How To Pierce Your Own Nose: 15 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes

• PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
• QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
• LOG IN

  Log in

  Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
• RANDOM

• Home
• Random
• Browse Articles
• TrendingNew
• Quizzes & Games
• All QuizzesHot
• Love Quizzes
• Personality Quizzes
• Fun Games
• Dating Simulator
• Learn Something New
• Forums
• Courses
• Happiness Hub
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow

• Log in / Sign up

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Personal Care and Style
• Tattoos and Piercing
• Piercings
• Self Piercing

How to Pierce Your Own Nose Download Article Co-authored by Brian Thompson

Last Updated: November 9, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

• Planning to Pierce
|
• Piercing Your Nose
|
• Caring for Your Piercing
|
• Video
|
• Q&A
|
• Tips
|
• Warnings
|
• Things You'll Need

|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Brian Thompson. Brian Thompson is a body piercing expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the CEO, proprietor, and Chief Piercing Officer of The World Famous Body Electric Tattoo, a Los Angeles tattoo and piercing institution on Melrose Avenue. Body Electric opened its doors in 1992 and has been a prominent provider of specialized artistic tattoo design, consulting, and superior piercing services ever since. Brian purchased Body Electric and began running the business in 2008. Brian and Body Electric provide services to a long list of Hollywood A-listers and have been featured on such television shows as 2 Broke Girls, Vanderpump Rules, Kathy Griffin, Basketball Wives, Hollywood Exes, and Chrisley Knows Best. Brian and the business have been featured by multiple publications, including LA Weekly, the Wall Street Journal, Allure, Cosmopolitan, People, Forbes, and more. Brian runs Body Electric with a blend of old-school values and modern safety standards, with all tattoo and piercing artists being fully licensed. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,223,035 times.

Professional nose piercings can be expensive. You can perform the process at home, but you'll need to do your research beforehand. You'll need to be very conscious of cleanliness, and you'll need to be prepared for a bit of pain. Remember that while it is possible to safely pierce your nose, it will almost always be safer, cleaner, and more reliable to go through a professional.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Planning to Pierce

Download Article

1. 1 Envision your piercing. Look at various styles of nose piercing and decide what you want. For your first home piercing, consider a simple stud or a nose ring. Think about how you're going to look with this piercing, and make sure that you know exactly what you want.
   • Consider getting your nose pierced professionally. A professional job is usually a much safer, cleaner, and less painful experience. If you pierce your nose at home, you risk bleeding, infection, or a botched job.[1] On the other hand, it can be fulfilling to do the piercing yourself.
2. 2 Buy the jewelry. You can find piercing studs, rings, and bars in jewelry stores, tattoo parlors, and novelty shops. Try searching online if you know exactly what you want. Make sure that you're buying sterile, unused jewelry, and consider starting with something small. Make sure you have the right size, length, and thickness. Do not use a ring, an earring, or anything that has been used before.
   • Be aware that some people have allergies to certain metals. Nickel allergies are the most common metal allergy and may cause a painful rash. Gold, cobalt, and chromate are other common sources of metal allergy.[2] If your skin looks cracked or blistered after the piercing, you should remove the piercing and see a doctor as soon as possible.
   • Consider using titanium jewelry, or stainless steel – anything that will not easily corrode. Look for metals that are free of nickel: 14-24 karat yellow gold, sterling silver, copper, or platinum. Polycarbonate plastic is usually safe to use.
   Advertisement
3. 3 Wait until your skin is clear. If you try to pierce over (or near) an infected skin blemish, the piercing itself will face a higher risk of infection. Thus, if you have any acne or blackheads, wait a few days or weeks until the rash recedes. Wash your face regularly, and consider using a pore-cleansing (or medicated) facial scrub.
4. 4 Prepare the needle. Be sure to use a fresh needle; if it isn't pre-packaged, then you can't be sure that it hasn't been used before. Use a hollow needle – these are more effective. Use a thin gauge, between 20G (.81mm) and 18G (1.0mm), and make sure that the hole is not smaller in diameter than your jewelry.[3] Take the needle out of the packaging, when you are ready, and be sure to sterilize it before you put it into your skin.
   • A safety pin, a pushpin, an earring, or a sewing needle will make the piercing more prone to infection; it can be hard to properly sterilize these objects. The point may also be too dull to pierce, which can tear the tissue and put too much stress on the piercing.
   • Don't set the needle down anywhere, lest it gets contaminated. If you must set it down, use a clean tissue or a sterilized tray.
5. 5 Sterilize everything. This includes the needle, the jewelry, and any other tools that you will handle during the piercing process. Soak the needle in rubbing alcohol, and then boil it in hot water. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap, and then put on latex gloves. Do not touch anything that has not been sterilized.[4]
   • Change the gloves every time you touch your nose. Put on a fresh pair of gloves just before you do the actual piercing.
6. 6 Mark your nose. Use a sharpie to make a small dot on your skin where you want the stud to go. Look in the mirror and make sure that it's right.[5] If the mark is too low or too high, wash it away and adjust it. Draw and redraw the mark until you are completely satisfied.
Advertisement

Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Piercing Your Nose

Download Article

1. 1 Clean the area before piercing. Dab a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol, then wipe down the area that you plan to pierce. Watch out for your eyes: the alcohol will sting.[6]
   • Consider using an ice cube to make the area numb. Hold the ice against your nostril for up to three minutes, until you can't feel the tissue.[7] Be aware that this might make your skin tighten up, which could make it more difficult to pierce.
2. 2 Use a piercing clamp. If you have a piercing clamp, tighten it so that it secures the area that you plan to pierce. Consider buying a clamp if you don't have one already. The clamp should hold the space open so that you don't poke the inside of your nose or your finger.
3. 3 Calm yourself. Take a deep breath before beginning. If you are shaking, take a moment to relax and find your center. Take solace in the fact that a nose piercing is relatively simple, as piercings go. There is not much skin or fat to pierce in your nose, so the procedure is straightforward, and the pain is relatively minimal.
4. 4 Pierce your nose. Look in the mirror and line up the needle with the dot that you marked.[8] Take a breath, and then do it quickly. Push the needle in perpendicular to the surface of your skin and take care to slide straight through the tissue. You will feel pain, but it will be temporary.
   • Remember: the more quickly you perform the piercing, the more quickly it will be over.
   • Try not to poke the inside of your nostril. If you are piercing the side of your nostril, you don't want to push too deep – or it will be more painful.
5. 5 Immediately insert the ring or stud. It's essential that you're quick about it. The wound will begin to heal as soon as you remove the needle, meaning that the hole will begin to close. You want the hole to heal around your jewelry so that it's a natural fit. If you wait too long, you will have pierced your skin for nothing!
Advertisement

Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Caring for Your Piercing

Download Article

1. 1 Clean the piercing twice a day. Use a sterile saline solution, a 50/50 water-and-soap solution, or hydrogen peroxide.[9] Twice a day, saturate a cotton swab with the cleaning solution, then let it soak into the pierced area for a few minutes. Wipe your piercing from inside and outside your nose. If you've given yourself a nose ring, rotate it slightly each time you clean it.[10]
   • If you are especially worried about infection, it's okay to clean the piercing as often as every few hours. Avoid cleaning too often, however, if you're using a particularly harsh cleaning agent.
   • Repeat this process every day until the piercing heals. Your nose will be swollen and sore for a few days after the job, but it should feel normal before the week is over. Be aware that the piercing may take as long as 3-4 months to completely "heal".
   • Be aware that hydrogen peroxide may disrupt scarless wound healing. Many piercing professionals advocate the use of this chemical as a cleaning agent, but you should be aware of the risks.[11]
2. 2 Avoid infection! Always wash your hands before handling the piercing and clean it regularly.[12] If you are fastidious about cleaning the piercing, and you were careful to sterilize all of your equipment, you shouldn't need to worry. If, however, your piercing is still red and painful a week later, there's a chance that the wound has become infected. Seek medical advice before it gets worse.
   • Consider using antibiotics like Neosporin and antibacterial soap to protect the wound. These products can seriously reduce the risk of inflammation. If you don't clean your piercing regularly, you may need to use heavy-duty prescription antibiotics – which can be costly and questionable for your health.
3. 3 Don't remove the piercing for too long. If you take it out for longer than a few hours, there's a chance that the hole will close up. The skin of your nostril heals very quickly, and you might have to pierce it again if the stud no longer fits. Leave your stud in for at least three months before changing it out with something else.
4. 4 Ask for advice. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask around at your local piercing parlor. Although you didn't get your piercing done there, they will probably be willing to give you advice if you ask nicely. If you have any medical concerns, don't hesitate to visit your doctor.
Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question

