Getting your first nose piercing? Confused about gauge sizes? Don't worry – we've got you covered with this easy-to-understand guide that breaks down everything you need to know about nose piercing gauges.
Quick Answer: What Size Is My Nose Piercing?
Most nose piercings are either 18g or 20g, with 20 gauge being the most popular choice for nostril piercings. If you're getting a septum piercing, expect 16g or 14g instead. Think of it this way: the higher the number, the thinner the jewelry.
Understanding Gauge Sizes (No Math Required!)
Here's the thing that trips everyone up: gauge numbers work backwards. A 20g piercing is actually thinner than an 18g piercing. It's like shirt sizes – counterintuitive but easy once you know the trick.
The Gauge Scale for Nose Piercings
- 20g = 0.8mm (thinnest, most delicate)
- 18g = 1.0mm (slightly thicker)
- 16g = 1.2mm (medium thickness)
- 14g = 1.6mm (thickest for most nose piercings)
Pro tip: Most jewelry you see online will list both the gauge and millimeter measurements, so you don't need to memorize these conversions.
Different Nose Piercings, Different Sizes
Nostril Piercings (The Classic)
Standard size: 20g or 18g
This is your basic side-of-nose piercing that most people get. Here's how to choose:
Go with 20g if you:
- Have delicate features or thin skin
- Want subtle, barely-there jewelry
- Work somewhere with strict dress codes
- Are getting your first piercing
Choose 18g if you:
- Want slightly more substantial jewelry options
- Have thicker nostril tissue
- Plan to wear statement pieces later
- Want extra security (less likely to fall out)
Septum Piercings (The Sweet Spot)
Standard size: 16g or 14g
Septum piercings need to be thicker because they go through different tissue and support more weight.
16g is perfect for:
- Your first septum piercing
- Simple rings and retainers
- A balance of comfort and options
14g works well for:
- Heavier, more decorative jewelry
- If you plan to stretch larger eventually
- Maximum stability and strength
Bridge Piercings (The Bold Choice)
Standard size: 14g or 12g
Bridge piercings sit on the surface of your skin, so they need extra thickness to prevent rejection and migration. Most people start with 14g and find it works perfectly.
High Nostril & Specialty Piercings
Standard size: Usually 20g or 18g
These follow similar rules to regular nostril piercings but with less jewelry variety available.
The Real Talk: Which Size Should YOU Choose?
For Your First Nose Piercing
Start with 20g if you're unsure. It's:
- Easier to heal
- More comfortable
- Widely available for jewelry
- Professional-looking
- Less intimidating
If You Want More Options
Go with 18g for:
- Better jewelry selection
- Slightly more secure fit
- Easier jewelry changes later
- More substantial look
What About Stretching Up Later?
Here's the reality: You generally can't go from thick to thin, but you can carefully stretch from thin to thick with professional help. However, most people are perfectly happy with their original size.
Shopping for Jewelry: What You Need to Know
Before You Buy
- Know your gauge size (ask your piercer or check your paperwork)
- Stick to high-quality materials (titanium, surgical steel, or gold)
- Measure your piercing length if buying online
Red Flags to Avoid
- Jewelry that doesn't list gauge size
- Anything marketed as "one size fits all" for piercings
- Extremely cheap jewelry from questionable sources
- Jewelry that makes your skin turn green
Where to Shop: Your One-Stop Destination
For premium nose jewelry, we recommend Pierced Addiction – they specialize in high-quality body jewelry with extensive nose piercing options:
🌟 Featured Collections for Nose Piercings:
- Complete selection of nostril studs, nose screws, and L-shaped posts
- All standard gauges (18g-20g) available
- Premium materials including titanium and surgical steel
- Easy-change system perfect for nose piercings
- Hundreds of decorative options from subtle to statement
- Compatible with threadless labret posts
- Luxury gold options for special occasions
- Hypoallergenic and perfect for sensitive skin
- Investment pieces that last a lifetime
- Hypoallergenic and lightweight
- Perfect for initial piercings and sensitive skin
- Available in natural titanium and anodized colors
- Subtle, professional-friendly options
- Perfect for workplace compliance
- Barely-there elegance
Popular Product Categories:
- Internally Threaded Ends - Smooth insertion, comfortable wear
- Earring Studs - Classic options that work for nose piercings too
- Titanium Labrets - High-quality posts in all gauges
Why Choose Pierced Addiction: ✅ Extensive gauge selection (18g, 20g, and specialty sizes)
✅ Premium materials only (no cheap metals)
✅ Detailed product specifications
✅ Professional-grade quality at accessible prices
✅ Excellent customer service and return policy
Healing and Aftercare by Gauge Size
All Gauges: The Basics
- Clean 2-3 times daily with saline solution
- Don't touch with dirty hands
- Avoid rotating or moving jewelry unnecessarily
- Sleep on the opposite side when possible
Smaller Gauges (20g)
- Heal slightly faster initially
- More delicate – handle gently
- Don't remove jewelry too early (hole closes quickly)
Larger Gauges (18g, 16g, 14g)
- Take a bit longer to heal completely
- More stable during healing
- Can handle gentle cleaning better
Average healing time: 6-12 weeks for most nose piercings, regardless of gauge
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
"I Bought the Wrong Size Jewelry"
The fix: Always double-check gauge size before ordering. When in doubt, visit your piercer – many will measure for free.
"My Jewelry Feels Too Tight/Loose"
The issue: Length, not gauge. You might have the right thickness but wrong length. The fix: Get properly measured by a professional.
"I Want to Change My Gauge Size"
Going smaller: Usually not possible – the hole stays stretched. Going larger: Possible but requires professional stretching over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I pierce my nose with a larger gauge to skip stretching later? A: Not recommended. Start with standard sizes and stretch gradually if desired.
Q: Why do some shops use different gauge sizes? A: Piercer preference and your anatomy. Most follow industry standards, but slight variations are normal.
Q: Will my piercing close up if I use smaller gauge jewelry? A: The hole typically stays the original size. Smaller jewelry will just fit loosely.
Q: Can I wear earring studs in my nose piercing? A: Only if they're the correct gauge and length. Regular earrings are usually too long and wrong gauge.
Q: How do I know what gauge my current piercing is? A: Check with your piercer, look at your paperwork, or use a gauge measurement tool.
The Bottom Line
For 90% of people getting nose piercings: 20g for nostrils, 16g for septums. These standard sizes give you plenty of jewelry options, heal well, and look great.
Remember: A good piercer will discuss gauge options with you based on your anatomy and goals. Don't be afraid to ask questions – they'd rather explain than fix problems later!
When in doubt: Start conservative with standard sizes. You can always explore different options once you're healed and more experienced with piercings.
Ready to get pierced? Find a reputable piercer in your area, discuss your gauge preferences, and enjoy your new nose jewelry!