The Best Nose Rings

Buying Guide

Like clothing and hairstyle, piercings have become a top way to express individual style. Nose piercings in particular have grown in popularity in recent years, especially with younger generations. In fact, one study found that both young men and young women with nose piercings were perceived as more sociable and attractive.

Before you get a nose piercing, it’s important to know the aftercare involved. Since a nose piercing is a small wound, you’ll need to regularly wash the area with soap and water in the early months. You’ll also need to avoid touching your piercing with unwashed hands in the weeks following your piercing.

Once your piercing is healed, you can expand your nose ring collection. Metal studs are popular, but you can also find diamond studs, hoops and barbells. The backing is important, as well. The most popular type of nose ring features a twist/screw backing, but you’ll also find backings with an L-shape, straight pin and bone. Each has its own benefits, and often, it comes down to personal preference.

Safety is key when looking at nose rings, particularly in the early months. But even after your piercing has healed, you’ll want to stick with metals that are unlikely to cause a dermatological reaction. Heavy nose rings can cause swelling, so try to go with something lightweight. Earrings made from surgical stainless steel, solid gold, titanium or niobium are your best bet.

One way to really accessorize is to choose a nose ring with a jewel. You can find studs with diamonds, but there are also options with crystals and polymers designed to give that same sparkle at a fraction of the price. You can even find some in bold, vibrant colors that really stand out.

Often, nose rings are sold in sets that offer various sizes and designs. This allows you to change up your look from one day to the next. Make sure when choosing one of these sets that you aren’t sacrificing quality to get the look you want.

• Even with medical-grade stainless steel, there are varying grades. Those graded 316 are the best for internal uses like nose rings because they resist corrosion over time. You’ll find many nose rings graded 316L stainless steel, which minimizes carbon content for an even stronger corrosion resistance.
• If you’re allergic to nickel, you’ll especially want to look for materials that promise hypoallergenic properties. Allergic reactions can create swelling around the piercing.
• When choosing a nose ring, you’ll want to strike a balance between ease of clasping it closed and a secure fastening. You won’t want to lose your nose ring over the course of your day, but you also will need one you can remove easily when you choose.
• You can purchase clear retainers that will protect your nose piercing when you need to leave your jewelry at home for the day. This can come in handy for jobs where nose piercings aren’t allowed or when you simply want a break from wearing a nose ring.
• Nose ring stems vary in thickness, from the hoop width to the backings on studs. If you find your nose ring uncomfortable, it might simply require switching to a thinner option.
• You’ll need somewhere to store your nose rings when you aren’t wearing them. If you don’t have room in your existing jewelry box or you don’t own one, you might need to invest in one. Also consider how you’ll pack your nose rings while traveling if you want to wear more than one per trip. You can find small jewelry boxes or velvet pouches that are perfect for this.
• While your piercing is healing, you’ll need to leave the initial jewelry in and clean it in place. However, once you’ve healed and can switch your jewelry out, you can use saline solution to clean it before storing it. Sometimes, it might be necessary to soak your nose ring in the solution for a few minutes before rubbing away any accumulated particles.