Did you know that around 61% of Americans have at least one piercing?

While ears are still the most popular body part to pierce, there are still plenty of other wonderful features that you can enhance with a piercing. If you’ve been wanting to change your look, then you might be curious about getting a nose piercing.

There’s no denying that nose piercings are chic, but it’s important to do your research before your appointment. Continue reading if you’d like the full breakdown of what to expect from your first nose piercing.

Learn About the Nose Piercing Locations First

Since there are so many different types of nose piercings, it’s helpful to take a look at your options to figure out where you’d like your nose to get pierced. Some people enjoy the look of having multiple nose piercings at once, but you should choose your favorite location first to see how you handle it.

Some of the most well-known kinds of piercings are the septum, double nose, Austin bar, bridge, high nostril, nasallang, and rhino piercings. The top two nose piercings out of this bunch are the nostril and septum. Take a look at photos of others who’ve had those piercings done and reflect on what would complement your features best.

Know What Level of Pain to Expect

One of the top questions that people have about getting their noses pierced is “How much will it hurt?” The truth is that different areas of the nose are more sensitive than others. In addition, we all have our own unique pain tolerances, so keep that in mind before you book your appointment.

The reassuring news is that most people would rate their nose piercings as a 3 out of 10 on a pain scale. Sometimes the anticipation is the scariest part. Your eyes may well up since your nose is connected to them, but the only other sensation should be a small sting.

Do Research on Local Piercers

If you want to have the smoothest piercing experience possible, then it’s crucial to research piercing shops near you to find the best business. The last thing you’d want to do is get your nose pierced by someone without a lot of experience and get an infection. Spend some time browsing online reviews and keep your eyes peeled for piercing shops with the highest ratings.

It’s also worth looking at photos of each shop as well so you can see how clean and modern the interior looks. Your visit should feel comfortable and safe from start to finish. The piercing cost can vary from each business, so don’t be afraid to compare prices.

Be Prepared to Look After Your Fresh Piercing

The main risk of getting your nose pierced is that the hole could get infected and fail to heal properly. Sometimes the piercing can get salvaged with diligent care and other times people choose to remove their piercings for full healing. Your piercer should give you clear aftercare instructions so you can keep your risk of infection as small as possible.

After your nose is pierced, you need to leave it alone and avoid touching it, especially with dirty hands. When you’re getting dressed, washing your face, or even sleeping, do your best to steer clear of your piercing to avoid any painful tugging. To keep your piercing clean, you can rinse it with a saline solution and take pain medication or apply a cold compress if you feel uncomfortable.

Watch Out for Signs of Infection

If you have sensitive skin, then you could see minor bruising around the piercing area for a couple of days. Don’t be alarmed since this is your body healing from the trauma. The hole may develop a bit of crust, but this is still within the realm of normal healing.

The piercing could be infected if it’s swollen, red, hot to the touch, or if there’s any discolored discharge. You should consult a dermatologist to see if it’s okay to apply an antibacterial ointment.

Give Your Piercing Plenty of Time to Heal Fully 

Everyone heals at different speeds, but you should expect to make a full recovery within eight weeks after your piercing. If your nose doesn’t feel 100% normal by then, you can wait an additional eight weeks before you seek help. This means that your full recovery could take up to four months.

It’s crucial to be patient throughout the healing process so you don’t harm your nose. You’ll have to leave your original piercing in place during this time and avoid fiddling with it. Once you’ve healed, you can go back to your piercer to try on new jewelry and confirm that everything is healthy.

Have Fun Shopping for Different Nose Rings

Once your nose has made a full recovery, you can look forward to a lifetime of fun with your piercing. You’ll have a blast shopping for cute nose rings that can match every outfit you own. From dainty studs to statement jewelry and everything in between, you’ll have no trouble finding nose rings that allow you to express your unique style.

As you’re shopping, pay attention to the quality of the jewelry and the materials that they’re made out of. It’s always better to invest in a few high-quality pieces and build your collection over time rather than wasting your money on pieces that will degrade and irritate your piercing.

Are You Excited to Get Your First Nose Piercing?

Deciding to get your first nose piercing is a big milestone that you should celebrate. With proper research, you can ensure that the experience is a big success. As long as you use this guide, you’re guaranteed to love the final results.

Getting a piercing is just one of the many ways that you can elevate your appearance. Do you want to stay in the loop with the latest fashion and beauty trends? Add our blog to your bookmarks.