Septum vs Nostril Piercings: Comparing Pros, Cons, and Pain Levels

Nose piercings are one of the most popular types of body modifications, as they can enhance your facial features and express your personality. However, there are many different kinds of nose piercings, and choosing the right one for you can be tricky. Two of the most common nose piercings are the septum and the nostril piercing, but what are the differences between them? How do they affect your appearance, your health, and your lifestyle?

In this article, I will compare Septum vs Nostril Piercings in terms of their pros and cons, their pain levels, their healing times, their costs, and their styles. By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of which nose piercing suits you best.

What is a Septum Piercing?

A septum piercing is a piercing that goes through the thin strip of skin between the cartilage and the bottom of the nose, also known as the “sweet spot”. It is sometimes called a “bull ring” piercing because it resembles the rings that are put in the noses of bulls. A septum piercing can be worn with various types of jewelry, such as rings, barbells, clickers, or horseshoes.

What is a Nostril Piercing?

A nostril piercing is a piercing that goes through the side of the nostril, usually in the crease where the nose meets the cheek. Depending on your preference, it can be done on either nostril or both nostrils. A nostril piercing can be worn with different kinds of jewelry, such as studs, screws, hoops, or pins.

• Related: Piercing Ideas For Your Face Shape

Pros and Cons of Septum Piercing

Pros

• A septum piercing can give you a bold and edgy look that stands out from the crowd.
• A septum piercing can be easily hidden by flipping it up inside the nose when needed, such as for work or school.
• A septum piercing does not leave a visible scar if you decide to remove it in the future.
• A septum piercing does not interfere with your breathing or sense of smell.

Cons

• A septum piercing can be more painful than a nostril piercing because it goes through a thicker and more sensitive area of skin.
• A septum piercing can be more prone to infection than a nostril piercing because it is exposed to more bacteria and mucus inside the nose.
• A septum piercing can be more difficult to clean than a nostril piercing because it requires more care and attention.
• A septum piercing can be more challenging to find jewelry for because it requires a specific size and shape to fit your anatomy.

Pros and Cons of Nostril Piercing

Pros

• A nostril piercing can give you a subtle and elegant look that enhances your facial features.
• A nostril piercing can be less painful than a septum piercing because it goes through a thinner and less sensitive area of skin.
• A nostril piercing can be less likely to get infected than a septum piercing because it is exposed to less bacteria and mucus inside the nose.
• A nostril piercing can be easier to clean than a septum piercing because it requires less care and attention.

Cons

• A nostril piercing can be harder to hide than a septum piercing because it is always visible on the outside of the nose.
• A nostril piercing can leave a noticeable scar if you decide to remove it in the future.
• A nostril piercing can interfere with your breathing or sense of smell if it is placed too close to the nasal passage or if it causes irritation or swelling.
• A nostril piercing can be more limited in terms of jewelry options because it requires a smaller and simpler piece to avoid snagging or tearing.

Pain Level of Septum Piercing vs Nostril Piercing

The pain level of any piercing depends on several factors, such as your pain tolerance, your anatomy, your piercer’s skill, and your aftercare. However, in general, most people agree that a septum piercing is more painful than a nostril piercing. This is because the septum area has more nerve endings and blood vessels than the nostril area. The pain of a septum piercing is often described as sharp and intense, while the pain of a nostril piercing is usually mild and quick. Of course, this may vary from person to person, so don’t let this deter you from getting either one if you really want it.

Healing Time of Septum Piercing vs Nostril Piercing

The healing time of any piercing also depends on several factors, such as your immune system, your hygiene, your lifestyle, and your jewelry. However, in general, most people agree that a septum piercing takes longer to heal than a nostril piercing. This is because the septum area is more exposed to bacteria and mucus than the nostril area, which can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection. The healing time of a septum piercing is usually between 6 to 8 weeks, while the healing time of a nostril piercing is usually between 4 to 6 weeks. Of course, this may vary from person to person, so make sure to follow your piercer’s instructions and advice on how to care for your piercing.

Cost of Septum Piercing vs Nostril Piercing

The cost of any piercing also depends on several factors, such as your location, your piercer’s experience, your jewelry choice, and your aftercare products. However, in general, most people agree that a septum piercing is more expensive than a nostril piercing. This is because a septum piercing requires more skill and precision from the piercer than a nostril piercing, which can affect the price. The cost of a septum piercing can range from $40 to $80, while the cost of a nostril piercing can range from $20 to $60. Of course, this may vary from place to place, so make sure to do your research and compare prices before you get your piercing.

Septum vs Nostril Piercing – Which One Hurts More?

As mentioned above, most people agree that a septum piercing hurts more than a nostril piercing. However, this does not mean that a nostril piercing is painless or that a septum piercing is unbearable. The pain level of any piercing is subjective and depends on how you perceive and cope with it. Some people may find a septum piercing more tolerable than a nostril piercing, or vice versa. Some people may even enjoy the pain of a piercing as part of the experience. The best way to find out which one hurts more for you is to try it yourself, or to ask someone who has both piercings for their opinion.

Style of Septum Piercing vs Nostril Piercing

The style of any piercing also depends on your personal preference, your facial structure, your jewelry selection, and your overall look. However, in general, most people agree that a septum piercing has a more alternative and rebellious vibe than a nostril piercing, which has a more classic and feminine vibe. A septum piercing can make you look more daring and adventurous, while a nostril piercing can make you look more refined and graceful. Of course, this may vary from person to person, so don’t let this limit you from expressing yourself and having fun with your piercing.

Septum vs Nostril Piercing – Detailed Comparison Table

Aspect	Septum Piercing	Nostril Piercing
Location	Through the thin strip of skin between the cartilage and the bottom of the nose	Through the side of the nostril
Appearance	Bold and edgy	Subtle and elegant
Pain level	Higher than nostril piercing	Lower than septum piercing
Healing time	Longer than nostril piercing (6 to 8 weeks)	Shorter than septum piercing (4 to 6 weeks)
Cost	Higher than nostril piercing ($40 to $80)	Lower than septum piercing ($20 to $60)
Jewelry options	Rings, barbells, clickers, or horseshoes	Studs, screws, hoops, or pins
Pros	Can be hidden easily, does not leave a scar, does not interfere with breathing or smell	Less painful, less prone to infection, easier to clean, more classic and feminine
Cons	More painful, more prone to infection, more difficult to clean, more challenging to find jewelry, more alternative and rebellious	Harder to hide, can leave a scar, can interfere with breathing or smell, more limited in jewelry options

FAQs

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many differences between a septum piercing and a nostril piercing, but there are also many similarities. Both piercings can enhance your appearance and personality, but they also have their own advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what you like and what suits you best. No matter what you decide, make sure to get your piercing done by a professional piercer who can ensure your safety and satisfaction.

Our Other Septum Piercing Guide

• Septum Piercings
• Types of Septum Rings
• How To Clean A Septum Piercing
• Small Septum Piercing
• Septum Ring Sizes
• Septum Piercing on Men
• How Much Does a Septum Piercing Cost