By appointment
Nostril Jewelry
Solid 14K gold and implant grade titanium studs for the nostril. Minimal pieces designed to read clearly on the face.
The nostril is one of the most visible piercings on the face, sitting directly in the sightline of anyone you talk to. It is also one of the most styled facial piercings worldwide, supporting everything from tiny invisible studs to statement gemstone ends.
At Piercing Lab Calgary, every nostril piercing is performed with a sterile single use needle and fitted with an implant grade titanium labret post or solid gold piece from the first appointment. We do not use traditional nostril screws or hoops for fresh piercings.
Why fit and styling matter
The nostril sits at the front of the face, which means the jewelry is on display every single day in every conversation, photograph, and reflection. Four considerations shape every nostril fitting:
Post style. We use threaded labret posts for fresh nostril piercings, not traditional nostril screws or seamless hoops. Labret posts are easier to insert, easier to remove for cleaning, and create less internal pressure during healing. The flat disc on the inside sits flush against the inner nostril without irritation.
Stone size. Most nostril piercings read best with stones between 1.5mm and 3mm. Anything larger competes with the natural lines of the nose and starts to feel costume. The face does the work, the jewelry plays a supporting role.
Gold versus titanium. Both materials are safe for fresh piercings. Titanium reads cooler and more clinical; solid gold reads warmer and more dressed up. Many clients start with titanium for healing and switch to gold once the piercing is fully settled.
One side or both. Most nostril piercings are done on one side only. Double nostril (both sides) creates symmetry but requires sleeping flat for several weeks during healing.
Jewelry material
We exclusively use implant grade titanium and solid gold suitable for long term wear and healing piercings.
Implant grade titanium (ASTM F136). The industry default for fresh piercings. Hypoallergenic and proven biocompatible. We use implant grade titanium labret posts for the initial piercing procedure.
Solid 14K or 18K gold. Nickel free alloyed gold for both fresh and healed piercings. Most decorative nostril ends in our catalogue are solid 14K gold from Niori, or 18K gold from NeoMetal.
Fashion jewelry materials are not used for new piercings at our studio.
Placement variations
The nostril has three common variations:
Standard nostril. The classic placement at the natural crease where the nostril meets the cheek. Works for most face anatomies.
High nostril. Placed higher on the side of the nose, away from the natural crease. More anatomy dependent; not every nose supports this position.
Double nostril. Two piercings on the same side, typically stacked vertically or one slightly higher than the other for asymmetric balance.
We assess your nose anatomy before any piercing decision and will suggest the variation that suits your face shape.
Healing and aftercare
Nostril piercings need 3 to 6 months to fully heal. The outside settles in the first month, but the inside continues to remodel.
First 4 weeks. Saline rinse twice daily. Avoid touching the jewelry. Keep makeup, skincare, and face products away from the piercing area.
Weeks 4 to 8. Free downsize appointment with any Niori Jewelry purchase. The nostril benefits from downsizing because the initial labret post protrudes more than the final settled size.
Months 2 to 6. Continue saline rinses as the inside of the piercing continues to remodel. Avoid forceful nose blowing, swimming in chlorinated or natural water, and applying foundation directly over the piercing.
Full instructions on our aftercare page.
Recommended styles
- Threaded labret posts in implant grade titanium (initial wear)
- Solid 14K gold prong-set diamond or moissanite ends (1.5mm to 3mm)
- Bezel-set gemstone ends for low profile daily wear
- Anodised titanium colour finishes for healed styling
- Seamless gold hoops or clickers (healed wear only)
Book your nostril piercing at Piercing Lab Calgary
Every appointment includes anatomy assessment, sterile single use needle, implant grade titanium labret post from your first wear, and a one on one walkthrough of healing and aftercare. We recommend a brief consultation if you are unsure whether a standard or high nostril position suits your face anatomy.
Frequently asked
How long does a nostril piercing take to heal?
Most nostril piercings need 3 to 6 months to fully heal. The outside settles in the first month, but the inside continues to remodel.
Why use a labret post instead of a traditional nostril screw?
Labret posts are easier to clean, easier to remove, and put less pressure on the inside of the nostril during healing. Traditional screws can shift inside the nose and irritate the healing channel.
Will my nose bleed when pierced?
Light bleeding is normal because the nose has rich blood supply. A small amount of bleeding for the first few minutes after piercing is expected and not a concern. Significant bleeding is uncommon with proper technique.
Can I wear makeup over my nose piercing?
Avoid foundation, powder, and concealer directly on or around the piercing for the first 8 weeks. Even small particles can settle into the healing channel and cause irritation. Once healed, makeup is fine.
Can I blow my nose with a new piercing?
Yes, gently. Avoid forceful blowing for the first two weeks because pressure changes can disturb the healing channel. Blow one nostril at a time, gently, with a soft tissue.
What happens if I get a cold or allergies after piercing?
Sneezing and runny nose are unavoidable. Wipe the nose gently and rinse with saline afterward. If you develop sinus congestion, take regular care of the piercing and avoid forceful blowing.
Can I switch to a hoop after healing?
Yes, after the full 3 to 6 month healing window. Seamless hoops and clickers work beautifully on healed nostril piercings, but should not be inserted during initial healing because they move more than studs.
Can I bring my own jewelry for a new nostril piercing?
For healed nostril piercings we install outside jewelry that meets our material standards. For new piercings we use only studio supplied implant grade titanium or solid gold.