Getting Septum Piercings: Everything Beginners Should Know
The septum piercing is one of the most popular and widely used facial piercings. This piercing has been around for a long time, and according to most accounts, it originated from Native American and South American tribes, and possibly South Asia (especially Indian and Nepalese cultures), but there is also a tradition of this piercing in Africa and the Middle East, so there is no unified theory about its origin. However, this does not affect it being a popular choice for facial piercing today. This piercing can be worn with various types of jewelry, and it can be turned inside the nose to hide the jewelry, or the jewelry can be removed, even in some more professional or conservative occasions, without worrying about the impact of the piercing and jewelry on you.
What Is a Septum Piercing?
Septum piercings go through the soft tissue (not cartilage!) in the center of the nose, just below the cartilage and above the lower edge, often referred to as the "sweet spot." You can feel it by pinching your septum with your hands, and you'll find a thin, soft piece of tissue just below the cartilage. This is where the needle goes through.
Compared to other piercings, the septum is simpler and easier to get. But that doesn't mean it doesn't come with its own set of problems and challenges. Here's everything a beginner should know about septum piercings before visiting a piercer.
How Much Does The Septum Piercing Hurt?
This is one of the biggest concerns for beginners. It goes without saying that anything that involves a needle piercing the skin tissue will hurt. Pain is subjective, but I would rate it at around 4–6 out of 10. For those who have both a septum piercing and a cartilage piercing, the pain level for the former is much lower than the latter. You may tear up during the piercing, but this is not due to pain but rather the location of the piercing.
There are two situations that may cause higher pain. Some people may not have the "sweet spot" due to different physiological structures, which will cause you to have to pierce the cartilage, which will cause more pain. So think about it, if you don't have the "sweet spot", will you give up the piercing because of the pain?
Another situation is that if your piercer is not experienced enough, it may cause you extra pain. The best piercing point may not be easy to locate, which is a challenge for the piercer. Once the positioning is wrong, the needle will pierce your nasal cartilage and cause pain, so before you rush to find a piercer, be sure to do your research and find a piercer who is experienced in septum piercing.
How Long Does a Septum Piercing Take To Heal?
If the piercing is in the correct location, full recovery can take 4 to 6 months, depending on care and your medical condition. If the piercing went through cartilage, it may take 6 months or longer to heal. Many piercings appear to be completely healed before they have completed the healing process, so many people may mistakenly think that they can stop caring for them, but this is not the case. If you think your septum piercing has healed, visit your piercer to assess whether it still needs to be cared for to avoid possible complications if care is interrupted.
Tips For Healing a Septum Piercing
Since your piercing is located inside your nose, you need to take extra care to keep it clean. With proper care, healing a septum piercing is a fairly simple process. Here are some helpful tips to help you along the healing process:
Clean twice daily: Use a saline solution (you can buy it or make it yourself by adding 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt to 1 cup of warm distilled water). Soak a cotton ball or use a saline spray and gently clean around the piercing. You can adjust the jewelry during the cleaning process, but be careful and avoid large movements to avoid damaging the delicate skin around the new piercing.
Hands Off: Avoid twisting, turning, or playing with jewelry except for necessary cleaning, especially with dirty hands. Unnecessary touching can introduce germs and cause irritation or infection.
Be Mindful While Sleeping: Try to sleep on your back and avoid pressing your face against the pillow. Pressure on a new septum piercing may prolong healing time or cause it to heal improperly.
Watch Out for Irritants: Avoid using harsh facial products, makeup, and harsh soaps near the piercing site. Even essential oils and scented moisturizers can irritate the skin.
Stick with the Starter Jewelry: Keep your original jewelry throughout the healing period (usually 6-8 weeks, sometimes longer). Changing it too soon may damage the healing tissue.
What Jewelry is Suitable for Septum Piercing?
Septum piercings can be worn with all types of hoop jewelry, from a plain horseshoe-shaped barbell to an elaborate seamless hoop encrusted with gemstones. Whether you're fresh out of the studio or you're planning your healing look, here's what you need to know.
- Circular Barbell (Horseshoe): The horseshoe shape allows for easy cleaning and can be flipped inside the nose when needed, making it ideal for healing and discretion.
- Captive Bead Ring (CBR): This is also a popular entry-level jewelry. The circular ring is closed with beads that can maintain tension. After the piercing heals, it presents a seamless appearance, which looks smooth and elegant.
- Septum Clicker: Clickers come in countless designs, from minimalist to ornate. They're hinged and click shut, making them easy to change.
- Retainer: Usually U-shaped or straight, designed to be as invisible as possible, perfect for work or medical procedures.
Best Jewelry Materials for Septum Piercings
When it comes to septum jewelry, material matters just as much as style, especially during the healing phase. The wrong metal can trigger irritation, allergic reactions, or even slow down the healing process. Here are the most common and trusted materials used for septum piercings
| Material | Pros | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Titanium (Implant Grade) | Hypoallergenic, lightweight | Best for healing and sensitive skin |
| Surgical Steel | Durable, affordable | May contain trace nickel |
| Niobium | Non-reactive, nickel-free | Excellent for allergies |
| Bioplast / Glass | Gentle and flexible | Often used for retainers |
Size Guide for Septum Piercings
Choosing the right size for your septum jewelry ensures comfort, proper healing, and aesthetic balance. Both gauge (thickness of the jewelry) and diameter (width of the ring or barbell) matter, and the ideal size can vary based on your anatomy and personal style. Here’s a quick reference guide to common sizes used for different types of septum jewelry:
| Jewelry Type | Typical Gauge | Common Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Circular Barbell | 16g–14g | 8mm–10mm |
| Captive Bead Ring (CBR) | 16g–14g | 8mm–12mm |
| Septum Clicker | 16g–14g | 8mm–10mm |
| Retainer | 18g–16g | Varies (depends on shape) |
How Much Does a Septum Piercing Cost?
Septum piercings usually cost between $40 and $90, which may or may not include jewelry, depending on the studio's statement. Half of all studios will provide a starter piece of jewelry, but you can choose better jewelry with high-quality metals, such as implant-grade titanium or medical steel. Normal septum piercings are generally not rejected, so this is a low-risk piercing.
However, since septum piercing is not easy to perform, it is very important to choose a professional piercer and try to get the piercing done in one go. If you cannot judge whether the piercer is professional, you should at least not choose a piercer who uses a piercing gun. The precision required for septum piercing is not provided by a piercing gun, and most piercing guns are reusable and the sanitary conditions are completely substandard.
The Bottom Line
So, is a septum piercing for you? Maybe! Maybe not. But if you’ve made it this far, chances are you’re at least septum-curious — and that’s a great place to start. Do your research, trust your gut, and don’t be afraid to rock something a little different. Worst case? You take it out and have a cool story. Best case? You’ve found your new favorite look.