Piercings have long been used as a form of self-expression, showcasing our individuality and enhancing our natural features. The art of facial piercings, in particular, opens up a whole new realm of possibilities to express personal style.
As we embark on this journey, let’s explore the fascinating world of face shapes and piercings.
Understanding Face Shapes: Identifying your face shape is crucial in selecting the ideal piercing for you. Different face shapes include oval, round, square, heart, and long.
Connection Between Face Shapes and Piercings: The placement and type of piercing can either accentuate or balance certain features of your face shape, enhancing your overall aesthetic.
Ideal Nose Piercings for Different Face Shapes: Oval face shapes are versatile and can carry any piercing well. Round faces benefit from high nostril piercings to create length. Septum piercings soften the angles of a square face, while nostril piercings balance the broad forehead and narrow chin of a heart-shaped face. For long face shapes, septum or nostril piercings add width.
Exploring Other Facial Piercings: Apart from nose piercings, eyebrow, lip, and cheek piercings can also dramatically alter and enhance your look, depending on your face shape.
Piercing Aftercare is Crucial: Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for the healing process. Being aware of potential problems like infections or piercing rejection will help you address issues promptly.
Personal Preference is Key: Although face shape is a key factor in choosing a piercing, your personal style and comfort should not be overlooked. The best piercing is one that resonates with your unique self-expression.
The Art of Facial Piercings: An Introduction
Facial piercings are much more than just decorative ornaments. They’re a fashion statement, a marker of personal identity, and a reflection of cultural traditions. From the simple nostril piercing to the bold eyebrow or lip piercing, the choice is abundant, with each type offering a unique aesthetic appeal. Piercings can be a wonderful way to draw attention to your best features, but they also require careful thought and planning. The key to a flattering facial piercing lies in its harmony with your facial structure, particularly your face shape.
Face Shapes
When it comes to facial piercings, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Everyone’s face is unique, and what works well for one person might not work for another. It’s important to understand the contours and dimensions of your face to make a piercing decision that enhances your features.
Common Types of Face Shapes
Identifying your face shape is the first step towards choosing the right piercing for you. There are five primary face shapes that people generally have: oval, round, square, heart, and long.
Oval Face Shape
The oval face shape is characterized by a forehead that is only slightly wider than the chin, similar to the shape of an egg placed upside down. This is considered the most versatile face shape for piercings due to its balanced proportions. If you have an oval face, you’re lucky! Most types of piercings will suit you.
Round Face Shape
Round faces are approximately equal in width and height with full cheeks and a rounded chin. The goal with piercings for round face shapes is to elongate the face and add some angles to the soft roundness. Vertical piercings, like a high nostril or eyebrow piercing, can be particularly flattering.
Square Face Shape
Square faces have strong, angular features with a forehead, cheekbones, and jawline that are all about the same width. For those with square faces, it’s often best to opt for piercings that soften these strong angles, such as a circular hoop in the nostril or a curved eyebrow piercing.
Heart Face Shape
A heart-shaped face is characterized by a broad forehead and cheekbones that narrow down to a small, pointed chin, similar to the shape of a heart. To balance out these features, you might consider a nose or lip piercing that adds width to the lower part of your face.
Long Face Shape
Also referred to as “rectangular,” long faces are similar to oval ones, but with more length and less width. For this face shape, horizontal piercings like a nostril piercing or a septum ring can add some width and balance out the facial proportions.
Diamond Face Shape
Diamond face shapes are somewhat rarer, defined by high cheekbones, a narrow forehead and jawline. The right piercing can accentuate these unique features while providing balance.
Determining your face shape is simple and doesn’t require any special tools—just a mirror, some natural light, and a little bit of know-how. Here’s a simple process to figure it out:
Pull your hair back: Ensure your hair is away from your face so you can clearly see your facial structure.
Look straight into the mirror: Keep a neutral facial expression and view your face straight-on.
Outline your face: In your mind’s eye, draw an outline of your face’s shape, focusing on the perimeter from your chin to your hairline.
Evaluate the width and length: Look at the length, the width of the forehead, the width between your cheekbones, and the jawline width.
Note the shape that most closely aligns with your features: Based on your observations, determine which description—oval, round, square, heart, or long—best matches your face.
