Meet the it girl’s hottest accessory at the moment – the septum piercing. They’re nice because you can easily hide them and if you’re not wearing jewelry, no one knows you have one. Rihanna has her septum pierced and it’s just such a cool girl, effortless look. Let’s face it, no one drives trends like Rihanna can and if she does it, you’re in good company! Whether you’re looking to change up your look or take a risk, it’s a great and subtle way to add some excitement to your look. Only if you promise yourself to let it heal properly!
What are septum piercings?
A septum piercing is located at the septum part of your nose. If you don’t know, that area it’s the spot between your two nostrils and it’s for a ring versus a stud like a typical nose piercing. Your septum is a thin wall of cartilage that’s a pretty easily pierced area. It’s not the most painful piercing but as always, save it for the professionals!
How much do septum piercings cost?
Septum piercings usually cost $40-$90. Beware of anything significantly lower or higher than that! Unless jewelry is included in the price, the $40-$90 is just the piercing fee without the cost of jewelry. You definitely want to go to a professional if you’re considering getting your septum pierced.
When choosing a place, go for an experienced piercer. Piercing your septum should never, ever be done with a piercing gun. Your septum is pierced freehand, with a piercing needle so it’s best to leave it for a professional. There’s so many things to take into account like making sure the equipment is properly sterilized and avoiding infection and fluid build up. You’re best off going to a professional.
What can I expect when I get my septum pierced?
When you go to get your septum pierced, the process should not take that long. You can bring a friend with your for moral support which can be nice to have if you’re nervous.
- The piercer should talk about what you want and what to expect. Make sure to ask any questions that you have! Never feel bad about asking questions.
- Next you should pick out your jewelry or ask the piercer what they recommended. You’re going to have to leave the jewelry in for a while so make sure to choose wisely and something that you like.
- The piercer will sanitize the area! Super important and a must.
- Next the piercer would typically mark the area with a pen. The septum is a little different since you can’t see it.
- Next they may clamp your nose in preparation to pierce it. But, some piercers do it freehanded so this isn’t a huge deal if they don’t.
- Now comes the pinch! They’ll pierce your septum with the needle. Your eyes will probably tear up and you may feel a pinch of pain. Luckily this part is pretty quick.
- Next, they’ll insert the jewelry. This may hurt or be uncomfortable but again, it’s super quick.
- That’s it. Yay your septum is pierced! They may clean the area before you leave.
- Now you should leave your jewelry alone for the next 3 months while it heals. Your piercer will instruct you on the after care. Cleaning it 1-2 times a day with salt water is usually the recommended care.
Do septum piercings hurt?
Let’s face it, all piercing can hurt in one way or another and everyone feels it differently. Septums are cartilage so it hurts but it’s not the most painful piercing you can get. It’s definitely a step up from getting your ears pierced but not quite as bad as your nose or daith. It’s less painful than your nose because there are less nerve endings in your septum.
Since it’s your nose, your eyes will probably tear up when you get it pierced. Sort of like plucking a hair or picking a zit on your nose or under eyes. The natural reaction your body has makes it seem like it’s way more painful than it really is. And it’s very quick.
Septum Piercing Aftercare
After you get your septum pierced, it needs to be cleaned with saline twice a day for around 3 months. The best medicine? Don’t touch it! Let it be – no twisting, touching or poking it. And you should avoid getting skincare like soap, serums or moisturizer close to the piercing. Those can lead to bacteria, infections and irritations.
Why such the lengthy after care protocol you ask? You don’t want an infection or scar tissue bumps. It’s hard to go back once you get scar tissue bumps or an infection. Sometimes you have to take the whole piercing out and it will close up so you definitely want to keep up with the after care.
Who is not the right candidate for a septum piercing
If you have allergies or are prone to sinus infections, are you a good candidate for a septum piercing? You may not be. Obsessively blowing your nose can lead to irritation and even infection. Plus constantly touching your piercing isn’t good for it and can lead to infection. If you have bad allergies you’ll want to get your septum pierced during an off season with enough time to heal. If you can’t find a good time then you may not be a good candidate for a septum piercing.
Septum Piercing Jewelry
There’s a few different types of jewelry you can jazz up your new septum piercing with. When you’re first getting your septum pierced, make sure to pick a piece of jewelry you like because you’ll have to leave it in for a few months. Usually people go with a curved barbell. After your piercing has healed, you have tons of good options. Whether you like the lowkey look of a barbell or you want something more ornate like a septum clicker with crystals and a design.
Types
A septum clicker is a hoop earring that you click to lock in place or un-click to remove. You can usually find a septum clicker with a little more decoration or embellishment than a classic barbell. There’s tons of different kinds that work for any type of occasion. The clicker motion on the septum clicker makes it really easy for removing and putting in.
A barbell is a curved hoop with balls on the ends. A barbell allows you to flip the jewelry up into your nose so it looks like you’re not wearing anything without taking the jewelry off. It’s a very simple yet edgy look and it’s great for versatility.
A seamless hoop ring is for those who want something dainty and lowkey. It sits flush against the skin and it’s thin so it’s pretty hard to detect and very wearable. If you feel like a septum ring is too edgy for your vibe, check out a seamless hoop ring. They’re very wearable and totally chic.
Materials
Surgical Stainless Steel: The most popular and most affordable. Stainless steel is a safe choice and likely the jewelry your piercer will use. Most people won’t have a reaction to stainless steel which is why it’s so popular!
Niobium: The safest metal you can use! This is a less common choice but if you react negatively to stainless steel, you definitely should go for niobium. It’s also hypoallergenic. There are tons of Niobium septum jewelry options on
Gold: Another classic staple! Make sure you go with solid gold as gold plated can lead to infections and irritation. Solid gold will be a more expensive option if it’s what you decide to go with. But, you know it will last for a while and it’s good for your piercing.
Something to avoid? Surprisingly sterling silver!! But only if your piercing is in the healing process. Silver tarnishes and can mix with sweat to stain the skin permanently. Plus it can lead to irritation during the healing process. So, save the sterling silver rings for after you’ve had your piercing for a few months and it’s healed. Make sure to go with a solid sterling silver and you should not have any issues!
Avoid vermeil and plated metals as they’re more prone for irritation and allergies. Just like your ears, the cheap mixed metal earrings tend to cause more allergic reactions. Whereas sterling silver, pure gold and surgical steel are always the safer choice.
Final Thoughts
If you’re committed to taking the time to let your piercing heal, you could be a great candidate for a septum piercing! They’re such a fun and edgy way to update your look. They’re way more noticeable then a classic ear piercings and there is so much jewelry to choose from for different looks. The best part about a septum piercing — if you decide you don’t want it anymore, no one will ever know you had one!