• Question How can I hide a nose piercing? Community Answer There are certain types of jewelry that you can put in your piercing. They are called "retainers," and are clear. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 56 Helpful 353
• Question Can I pierce my nose with just an earring hoop? Community Answer Absolutely not. Not only will it be dull and therefore more painful, it could also be unsanitary and more prone to infection. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 43 Helpful 227
• Question How do I pierce my nose painlessly at home? Community Answer There is no way to pierce your nose without it hurting at least a little. To numb the pain, try Oragel, but make sure you wipe it clean once the area is numb. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 46 Helpful 261

See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Read Video Transcript

Reader Videos

Tips

• It is normal for your eyes to water. Blink a lot, but focus on the task at hand. Thanks Helpful 30 Not Helpful 2
• Have a sucker or something sweet in your mouth so your mind will focus more or the sugar than on the pain. Thanks Helpful 27 Not Helpful 3
• If you think you may have an infection at any point, do not remove the stud. It can trap the infection inside the skin! If it continues to worsen, go to a doctor. Thanks Helpful 23 Not Helpful 5

Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

• To reduce pain during the piercing, wet a cotton swab with saline and hold it inside of your nostril where the needle will come out. The coolness helps with the pain, and when you feel the needle puncture the cotton swab, you'll know not to shove the needle through any further. This is a good way to minimize pain.
• Purchase a product called "Dr Pierce" for nose. Sterile product, load cartridge, clean area with wipe included, position, press plunger, slide away and throw in bin. Single use only. $30. Fast, easy and safe. Everything you need in one box. This is a convenient and sterile piercing kit option.
• Consider putting a stud in during the healing process! And when it heals you can put in a ring! The reason not to use a ring during the healing process is because it could get caught on something and it would really hurt! A stud is less likely to get caught and cause pain while healing.
• See a doctor right away if you experience signs of infection like persistent swelling, redness, oozing, increased pain or fever. Infections can quickly spiral out of control and should not be taken lightly when piercing at home. Getting early medical treatment is important.
• If you have an infection, a great way to deal with it is warm water (about one cup) and one teaspoon of salt. Clean with cotton inside and outside the nose. This salt water solution helps treat infections.
• Avoid swimming until the piercing heals to avoid infection as well as to allow time for the piercing to dry and heal. Getting the piercing wet can introduce bacteria and delay healing.

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

• Visit a professional piercing studio if you have any questions or concerns. It may be worth the extra cost for a professional to pierce you safely. Thanks Helpful 79 Not Helpful 12
• Don't share needles. Infections like AIDS can spread through sharing a piercing needle – even after sterilization. Under no circumstances should you share a needle, even with your best friend! Thanks Helpful 100 Not Helpful 18
• Be very careful! Don't pierce your nose with anything other than a hollow autoclaved needle. A safety pin, a pushpin, an earring, or a sewing needle will make the piercing more prone to infection; it can be hard to properly sterilize these objects. The point may also be too dull to pierce, which can tear the tissue and put too much stress on the piercing. Thanks Helpful 71 Not Helpful 18
• Before you do this, make completely sure that you want a pierced nose. Otherwise, you might regret it later! Thanks Helpful 58 Not Helpful 20

Advertisement

Things You'll Need

• Hollow autoclaved piercing needle – one size bigger than your jewelry, so it fits better.
• Needle forceps
• Piercing clamp
• Nose ring or nose bar (sterilized beforehand!)
• Sea salt/ear care solution
• Rubbing alcohol
• Latex gloves

You Might Also Like

How toCare for Your Nose Piercing How toDo a Self Piercing at Home How toPierce Your Ear How toGet Your Nose Pierced How toPierce Your Septum How toPierce Your Own Belly Button at Home How toPierce Your Forward Helix How toPierce Your Own Cartilage How toWear a Nose Ring How toClean Your Nose Piercing How toPierce Your Own Lip How toClean a Nose Ring How to Put in a Nose Stud, Hoop, or Corkscrew Ring How toChange a Nose Piercing Advertisement

