We are used to seeing nostril piercings in our day-to-day lives now, but like most piercings they did not originate in Western culture. These decorative piercings actually have their roots in the Middle-East and Asia. Indigenous tribes like the Apatani tribe was home to women who wore large, dark plugs in stretched nostril piercings. Throughout the years nostril piercings have remained popular, with more decorative versions being worn including chains that link the nostril piercing with a labret. It is believed that piercing the acupuncture pressure point on the nostril may alleviate symptoms associated with menstruation/childbirth.  Despite this rich history, nostril piercings are now one of the most common piercings in western society, second to ear piercings.

Will it hurt? Nostril piercings are generally well tolerated in terms of pain, with most people agreeing they are over quickly. The majority of people describe it as a 'short, sharp sting' that makes your eyes water.

Healing:  Nostril Piercings are placed on the side of the nose, seated in the niche of skin called the 'Supra-alar' crease where the nostril naturally flares. Healing times vary from 3-4 months to heal provided the correct aftercare is followed.  Once healed, your nostril piercing jewellery can be changed without discomfort. Always follow your piercers aftercare advice to ensure your nostril piercing heals smoothly.

When caring for your nostril piercing, ensure that you:

• Always make sure your hands and clean and dry before touching your piercing
• Nostril piercings will heal over very quickly if the jewellery is removed, so keep your original jewellery in for as long as possible before changing it.
• Refrain from touching the piercing to allow the tender tissue to heal and to reduce the risk of inflammation and pain.
• Avoid applying lotions, moisturisers, make-up and perfumes to the area.
• Avoid swimming until after your piercing has healed.
• Try to keep your hair tied up and away from the piercing wherever possible during initial healing.
• Clean both the entry and exit holes of your piercing twice a day.
• You should not remove your jewellery during the healing process. The jewellery must be kept in at all times, or you can risk the piercing closing over.
• Be super careful blowing your nose, if tissue gets stuck it harbours bacteria, or it could painfully pull at the piercing, same for yawning.

You can dramatically reduce the risk of any problems by following this advice.

Jewellery: There is a huge variety of decorative nose rings and nose screws available for nostril piercings, from simple rings to more decorative jewelled studs, you can really customise your new body modification to make a real style statement. 

Book your appointment here: www.bookapiercing.co.uk 

Read aftercare info here: www.ljaze.co.uk/aftercare

Read downsizing info here: www.ljaze.co.uk/downsizing

Read healing info here: www.ljaze.co.uk/healing

Initial piercing jewellery options for nostril piercings are titanium nose studs in gold or silver are included in the price. Crystal Nose studs are £5 per piece extra.