How much does a septum piercing cost?
How much does a septum piercing cost?
$50 – $100 average cost (piercing + basic jewelry)
Average septum piercing cost
A septum piercing costs $50 to $100 on average, including the piercing procedure itself and basic jewelry. The cost of a septum piercing at a high-end studio or using premium jewelry like 14K or 18K gold can be $300 or more. The septum piercing price before jewelry is about $30 to $50.
| Item | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Piercing procedure | $30 – $50 |
| Basic jewelry | $20 – $50 |
| Total cost | $50 to $100 |
What is a septum piercing?
A septum piercing is a nose piercing that involves puncturing the thin wall that divides the two nostrils. It typically goes through the softer alar cartilage at the tip of the nose, often referred to as the "sweet spot." This location allows for easier healing and less pain compared to piercing through firmer cartilage.
Septum piercings have been practiced in various cultures for centuries and have gained popularity in recent years as a trendy and versatile facial piercing option.
A horseshoe—or circular barbell—septum piercing can be easily concealed by flipping the jewelry up into the nose, making it a popular choice for those who need to maintain a more conservative appearance in certain settings.
Septum piercing price factors
Septum piercing prices are often the same as or close to standard nostril piercing prices. However, this is not always the case. Several factors influence the cost:
Location: Prices vary significantly depending on where you live. Urban areas and cities with a higher cost of living generally have higher piercing prices.
Studio & piercer reputation: Well-established, reputable piercing studios often charge more. Additionally, seasoned piercers may charge higher rates for their skills and knowledge.
Additional services: Some studios include follow-up visits in their pricing, while others charge $20 to $40 per visit.
Sterilization methods: Studios using advanced sterilization techniques may have higher overhead costs reflected in their prices.
Downsizing: While it's not required for a septum piercing, some people choose to downsize to a smaller diameter ring or a shorter barbell at the end of the healing period, which adds to the cost.
Jewelry type & material
Jewelry choice significantly impacts the overall cost of a septum piercing, with prices ranging from under $20 to over $200, depending on the material. The most common materials for initial piercing jewelry are implant-grade steel, implant-grade titanium, 14K or 18K gold, and niobium.
| Material | Cost level | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Implant-grade steel | $ | Affordable and durable, suitable for most people, may contain nickel |
| Implant-grade titanium | $$ | Hypoallergenic and lightweight, ideal for sensitive skin, corrosion-resistant |
| Niobium | $$$ | Hypoallergenic, softer and heavier than titanium, ideal for sensitive skin, can be anodized to create different colors |
| Gold (14k) | $$$$ | More expensive but suitable for those with metal sensitivities |
The different styles of jewelry for septum piercing include:
Circular barbells (horseshoes) are the most common initial jewelry, easily flipped up to hide the piercing.
Captive bead rings feature a classic loop with a removable bead.
Septum clickers are hinged rings designed for easy insertion and removal.
Septum retainers are upside-down U-shaped pieces of jewelry designed to be less noticeable.
Aftercare
Proper piercing aftercare is crucial for healing and preventing complications. Most studios provide aftercare instructions, but you may need to purchase additional products. The APP recommends using a sterile saline wound wash spray containing 0.09% sodium chloride and water only—no moisturizers, antibacterials, or other additives.
Saline solution costs $5 to $15, depending on the bottle size.
A box of non-woven gauze pads costs $2 to $10.
IMPORTANT: The advice to spin or rotate a new piercing every day is outdated and potentially damaging to the healing skin. Avoid touching your new piercing except when you are cleaning it.
Septum piercing process – what to expect
The septum piercing process requires skill, precision, and adherence to strict hygiene standards. The piercing appointment typically goes as follows:
Consultation: The piercer examines your nose to ensure you have the appropriate anatomy for a septum piercing.
Marking: The piercer carefully marks the entry and exit points for the needle.
Sterilization: They thoroughly clean and sterilize the area.
Clamping: Some piercers use forceps to hold the septum in place, while others prefer freehand techniques.
Piercing: The piercer pushes a hollow needle through the marked spot, creating the piercing channel.
Jewelry insertion: Once the hollow needle is through, the piercer carefully inserts the chosen jewelry through the new piercing.