The Connection Between Face Shapes and Piercings
When you’re contemplating a new piercing, the shape of your face plays a significant role in determining what type of piercing will look best. Piercing is an art form, and the face serves as the canvas. Let’s delve deeper into this.
The Role of Facial Symmetry in Piercing Placement
Symmetry is a key aspect of beauty in many cultures, and it plays a significant role in the placement of facial piercings. When a face is symmetrical, it tends to be more balanced, and the features work together harmoniously. The same principle applies to piercings. Placing a piercing strategically can enhance facial symmetry, accentuating your natural beauty and creating a visually pleasing look.
Balancing Facial Proportions with Piercings
Piercings can also be used to balance facial proportions. For instance, if your face is long, a horizontal piercing like a nostril piercing or septum ring can add some width. On the other hand, a vertical piercing can elongate a round face. It’s all about creating a sense of harmony and balance.
Detailed Guide to Piercings for Different Face Shapes
While it’s true that personal preference is the primary driver in choosing a piercing, it’s also beneficial to consider how different piercings might suit your face shape. Now, let’s look specifically at piercings for different face shapes.
Face Shape
Nose Piercing
Ear Piercing
Other Piercings
Oval
Versatile, any piercing works well
Lobe, tragus, helix, daith, conch
Eyebrow, lip
Round
Single nostril, high nostril
Industrial, orbital, multiple lobe, helix cluster
Vertical eyebrow, lip (vertical labret)
Square
Curved septum, double nostrils
Rook, daith, snug, multiple lobe, helix
Angled eyebrow, labret or vertical labret
Long
Septum, nostril
Scaffold or industrial, horizontal lobe, helix and anti-helix
Horizontal lip, horizontal eyebrow
Heart
Septum, nostril
Lower lobe, anti-tragus
Labret, subtle eyebrow
Diamond
Septum, nostril
Lower and upper lobe, helix
Eyebrow, lip
Rectangular
Septum, nostril
Rook, daith, snug, diagonal industrial
Eyebrow, vertical labret
Triangle
Septum, double nostril
High-placed like helix, industrial, forward helix
Eyebrow, medusa
Recommended Piercings for Different Face Shapes
Piercings for Oval Face Shape
Nose Piercings
If you have an oval face shape, you’re in luck! This versatile face shape suits almost all types of piercings. However, when it comes to nose piercings, two types stand out.
Source: ourculturemag.com
Nostril Piercing
A nostril piercing, whether on the left or right side, can accentuate the balanced proportions of an oval face. It can also add a touch of style and edge without overpowering your features. A small stud or a delicate hoop would look particularly appealing.
Septum Piercing
The septum piercing is another excellent choice for oval face shapes. It’s centered and symmetrical, thus aligning perfectly with the harmonious proportions of the oval face. Plus, it’s a bit of a statement piece, sure to grab attention!
You have a lot of flexibility here too. Whether it’s the classic lobe, the edgy tragus, or the trendy helix, they all work perfectly. A daith or conch piercing can also add an unexpected yet pleasant surprise.
Other Piercings:
You might want to consider eyebrow piercings, or even lip piercings. They can add symmetry and draw attention to your well-balanced features.
Piercings for Round Face Shape
Nose Piercings
For those with a round face shape, choosing a piercing that can elongate and add dimension is crucial. A high nostril piercing might just be the perfect fit for you.
A high nostril piercing is placed higher on the nostril than a traditional nostril piercing. This style helps to create the illusion of length, complementing and balancing the soft roundness of a round face. It adds a unique twist to a classic piercing, making your face appear longer and more defined.
Ear Piercing:
Vertical placements like industrial or orbital piercings can add height to your face. You might also consider multiple lobe piercings or a combination of helix piercings for an attractive cluster effect.
Other Piercings:
An eyebrow piercing, especially a vertical one, can elongate your face. Lip piercings can work too, just be mindful of placement – vertical labrets can contribute to lengthening your face.
Piercings for Square Face Shape
Nose Piercings
If you have a square face shape, your piercing should work to soften the sharp angles and balance the width of your features. A septum piercing does exactly that.
