A nose piercing is more than just a fashion statement—it's a procedure that creates an open wound in a highly vascular area of your face. While millions of people get nose piercings safely every year, understanding and following proper safety protocols is essential for protecting your health. This guide covers the critical safety considerations before, during, and after getting your nose pierced.
Before Your Piercing: Preparation and Research
Choosing a Reputable Piercer
The single most important safety decision you'll make is where and by whom you get pierced. A professional piercer in a clean, licensed studio dramatically reduces your risk of complications.
- Licensing: In Australia, body piercing regulations vary by state. Check that your chosen studio complies with local health regulations.
- Sterilisation: The studio should use an autoclave (steam steriliser) for all reusable equipment and single-use needles for every piercing.
- Portfolio: Ask to see healed photos of their work, not just fresh piercings.
- Reviews: Check online reviews, but also ask friends who have well-healed piercings for recommendations.
- Consultation: A good piercer will answer your questions, explain the process, and never pressure you.
Never get pierced with a piercing gun. These devices cannot be properly sterilised, cause unnecessary trauma by forcing blunt studs through tissue, and are associated with higher infection and scarring rates.
Health Considerations
Before getting pierced, honestly assess your health situation:
- Immune conditions: If you have a compromised immune system, consult your doctor before getting pierced.
- Blood disorders: Conditions affecting clotting may require medical clearance.
- Diabetes: While not a contraindication, healing may take longer and require extra vigilance.
- Allergies: Inform your piercer of any known metal allergies so they can use appropriate jewellery.
- Pregnancy: While not strictly prohibited, many piercers prefer to wait due to immune changes during pregnancy.
Day-of Preparation
- Eat a meal: Never get pierced on an empty stomach. Low blood sugar increases the risk of fainting.
- Stay hydrated: Proper hydration supports your body's healing response.
- Avoid alcohol: Don't drink alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment. It thins the blood and impairs judgment.
- Skip the caffeine: Excessive caffeine can increase anxiety and bleeding.
- Get rest: A well-rested body handles stress and heals better.
During the Piercing: What to Expect and Watch For
The Studio Environment
When you arrive, observe the studio carefully:
- The space should be visibly clean and well-lit
- Work surfaces should be sanitised between clients
- Your piercer should wash their hands and put on fresh gloves in front of you
- All equipment should be opened from sealed, sterile packaging in your presence
- The needle and jewellery should be single-use or freshly autoclaved
Key Takeaway
If anything makes you uncomfortable or the studio seems unsanitary, it's completely acceptable to leave. Your health is more important than politeness.
The Piercing Process
Your piercer should follow these steps:
- Clean the piercing area with an antiseptic solution
- Mark the placement and confirm it with you using a mirror
- Set up sterile equipment on a clean tray
- Use a single-use, hollow needle to create the piercing
- Insert jewellery directly through the needle
- Clean away any blood and provide aftercare instructions
Red Flags to Watch For
- The piercer not washing hands or changing gloves
- Equipment being reused without visible sterilisation
- Use of a piercing gun instead of a needle
- Rushing through the process without explanation
- Dismissing your questions or concerns
- A cluttered, dirty, or dimly lit workspace
After Your Piercing: Critical Safety Practices
The First 24-48 Hours
The initial period after piercing is when infection risk is highest:
- Don't touch: Resist the urge to touch, twist, or play with your new piercing.
- Expect some bleeding: Minor bleeding or spotting is normal for the first day or two.
- Manage swelling: Some swelling is normal. Use a cold compress externally if needed.
- Sleep carefully: Try to sleep on your back or opposite side to avoid pressure on the piercing.
Ongoing Safety Practices
Hand Hygiene
Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching anywhere near your piercing. This simple step prevents the vast majority of piercing infections. Consider keeping hand sanitiser nearby, but always use soap and water when possible before cleaning your piercing.
Cleaning Protocol
- Clean twice daily with sterile saline solution
- Never use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibacterial ointments
- Don't over-clean—this can irritate healing tissue
- Let water run over the piercing in the shower, but avoid submerging it in baths
Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, and oceans until your piercing is fully healed. These water sources contain bacteria that can cause serious infections in healing piercings.
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Avoid makeup: Keep cosmetics away from the piercing area during healing.
- Be careful with skincare: Products containing acids, retinoids, or fragrances can irritate the piercing.
- Watch your phone: If you hold your phone to your face, the screen can transfer bacteria. Clean it regularly or use earbuds.
- Change pillowcases: Fresh, clean pillowcases reduce bacterial exposure while you sleep.
- Be mindful when dressing: Shirts and towels can snag on nose jewellery.
Recognising Warning Signs
While some discomfort is normal during healing, certain symptoms require immediate attention:
Seek Professional Help If You Notice
- Increasing redness spreading beyond the immediate piercing area
- Worsening pain after the first few days
- Green or yellow discharge with a foul odour
- Fever or feeling systemically unwell
- The jewellery becoming embedded in swollen tissue
- Red streaks extending from the piercing site
If you suspect an infection, don't remove the jewellery. Leaving it in allows the wound to drain. Removing it can trap the infection inside the tissue. See a healthcare professional promptly.
Long-Term Safety Considerations
Jewellery Quality
Even after healing, using low-quality jewellery can cause problems. Stick with implant-grade titanium, solid gold (14K or higher), or niobium. Cheap metals from markets or discount stores often contain nickel and other irritants that can cause reactions even in healed piercings.
Regular Check-Ups
Visit your piercer periodically, especially during the first year. They can assess healing progress, identify potential issues before they become serious, and help with jewellery changes when you're ready.
Know Your Limits
If you find that your body consistently rejects piercings or you experience frequent complications, it may be worth consulting with a dermatologist or reconsidering body piercing. Some people's bodies simply don't tolerate piercings well, and that's okay.
Final Thoughts
The vast majority of nose piercings heal beautifully when proper safety practices are followed. By choosing a reputable piercer, maintaining good hygiene, and listening to your body, you set yourself up for success. Remember that healing takes time—typically four to six months for nostril piercings—and patience is one of the most important safety tools you have.
When in doubt about any aspect of your piercing, consult your piercer or a healthcare professional. It's always better to ask a question that feels silly than to ignore a potential problem. Your health and safety should always come first.