Septum Piercing From Start to Finish: The Ultimate Guide

Take a look at the people around you outside, and you'll notice that many people have nose piercings, and more specifically, septum piercings.

Many think this type of piercing has been trending because of celebrities like Lady Gaga getting it. But did you know septum piercings have been around for over 4,000 years? So for those who are worried about following a trend that might be dying, rest easy knowing that septum piercings have had their place in society for many millennia!

So are you ready for a change? If you're thinking about getting a septum piercing, then here's a guide for you!

What Is a Septum Piercing?

A septum piercing is a type of nose piercing. But instead of going on the nose itself, it goes on the septum (hence the name). This is the piece of cartilage that separates your nostrils.

However, the piercing itself doesn't actually go into any cartilage. Instead, there's a "sweet spot" of soft tissue that the piercing goes through.

Many people get septum piercings as a type of self-expression. It gives you an edgy look, which is why many in alternative lifestyles get this piercing!

And what's great is, if you need to hide it for any reason, all you have to do is flip the nose ring up into your nose and it'll look like you have no piercing at all.

How Much Do Septum Piercings Cost?

The cost of a septum piercing varies widely, depending on the piercer you go to and where you're located. But you can expect to pay between $50 to $100 for it to be done.

But don't compromise on your safety by going somewhere that does piercings dirt-cheap. Not only can their practices be unhygienic, but they might also do your piercing wrong! For instance, they might miss the "sweet spot".

Are Septum Piercings Safe?

The septum piercing is located in a weird and delicate area, so you might be concerned about safety.

In general, they're very safe, especially if you go to a reputable piercer. However, as with all piercings, there are some risks, such as:

  1. Infection
  2. Allergic reaction (to the metal used for the piercing and the jewelry)
  3. Septal hematoma (blood accumulation that results in a lump that needs to be treated)
  4. Scarring

By taking good care of your piercing, you can reduce the chances of health issues.

Do Septum Piercings Hurt?

Unfortunately, we're here to tell you that all piercings hurt, including septum piercings.

You might think that due to its location, a septum piercing would hurt a lot. But for those of you who are afraid of pain, we have good news: it's really not all that painful!

When the piercing needle goes in, you might get the sensation of needing to sneeze. And there's a pinch, which will probably make your eyes water. But that's it!

If you have another nose piercing, then the pain for the septum piercing shouldn't be any worse than for that one.

Septum Piercing Healing Time

Everyone's body is different, so while someone might heal super-quick, you might not.

But in general, you should feel pretty healed within 8 weeks. However, for your piercing to completely heal, it can take anywhere between 4 to 6 months. And for scar tissue to fully build up, this can take a year or even longer.

What Gauge Is a Septum Piercing?

Typically, piercers will use 16g for a septum piercing. This is about 1.2 millimeters thick and is the same size used for lobe piercings (usually 16g or 14g; the smaller the number, the bigger the gauge). Some people choose to get 18g, so that might be something to consider.

If you want a bigger gauge, you'll have to wait for your piercing to heal so you can slowly size up to your desired gauge.

Aftercare for Septum Piercings

To keep infections at bay, you'll need to carefully clean your piercing and not touch it unless necessary. And if you're touching your piercing, make sure to first wash your hands thoroughly!

You should wash the piercing twice a day with antibacterial soap. You should also soak it in saline twice per day. This promotes healing since it gets rid of debris, helps with inflammation, and can clean the wound as you're healing.

It's important you don't play with the piercing! Don't pick at the scabs either. Just leave it alone to heal as best as possible.

Jewelry for Septum Piercings

There are several types of jewelry for septum piercings.

For people new to piercings, it's best to start off with barbells. This is usually what the piercer gives you anyway.

These are curved pieces of metal that look like a horseshoe. You can flip these up until your nose to hide them away at a moment's notice.

There are also septum clickers. These are hoops that have a hinged closure. They're more fancy-looking, as they usually come adorned with decorative elements, but you won't be able to flip these up into your nose.

Why Do Septum Piercings Smell?

Some people might notice a smell with their septum piercings. This is due to an accumulation of dead skin cells.

If you clean your piercing regularly, the smell shouldn't be too bad. You might not even notice one.

Get a Cool New Piercing

Septum piercings are cool, there's no doubt about it. Not only do they give you an edgy look, but they're also a more discreet piercing since you can flip the jewelry up into your nose to hide it away when you need to.

After reading about it, do you feel like a septum piercing is right for you? Then the next step to take is to research some reputable piercers near you and to book an appointment with the best one you can find.

Want to browse more septum jewelry as you wait for your upcoming appointment? Then take a look at our septum jewelry collections now!