The septum piercing is one of the most popular piercings of recent years. Worn by women and men alike, it wins people over with its versatility and bold style. Whether with a minimalist hoop or a horseshoe piece, the septum piercing offers countless ways to express your personality.
But before you take the plunge, plenty of questions come up: does it hurt? How long does healing take? Which jewelry should you choose, and how do you care for this piercing properly? In this article, we answer all your questions in a complete FAQ on septum piercings.
FAQ – Everything to know about septum piercings
Does a septum piercing hurt? Is it more intense than a nostril piercing?
The pain felt with a septum piercing depends mainly on your own sensitivity, but also on the piercer's skill. Contrary to a common myth, a septum piercing doesn't go through bone or hard cartilage, but through a thin membrane at the front of the nose called the "sweet spot." That often makes it less painful than a nostril piercing for some people. That said, the sensation can feel more intense because of how sensitive the area is and the direct contact with mucous membrane.
How long does a septum piercing take to heal?
On average, initial healing takes 6 to 8 weeks. That said, full, stable healing can take longer for some people. Several factors can affect this timeline:
-
Hygiene and following post-piercing aftercare.
-
The quality of the jewelry (ASTM F-136 titanium supports better healing).
- Lifestyle factors (smoking, stress, diet, sleep).
How do you take care of a septum piercing?
Good aftercare is essential to avoid irritation and infection:
-
Clean the area twice a day with a sterile saline solution and a sterile gauze pad.
-
Avoid handling the jewelry with unwashed hands.
-
Don't remove the jewelry during healing.
- Avoid pools, makeup around the nose, and contact sports for the first three weeks.
Which jewelry should you choose for a septum piercing?
For a first fitting, we recommend ASTM F-136 titanium, a hypoallergenic, biocompatible material that greatly reduces the risk of allergies and irritation. Options generally include:
-
The horseshoe (circular barbell), very practical and discreet. At Obsidian Piercing, our piercers strongly recommend a horseshoe as your first-fitting jewelry
- A simple hoop, minimalist and elegant.
Once healed, you can widen your choices and move to more elaborate jewelry.
Can you temporarily remove your septum piercing?
During the healing phase, removing the jewelry is strongly discouraged, since the hole can close up quickly. Once healed, you can take it out occasionally, but it's best to always keep some jewelry in to avoid gradual closure.
What are the risks with a septum piercing?
As with any piercing, there are some risks if aftercare isn't followed:
-
Persistent irritation or redness.
-
Unusual swelling or discharge.
- Infection from poor hygiene.
These risks are generally kept in check by choosing a professional piercer, suitable jewelry, and a good aftercare routine.
How much does a septum piercing cost?
Prices vary by studio and jewelry selected, but on average, expect to pay between €40 and €70 for the piercing itself, not including the first-fitting jewelry.
Can you wear a hoop right after piercing?
It's recommended to start with a titanium horseshoe. A hoop can be worn after healing, since it puts slight pressure on the area that could get in the way of initial healing.
Does a septum piercing leave a scar?
If you remove the piercing after several years, the hole often closes naturally, leaving an almost invisible mark. Since the area is internal, any marks are generally discreet.
The septum piercing wins people over with its look and versatility. The pain is manageable, healing is relatively quick if you follow aftercare, and it offers a wide choice of jewelry to suit every style. What matters most is choosing a qualified piercer and ASTM F-136 titanium jewelry, to ensure optimal, safe healing.
Ready to take the plunge? Discover our collection of septum piercing jewelry in ASTM F-136 titanium right now, combining safety, comfort and a unique style.