Septum Piercing
A septum piercing, done right in the middle of the nose, breaks the angularity of the square face shape, adding a touch of softness. It draws attention to the center of the face, diverting the focus from the strong jawline and wide forehead typically associated with a square face shape.
Ear Piercing:
Circular or curved ear piercings can balance your angular jawline. Consider a rook, daith, or snug. Multiple lobe piercings or helix piercings can also add a nice contrast.
Other Piercings:
Eyebrow piercings, especially angled ones, can counteract the strong lines of your face. A labret or vertical labret piercing can soften your angular chin.
Nose Piercings for Heart Face Shape
Nose Piercings
With a heart face shape, the chin area may seem more pointed compared to the broad forehead. A nostril piercing can create a more balanced look.
Nostril Piercing
A nostril piercing, either a stud or a ring, adds some width to the lower part of the face, providing a counterpoint to the narrow chin of a heart-shaped face. It’s a subtle enhancement that can make a significant difference in how your face shape is perceived.
Ear Piercing:
Circular or curved ear piercings can balance your angular jawline. Consider a rook, daith, or snug. Multiple lobe piercings or helix piercings can also add a nice contrast.
Other Piercings:
Eyebrow piercings, especially angled ones, can counteract the strong lines of your face. A labret or vertical labret piercing can soften your angular chin.
Source: pinterest
Piercings for Long Face Shape
Nose Piercing
For long or rectangular faces, horizontal piercings like the septum or nostril piercing can help add width to balance out the facial proportions.
Septum Piercing
Again, a septum piercing works wonders on a long face shape. It breaks the vertical linearity, adding width and drawing attention to the center of the face. It’s a daring and fashionable choice that pairs well with the length of this face shape.
Nostril Piercing
A nostril piercing, especially one with a larger or more prominent piece of jewelry, can also add some much-needed width to a long face. It emphasizes the horizontal lines of your face, making it appear less elongated and more balanced.
Ear Piercing:
Horizontal ear piercings can balance out a long face. Consider a scaffold or industrial piercing. Multiple lobe piercings arranged horizontally or a combination of helix and anti-helix piercings can also work well.
Other Piercings:
Horizontal lip piercings like snake bites or spider bites can add width. An eyebrow piercing, particularly a horizontal one, can also help to broaden the face visually.
Nose Piercings for Diamond Face Shape
Nose Piercing
For a diamond face shape, high nostril piercings and septum piercings are ideal as they balance the angularity and draw attention to the center of the face.
High Nostril Piercing
High nostril piercings can balance the narrower forehead of a diamond face shape by drawing the eye upwards. The effect is a softened and balanced look that suits the distinct features of a diamond face.
Septum Piercing
A septum piercing, by adding width, can help soften the angularity of a diamond-shaped face. It offers a break from the vertical lines of this face shape, and draws focus to the center of the face.
Ear Piercing:
Lower and upper ear piercings can help balance out a diamond face shape. Consider lobe and helix piercings or even a combination of both.
Other Piercings:
Eyebrow piercings can help to widen your forehead, while lip piercings can add some width to your narrow chin.
Piercings for Rectangle Face Shape
Nose Piercing
A rectangular face is characterized by a long, straight cheek line, and a forehead, cheeks, and jawline that are nearly the same width.
For a rectangle face shape, septum piercings and nostril piercings, especially double nostril piercings, are effective in adding balance and interest
Septum Piercing
A septum piercing can effectively break up the vertical length of the face, adding interest and balance to the face’s symmetrical proportions.
Nostril Piercing
A nostril piercing, particularly if it’s a double nose piercing (one on each side), can add width to a rectangular face. This piercing variation can balance the face’s elongated features.
Ear Piercing:
Similar to a square face, curved piercings can help to add some softness. Consider a daith, rook, or snug. You can also consider horizontal industrial piercings.
Other Piercings:
Eyebrow piercings can soften the stronger lines of your face. Lip piercings, particularly horizontal ones like snake bites or spider bites, can add some width to your face.
Piercings for Triangle Face Shape
Nose Piercing
Triangle faces, characterized by a narrow forehead and a broad jawline, can benefit from piercings that draw attention upward to balance out the wider lower face.
