Double Nose Piercing: Types, Process, Cost, Pain, & Jewelry

Amp up your look and elevate your style with a double dose of glamor.

Reviewed by Rodrigo Casco, Professional Tattoo and Body Piercing Artist Rodrigo Casco Rodrigo CascoProfessional Tattoo and Body Piercing Artist facebook_iconyoutube_iconinsta_icon
Written by Joyce Joyson, MA (Mass Communication & Journalism) Joyce Joyson MA (Mass Communication & Journalism) linkedin_icon
Edited by Shreya Mukherjee, MA (English) Shreya Mukherjee MA (English) Experience: 2 years
Fact-checked by Eshna Das, BA, MSc Eshna Das BA, MSc linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
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What if you want to do something different and edgy than the classic single nose piercing? Well, a double nose piercing might just be the perfect way to step things up. It involves getting two piercings on the same side of the nostril or one on each side. The versatile nature of the double piercing allows one to try different types of jewelry options and customize their looks to capture their personality perfectly. So, before you go and book your appointment with your piercer, read this article to get insight on the different types of double nose piercings, some essential aftercare tips, the risks associated with them, and more. Scroll down to find out!

protip_icon Piercing Guide: Double Nose Piercing
  • Placement: On the nostrils
  • Best Jewelry: Studs, barbells, and rings
  • Cost: $25 to $90
  • Pain Level: Low
  • Healing Time: 2 to 4 months

Types Of Double Nose Piercings

A woman with double nose piercings on both sides of the nostril
Image: Shutterstock

Double nose piercings are a fun way of adding some shine and creativity to your appearance. Given below are the different types you can think about getting:

  • Double Nose Piercing On Opposite Sides – This involves inserting nose-piercing jewelry on both sides of the nostrils to create a symmetrical look. You can use nose rings or a hoop to create a classic and elegant look.
  • Double Nose Piercing On The Same Side – This involves getting two piercings on the same side, creating a slightly more edgier look. You can use a small or large hoop to create a double hoop effect.
  • Two Double Nose Piercings On Each Side – This involves piercing both sides of the nostril twice with studs or hoops. It offers a balanced look and makes for a bold statement.
  • Double Nose Piercing With Septum – This involves both the nostrils as well as the septum with hoops or studs, creating a visually striking and unique look.

The traditional single nose piercing is considered less painful compared to other piercings. But will the pain level increase with a double nose piercing? Find out the answer to this question in the next section.

Double Nose Piercing Pain

The double nose piercing process takes a shorter amount of time and is considered less painful than other more complex nose piercings. Many report them between 3-6 on the pain scale. Having said that, factors such as the individual’s pain tolerance, the type, placement, and the technique and equipment used by the piercer ultimately determine whether the individual has a comfortable experience or not.

Apart from the pain level, cost plays an important role in the individual’s decision-making process. Find out about it in the section below.

How Much Does A Double Nose Piercing Cost?

A woman with a double nose piercing and a septum piercing
Image: Shutterstock

The cost depends on factors such as the type of jewelry, the studio’s reputation, the piercer’s experience level, and the very style of double nose piercing. Although the cost of jewelry is included in the total expenditure, one might have to pay a bit extra if it is not. Also, purchasing healing balms and piercing-specific salves can add up to the overall cost. A double nose piercing can cost anywhere between $25-$90.

Understanding the process can help an individual prepare for the experience before their appointment. Check out the next section to know more.

Process Of Double Nose Piercing

A woman undergoing a double nose piercing procedure
Image: Shutterstock

Your piercer will take you through the process slowly and carefully to ensure you have a smooth and comfortable experience. It includes following the steps mentioned below:

  • Look for reputed piercing studios that maintain stringent cleanliness and professionalism and have an established work or expertise in double nose piercing. Read the online customer reviews and seek recommendations from friends and peers for a positive experience.
  • Schedule a consultation with a piercer to understand the process and the different placement options. You can also discuss your concerns if any.
  • The piercer typically begins the double-piercing process by washing their hands with soap and water.
  • They sterilize the chosen jewelry and piercing equipment such as needles, forceps, and other tools to reduce the risk of complications.
  • The piercer marks the chosen areas with a body-safe marker to ensure precise placement.
  • They use a sterilized needle to create holes for double piercing and insert the jewelry through the holes.
  • Once the jewelry has been inserted, they clean the double nose piercing area with a saline solution.

The placement and execution of the double nose piercing can have a significant impact on the healing time. Find out about how long it takes to heal in the following section.

How Long Does It Take For A Double Nose Piercing To Heal?

The healing process can take anywhere between 2-4 months regardless of the type of double piercing one gets. However, factors such as the individual’s immune system and aftercare practices can affect the healing time. Plus, piercings with simple styles of nose piercing jewelry without excessive attachment or external components can help reduce the risk of unnecessary friction and trauma during the healing process.

