What Gauge Are Nose Piercings

Okay, so you're thinking about getting your nose pierced? Or maybe you already have one, and you're wondering if that tiny hoop is the same size as, say, the wire hanger you tried to straighten out in college (don't worry, we've all been there). Let's talk about nose piercing gauges. It's not as scary as it sounds, promise!

Think of gauge like shoe size, but for your piercing. The smaller the number, the thicker the jewelry. Confusing, right? It's like when you try to understand the metric system after growing up with inches. One wrong move and you're building a dollhouse that's the size of a real house.

So, what's the deal with nose piercings? Well, generally, the standard gauge for a nostril piercing (that little stud or hoop on the side of your nose) is 18 gauge or 20 gauge.

Imagine 18 gauge as the size of a very thin spaghetti strand. 20 gauge is even thinner, like angel hair pasta after a serious diet. You probably wouldn't build a bridge with either of those, but they're perfect for a dainty nose ring.

Why Does the Gauge Matter?

Good question! It's not just some random number assigned by a piercing elf. The gauge affects a few things:

• Comfort: A gauge that's too thick can be uncomfortable and even cause scarring. Imagine trying to squeeze your foot into a shoe that's two sizes too small. Ouch!
• Healing: Using the appropriate gauge helps your piercing heal properly. A gauge that's too thin might move around too much and irritate the piercing.
• Aesthetics: Some jewelry looks better in certain gauges. A tiny, delicate hoop might get lost in a larger gauge hole, like a pea in a basketball hoop.

Ever tried to put a AAA battery into a AA slot? It just doesn’t work. Same concept applies here. Using the right gauge ensures everything goes smoothly.

What About Septum Piercings?

Ah, the septum – that divider in the middle of your nose. It’s a little wilder than the nostril. Septum piercings tend to be a bit thicker than nostril piercings. The typical gauge is 16 gauge, sometimes even 14 gauge.

Think of 16 gauge as the size of a sturdy craft wire, and 14 gauge is like a miniature coat hanger (again, don't go bending coat hangers into jewelry!).

Why thicker? Well, the septum is a thicker piece of cartilage, and a slightly larger gauge helps prevent the jewelry from cutting through the tissue. Plus, septum jewelry often tends to be heavier, so a thicker gauge is needed to support the weight.

Changing Your Jewelry: A Cautionary Tale

Here's where my own personal anecdote comes in. I once tried to be clever and put a 16-gauge ring into an 18-gauge piercing. I thought, "Eh, it'll be fine!" It was not fine. It felt like trying to shove a square peg into a round hole. Don’t force it!

If you’re unsure about the gauge of your piercing, the best thing to do is visit a professional piercer. They can measure your piercing and recommend the right size jewelry.

In the meantime, if you don’t have access to a piercer, compare your current jewelry to a ruler or a gauge chart online. There are plenty of resources out there to help you figure out the correct size.

The Takeaway

Nose piercing gauges might seem intimidating at first, but they're really just a matter of understanding the numbers and the fit. Remember: 18 gauge and 20 gauge are common for nostril piercings, while 16 gauge and 14 gauge are often used for septum piercings. When in doubt, consult a professional! Your nose (and your sense of style) will thank you.

Now go forth and adorn your nose with confidence!