Septum Piercing - Everything You Need To Know

It’s fair to say almost anyone can rock septum ring jewellery. All the same, every nose is unique, like fingerprints and snowflakes. And not everyone has a perfect columella… That’s the thin strip of flesh between your nostrils. And it’s also the sweet spot for a septum ring.

So, what happens if yours is too thin (or non-existent). Your septum jewellery will have to go through cartilage if this is the case. So, brace yourself for a bit more pain and a longer period of healing.

Then there’s the deviated septum drama. A lot of folks have a slightly off-centre septum to varying degrees. It’s not usually too big a deal. But it might be a dealbreaker if only perfect symmetry is good enough for your discriminating taste.

Septum piercing typically starts with disinfecting the inside of your nostrils. After that, techniques might vary slightly from piercer to piercer. But they often involve some or all of the following methods and tools:

• Forceps - Holding your nostrils open to make it easier and more comfortable (for both of you) to get the piercing done and insert your septum ring jewellery
• Freehand – Using just a sterile needle, no extra tools
• Receiving Tube – Using a hollow tube to support the tissue as the needle passes through the septum

The jewellery slides into place when the needle is out, and voila, you’ve got a septum piercing. The whole shebang takes just a minute or two.

It’s common to sport one of the following basic options for initial septum piercing:

• A standard 14g or 16g septum ring 
• A horseshoe barbell (often with two balls on the open ends)
• A septum retainer
• CBR (Captive Bead Ring)

But there’s a little more to think about than style. The type of metal you choose is also fundamental for safety and success.

Safety first with your initial bling. Style later. Although it doesn’t mean a lack of choice or flair. All the same, it’s best to give your shiny new septum piercing the best start in life with one of the following tried-and-tested options:

• Titanium - Hypoallergenic and great for sensitive skin and nickel allergies, though slightly pricier.
• Gold - Yellow, white, or rose, just make sure it’s 14k - 18k to avoid any sensitivity, peeling and irritation.
• Niobium - Similar to titanium, but a little softer.

And once healed, the world of septum jewellery is your oyster.

Let’s be real. Getting a hole poked in your face isn’t a picnic. The good new is septum piercing isn’t especially high on the pain scale. Better still, it’s quick and over before you know it. The insertion of your septum ring might sting a bit. But it’s no biggie.

General feedback about does septum piercing hurt or not tends to include:

• A bit of pressure
• A weird or unusual sensation
• An urge to sneeze
• Eyes tearing up and watering

These are due to nerve stimulation. So, don’t worry. They’re perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned or embarrassed about.

It’s also worth keeping in mind how tension amps up the pain. So, try to keep calm and carry on. Perhaps use breathing exercises or meditation to stay relaxed until your septum ring jewellery is safely in place.

There’s a risk factor with any type of piercing and septum piercing is no exception, even with a pro piercer. Here are a few of the most common risks to be aware of:

• Allergic reactions - The material your septum ring is made of can be a culprit. (Check the Metal Matters section above.)
• Infection - Keep it clean to avoid discharge, redness, soreness and swelling.
• Rips and tears - Be extra mindful of your septum jewellery getting caught or even yanked out.
• Scarring - Not a big deal inside your nose. But not something you want to encourage.

Remember, prevention is always preferable to cure. This is why it’s a good idea to do everything you can to give your septum piercing an easy life.

Aftercare is crucial for keeping your septum piercing clean, comfortable, on track and trouble-free. Here are some basics for a safe journey:

The not-very-attractive smell of a fresh piercing is a moot point for some people with septum ring jewellery. But fear not! A bit of a pong is normal, courtesy of oil and dead skin building up. And let’s not forget we’re talking about a piercing in your nose, the engine room of your sense of smell.

Regular cleaning should keep the smell in check. Or it might be time to reassess your cleaning routine if the smell persists. Also, make sure you’re using a gentle saline solution and avoid over-cleaning, which can irritate the piercing and make matters worse.

It’s the same story with any piercing. Listen to what your body’s telling you. In this case, your nose knows. But have a word with your piercer or the nurse at your GP surgery if you spot any of the following symptoms:

• Chills or fevers
• Green, grey or yellow discharge
• Itching
• Lumps in the skin or thickened tissue
• Above average pain, redness, or swelling
• Skin eruptions

In most cases, it’s literally a case of switching up your aftercare routine. Occasionally, there might be the need to remove the septum ring. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Averagely it takes two to three months for your piercing to heal. But it can be six to eight months until some people are healed and ready to change their septum jewellery. This is because everybody’s biology is completely individual.

For this reason, your healing time depends on a number of factors specific to you and you alone, such as:

Timing is everything. And the time is usually right if you stick with these three golden rules:

1. At least two to three months have passed
2. No soreness or tenderness
3. No more weeping or crusting

And there you have it. You’re good to go. Get out there and start experimenting with the mind-blowing range of septum ring jewellery on the market.

There’s an almost infinite choice of septum jewellery to try after healing. For this purpose, you might want to start building a septum jewellery wardrobe in advance, while your piercing is healing.

You’ll likely want to include some of the most wildly popular statement styles like:

• Beaded rings - Classic, eye-catching and versatile
• Segment rings - Smooth, seamless, sleek
• Septum clickers - Easy to change and available in many intricate, striking designs

Beyond that, you might also be drawn to septum stretching, especially if you’re already an ear stretcher.

Septum stretching holds a similar allure as ear stretching. It’s a gradual process to fit larger septum jewellery, with deep cultural roots going back over 4,000 years. And, of course, it’s a unique form of self-expression.

Perhaps you’ve already got a healed septum piercing and you’re now thinking about stretching for the following reasons:

• Aesthetics
• Culture
• Sheer variety of septum ring jewellery
• Some or all of the above

Either way, septum stretching is a low-risk choice. It’s easy to maintain. And importantly (bearing in mind we’re talking about your face), it’s also easy to abandon without visible damage, so long as you got it right in the first place.

Thinking about septum piercing but not quite 100% yet? A fake nose ring might be your best option for the time being. It’s ideal for testing the waters for a while when you’re toying with the idea of getting a real septum ring.

Think it sounds a bit naff? Think again. Because today’s ranges look fantastic!

What’s more, it’s a win:win if you’ve got a history of being finicky with metals and piercings. You get the look without the hassle with a fake nose ring - pain-free and no lengthy healing process, just pure style and versatility.

And let’s not forget practical reasons like work environments where a septum piercing might be frowned upon. A fake nose ring lets you enjoy the look without any professional backlash.

So, don’t quake about fake! A fake nose ring is a fabulous option, for convenience, health, or just for fun. After all, it’s your body. Do what makes you happy!

At Stretch It Body Jewellery, we’ve got the septum piercing know-how, jewellery, and aftercare products to help you stay edgy, stay informed, and most importantly, stay true to your unique style. Visit our website for detailed guides on processes, products, and everything you need, whether you're ready to take the plunge or just curious to learn more about septum piercing (for now, anyway!).