Nose Piercing: Healing, When to Change, and Aftercare
A nose piercing is quick to do and slower to heal than most people expect. A nostril piercing commonly takes around four to six months to settle, and it has one quirk that trips people up: even after it heals, the hole can shrink or close fast if you leave it empty. Here is how to care for a new nose piercing, change it safely, and the jewellery that suits it, from our Coquitlam jewellery studio.
Vanhess sells piercing jewellery, we do not perform piercings. This is general aftercare information drawn from the Association of Professional Piercers, not medical advice. For the piercing itself go to a professional piercer, and see a doctor if you think a piercing is infected.
How long a nose piercing takes to heal
A nostril piercing goes through soft tissue, but it sits in a spot that is always moving, often touched, and exposed to the nose's own environment, so it heals more slowly than a lobe. In our experience a nostril commonly takes around four to six months to fully heal. A septum piercing, placed through the soft "sweet spot" of tissue between the cartilage, often heals faster, closer to a couple of months. In both cases the outside looks healed before the inside is done, so patience is the theme, in line with Association of Professional Piercers guidance.
Aftercare for a nose piercing
The routine is the same simple, gentle approach that works for any piercing.
- Clean once or twice a day with sterile saline, then pat dry with clean disposable material.
- Do not twist or remove the jewellery while it heals.
- Keep skincare, makeup, foundation, and self-tanner off the area.
- Be gentle blowing your nose, and avoid picking or bumping it. A stray tissue or a towel can catch a nose stud easily.
- Stay out of pools, hot tubs, and lakes until it is healed.
- Only touch it with clean hands, and only to clean it.
The nose closes fast, so keep it filled
This is the big one for nose piercings. Even a healed nostril can start to shrink or close within hours if the jewellery is out, and a fresh one closes even faster. So do not take the jewellery out to "give it a rest" during healing, and once healed, if you swap it, put the new piece in promptly. If you ever need it empty for a short time, a clear glass or biocompatible retainer keeps the channel open. Keep a spare piece of the right size on hand so you are never caught out.
| Piercing | Tissue | Typical healing |
|---|---|---|
| Nostril | Soft tissue, high-movement area | Often about 4 to 6 months |
| Septum (sweet spot) | Soft tissue between cartilage | Often about 2 to 3 months |
Jewellery and when to change it
What goes in matters. The Association of Professional Piercers recommends safe, body-appropriate materials such as implant-grade titanium or solid gold for initial piercings. Cheap mystery metal can irritate a healing nostril and cause bumps. Once it is fully healed, you can move to the fun styles: a small stud, an L-shaped pin, a nostril screw, or a seamless hoop. For your first change, have your piercer do it or show you how, because the angle of a nostril makes some jewellery styles tricky to insert on your own at first.
Key Takeaways
- A nostril piercing commonly heals in about four to six months; a septum is often faster.
- Clean once or twice daily with sterile saline, keep makeup and skincare off it, and do not remove the jewellery early.
- Nose holes shrink or close quickly when empty, so keep them filled and carry a spare or a retainer.
- Start with implant-grade titanium or solid gold, and have your piercer help with the first change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a nose piercing take to heal?
A nostril piercing commonly takes about four to six months to fully heal, because it sits in a high-movement, frequently touched spot. A septum piercing through the soft sweet spot often heals faster, around two to three months. In both cases, the piercing looks healed on the surface before it is done inside.
Will my nose piercing close if I take it out?
Possibly, and quickly. Nostril piercings can start to shrink or close within hours when left empty, even after they heal, and a fresh one closes even faster. Keep jewellery in during healing, replace it promptly when you swap, and use a retainer if you ever need it to look empty.
How do I clean a new nose piercing?
Once or twice a day with sterile saline, then pat dry with clean disposable material. Keep makeup, foundation, and skincare away from it, do not twist the jewellery, and stay out of pools and hot tubs until it heals. Only touch it with clean hands.
When can I change my nose stud?
Only after it is fully healed, which for a nostril usually means several months. Changing too early can irritate it or cause a bump. For the first change, have your piercer help, since the angle of a nostril can make some styles awkward to insert yourself.
Sources
- Association of Professional Piercers — Aftercare
- Association of Professional Piercers — Jewelry for Initial Piercings
General guidance, not medical advice. See a professional piercer or doctor for any concern. Reviewed 19 July 2026.
Visit Vanhess
Vanhess sells piercing jewellery; we do not perform piercings. Once a professional has done your nostril or septum, come to us for nose studs, screws, L-bends, and hoops in implant-grade titanium and solid gold, plus a spare in the right size. We are at 2929 Barnet Highway, Unit 2424 in Coquitlam. Call +1 (604) 653-6449. For the full healing timeline see our cartilage piercing guide, or browse piercing jewellery.
