A few days ago I decided get my nose pierced. It’s something I have wanted to do for a while, and I finally worked up the courage to do it! The following is a play-by-play of my experience for any Davidson girls out there who are thinking about getting their nose pierced and need some more information about the process, enjoy!
The morning of the piercing I was really excited but I made the mistake of watching a few videos of people getting their nose pierced. Unless you are someone who feels like they need to know exactly what is going to happen I would wait until you get to the piercer and they can verbally walk you through it, videos make it seem a lot more dramatic than it actually is.
I went to Anything’s Possible in Mooresville (about a 15 drive from campus). They are open every day from 12-7 so it is easy to find a time to go! I had been there before to get my cartilage pierced a year ago and had a very positive experience. They are extremely professional and their piercer, Mary, is very sweet and knowledgeable. A nose piercing costs $25 and you should tip if you like their service!
The jewelry that Mary used is a ball stud because those are the best for healing. A flat stud can cause irritation, and a hoop can cause infection because bacteria is rotated in. When the piercing is fully healed in 6-8 weeks I can switch out this stud for another piece of jewelry.
Mary had me smile to accentuate the crease line on the side of the nose, helping to pinpoint the ideal spot. This area is often thinner than the rest of the nose, so it will heal faster and feel less tender when pierced.
Just like when you get your ears pierced a good piercer will mark where they plan to insert the needle and ask you what you think—make sure you like the way it looks and have them play around a little bit if you are unsure!
Now on to the actual piercing!
Never under any circumstances get your nose pierced with a piercing gun—those are for you ear lobes ONLY!
If you are someone who is afraid of needles I would recommend closing your eyes because the actual piercing process is a bit intense. Instead of going into the gory details I will refer you to the pictures below.
The insertion of the needle hurts but once it is in your nose, the worst is over. If you have had a cartilage piercing before the pain level is similar, with less pain and soreness post piercing.
I highly recommend bringing a friend whose hand you can squeeze!
The whole process was extremely quick, no more than 5 minutes. Afterwards, Mary explained some straightforward care instructions:
- Saline solution in a spray bottle is the best way to keep it clean throughout day (they sell this at Anything’s Possible).
- DO NOT use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean the piercing, both slow the healing of pierced area by drying and killing new healthy cell.
- Gently rub the area surrounding the piercing in the shower with plain dial soap everyday.
- Try to be conscious of the piercing and don’t touch it (a lot easier said than done, I forgot I had it in a few times the first few days…).
- Do not remove or switch out the piercing until it is full healed, between 6-8 weeks.
Post piercing I was a little red and sore but after an hour or so I could barely notice it. Bleeding will continue for a little bit after you leave the piercer so just gently dab at your nose with a tissue. 24 hours later and I have no irritation or tenderness, I love my piercing!