Piercings have been part of many predominant cultures around the world. In 2020 piercings became more popular than ever before. A significant reason why this trend is all over social media now is because of the jewelry that comes with piercings.
Social media platforms like Instagram are proof that piercings have become a worldwide fashion trend. As more and more companies have become focused on selling body jewelry, it is going to be a while before piercings begin to fade.
The curated ear look was the marker of bringing piercings back in style. However, other than the ear, people have also begun to explore different types of piercings.
Nose piercings, in particular, are slowly catching on the trend. In this article, we’ll be mentioning various kinds of nose piercings you can get along with the aftercare necessary for nose piercings.
[toc]Origin of Nose Piercings
In the West, nose piercings are a relatively new style. In countries such as Africa, India, and the Middle East, nose piercings have been around for countless years. After ear piercings, nose piercings are the second most common type of piercings till today.
In such cultures, nose piercings hold symbolic value. In the West, however, often, nose piercings are looked at as against the traditional norms of Eastern and South-Eastern cultures.
Either way, nose piercing tradition goes as far as 44,000 BC. The Aboriginal people in Australia were first recorded for wearing crafted bones as nasal septum piercings. Until recent years, this practice was continued by generations.
Historians suggest that this practice influenced the Middle East over 4,000 years ago. That is when wearing nose rings became part of the Middle Eastern culture. From the Middle East, the custom traveled towards the Subcontinent.
By the 1500s, nose piercings had become a standard part of their daily life. Not before the 20th century, nose piercings made their way to Western culture.
During the 60s era, Caucasians who traveled to India, embraced this culture and brought it back to America. The punk and goth communities of the West also began to adapt to this new trend.
While nose piercings are a symbol for girls entering womanhood, in the West, the significance of this practice is different. Many subgroups used nose piercings in the West as a way to rebel against the culture. In the beginning,
Westerners viewed piercings in a negative light. However, in recent years, piercings have become a ‘cool’ trend. The acceptance of body piercings has also increased. Whereas in Eastern cultures, nose piercings are slowly becoming less historically significant. Regardless of the dying cultures, nose piercing holds various different meanings.
Meaning of Nose Piercings
Today nose piercings are popular due to cool social media trends. Nose piercings are usually seen as fashion accessories and hold little historical value. Nevertheless, this type of piercing is commonly a symbol of various things. In some cultures, nose piercings are an expression of prestige and social status.
The Berber community of North Africa still use nose rings to show their wealth. The wealthier a person is, the more significant the nose ring will be. In terms of wedding rituals, the groom often gives his bride a nose ring to showcase his wealth.
In India, nose piercings correlate with a woman’s sexual health. A piercing in the left nostril can ease menstrual pain and ease the troubles of childbirth.
With that, nose piercings also hold an Ayurvedic significance. Such kind of piercing is thought to help make women more fertile. However, In other countries, nose rings are used to mark the marital status of women.
10 Types of Nose Piercings
1. Nasallang Piercing
Nasallang piercing is common among both men and women. This subtype of nose piercing passes through one nostril then the septum and comes out of the other nostril. Being a tri-nasal piercing, this procedure should be done using a sterilized needle.
Because of its nature, this piercing is hard to get right. That is why it should be done by professionals with experience only. With proper aftercare, it takes a period of 4 to 6 months for nasallang piercing to heal.
Learn more: How Long Does It Take for A Nose Piercing to Heal?
2. Austin Bar Piercing
Austin bar piercing is one of the rarest kinds of nose piercing. The piercer will make a barbell jewelry pass through the flesh located on the tip of your nose. That means that during the procedure, the bar jewelry does not pass through your nasal septum.
Because of that, the risk of getting an infection after Austin bar piercing is relatively low. With that, it only takes about 2 to 3 months for Austin bar piercing to heal properly.
3. Vertical Tip Piercing (Rhino)
Usually, nose piercings are horizontal. However, the vertical tip is making its way to the top in recent years. This unisex piercing is still very unique.
Also known as Rhino, vertical tip piercing passes from the cartilage of your nose and runs between the two nostrils. This piercing is visible at the tip of your nose.
Due to the location of vertical tip piercing, this is one of the most painful types of nose piercings. Still, the risk of getting an infection is relatively low. Nevertheless, it takes about 6 to 9 months for this piercing to heal because of its depth.
4. Septum Piercing
Septum piercings are one of the most common types of nose piercings. This versatile nose piercing is risky because of where it is located. That is why it is advised to make an appointment with a highly skilled piercer once you decide to get a septum piercing.
This type of nose piercing is on the cartilage division of your nose. In simple words, septum piercing is located at the bottom of your nose, which is usually between your cartilage.
Because of that, this piercing can be slightly painful. Often, it can be challenging to clean it as well. With proper care, this piercing can heal between 6 to 8 weeks.
5. Septril Piercing
Septril piercing is a rare combination of half vertical tip piercing and a septum piercing. This nature of septril piercing makes it complicated in terms of the procedure and healing time.
