How to Pull Off a Septum Piercing

Septum piercings are one of the most popular modern piercings. These piercings are very trendy and just as bold. Septum jewelry definitely stands out from your facial features and adds a lasting eye-catcher to your look. It takes a certain amount of courage and a willingness to take fashionable risks to pull the trigger on a piercing as bold as a septum piercing.

These piercings don’t have to be as creepy as they may seem. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to have specific aesthetics or specific facial features to rock a septum piercing. Read on to learn how to safely and smartly pull off a septum piercing, no matter who you are, how you look or what you wear.

1. Get the right size

Septum piercings are definitely not one size fits all. Septum jewelry is available in many different sizes, in a wide range of diameters from 8 mm to 18 mm (for circular jewelry). Pay attention to the width of your nose, as well as the amount of space between the bottom of your nose and your upper lip, to determine whether a smaller or larger size is best for you. Most experienced piercers will know how to advise you on the correct size of jewelry, but you should also know how to estimate your size for yourself.

Also take into account the style of jewelry you choose in relation to the size and shape of your face. If you have smaller, more delicate features, avoid flashy, brightly colored jewelry adorned with jewels or dangling accessories. Instead, stick with more subtle, smaller, U-shaped or round metal jewelry. If you have a bigger face with stronger features, choose bolder, ornate septum jewelry that will stand out.

2. Be selective about your jewelry

It’s impossible to remove a septum piercing if it’s constantly red and irritated. If you notice recurring itching, redness, swelling, or other discomfort after the initial healing process of your piercing, you may have a mild allergic reaction to your septum jewelry.

If possible, your septum jewelry should be made of titanium. Titanium is the safest metal for piercings and the least likely to develop infection. The first time you have your septum pierced, always ask for titanium jewelry. The titanium helps prevent initial infection and irritation when your piercing is new and sensitive. If titanium is not available, surgical grade stainless steel is a good alternative. Avoid sterling silver and coated metal, which tarnish easily and encourage bacterial growth that can lead to infection.

3. Consider your other piercings

There is a fine line between rock piercings as a fashion accessory and the appearance of being adorned with more jewelry than skin. You don’t want the excess metal on your face to be the first thing people notice about you.

Since septum piercings are one of the largest and most obvious facial piercings, they can seem uncomfortable if you combine them with too much other jewelry in the same area. Keep other facial piercings to a minimum and let your septum shine as the main focus of your look.

4. Prepare for the pain

Septum piercings are painful, which is a major reason why they are not for everyone. Before getting your septum pierced, know that it will hurt both during and after your first piercing.

Many people who are not prepared for the pain of a septum piercing remove their jewelry prematurely. Unfortunately, this can lead to permanent skin damage and scarring. Don’t freak yourself out if your piercing hurts more after a few weeks of healing. This is a natural part of your body’s healing process. Just follow your aftercare routine and you know the pain will eventually go away forever.

5. Stay up to date with follow-up care

An infected septum piercing will not win a Style of the Year award. Taking good long-term care of your septum piercing can avoid uncomfortable infections that leave redness, scars, swelling, pus, and other unsightly, painful symptoms. A common mistake many people make after getting a septum piercing – or any other type of piercing – is falling out of the cart too soon for their aftercare.

If your piercing is new and painful, it’s easy to remember to keep up with regular cleaning. It is harder to resist aftercare when your piercing has healed enough that it no longer hurts. However, even if your septum piercing stops hurting and is no longer red or puffy, your septum piercing will not heal completely. Septum piercings take an average of eight months to fully heal. During these eight months, stay vigilant with your follow-up routine to keep your piercing site clean and infection-free.

6. Customize your style

You should choose the septum jewelry that you wear based on your existing style. When you focus on keeping your style and septum jewelry in sync, you can choose jewelry that goes with the clothes and accessories you wear on a daily basis. Wearing septum jewelry that compliments your regular looks will make your everyday outfits look sleek and coherent.

If your style is more subtle and reserved, choose thin, delicate jewelry that will not interfere with the simplicity of your everyday outfits. On the other hand, if you’re gravitating towards colorful, textured statement clothing and accessories, opt for bolder septum jewelry that will keep up with the other eye-catching pieces in your look.

7. Learn to hide it

With a piercing as bright as a septum, you will inevitably find yourself in situations where you need to hide your septum jewelry. Whether you’re out for a job interview or family reunion at your ultra-conservative grandmother’s house, knowing how to hide your piercing when the situation calls for it is helpful.

When you learn how to effectively hide your septum jewelry, life with a septum piercing becomes much less stressful. Hopefully you won’t end up in many situations where your septum piercing is not desirable. If you do, however, you have several options for simply hiding your jewelry without the risk of it closing. Try wearing a holder, a simple U-shaped jewelry that flips up into your nose for easy hiding. Brackets are available in both metal and clear glass. In a pinch, most of the other simple, standard U-shaped septum trinkets can be tucked up your nose as well, instantly hiding your piercing without a bracket.

A septum piercing can be a fun and stylish addition to any look. If you’re bored of your look and want to change it up, add some bold flair to your style with a septum piercing that suits you best.