Nose piercings? Some people think for years about getting their nose pierced. Others just go out one day and do it!
Whether you want to explore historical customs related to facial piercings or if you just like the idea of decorating your face, this is where you’ll learn everything you need to know before you take the big step.
The First Known Pierced Nose
Have you heard of Lakshmi? She’s the Hindu goddess of wisdom, fortune, prosperity, courage, generosity, and fertility. She was beautiful and graceful, with four arms, almost always holding lotuses – and her nose is pierced.
Taking their cue from her, Indian women were the first to incorporate nose piercings within their culture. The left side of the nose was believed to be a key organ in reproduction according to ancient Indian yogis, so many Indian brides would have their left nostrils pierced just before their weddings.
For men, the practice began among Middle Eastern nomads and other tribes. It signified their manliness, wealth, and power.
What Kind of Piercing?
Now that you know some of the history of nose piercing let’s go over what you can find on our site: You will learn about having your nostril, your septum, or the bridge of your nose pierced. You will also learn about piercings, all the different kinds like – bridge piercing, nose rings, different types of jewelry, nose piercing prices, and nose piercing aftercare tips.
Nose Piercing Cleaning & Care
Some specialists recommend removing the stud or ring each day and cleaning it. Others say to leave it in place but use cotton balls moistened in salt water on either side of the piercing to cleanse the area and also to remove the hard, crusty stuff that accumulates on the healing part and on the jewelry. Which way is right for you?
You’ll also learn about what to avoid when you heal from a new piercing and what you can do to prevent the piercing hole from closing if you remove the jewelry.
In this article, you will not only learn which chemicals you should not use on a new piercing but also about makeup, facial cleansers, and lotions when it comes to your new piercing.
Nose Piercings Dilemmas
If you’re getting your nose pierced, you’re going to face some hiccups along the way…
- You’re visiting grandma. Do you automatically remove the jewelry beforehand?
- You see your aunt, who is not shy-just like you!-and she asks you to take out your nose ring. Should you?
- Will you land a job if you wear your nose ring to the interview?
- You’re meeting your boyfriend’s family, and you think there’s crusty stuff on the bead. How do you-ahem, handle it?
- Aaarrgh! Your jewelry is sinking into your piercing! What do you do?
- What if you decide to remove your nose jewelry permanently?
- How can you convince your parents that nose piercing is okay?
Nose Piercing frequently asked questions
Nose Piercing FAQ: I got my nose pierced with a piercing gun. I had no idea that only a piercing needle should be used! Have I done any damage? What should I watch for?
Nose piercing FAQ – Read the Answers
Do Nose Piercing Hurt
Each person has her own ability or inability to tolerate pain. Just about anybody who has had her nose pierced will tell you that there is some momentary pain from piercing.
Because so many people say that the pain passes quickly, then you should feel confident that it’s true!
A professional piercer must undergo comprehensive training to qualify for his job. It is not like the mall employee with the piercing gun who learns in a matter of one to two weeks. Your qualified piercing professional learns about the vessels and nerves of the human body.
He/She knows where there are sensitive bundles of nerves to avoid on your nose. So the answer to the question “do nose piercings hurt” depends on knowing exactly where to pierce. Since most professionals can perform piercings just about anywhere on the body, they study the circulatory and nervous systems for several years. We say, bring on the needle!
Nose Piercing Healing
A salt water solution is a great idea because it can provide comfort and healing while your piercing heals. It will also help to remove any crusts that are around the piercing or on the jewelry. Many people also find it comfortable, and it relieves itching during the healing process. It draws impurities from your skin.
If you have chosen a nostril screw as your first jewelry at the time of the piercing, take extra care that it doesn’t get caught in your clothing or on your towel.
Avoid swimming while your piercing heals, but if you must go, then cover it with a water-proof wound bandage. Brands like Tegaderm and Nexcare offer small bandages that will protect your piercing from chlorinated pool water.
Nose Piercing Care and You
Watch for Bacterial Infections
Whenever a person has any incision into his skin -whether it’s a pinprick or a surgical incision- the opening in his skin presents a doorway for bacteria to enter the body. How will you know if you develop an infection, despite of your nose piercing care? There are specific symptoms to watch for:
- Increased pain is one of the earliest symptoms, even before you can observe other symptoms.
- Erythema, or redness of the skin around the piercing, is a telltale sign.
- Discharge beyond the ordinary oozing is symptomatic, especially if it increases or thickens.
- Discharge of uninfected piercings might be clear with a very slight tinge of blood. The infection has probably set in if it becomes green, gray, or yellow. You might even notice a foul odor.
- The pierced area might begin to feel warmer than the surrounding skin. If you develop a fever, that’s a certain indication.
(Related: Nose Piercing Care – Don’t Get It Wrong)
Nose Piercing Problems and Solutions
Nose Piercing Problems Caused by Allergies or Alike
Certainly, the piercing professional should ask you if you’re allergic to anything-food, drugs, or metals. But most people aren’t aware of any existing allergies. If you’ve never before placed any type of metal against your exposed skin tissues, you would have no reason to know! And as mentioned above, most people are unaware of just which metals serve as ingredients in the piece of jewelry that is being inserted.
Septum Piercing – What You Must Know
Also known as bull rings, many people think septum piercings are much more dramatic and daring. People choose them to express either cultural traditions or their own individuality. Getting one is a little more uncomfortable, and they take a bit longer to heal.
(Related: Septum Piercing – Are septum piercings more dramatic?)
Pictures of Nose Piercings
There are different types of piercings… various types of nose rings… worries about pain and infection… and these are the things you consider once you’ve already convinced your family or social support network that a piercing is right for you!
Are you ready to pierce your nose? Good, because it’s glam, cool and sexy, and it’s a time-honored traditional way to adorn or accent your facial features. You can have your nostril or septum pierced, and there are those who go for piercing the bridge! You’re going to find that your piercing gives you a mark of individuality and lets you express yourself.
