Do Nose Piercings Hurt? Pain Levels, Tips & Aftercare Guide

To clarify, pain is subjective. A nose piercing might feel like a tiny pinch to your mate, but a full-on machete attack to you! It’s like spice. Some people love a jalapeno. Others can just about manage a pimento!

There’s more than just piercing pain (if you suffer from it) to take into account. The needle's a factor, obviously. But other elements at play are:

• Your personal pain threshold - Some people are naturally more sensitive to pain than others. This is why you'll probably breeze through a nose piercing if you've got high pain tolerance. But it might be more intense if you're a little delicate.
• Location, location, location - Where you pierce matters when it comes to pain. This is because different areas of your nose have different nerve endings and sensitivities. (More about this shortly ⬇)
• Pro vs. amateur - Seriously, leave the piercing to the pros. A professional piercer uses sterile equipment and knows exactly where to pierce your nose to minimise pain and complications. On the other hand, DIY nose piercings can be a recipe for disaster when you’re just poking and praying!

Let's get down to nitty-gritty FAQs like “Do nostril piercings hurt more in some spots than others?” and “Does the septum piercing hurt?”

Here's what you can expect pain-wise with different types of nose piercings (bearing in mind there’s a sliding scale for each piercing type, due to the differentiators we’ve just run through):

Septum piercings can have a reputation for being painful. But it's not always the case. In fact, it's more of a pinch than a pain when your piercer hits what’s known as the "sweet spot".

This refers to the thin, fleshy part inside your nose. And it doesn’t rank too badly on the “Do nose piercings hurt?" scale. But if your piercing goes through cartilage? Hankies at the ready. There might be tears!

Then, there’s something that isn’t always talked about… the smell factor with a septum piercing. It’s tucked away inside your nose. So, the build-up of dead skin cells, natural oils, and bacteria can create a mild (or sometimes not-so-mellow) odour. A well-healed septum with regular cleanings typically won’t have this problem.

This is totally normal and there are ways to help keep the stink in check:

Regular, gentle cleaning with LobeLobe™ Professional Saline Piercing Spray

Keeping your septum piercing fresh and happy is ridiculously easy with this go-to aftercare essential. It’s a professional-grade alcohol and preservative-free saline solution, preventing unnecessary nasties messing with your healing. Just a quick mist is all it takes to flush out bacteria, soothe irritation, and keep your piercing in top shape. Better still, it’s pocket-sized and travel-friendly to spritz on the go, and non-aerosol, because the planet matters too.

Swap out your jewellery if the smell persists or worsens

Is the pong lingering or even getting pongier? It might be time to switch to high-quality titanium or gold, which are less likely to trap bacteria.

Most importantly, keep your hair on and don't worry. The smell isn’t pleasant. But it usually fades once your septum piercing is fully healed. And you’re left with an effortlessly cool piercing, minus any lingering stench.

Do nose rings hurt? Do nose stud piercings hurt? More questions! Well, here’s some more answers.

Nose rings look awesome. But they can be a bit more uncomfortable than studs, especially during the initial healing phase. This is because they tend to move around more, which can irritate the piercing. In addition, rings can snag.

So, why not start with a stud and switch to a ring later if you want an edgier look?

With all the theory under your belt, what can you expect from nose piercing in practice? Here’s an idea of what happens when you rock up at your chosen piercing studio, (hopefully one that's clean, reputable, and professionally run):

• The formalities - You might think this is a waste of space. But it’s actually a sign of a credible operator, so don’t knock it. You'll probably have to fill out some forms and show some ID to get the legalities out of the way.
• Pre-piercing consultation - Next, you'll get to chat with your piercer about placement, jewellery options, and all that jazz.
• Moment of truth - Once you're both on the same page, your piercer will get to work. They'll clean the area, mark the spot, and ba-da-boom! The actual piercing is usually over in a flash. A quick poke and you're done.

They'll insert your jewellery, give you some aftercare instructions (listen up, this is important!), and you're free to strut your new nasal bling.

Do nose piercings hurt when they’re carried out like this? Generally, no. You might get a short, sharp shock. But not serious pain.

All the same, there are some common-sense steps you can take to make the process as trouble-free as possible.

Ok, let's talk pain management. Here are some tips to minimise discomfort before, during, and after your nose piercing:

Pre-Piercing – Get Ready to Smash It

• Choose your piercer wisely - Do your research and find an experienced, reputable piercer.
• Skip the vices - Avoid alcohol and caffeine before your appointment. They can make you more sensitive to pain.
• Eat something - Nose piercing on a full stomach can help prevent dizziness.

During Piercing – and Breathe…

• Take deep breaths - Deep breathing can help you relax and manage the pain.
• Trust your piercer - They know what they're doing. Try to chill and let them do their thing.

Post-Piercing - Aftercare is key

• LobeLobe™ Professional Saline Piercing Spray is your NBF - Use it regularly to clean your piercing safely and effectively.
• Hands off - It’s tempting to twiddle. But, do your best not to touch or twist your jewellery. And make sure you’ve washed your hands if you can’t resist.
• Go gently on it - Avoid make-up and skincare products around the piercing until it's healed.

Patience is a virtue, because piercings aren’t instant. They take time to heal. We're talking weeks, even months, depending on the type of piercing:

• Nostril piercings - 4-6 months
• Septum piercings - 6-8 weeks
• High nostril piercings - up to a year. (Yep, you read right, a year!)

So, hang tight. Trust us, it's worth the wait.

Aftercare is crucial for a smooth healing process. This means saline soaks a-go-go (and abstinence from face-planting into pillows). It’s hardly rocket science!

Here are the golden rules for nose piercing aftercare:

Cleanliness is EVERYTHING

Wash your hands before touching your nose piercing. Seriously, this is non-negotiable.

LobeLove™ Professional Saline Piercing Spray is your NBF

Spray at will and soak your piercing with it twice a day by dousing cotton wool in it. This helps keep the area clean and prevents infection.

Take a hands-off approach

Avoid touching or twisting your jewellery (and make sure your hands are squeaky clean if you must fiddle). Oh, and don't pick at the crusties (yes, they happen).

Yay, the bit you’ve been waiting for! Time to start thinking about upgrading your jewellery once your nose piercing is healed. And you won’t be disappointed with the many options out there:

Let's talk about the not-so-fun stuff. Nose piercings can sometimes get infected. Telltale signs include:

• Redness
• Swelling (Some mild swelling is normal for a few days after your piercing.)
• Pain
• Discharge
• Fever

Another potential issue is rejection. This happens when your nose tries to push the jewellery out. Signs of rejection include:

• Jewellery moving
• The hole getting bigger
• Tissue around the piercing getting thinner

These are when the answer to the question “Do nose piercings hurt?” can become “OMFG, yes, they absolutely kill!”

Contact your piercer or make an appointment with your surgery ASAP if you think your nose piercing is infected or rejected. And whatever you do, don't try to play doctor yourself. You might make things worse.

That doesn’t mean you can’t take a painkiller if you need one. Paracetamol is usually fine. But, avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, which can thin your blood.

We've given you the lowdown on the pain, the process, the aftercare, and the potential problems. Now, it's up to you to weigh the pros and cons.

And don’t get too hung up on questions like “Do nose piercings hurt?”, “Do nose rings hurt?” and “Does the septum piercing hurt?” Because nose piercings are quick, and any pain is temporary, although the results are forever (or at least until you decide to take your jewellery out).

At Stretch It Body Jewellery, we've got everything you need for your new nose piercing, including the best jewellery collections, the aftercare products, and the expert resources. Click here to check out our awesome collection of nose rings and studs for both nostril and septum piercings.