The septum piercing has surged in popularity over the past decade, transitioning from alternative subculture to mainstream fashion. Whether you're drawn to its edgy aesthetic, its rich cultural history, or the versatility of being able to hide it when needed, getting a septum piercing is an exciting decision. This comprehensive guide covers everything first-timers need to know before, during, and after getting their septum pierced.
What Exactly Is a Septum Piercing?
A septum piercing passes through the thin strip of tissue called the columella, located between the cartilage of your nose and the bottom of your septum. Contrary to popular belief, a properly placed septum piercing does not go through cartilage—it passes through the soft tissue known as the "sweet spot."
This sweet spot is a small area of skin and membrane between the cartilage and the tip of the nose. An experienced piercer can locate this spot by feel, and piercing through it (rather than through cartilage) means less pain and faster healing.
Not everyone has an obvious sweet spot. Some people's anatomy makes septum piercings more challenging or even inadvisable. A good piercer will assess your anatomy during a consultation and be honest if a septum piercing isn't right for you.
Pain: What to Realistically Expect
The question everyone asks: "How much does it hurt?" The honest answer is that it varies, but here's what most people experience:
During the Piercing
The piercing itself takes only a second. Most people describe the sensation as a sharp pinch that makes their eyes water reflexively. On a scale of 1-10, most rate the pain between 3-6—noticeable but very brief and manageable. The anticipation is often worse than the actual experience.
After the Piercing
Immediately after, you may experience:
- Watery eyes (completely involuntary)
- An urge to sneeze
- Mild throbbing for 15-30 minutes
- Slight tenderness for the first few days
Unlike nostril piercings that can be bumped frequently, septum piercings are relatively protected inside your nose, meaning less ongoing irritation during healing.
Key Takeaway
The actual piercing pain lasts about one second. If you can handle getting a vaccine or having blood drawn, you can handle a septum piercing.
Choosing Your Initial Jewellery
Your piercer will likely offer a few options for initial jewellery. Understanding your choices helps you make the right decision:
Circular Barbells (Horseshoes)
The most common choice for initial jewellery. Horseshoes are easy to flip up and hide inside your nose while healing—perfect if you need to conceal your piercing for work or family situations. They're also easy to clean and adjust.
Captive Bead Rings
Circular rings with a removable bead that holds the ring closed. These create a classic septum look but can be slightly more difficult to flip up for hiding. Changing them yourself can be tricky for beginners.
Retainers
Clear glass or plastic retainers are designed to be invisible. Some piercers use these for initial piercings if hiding the piercing is essential from day one. However, plastic retainers are not ideal for long-term wear during healing.
Gauge and Diameter
- Gauge: 16G (1.2mm) is standard for most septum piercings. 14G (1.6mm) is occasionally used for those wanting thicker jewellery eventually.
- Diameter: 8mm or 10mm internal diameter is typical, depending on your anatomy. Your piercer will measure to ensure a comfortable fit.
The Healing Process
Septum piercings typically take six to eight months to fully heal, though they may feel healed much sooner. Here's what to expect:
Weeks 1-2
- Tenderness when touching or moving the jewellery
- Possible slight swelling
- Crusties forming around the jewellery
- Occasional clear discharge (lymph fluid)
Weeks 3-8
- Tenderness decreases significantly
- Less discharge and crusting
- The piercing starts to feel "normal"
- Resist the urge to change jewellery—it's not healed yet!
Months 3-8
- Minimal to no tenderness
- The piercing may appear fully healed
- The internal tissue is still maturing
- Around the 6-8 month mark, you can safely change jewellery
Aftercare Essentials
Septum aftercare is similar to other nose piercings but with some specific considerations:
Daily Cleaning
- Clean twice daily with sterile saline solution
- Spray saline inside your nostrils and let it drip through the piercing
- Gently remove softened crusties with clean fingers or gauze
- Let warm shower water run over the piercing daily
What to Avoid
- Don't flip the jewellery constantly: Flipping once to hide it is fine, but constantly moving it irritates the healing tissue.
- Don't play with it: Touching and spinning the jewellery introduces bacteria and causes irritation.
- No swimming: Wait until fully healed to swim in pools, spas, or natural water.
- Avoid face-first activities: Be careful with sports or situations where your nose might be impacted.
Many people assume that because their septum piercing stops hurting after a few weeks, it's healed. External healing happens quickly, but the internal channel takes much longer. Changing jewellery too early is one of the most common causes of complications.
The "Septum Funk"
Let's address something nobody warns you about: septum piercings can smell. This is affectionately known as "septum funk" among the pierced community. Dead skin cells, natural oils, and bacteria accumulate on the jewellery, creating an unpleasant odour.
Solutions include:
- Regular cleaning as part of your shower routine
- Removing and cleaning the jewellery periodically once healed
- Choosing materials like titanium that harbour less bacteria than others
The funk is completely normal and manageable—just part of having a septum piercing!
Lifestyle Considerations
Work and Professional Settings
One of the septum's biggest advantages is hideability. With a horseshoe or circular barbell, you can flip the jewellery up inside your nose, making it invisible to others. This makes septum piercings popular among those in conservative work environments.
Colds and Allergies
Having a piece of metal in your nose during a cold or allergy season takes some getting used to. You may need to be gentler when blowing your nose, and tissues can catch on the jewellery. Most people adapt quickly and find it manageable.
Sports and Physical Activities
Once healed, septum piercings rarely interfere with sports. During healing, protect your piercing from direct impacts and flip it up if needed. Some athletes tape over piercings for contact sports, but this isn't usually necessary with septums.
Popular Septum Jewellery Styles
Once healed, the jewellery options are extensive:
- Clickers: Hinged rings that click closed, easy to insert and remove. Available in countless designs from minimalist to ornate.
- Seamless rings: Continuous hoops with no visible closure, creating a smooth look.
- Tusks and crescents: Curved pieces that dangle below the nose for a more dramatic effect.
- Stacked rings: Wearing multiple thin rings for a layered look.
Final Thoughts
Getting a septum piercing is a significant decision, but it's also one of the most versatile and forgiving nose piercings you can get. The ability to hide it, combined with relatively quick healing and minimal interference with daily life, makes it an excellent choice for piercing beginners and veterans alike.
Choose an experienced piercer, follow your aftercare routine consistently, and be patient with the healing process. Before long, you'll be enjoying your new septum piercing and exploring all the amazing jewellery options available.