Cleaning your piercing diligently during the healing process is crucial to reducing the risk of infection and other complications. Find out how to do it like a pro from the section below.

How To Clean A Double Nose Piercing

Following the simple guide given below will ensure your double nose piercing stays clean and safe during the healing process (1).

  • Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to reduce the risk of transmitting bacteria to the piercing site.
  • You can create your own saline solution for cleaning the piercing site. All you need to do is mix 1/4 teaspoon of non-ionized salt with 8 ounces of distilled water. Make sure the salt solution is lukewarm as extremely hot or cold water can potentially irritate the double nose piercing area.
  • Dip a cotton pad in the saline solution until it is completely saturated.
  • Hold the cotton pad against your double nose piercing. Then, use it to clean both inside and outside of the nostril to remove any dirt or crusting.
  • Wash off the pierced area with lukewarm water to rinse off the remaining saline solution or debris.
  • Use a paper towel to gently pat dry the area.

A blogger shared their experience of cleaning their double nose piercing in a blog post. They wrote, “Cleaning has been pretty simple. I then try to wipe away any crusty stuff from the rings, because if any of that is left on and the ring gets rotated so that the crusty stuff goes through the piercing, the piercing hurts for a while (i). ”

Cleaning your double nose piercing at least twice a day can help the skin recover. Having said that, following some other aftercare practices is essential to facilitate the natural healing process of the body. Scroll down to the next section to find out.

Double Nose Piercing Aftercare

Double nose piercing is like an open wound that requires extraordinary care and attention to foster a clean, healing environment and keep the pierced site looking fresh. Here are some aftercare tips you can follow (1), (2):

  • Wash the jewelry with unscented soap and water to remove dirt, oil, bacteria, or debris.
  • If you are wearing a silver nose stud or a silver nose ring, get it occasionally cleaned by a professional jewelry cleaner to maintain its brilliant luster.
  • Avoid blowing your nose as much as possible during the initial healing time as the excessive pressure may cause irritation or trauma on the pierced nose site.
  • Resist the urge to change your nose ring jewelry until the piercing is completely healed as it can put you at a greater risk of infection.
  • Refrain from frequently touching the piercing area to prevent introducing bacteria into the site.
  • Do not use products with hydrogen peroxide as it can irritate the piercing site.
  • Do not share your jeweled rings or layered nose jewelry as it can increase the risk of infection.
  • Never force a nose ring jewelry back into the piercing hole as it can damage the skin. However, if you want to move the jewelry, gently move it in a clockwise direction to insert it in the hole.
protip_icon Quick tip
Avoid using cloth towels as they can snag on the piercing jewelry and may harbor bacteria (1).

Practicing good aftercare can protect the double nose piercing from potential infection-causing bacteria and ensure a swift and full recovery. Once it is healed, you can experiment with different types of jewelry to create unique looks. Find out more in the next section.

Types Of Jewelry Used

It is important to note that the anatomy of your nose plays a role in deciding what type of decorative piece of jewelry will be suitable for the piercing. Here are the common jewelry options available for double nose piercings:

  • Press Fit – This style of nose jewelry features a hollow post that is inserted inside the nostril and has a decorative front. It is a great choice for those who want a double-stud nose piercing.
  • Hoop Nose Rings – There are different types of nose rings such as captive bead rings, jeweled rings, and colored nose rings. They make a great choice for those looking for variety.
  • Septum Clickers – A common jewelry option that features a hoop with a hinge closure that can be clicked to secure the jewelry in place. Options such as fake teardrop septum rings and septum hoops are commonly used to create eye-catching looks.
  • Circular Barbells – This type of nostril piercing jewelry is also known as horseshoe septum barbells as their shape is similar to the letter ‘C’ or horseshoes. It comes with a small barbell that is used to secure the jewelry on the nose using a ball stopper attached to either end.
protip_icon Pro tip
You can go for hoop nose rings with gemstones or crystals to create an elegant look for occasions such as weddings.

It is important to keep the material and size in mind when selecting your jewelry to ensure the overall success of a double nose piercing. Learn more about them in the section below.

Tips To Choose The Right Material And Size

Choosing the right jewelry material can help prevent discomfort, damage to the skin, scarring, or even the risk of piercing rejection. Having said that one should pick a nose art jewelry that is best suited to their body and the location of the piercing. Here are a few jewelry materials that you can consider (3), (4):

  • Titanium – It is considered to be one of the best metals for nose rings as it is lightweight and won’t trigger a nickel allergy.
  • Surgical Steel – This material is affordable and has a smooth finish and typically does not react with bodily fluids.
  • Gold – This makes a solid choice for double nostril piercing due to its biocompatibility. However, one should always invest in 14-18 karat gold as above or below this range might scratch the metal.