An expert piercer should be contacted for septril piercing since this type of nose piercing is very delicate. In addition to that, the procedure of septril piercing is also quite painful, and it can take a long time to heal.
Usually, a curved barbell, nose bone, or a small stud is used to wear on septril piercings.
6. Triple Nostril Piercing
Because of its stylish nature, a triple nostril piercing is rather common among today’s generation.
Given the name, people have the choice of either having all three holes on the same nostril or two holes on one nostril and one hole on the opposite nostril.
Generally, this piercing appears to have a triangular pattern. Because three holes are punctured, it can take about 6 months to 1 year for triple nostril piercing to heal.
7. Double Nostril Piercing
A double nostril piercing can either appear side by side on the same nostril or each nostril. A strategic piercer will insert two holes on the nose.
Because this piercing only passes through the nostrils, the procedure is tolerable. If you have recently gotten a double nostril piercing, it will take roughly 2 to 3 months to heal with proper care.
8. High Nostril Piercing
A high nostril piercing is a variation of standard nostril piercing. This nose piercing appears on the bridge of your nose. With that, the location is higher than regular nostril piercings. That makes high nostril piercing a different trend.
The area for this piercing should be thicker than other parts of your nose. That is why a person with this piercing is prone to experiencing swelling and pain during the healing period.
A strict aftercare routine will make sure that an infection does not appear.
9. Nostril Piercing
A plain nostril piercing is one of the very traditional types of nose piercings.
Usually, an 18 to 20 gauge needle is used to puncture the nostril of your choosing. After the piercing is made, you can either wear a small stud or a nose ring on your nostril piercing.
This type of nose piercing is prevalent among the cultures of Nepal, India, and Pakistan. Because bacteria can easily enter your nose, the nostril piercing is prone to infection.
That is why piercers recommend not touching the piercing unless you need to apply an aftercare ointment.
10. Bridge Nose Piercing
Bridge piercings are also called ‘Earl’ piercings. This facial piercing is horizontal and placed on the bridge region of your nose.
Usually, the location of this piercing is near your eyebrows. The piercing is only done on the flesh and does not pass through the cartilage.
While bridge piercing is not risky, a piercer should first mark the area with the pen before proceeding with a needle.
Why Some People Get Nose Piercing
With time, the meaning of nose piercings is becoming more personal. While it is a fashion statement, for many people, piercings are a way to express themselves. If you’re thinking about getting a nose piercing as well, you can have many reasons to go ahead with this choice.
The primary reason why people choose nose piercings is beauty. Among many subgroups in the West, nose piercings are aesthetically pleasing.
Piercings can be profoundly personal and meaningful, as well. Some individuals get piercings to mark a significant event or turning point in their lives.
Other body modification enthusiasts have also begun using nose piercings as a signal for commitment. Such an out-of-the-box gesture has yet to become standard. Still, this uncommon idea could also be one of the reasons why you should get a nose piercing.
Aftercare
After getting your nose piercing, you should add several aftercare tips to your daily routine. The aftercare begins on the same day as you get the procedure done. To begin with the aftercare
- You should wash your hands before you touch your nose piercing.
- Make sure you use antibacterial treatment on your hands before they come in contact with your piercing.
With that, you should also invest in some cotton balls or bulb syringes to apply the saline solution on the wound. This process is to be repeated at least three times a day for three minutes per cleaning session. To make the saline solution, simply add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to a lukewarm cup of water.
Many of us have oily skin and are prone to acne. In such a case, you should use sanitized towels or cotton pads to clean your nose without irritating the wound.
Additionally, making some health decisions can also help you make sure your piercing heals faster. Eating a healthy diet, taking vitamins, and staying hydrated will help you make sure your piercing does not get infected.
Complications of Nose Piercings
One of the most common questions about nose piercings is if they hurt. Yes, nose piercings can hurt depending on which type you choose. However, the pain isn’t as bad as you imagine during the procedure.
Later on, the pain can increase or decrease depending on how you take care of it. A slight pinch and twinge can turn into sharp pain if proper care is not practiced.
Before you get a nose piercing, make sure you understand which metal was used to make the jewelry. The safest metals to use for piercings are a handful.
You should opt for titanium in case you have sensitive skin.
You can choose surgical stainless steel as well. Not only is this metal cost-effective, but it is highly biocompatible.
Choosing 14K gold or 18K gold nose rings is also a wise idea in case you have the budget for it. However, any gold plated jewelry should only be worn once the piercing has completely healed.
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If you neglect to take care of your hygiene after getting your nose pierced, it can result in various medical conditions. You can easily get an infection on the site of your piercing. Bacteria is present in a large amount in your nasal cavity area.
In case that you experience aches, excessive bleeding, pus, or persistent swelling, it is highly likely your piercing is infected. Other than that, keloids are also very common. This bump is caused because of less to no aftercare.
Other times, keloids are a signal that your body is rejecting the piercing. In such cases, removing and letting the piercing close is your best option. After that, following with a keloid treatment can be helpful.
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