Is Your Nose Shape Right for a Piercing?

When you think about it, everyone’s nose is slightly different. No two noses are the exact same shape and size. For that matter, there are lots of different kinds of piercings as well. Therefore, the question is not so much what nose shape is right for a piercing, but more what piercing suits your nose shape.

While there are differing opinions on exactly how many “classes” of nose shapes there are, all noses have the same basic features. 

Before deciding on a piercing, it’s important to identify the unique features of your nose. Try to determine what makes these features different from other nose shapes and what makes them similar. The main nose features you should consider are the nostrils, the septum, and the bridge.

Nostrils

Your nostrils are the “air holes:” the part of the nose you breathe through. You may not think there would be much variation in nostrils, though you would be surprised. Examine your own nostrils. Are they large or small? Is one larger than the other? Are they more round or more oblong and shapeless? Most importantly, is the nose wall lining the nostrils thick or thin? 

Bridge

The bridge is the hard, bony part of your nose that starts between your eyes and extends toward the nose tip. It is typically the bridge that has the greatest number of variations and that gives your nose its distinct shape.

What are the characteristics of your bridge? Is it wide? Narrow? Flat? Bony? Fleshy? Curved? The potential features are endless. Try to identify them the best you can.

Septum

The septum is the divider between your nostrils. Some people have a wide, thick septum, while others have a small, narrow one. Still others have a septum that juts downward toward the lip, and others have one that curves inward toward the nasal cavity. What are the features of your septum?

What Are the Different Types of Nose Piercings?

Now that you’ve identified your specific nose features, you’re ready to consider the different types of nose piercings. While there are many kinds of nose piercings, some of the most common types are discussed below.

Nostril Piercing

This is perhaps the most common type of piercing because it works for almost every nose shape. You can choose the exact location on your nostril you want to be pierced, thus it’s highly versatile and customizable.

High Nostril Piercing

This is a more specific type of nostril piercing where the nostril is pierced high up on the nose–toward the bridge. A high nostril piercing also works for most nose shapes, yet comes with limited options for jewelry.

Septum Piercing

This piercing type goes through the narrow strip of skin on the septum just before the cartilage starts. It works best on noses with wider septums, as more narrow septums may not provide much of a surface area for the piercing.

Nasallang

A nasallang is a piercing that extends from one nostril to the other, passing through the septum on the way. This gives it the appearance of double nostril piercings, though it is actually one piercing that passes straight through the nose.

Nasallang piercings are a good option for noses with narrow nostrils and septums, still, they are fairly versatile. 

Vertical Nose Tip Piercing

Similar to a septum piercing, a vertical nose piercing passes through the very tip of your nose. It is a less common type of piercing and works best for noses with a fleshy and prominent tip.

Bridge Piercing

Bridge piercings are typically located at the top of your bridge, between or just below your eyes. They don’t puncture the cartilage or bone but, instead, simply pass through your skin just under the surface.

Because of their location and nature, bridge piercings are best for narrow, long, or fleshy noses. If your nose is too bony, a bridge piercing may cause uncomfortable skin tension around your eyes and nose.

Choosing the Best Piercing for Your Nose Shape

As you can see, there are various piercing options for lots of different nose shapes. You don’t have to worry about whether your nose is the right shape for a piercing; you just have to determine what kind of piercing is right for your nose shape.

Remember, most piercings are fairly versatile. Nostril piercings, especially, can work for many different nose shapes.  Don’t despair if your nose shape isn’t “perfect.” Chances are, you’ll still be able to find a piercing that is perfect for you!

If you want to ensure your piercing heals the best it possibly can, it’s imperative that you follow your piercer’s aftercare advice closely, and be sure to invest in a high-quality aftercare solution to aid recovery.

The best piercing aftercare product I’ve ever had the pleasure of using up to this point is the After Inked Piercing Aftercare Spray. Not only is it vegan-friendly, but it’s also completely alcohol and additive-free. The solution works well on all skin types including sensitive skin, and it comes in a generously-sized mist-spraying bottle for easy application.

When using it from the very start of the healing process, the spray helps to decrease healing times and aims to eliminate any lingering pain or soreness.​ Click here to buy from Amazon.