Whether it is acrylic nose rings or a beaded nose accessory, it not only depends on the material but also the right gauge or overall thickness of the jewelry to get a comfortable and stylish experience. Scroll down below to find out.

Size

The right jewelry with the right nostril fit can make a whole difference. It can ensure that the jewelry is properly visible, does not go under the skin, and can freely move without being too loose. The most common nose jewelry gauge for a double nose piercing is somewhere between 18 and 20. Hence, knowing the right nose jewelry gauge can reduce the risk of physical damage such as tearing, shrinking, bleeding, and pain on the site of the piercing.

It is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before you finalize your decision about this piercing. Find out what they are in the section below.

Pros And Cons Of A Double Nose Piercing

It is essential to take your time rather than rushing into the process understanding the pros and cons of this piercing before finally committing to the process. Some of them include:

Pros Of Double Nose Piercing

A double nose piercing is edgy and comes with a host of benefits. Some of them include:

  • It usually helps to create a balanced and symmetrical look.
  • It involves two piercings, which allow for a wide variety of nose jewelry options.
  • It is considered to be more affordable than other piercings such as septum nose piercing.
  • It takes 2-4 months to heal when compared to more complex piercings such as the nasallang piercing.

Just like any other nose piercing, double nose piercings come with their set of cons too. Find out what they are below.

Cons Of Double Nose Piercing

It is important to keep the following cons in mind when finalizing your decision about this piercing:

  • The two piercings may cause more discomfort than a single piercing.
  • It involves two separate piercings which can also lead to a long healing time as compared to a single piercing.

Double nose piercings look undeniably badass and offer a distinctive look. Following the right aftercare practices such as cleaning the piercings twice and washing your jewelry can help reduce the risk of infections. Apart from that, choosing hypoallergenic materials such as stainless steel and gold can ensure your piercings heal properly. Ensure you talk to a reputable piercer and understand the pros and cons and the cost of this piercing to help you prepare for it properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age requirement for getting a double nose piercing?

Individuals aged 18 or above can get double nose piercings. Those under 18 must get parental consent or get the procedure in the presence of their legal guardian. However, different states have different regulations and policies. Hence, check with your piercer about them before moving ahead with the procedure.

Can I go swimming or participate in certain activities with a healing double nose piercing?

It is recommended to participate in contact sports as that may expose the healing site to dirt, bacteria, sweat, and friction, interfering with the healing process. Plus, the water in the pool might be contaminated, increasing the risk of developing an infection (1).

Can I wear makeup around my double nose piercings?

One can wear the makeup only after the double nose piercing has fully healed as doing so before can irritate the piercing.

Will my double nose piercings set off metal detectors?

Jewelry made with high-quality materials is unlikely to be picked up by metal detectors. Plus, the jewelry is small enough to not set off an alarm.

Can I get double nose piercings if I have a cold or sinus infection?

It is suggested to avoid getting a double nose piercing if you have a cold or sinus infection as cleaning, blowing, and wiping the nose frequently can irritate the potential new piercing.

Key Takeaways

  • The double nose piercing involves getting two piercings on the same side or on the opposite sides to create a unique and bold aesthetic.
  • The healing time of a double nose piercing can take anywhere between 2-4 months.
  • Cleaning twice daily and choosing hypoallergenic materials such as gold, surgical steel, or titanium can reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

Understanding the procedure and the pain involved can help you prepare for your piercing appointment better. Check out this video to learn everything you need to know about the double nose piercing process.

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Suggested Aftercare For Body Piercings
    https://safepiercing.org/aftercare/
  2. Caring For New Piercings
    https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/tattoos/caring-for-pierced-ears
  3. Nickel Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Identification, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340959429_Nickel_Allergic_Contact_Dermatitis_Identification_Treatment_and_Prevention
  4. Jewelry For Initial Piercings
    https://safepiercing.org/jewelry-for-initial-piercings/
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Rodrigo Casco
Rodrigo CascoProfessional Tattoo and Body Piercing Artist
Rodrigo Casco is an Argentine tattoo artist. He has 21 years of experience designing tattoos. He has done tattooing by hand as well as created his own tattoo machines. He has won multiple awards and stood first in national and international tattoo conventions, is a judge at events, and also gives many seminars.

Read full bio of Rodrigo Casco
Joyce Joyson
Joyce JoysonBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Joyce Joyson is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience crafting short-form content for the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle niches. She has a triple majors bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, and Geography from IIS University and a master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College.

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Shreya Mukherjee
Shreya MukherjeeBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Shreya is a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience. After graduating from Christ University, Bengaluru, she started as a writer for a non-profit organization, Bhumi, as an intern. She then wrote for a progressive content website.

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Eshna Das
Eshna DasAssociate Editor
Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

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