and to how it looks once it's settled.
Starter Jewellery
We pierce every nostril with an 18 gauge nose twist in 316L surgical steel, chosen to support healing from day one.
Building Your Stack
Once you're healed, explore our full nose jewellery collection, including l-bend styles, to build out your look.
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 traditional nostril piercing?
A traditional nostril piercing passes through the thin cartilage on the crease of the nose. It's one of our most popular piercings because it suits almost any face shape.
Does a nostril piercing hurt?
Most people rate it a 3 to 4 out of 10. You'll feel a quick pinch as the needle passes through the thin cartilage. 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 nostril piercing take to heal?
Full healing takes a minimum of 6 months, though the initial channel settles sooner. See the average healing time by piercing type for how it compares.
What jewellery is used for a nostril piercing?
We pierce with an 18 gauge nose twist, flatback or segment ring, shaped to sit close to the skin while it heals.
When can I downsize my 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 wear a hoop straight away?
We start every nostril with a twist, flatback or segment ring rather than a full hoop, since a snugger fit supports healing. You can explore hoop styles once you've downsized.
Will a nostril piercing leave a mark if I take it out?
Most people are left with a small mark rather than a visible scar, though this varies by individual. Our piercing info page has more on caring for a fresh piercing.
Can I get a traditional nostril piercing as part of the two piercings from $80 deal?
Yes, this piercing qualifies for our two piercings from $80 deal when paired with another standard piercing and selected surgical steel jewellery.
Explore More Nose Piercings
A nostril piercing pairs well 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.