For a triangle face shape, high nostril piercings and bridge piercings can draw attention upwards, balancing the wider lower face.
High Nostril Piercing
High nostril piercings can direct attention upward toward the eyes and forehead, providing balance to the wider jawline of a triangular face shape.
Bridge Piercing
A bridge piercing, which sits at the top of the nose between the eyes, can draw attention to the upper half of the face and balance the wider jawline of a triangular face shape.
Ear Piercing:
High-placed piercings like the helix, industrial, or forward helix can help draw attention upward. Multiple piercings in the upper part of the ear create a point of interest that balances a wider jawline.
Other Piercings:
Eyebrow piercings can add width to the upper part of your face. Consider a vertical or horizontal eyebrow piercing based on what best suits your style. A medusa piercing (above the upper lip) can also balance out the stronger jawline of a triangular face.
Other Types of Face Piercings: Enhancing Your Aesthetic
While nose piercings are beautiful and versatile, they’re not the only facial piercings that can enhance your aesthetic. Let’s explore a few more options.
A Guide to Piercing Aftercare: Maintaining Your New Look
Once you’ve chosen the perfect piercing and taken the plunge, aftercare becomes your next crucial step. Taking good care of your new piercing will ensure a smooth healing process and help maintain your new look.
Piercing Healing Process
Understanding the healing process will arm you with the knowledge to properly care for your piercing and recognize any potential problems early on.
What to Expect
The healing process for a piercing varies depending on the type and location of the piercing, but generally, it involves a few common stages. Initially, you might experience some redness, swelling, and tenderness around the pierced area. A small amount of white or clear discharge is also normal. Over time, these symptoms will gradually reduce as the piercing starts to heal.
Potential Problems
Be vigilant about possible complications like infection or piercing rejection. Signs of infection include increased pain, redness, swelling, or a yellow or green discharge from the piercing site. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to seek medical advice promptly.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Piercing
Proper cleaning is vital for a newly pierced area. It helps to prevent infection and promotes faster healing.
Recommended Products
Saline solution is highly recommended for cleaning a new piercing. It’s gentle, effective, and can be easily made at home by dissolving a quarter teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt in a cup of warm distilled or bottled water.
Some piercing professionals also recommend mild, fragrance-free soap for cleaning the area, but be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving any residue.
Dos and Don’ts
Do clean your piercing regularly, but avoid over-cleaning as it can irritate the area and delay healing. Don’t twist or rotate the jewelry during the healing process; it can cause trauma to the piercing. Avoid swimming in pools or hot tubs where bacteria can breed.
FAQs
What piercing should I get according to my face?
The best piercing for you depends on your face shape and personal aesthetic preferences. For instance, oval face shapes can suit almost any piercing, while septum piercings can help soften the angles of a square face, and high nostril piercings can create a lengthening effect on round faces.
What is the most flattering piercing?
The most flattering piercing varies from person to person, as it depends on individual face shapes, facial features, and personal style. A professional piercer can give advice based on these factors.
What is the best piercing for a round nose?
High nostril piercings are particularly flattering for a round nose, as they can give an elongated and balanced look.
Where is the best nose piercing for a round face?
For round face shapes, a high nostril piercing can be ideal, as it can create an illusion of length and balance the face’s roundness.
How do I know if a nose piercing will suit me?
You can determine whether a nose piercing will suit you by considering your face shape, facial symmetry, and personal style. Consulting with a professional piercer can also provide valuable insights.
How do you know if a piercing will suit you?
Assessing your face shape, facial features, and personal style can give you an idea of what piercing will suit you. Furthermore, professionals in the field can offer advice based on their experience. Remember, the choice ultimately comes down to what makes you feel confident and comfortable
Final Words
Choosing the right piercing for your face shape is an exciting journey of self-expression and individuality. With so many options available, there’s a perfect piercing for everyone. Remember, your comfort and personal style are just as important as any face shape guidelines. Your piercing is a way to express who you are – so make sure it represents you well.
Camila Luna is a passionate jewelry enthusiast and content creator at Miami Jewelry Co. With a focus on providing high-quality, Miami-style jewelry, Camila and her team specialize in a wide range of jewelry that includes bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and more