Aftercare instructions: The piercer provides detailed care instructions to promote healing and prevent infection.
Potential risks
While not directly related to cost, the potential risks associated with septum piercings are an important consideration:
Infection
Allergic reactions to jewelry
Excessive bleeding
Septal hematoma
Jewelry rejection
Scarring
Choose a reputable studio and follow proper aftercare to minimize these risks. If complications occur, you may incur additional medical costs.
Septum piercing FAQs
How long does it take a septum piercing to heal?
Septum piercings typically heal in 6 to 8 weeks. However, complete healing may take up to 6 months. During this time, maintaining proper aftercare is essential to ensure optimal healing and avoid complications.
| Time after piercing | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 – 2 weeks | Initial healing, may experience swelling and discomfort |
| 2 – 4 weeks | Swelling subsides, cleaning becomes easier |
| 4 – 8 weeks | Piercing stabilizes but remains sensitive |
| 2 – 6 months | Complete internal healing |
Do septum piercings hurt?
Pain levels vary from person to person, but most people describe septum piercing as a quick pinch or intense pressure. Septum piercings typically go through a thin membrane, making it less painful than piercings through firmer cartilage. Any pain you experience should subside quickly.
Factors that can affect the pain of a septum piercing include:
Individual pain tolerance
Piercer's skill and technique
Needle thickness
Your stress and anxiety levels
When can I change my septum piercing?
Wait until your septum piercing has completely healed before changing the jewelry. Full healing takes anywhere from 2 to 6 months. If you change the jewelry too soon, it can irritate the piercing, slow down healing, and raise the risk of infection. Professionals recommend visiting your piercer for your first jewelry change.
What gauge is a septum piercing?
An initial septum piercing is typically 16 gauge (1.2mm) or 14 gauge (1.6mm). The choice depends on personal preference and the piercer's recommendation based on your anatomy. Here's a quick guide to common septum piercing gauges:
18 gauge (1.0mm): Occasionally used, but may be too thin for some people
16 gauge (1.2mm): Most common initial size
14 gauge (1.6mm): Popular choice, especially for those planning to stretch
12 gauge (2.0mm): Usually achieved through stretching over time
If you decide to stretch your septum piercing in the future, remember that each stretch may incur additional costs for new jewelry and possibly professional assistance.
Piercing price comparison
The following table shows how the price of septum 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 find the best piercing shops
A septum piercing requires extreme precision due to the teeny-tiny area of skin involved. Follow these guidelines when searching for a piercing shop near you to help you find a reputable studio with experienced piercers:
Research well-known piercing studios with high ratings on Fash and Google.
Check out samples of their work online or in the shop.
Verify the piercer's credentials and training.
Seek piercers affiliated with recognized industry associations like the APP.
Inspect the studio for cleanliness and proper setup.
Ensure their sterilization equipment is up-to-date and regularly tested.
Confirm sterile packaging of all piercing tools.
Verify they use appropriate piercing methods and equipment.
Explore your jewelry options with the piercer and ask about the quality.
Listen to your gut when choosing a piercer. If you don't feel comfortable, it's a sign to keep searching.
Piercing guns are popular in malls and retail stores, but these devices cannot be properly sterilized in an autoclave, increasing the risk of infection. They also cause "blunt force trauma" to the ear, furthering the risk of complications. The Association of Professional Piercers recommends using a needle for all piercings, even a simple earlobe piercing.
Questions to ask a piercer
Critical questions to ask when choosing a piercing studio and artist:
What's your professional piercing background?
Do you have the necessary local operating licenses?
Can you describe your piercing training and ongoing education?
Are you a member of any professional piercing associations?
What sterilization methods do you use in your shop and for the piercing process?
How frequently do you test your autoclave?
What materials do you use for your needles and jewelry?
Do you use new, sterile needles for each piercing?
What jewelry options do you recommend for initial piercings?
Is the jewelry cost separate from the piercing fee?
What's your standard piercing procedure?
What aftercare advice do you give clients?
Can I view your portfolio of completed piercings?
How do you handle potential piercing issues?
May I see your piercing area setup?
How do you choose the right jewelry size for each person?
What health conditions might affect piercing eligibility?
Do you provide free pre-piercing consultations?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.