The Ultimate Guide and types of Nose Piercings
Nose piercings are making a comeback with the 2000s revival. But have you heard of a nasallang? We explain the different types of nose piercings.
The septum has been the favorite accessory of all festival-goers in recent years. But with the revival of the 2000s, we’re seeing more and more nose piercings on the street. So that you are well prepared when you go to the piercer and know exactly what you want, we will explain the different types of nose piercing to you.
Here’s what you’ll find out about the 7 types of nose piercings
Where do nose piercings come from anyway?
The 7 Types of Nose Piercings
- Nostril: Plugs on the walls of the nose
- Septum: The nose ring
- Septril: Hidden plug
- Bridge: Puncture at the bridge of the nose
- Austin Bar
- Nasallang: Austin Bar meets Nostril
- Rhino: Double Septrile
Conclusion: Nose piercings are a tradition and trend at the same time
Where do nose piercings come from anyway?
Nose piercings are the oldest known piercings that we humans have worn as body jewelry. An early mention of nose piercing dates back to around 2,000 BC and is not from India, as some might think.
In fact, the oldest Eurasian evidence to date is all from the Middle East. It was not until the 15th and 16th centuries that nose piercings became more widespread in many Asian countries and also in India. They were mostly considered a symbol of prosperity and were particularly popular with the bride at weddings.
At the same time, there are many indigenous peoples in Africa, but also in Australia and America, who wore different types of nose piercings completely independently. A 2016 find suggests that bones were worn as nose jewelry in Australia as early as 44,000 BC.
The 7 Types of Nose Piercings
So nose jewelry has a long tradition across continents and they are even older than our beloved earrings. The septum is the most well-known and also the oldest piece of jewelry. But there are many, many more:
1. Nostril: Plugs on the walls of the nose
This type of nose piercing is incredibly popular and that’s because of its versatility. Because the side piercing can be decorated with a wide variety of jewelry: nose rings, studs, and opulent combinations of different piercings.
If you want to get a Nostril pierced, think about which rings or studs you want to wear beforehand. Because a very high Nostril only allows very large rings. So talk to the piercer you trust.
Fun fact: In India, side piercings are believed to ease the pain of childbirth and menstrual periods in women. Because the nostrils are associated with the uterus in Ayurveda.
2. Septum: The nose ring
We all know and love the septum. So much so that there are now clip-in septums that make a piercing no longer absolutely necessary. This was different in the past, in many indigenous peoples the hole was stretched on purpose so that large rod-like trinkets made of bone and wood could fit through.
The thin nasal septum is punctured for a septum. In most cases, this is completely painless. If you only want to be a part-time piercing wearer, then a septum is ideal because the puncture site is not visible.
Fun Fact: Although the septum itself was worn as an ornament and status symbol, similar ornaments were used as a deterrent. These were considered incredibly beautiful and they wanted to protect themselves from attacks from other tribes with the help of nose plugs.
3. Septril: Hidden plug
You don’t see the Septril on the road very often, but it has the potential to really take off. Because the small plug in front of the nasal septum or under the nose is inconspicuous and only allows for very small jewelry. Perfect as a complement to the Septum or Nostril.
However, there is a catch, because if you decide on this type of nose piercing, you have to have a septum pierced beforehand. In addition, the septril is very painful and takes longer than piercing other piercings. With a Septril, think about exactly where you want to wear it: from the tip of the nose to the lower part of the nose, anything is possible.
4. Bridge: Puncture at the bridge of the nose
Bridge piercings are a new trend: the skin is pushed through at the bridge of the nose, once completed, so that a rounded rod fits in. The nasal bone remains intact.
These types of piercings need a lot of care because there is a very high chance that they will “migrate”. Because the skin tries to heal and pushes the piercing further and further to the surface. Piercing newcomers with concerns should rather choose another piece of jewelry.
5. Austin Bar
Another vertical piercing like the bridge is the Austin Bar. It is very far forward, almost on the tip of the nose. It is difficult to sting and very noticeable. Since it is also close to the surface, it needs a lot of maintenance.
6. Nasallang: Austin Bar meets Nostril
The Nasallang looks almost exactly like the Austin Bar but sits further back in the same position as a Nostril. As a result, he has to be pierced through both nasal walls and the nasal septum. Piercing is very painful. So this nose piercing is not suitable for beginners.
7. Rhino: Double Septrile
The not-so-flattering name is another double puncture performed at the tip of the nose. It usually starts on the underside of the nose and then comes out in the middle of the tip of the nose. Because it goes through a lot of cartilage, it’s not that painful.
Conclusion: Nose piercings are a tradition and a trend at the same time
Body jewelry is a cultural asset with a long tradition. Even though we no longer need nose rings to show our status, nose piercings help us to be the person we want to be. They contribute to the overall artwork of our body and will not disappear any time soon.
We hope you’ve learned some new types of nose piercing. If you feel like getting one now, let you pierce advice first. Each piercing is individual and should be tailored to your needs.
