When Can I Change My Nose Ring?

Thinking about getting a nose piercing but concerned about the healing process? At Lashkaraa, we have you covered with must-read pre-piercing information, aftercare tips, and even some different nose ring types to explore down the line. 

Let’s get started!

The Healing Process

Let’s face it, getting a nose piercing can be a little intimidating — and not just for those of us with a fear of needles. (Think about it: Piercings physically alter your body.) But with a little time and the right form of care, it can also be so, so worth those few seconds of pain or anxiety at the moment of puncture.

Within a few short months, you’ll be too caught up in finding the right accessories and asking yourself important accessorizing questions like “Stud or hoop?” to even remember you had any reservations at all.

But before you can put on some new jewelry, you have to heal and — most importantly — heal fully. Repeat after us: I will not swap out my stud for a nose ring or remove my jewelry for any reason whatsoever until several months have passed and my nose has healed properly. It’s not a very glamorous commitment, but your nose will thank you for it.

How quickly your nose recovers after piercing depends on a variety of factors and can take anywhere between two and nine months. So don’t fret if you feel some tenderness or discomfort for a while after getting your piercing. It’s all part of the healing process. Of course, if something seems out of the ordinary, it’s time to call your doctor. 

What Are the Stages of Healing for a Nose Piercing?

There are three primary stages of recovery you will experience as your body tries to reconcile with this new, foreign object that’s entered its system.

Inflammation

Inflammation is the body’s immediate response to a new piercing. In the first few days to weeks, you may notice redness, swelling, tenderness, or mild throbbing around the puncture. This is completely normal; your body is simply responding to an unexpected invasion. 

During this stage, the piercing is most vulnerable, so avoid touching it unnecessarily or changing the jewelry. Give it some time and space to adjust, and you’ll feel relief soon.

Recovery

Recovery is when your body starts to accept the piercing as a more permanent reality. As the weeks go by, swelling begins to reduce, and discomfort fades. The piercing is more stable, though it’s still healing beneath the surface. 

In this phase, you'll often notice occasional dryness, light crusting, and discharge, which are all normal signs of healing. Consistent aftercare during this phase is essential for healing a nose piercing.

Late-Stage Recovery

In the final stage of your recovery, the piercing may look calm on the outside, but internal healing is still ongoing. The skin and tissue around your piercing become less sensitive and more resilient, signaling it is fully healed. This is when many people feel ready to change their nose ring. However, gauging timing and properly assessing your personal healing stage is of utmost importance.

So, When Can I Change My Nose Ring?

Experts recommend not swapping out your piercing until the site is completely healed (the last stage of recovery should have passed). Some professionals recommend waiting at least 6-8 weeks before changing your nose jewelry. However, depending on certain factors we discuss below, Healthline reports you may need to wait up to 8 months to heal completely.

While it can be tempting to switch styles early, ultimately, you'll want to ensure there's no pain, swelling, redness, or discharge, and the jewelry moves comfortably without resistance. In which case, your piercing may be ready to change. 

When in doubt, wait a little longer – you’d rather be safe than sorry! Remember that changing too early can cause irritation, setbacks, or infection, and we don’t want that.

How Long Will It Take for My Nose to Heal?

Healing time varies from person to person. Several factors influence how quickly (and comfortably) your nose piercing heals. From the placement of the piercing to the materials used and your individual health, the healing of your nose piercing varies across multiple factors. 

Location of Piercing

Certain types of piercings take more or less time to heal than others because of varying tissue thickness at different piercing locations.

For example, a nostril piercing typically takes around 4 to 6 months to heal, whereas a septum piercing takes about 3 to 5 months to heal because the tissue is much thinner at this location. Interestingly, though the recovery process is expedited, the thinner the tissue at the site of piercing, generally, the more painful the piercing will be.

Nostril and septum piercings are the most common; however, for reference, a nasal ring piercing will take around 4 to 6 months to heal, a rhino piercing 6 to 9 months to heal, and a bridge piercing anywhere from 2 to 3 months. 

Piercing Material

Additionally, the material of the stud in place can affect the speed of your nose’s recuperation. High-quality materials like surgical-grade metals, such as stainless steel, titanium, niobium, or solid gold, are gentler on the skin and reduce the risk of irritation or allergic reactions, supporting smoother healing. 

The months immediately following a piercing are when your piercing is most susceptible to infection or other adverse reactions between the material and your skin. These reactions can elongate your recovery process and may even necessitate the permanent removal of your piercing. So, it’s important to choose only the best metals for your starter stud. 

A little advice? If you have hypersensitive skin and generally take longer to heal from wounds, try sticking to pure gold.

The Size of Piercing

The size of your piercing can also contribute to a longer or shorter recovery time, depending on the thickness of your chosen stud or ring. Properly sized jewelry allows for swelling and airflow. Jewelry that’s too tight or too heavy can slow healing and cause discomfort. Preferably, go with something with a longer stem to allow enough space for proper healing processes. 

Level of Aftercare

Consistent aftercare, including gentle cleaning, avoiding unnecessary touching, and keeping products away from the area, makes a significant difference. The better the care, the better the healing. 

Your nose piercer will likely give you detailed instructions on the best aftercare practices. In general, it is best to avoid touching your nose frequently, especially with dirty hands, for the first several weeks after your piercing. To be safe, always wash your hands before touching your nose to avoid any infection or skin irritation.

It can also be incredibly beneficial to wash your piercing twice a day during the first several months of the healing process. A tip from us: dab on some saline solution with a clean cotton pad post-shower, twice a day, to speed up healing. Otherwise, use warm water in conjunction with a gentle, unscented soap when washing the site. Rinse thoroughly afterward to ensure no residue from the cleaning product remains.

Soon, you will be accessorizing with fun jewelry in no time.

Now That My Piercing Is Healed, How Should I Accessorize?

Once healed, your nose piercing becomes one of the most versatile accessories you can have. From minimal to statement-making, there’s a style for every mood and occasion, from studs, hoops, seamless rings, and traditional designs. You can check out our list of nose piercing styles to suit your nose shape, and how to style them.

Fashion Accessories: All in the Details

A nose ring may be small, but its impact is anything but that. It carries cultural significance, personal expression, and effortless style in one detail. Whether you wear yours daily or save it for special moments, choosing the right piece and changing it at the right time makes all the difference.

Yes, those months of recovery are seemingly endless for someone eager to swap out their basic stud for something a bit more eye-catching. But if you stick with it and practice a healthy aftercare, you’ll be happy with the character it adds to your face and the seemingly limitless accessorizing potential it now affords you.

Listen to your body, prioritize healing, and let your nose ring reflect who you are!

Sources:

How Long Does a Nose Piercing Take to Heal? | Healthline

Nose Piercing: Risks, Aftercare, and Safety | WebMD

How to clean nose piercings: Everything you need to know | Medical News Today