How to Change Your Nose Jewellery Safely

After months of patient healing, the time has finally come to change your nose jewellery. Whether you're switching styles, upgrading to higher-quality pieces, or just ready for something new, knowing how to change your jewellery safely prevents irritation, injury, and frustration. This guide walks you through the process for every type of nose jewellery.

Before You Begin: Essential Preparation

Proper preparation makes jewellery changes smoother and safer. Never attempt to change jewellery without these essential steps:

Timing Matters

• Nostril piercings: Wait at least 4-6 months, or until your piercer confirms it's healed.
• Septum piercings: Wait 6-8 months minimum.
• High nostril piercings: These can take 6-12 months due to their location.

If you're unsure whether your piercing is ready, visit your piercer for an assessment. It's better to wait a bit longer than to cause setbacks by changing too early.

Gather Your Supplies

• New jewellery (clean and sterilised)
• Sterile saline solution
• Clean paper towels or gauze
• Good lighting
• A mirror (a magnifying mirror is even better)
• Latex or nitrile gloves (optional but helpful)
• Small pliers or ring opening tools (for certain jewellery types)

Clean Everything

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds.
2. Clean your new jewellery with sterile saline or as recommended by the manufacturer.
3. Clean the piercing area with saline spray.

Changing Different Types of Nose Jewellery

L-Shaped Studs

L-shaped studs are common for nostril piercings. The post bends at a 90-degree angle inside the nose.

Removal:

1. Gently grip the decorative end of the stud on the outside of your nose.
2. With your other hand inside your nostril, locate the end of the L-bend.
3. Guide the L-bend toward the piercing hole while gently pulling the stud outward.
4. The stud should slide out smoothly once the angle clears the hole.

Insertion:

1. Hold the new stud by the decorative end.
2. Insert the straight portion of the post into the piercing from the outside.
3. Once the post is through, gently twist and guide the L-bend to lie flat inside your nostril.

Nose Screws

Nose screws have a corkscrew-shaped post that spirals to stay secure.

Removal:

1. Hold the decorative end firmly.
2. Gently rotate the stud counter-clockwise while pulling slightly outward.
3. Continue the twisting motion as the spiral navigates through the piercing.
4. Be patient—rushing can cause the post to catch on the tissue.

Insertion:

1. Insert the tip of the screw into the piercing hole.
2. Rotate clockwise while gently pushing inward.
3. Continue until the decorative end sits flush against your nose.

Nose Bone Studs

Nose bones have a small ball on the end that holds them in place. They require the piercing to stretch slightly during insertion and removal.

Removal:

1. Grip the decorative end firmly.
2. Apply steady, gentle pressure pulling straight outward.
3. The ball end will pop through the piercing—this may feel slightly uncomfortable.

Insertion:

1. Position the post at the piercing hole.
2. Push firmly and steadily until the ball pops through.
3. This requires slightly more pressure than other styles.

Note: Nose bones can be more irritating to insert and remove due to the ball end. Many people find them uncomfortable for piercings that are still relatively new.

Seamless Rings and Hoops

Seamless rings have a small opening that must be twisted to create a gap for insertion.

Removal:

1. Locate the opening of the ring (the seam where the ends meet).
2. Using clean hands or ring opening pliers, gently twist the ends apart—don't pull them open like a circle.
3. Rotate the ring so the opening moves through the piercing.
4. Once clear, remove the ring.

Insertion:

1. Twist the ring open as described above.
2. Position one end at the inside of your nostril piercing hole.
3. Thread it through, rotating as needed.
4. Once through, twist the ends back together so they meet seamlessly.

Clicker Rings

Clickers are hinged rings that snap closed. They're popular for septum piercings but work for nostrils too.

Removal:

1. Locate the hinge mechanism (usually the thicker part of the ring).
2. Gently pull or push the clicker open at the hinge point.
3. Once open, rotate the ring out of your piercing.

Insertion:

1. Open the clicker at its hinge.
2. Position the open end at your piercing and thread it through.
3. Once positioned, click the hinge closed until you hear/feel it snap secure.

Septum Jewellery (Circular Barbells)

Circular barbells (horseshoes) have two ball ends that unscrew.

Removal:

1. Hold one ball steady with one hand.
2. With the other hand, unscrew the opposite ball counter-clockwise.
3. Set the ball aside carefully (they're easy to lose).
4. Slide the horseshoe out of your septum.

Insertion:

1. With one ball removed, slide the horseshoe through your septum.
2. Thread the ball back onto the post clockwise.
3. Tighten securely but don't overtighten—hand-tight is sufficient.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

The Piercing Hole Seems to Have Closed

If you've left jewellery out too long and the hole has shrunk, don't force new jewellery through. This can cause tearing and infection. Instead, try inserting a smaller gauge piece or visit your piercer for assistance. Sometimes a professional taper is needed to gently reopen the channel.

The Jewellery Won't Go Through

If insertion is difficult, try:

• Applying a tiny amount of water-based lubricant to the post
• Making sure the old jewellery came out smoothly (the hole may be irritated)
• Checking that the new jewellery is the correct gauge—thicker jewellery won't fit a smaller hole
• Approaching from a different angle

If you still can't insert the jewellery after gentle attempts, stop and see your piercer rather than forcing it.

Pain or Bleeding During the Change

Minor discomfort is normal, especially for your first change. However, significant pain or bleeding suggests either the piercing wasn't ready, or the technique needs adjustment. Stop, clean the area with saline, and consider keeping your original jewellery in for a few more weeks.

After the Change: Aftercare

Even with a healed piercing, changing jewellery can cause minor irritation:

• Clean the piercing with saline after the change
• Avoid touching or playing with the new jewellery
• Monitor for any unusual redness, swelling, or discharge over the next few days
• If irritation persists beyond a week, the new jewellery may not be suitable (wrong size, material reaction, etc.)

When to Seek Professional Help

Some situations call for your piercer's expertise:

• You can't remove or insert jewellery after multiple gentle attempts
• The piercing hole has significantly shrunk or closed
• You're switching to a different style for the first time
• You want to stretch to a larger gauge
• Any signs of infection or significant irritation

Most piercers are happy to help with jewellery changes, and many offer this service for free or a small fee. There's no shame in asking for help—it's better than damaging your piercing.