Nose Piercing 101
Everything You Need To Know About Nose Piercings at Rowan
Does Rowan offer nose piercings?
Yes! We offer nose piercings at select Rowan studios. Our trained Piercing Nurses perform nostril piercings with precision and care. The minimum age requirement varies by location, so check with your local Rowan studio for specific policies.
All of our nose piercings are performed using our needle piercing method, which provides superior precision, cleaner punctures, and greater comfort compared to device methods. This approach allows our Piercing Nurses to customize the placement and angle specifically for your facial anatomy.
Our Piercing Nurses are uniquely trained in anatomy and piercing aftercare protocols. This means we don't just pierce—we assess your specific anatomy to recommend the ideal jewelry length, gauge, and style for optimal healing and aesthetics. We also follow professional protocols including a post-downsize check-in to ensure your piercing heals beautifully.
How do I choose the right nose piercing jewelry?
Jewelry fit is one of the most important factors in successful nose piercing healing. The jewelry must sit flush against the nose to support proper healing and avoid pressure or migration of the piercing. If the post is too long or too short, it can irritate the piercing and slow the healing process. This is why we recommend a post-downsize check-in at the 30-day mark – your Rowan Piercing Nurse will assess whether the initial post length still suits your piercing as swelling decreases.
Our Rowan Piercing Nurses are trained to recommend jewelry that balances style with proper fit. Here are our most popular nostril piercing options:
- 14k Bezel Lab Grown Diamond Flat Back Stud — A subtle, dainty option and one of our most popular choices for the nose. Perfect for a minimalist aesthetic or professional settings.
- 14k Tiny Diamond Bar or 14k Flat Back Diamond Double Bar — A bit bolder while still delicate, offering dimension and sparkle.
- 14k Flat Back Starburst Diamond — Adds extra sparkle and visual interest with a stunning starburst design.
How long do nose piercings take to heal?
Nose piercings are cartilage piercings, so they require patience. Most nostril piercings take at least 8 weeks to heal, though some individuals may need additional time. During the first 8 weeks, you'll follow a dedicated aftercare routine to support healing and minimize complications. Proper jewelry fit and consistent care are critical during this window. Even after initial healing, the piercing channel is still stabilizing. Complete healing can take up to 1 year, so it’s important you wear hypoallergenic jewelry in the piercing 24/7 for at least one year following your piercing.
How do I take care of my nose piercing?
Aftercare for nose piercings mirrors what we recommend for cartilage piercings in the ear. Since your nostril is a cartilage piercing, consistent and proper aftercare during the first 8 weeks is essential for successful healing:
- Clean the piercing with Advanced Cleansing Solution 2–3 times a day for at least 8 weeks
- Always wash your hands before touching the area to prevent introducing bacteria
- Use a clean, lint-free cloth or sterile gauze to gently pat the area dry
- Avoid twisting, spinning, or repositioning the jewelry—this can irritate healing tissue and slow the process
- Be mindful of snagging the piercing on clothing, towels, or pillowcases while it heals
Most importantly, avoid applying makeup, lotions, sunscreen, serums, or other skincare products directly at the piercing site for at least 8 weeks. Even products marketed as "gentle" or "hypoallergenic" can introduce bacteria, clog the piercing, or irritate the healing tissue. This includes:
- Foundation and concealer
- Face moisturizers and serums
- Sunscreen and sunblock
- Acne treatments
- Fragrances and scented products
Once you've healed for at least 8 weeks, you can return to your normal routine—just be careful to keep products from getting trapped against the jewelry.
What is a post-downsize and why do I need one?
The initial post is intentionally longer to safely accommodate anticipated swelling during the first few weeks. However, as swelling decreases, this extra length can become uncomfortable or cause irritation.
We recommend returning at the 30-day mark for a check-in with a Rowan Piercing Nurse. During this visit, we'll assess your piercing and determine if a post downsize is right for you. If the longer post is irritating the piercing, a downsize will help the jewelry sit properly against the skin and reduce discomfort.
What else should I know about taking care of my nose piercing?
After the initial 8-week healing period, your nose piercing will continue to mature. Here's what to know:
- Clean regularly but gently. Continue gentle cleaning 1-2 times daily even after healing
- Watch for irritation. If redness, swelling, or discharge returns, resume 2-3 times daily cleaning
- Avoid pressure and snagging. Even healed piercings can be irritated by tight-fitting masks, excessive touching, or sleep pressure
Ready to get your nose pierced?
Book your nose piercing with a Rowan Piercing Nurse!
