How much does a nose piercing cost?
How much does a nose piercing cost?
$50 – $100 average cost (piercing + basic jewelry)
Average nose piercing cost
Nose piercing costs $50 to $100 on average for the piercing and basic jewelry. More complex piercings like nasallang and septril require specialized skills and often exceed $100. The cost of nose piercing depends on the location, the piercer's experience and reputation, the piercing type, and the jewelry you choose.
| Type | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Nostril | $50 – $75 |
| High nostril | $60 – $100 |
| Septum | $50 – $100 |
| Bridge | $75 – $150 |
| Septril | $70 – $120 |
| Rhino | $65 – $120 |
| Nasallang | $100 – $180 |
*Includes piercing and basic jewelry
For initial nose piercing jewelry, the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) recommends implant-grade titanium, implant-grade steel, niobium, 14K or higher gold, platinum, and some types of glass. Avoid "surgical steel" if you have sensitive skin as some types contain nickel, a common allergen.
Classic nostril
The classic nostril piercing costs $50 to $75 total on average for the piercing plus a simple piece of jewelry. Nostril piercing is the most common type of nose piercing. It's usually placed on the side of the nose, near the crease where the nostril meets the cheek.
The piercing service alone for nostril piercing typically ranges from $30 to $50, which is about the same as the average price for piercings of all types.
High nostril
A high nostril piercing is higher up on the nose than a classic nostril piercing. Due to its more challenging placement, many shops charge more than a standard nostril piercing, with prices ranging from $60 to $100 for the piercing and simple jewelry.
High nostril piercings tend to be more painful to get than standard nostril piercings because their placement is closer to the bone.
Septum
A septum piercing costs $50 to $100 total on average. Septum piercings, also called bull rings, go through the thin membrane between the septum cartilage and the tip of your nose. This softer, alar cartilage is often called the "sweet spot", as it heals much faster than piercings through firmer, thicker cartilage.
Septril
A septril piercing is a combination of a septum and nostril piercing. It's a more complex procedure that requires an existing, well-healed septum piercing that's stretched to create enough room for the septril jewelry, which pierces out through the center of the tip of the nose.
Due to its complexity, septril piercings are often more expensive, with prices ranging from $70 to $100 or more. Keep in mind you'll also need to factor in the cost of the initial septum piercing and stretching process.
Bridge
A bridge piercing is a horizontal "surface piercing" that goes through the skin at the bridge of the nose, between the eyes. Only the barbell's ends are visible on each side of the nose. Due to its unique placement, bridge piercings often cost more than standard nostril piercings, with prices ranging from $75 to $150+.
Bridge piercings require sufficient pliable tissue to prevent the jewelry from putting too much pressure on the underlying structures and reducing blood supply to the bone. Have an experienced piercer assess your facial anatomy to confirm whether this is a piercing you should avoid.
Rhino
A rhino piercing, also known as a vertical nose tip piercing, goes vertically through the tip of the nose. This is a less common and more complex piercing, which is reflected in its higher price, typically $65 to $120 total for the piercing and standard jewelry.
Nasallang
The nasallang, or tri-nasal piercing, is one of the most complex nose piercings, as it passes through both nostrils and the septum in one go. Due to its complexity and the skill required, nasallang piercings are not widely available and typically the most expensive nose piercings, with prices ranging from $100 to $180 or more.
Factors that affect the cost of a nose piercing
Several factors influence the price of a nose piercing:
Location: Prices tend to be higher in urban areas or regions with a higher cost of living. You may pay over $150, plus the cost of jewelry, for a nose piercing at a high-end studio in a major city.
Experience & reputation: More experienced piercers often charge higher rates than freshly trained associates who have had very few clients. Well-established, reputable studios may charge more for their services.
Type of jewelry: The material and style of the initial jewelry can significantly affect the overall cost. Prices range from less than $20 to $200+ for the jewelry alone.
Complexity of the piercing: More intricate piercings like the nasallang or septril typically cost more because they require specialized skill to do safely and correctly.
Other fees: Additional fees may apply for parking at urban studios or traveling to find a reputable piercer. Some studios include aftercare products or follow-up appointments in their pricing, while others charge $20 to $40 each if needed. Aftercare products like saline solution and non-woven gauze pads range from $5 to $15+.
Downsizing: Initial piercing jewelry is typically longer to allow for swelling during the healing process. Switching to a shorter post once the swelling goes down prevents the piercing from migrating or turning sideways. Since it's not fully healed yet, it's best to have the piercer make this switch.
Complications: If the piercing gets infected, you may need to pay for doctor's appointments and medications.
Discounts: Some shops run specials or offer discounts on second piercings.
While cost is a factor, it shouldn't be the primary consideration when choosing a piercer. Prioritize safety and quality over finding the lowest price.
What to expect when getting a nose piercing
When getting a nose piercing, you can expect the following process:
Consultation: Your piercer will discuss placement options and answer any questions.
Sterilization: The piercer will clean the area and mark the piercing spot. You'll check and confirm if you're happy with the placement.
Piercing: A hollow needle creates the piercing. The process may vary slightly depending on the type of nose piercing, but professionals always use a needle, rather than a piercing gun, for nose piercings.
Jewelry insertion: The piercer then inserts the chosen jewelry into the new piercing hole.
Aftercare instructions: Your piercer will provide detailed care instructions. This should include cleaning instructions as well as wait times for certain activities, such as swimming or participating in certain types of sports.
The entire process usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of piercing.
IMPORTANT: While keeping a new piercing clean is important to prevent infection, avoid cleansers with ingredients like alcohol, acids, or any harsh ingredients, as these chemicals can damage cells and slow the healing process.
Nose piercing FAQs
How long does a nose piercing take to heal?
Healing times for nose piercings vary depending on the type. While most nose piercings stabilize within 2 to 3 months, it may take much longer for complete healing. Everyone is different, but here is a general guideline for the healing time of various types of nose piercings:
Nostril, septum: 2 to 6 months
Bridge, high nostril: 4 to 12 months
Complex piercings (rhino, nasallang): 6 to 12 months
When can I change my nose piercing?
It's best to wait until your piercing fully heals before changing the jewelry. For most nose piercings, this means waiting at least 2 to 6 months. When you're ready to change your jewelry for the first time, have a professional piercer assist you to avoid complications.
Does nose piercing hurt?
Pain levels vary from person to person, but most people report that nose piercings are only moderately painful. People often describe the sensation as a sharp pinch that subsides quickly. Nostril and septum piercings are generally less painful than more complex piercings like the bridge, high nostrils, or nasallang.
What gauge is a nose piercing?
Most piercers perform the initial nose piercing with a 16-gauge (1.2mm), 18-gauge (1mm), or 20-gauge (0.8mm) needle. However, this can vary depending on the specific type of piercing and your anatomy.
Will my nose piercing close up overnight?
Fresh nose piercings can begin to close within hours if you remove the jewelry. Even healed piercings can start to close relatively quickly, often within a few days or weeks, depending on the size and how long you've had the piercing.
How can I tell if my nose piercing is infected?
Signs that your nose piercing may be infected included:
Excessive redness or swelling
Persistent pain or tenderness
Unusual discharge or odor
Fever
If you suspect an infection, consult your piercer or a healthcare professional right away.
Piercing price comparison
The following table shows how the price of nose piercing compares to other piercing prices.
| Piercing type | Average cost (piercing fee + basic jewelry) |
|---|---|
| Lip piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
| Earlobe piercing cost | $30 – $85 (earlobe) $40 – $150+ (complex / cartilage) |
| Helix piercing cost | $40 – $90 |
| Industrial piercing cost | $70 – $100 |
| Eyebrow piercing cost | $40 – $90 |
| Belly button piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
| Nose piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
| Septum piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
| Tongue piercing cost | $40 – $160 |
| Nipple piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
How to choose a piercing shop
Selecting the right piercer is crucial for a safe and successful nose piercing experience. Here are some tips to help you choose the best nose piercing shop near you:
Look for well-established piercing studios with positive reviews on Fash and Google.
Review their portfolio online or in-studio to get an idea of their skill and experience.
Ensure the piercer is licensed (if applicable in your area) and has proper training.
Look for members of professional organizations like the Association of Professional Piercers (APP)
Visit the studio to confirm it's clean, organized, and has separate areas for piercing and sterilization.
Check for a properly functioning autoclave and regular spore tests.
Confirm that they sterilize all jewelry and tools in packages or autoclave cassettes.
Confirm they use a needle for nose piercings, not a piercing gun.
Discuss jewelry options. A good piercer will offer high-quality initial jewelry options, typically in materials like implant-grade titanium or 14k gold.
Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable or pressured, it's okay to look for another piercer.
Questions to ask a piercer
Here's a list of important questions to ask when evaluating piercing shops and professional piercers:
How long have you been piercing professionally?
Are you licensed to operate in this area (if applicable)?
What kind of training did you receive? Do you participate in ongoing education?
Are you a member of any professional organizations, such as the APP?
Can you explain your sterilization process?
How often do you perform spore tests on your autoclave, and can I see recent results?
What materials are your piercing needles and jewelry made of?
Do you use single-use, sterile needles for each piercing?
What type of jewelry do you use for initial piercings?
Does the piercing price include jewelry? If not, what are the jewelry options and costs?
Can you walk me through your piercing procedure?
What aftercare do you recommend, and do you provide written instructions?
Do you have a portfolio of your work, including healed piercings?
What's your policy if there are complications with the piercing?
Can I see your piercing room setup before deciding?
How do you determine the appropriate jewelry size for each client?
What health conditions might affect my ability to get a piercing?
Do you offer free consultations before piercing?
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