References

1. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/teens/teen-girls-body-ear-piercing
2. ↑ http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/548007_4
3. ↑ https://www.freshtrends.com/pages/size-chart
4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvXcO7sp_eQ
5. ↑ Brian Thompson. Piercing Expert. Expert Interview
6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvXcO7sp_eQ
7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvXcO7sp_eQ
8. ↑ Brian Thompson. Piercing Expert. Expert Interview
9. ↑ Brian Thompson. Piercing Expert. Expert Interview

More References (3)

10. ↑ https://www.uhs.berkeley.edu/home/healthtopics/bodypiercing.shtml
11. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16176460
12. ↑ Brian Thompson. Piercing Expert. Expert Interview

About This Article

Co-authored by: Brian Thompson Piercing Expert This article was co-authored by Brian Thompson. Brian Thompson is a body piercing expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the CEO, proprietor, and Chief Piercing Officer of The World Famous Body Electric Tattoo, a Los Angeles tattoo and piercing institution on Melrose Avenue. Body Electric opened its doors in 1992 and has been a prominent provider of specialized artistic tattoo design, consulting, and superior piercing services ever since. Brian purchased Body Electric and began running the business in 2008. Brian and Body Electric provide services to a long list of Hollywood A-listers and have been featured on such television shows as 2 Broke Girls, Vanderpump Rules, Kathy Griffin, Basketball Wives, Hollywood Exes, and Chrisley Knows Best. Brian and the business have been featured by multiple publications, including LA Weekly, the Wall Street Journal, Allure, Cosmopolitan, People, Forbes, and more. Brian runs Body Electric with a blend of old-school values and modern safety standards, with all tattoo and piercing artists being fully licensed. This article has been viewed 2,223,035 times. 67 votes - 83% Co-authors: 160 Updated: November 9, 2025 Views: 2,223,035 Categories: Self Piercing Article SummaryX

It’s always safer to have your nose pierced by a professional, but if you want to pierce your own nose, here’s how. Buy piercing jewelry for your nose made from a safe material, such as stainless steel or titanium. Choose a hollow piercing needle that’s between 20 and 18 gauge. Make sure the gauge matches the jewelry or is slightly larger. Soak your needle and jewelry in rubbing alcohol, then boil it in hot water to sterilize it. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and put on latex or nitrile gloves. Clean the skin where you’d like the piercing to go with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Then, use a piercing marker to draw a dot on your nose exactly where you want the piercing to go. Pinch the spot with a piercing clamp so you can see the dot through the opening on the clamp. Take a deep breath and slide the needle through the dot in one quick, fluid motion. Then, immediately insert your jewelry into the piercing and put the backing on to keep it in place. Clean your piercing twice a day with saline solution or slightly soapy water, and always wash your hands before touching the piercing. Avoid removing the jewelry for at least 2-3 months so the piercing has time to heal. After that, you can put new jewelry in. For more information, including how to mark your nose to pierce the right spot, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish German Portuguese French Russian Chinese Dutch Indonesian Arabic Vietnamese Japanese Hindi Korean Czech Italian

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,223,035 times.

Reader Success Stories

• 

  River Evans

  Jan 30, 2019

  "I successfully pierced my nose on my own. I'm very proud of the outcome; for it being my first time, I did a..." more

More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Brian Thompson Piercing Expert Co-authors: 160 Updated: November 9, 2025 Views: 2,223,035 83% of readers found this article helpful. 67 votes - 83% Click a star to add your vote

River Evans

Jan 30, 2019

"I successfully pierced my nose on my own. I'm very proud of the outcome; for it being my first time, I did a..." more

Kayley Clemons

Mar 28, 2017

"I haven't ever pierced my nose, but I really want to and have been thinking about it. I think this article was..." more Rated this article:

Rebel Aldosa

Mar 3, 2017

"It actually works and I was able to do it myself, too. l like how it also includes safety tips and pics for visual..." more

Ashton Reynolds

Jun 29, 2016

"This article helped me so much! I pierced my nose following these steps, and it turned out great! Love my new..." more

Brooklyne H.

Nov 13, 2024

"OMG, this worked so well! I even got to pierce my cousin's nose too. I ended up not liking mine, so I redid..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What Piercing Should I Get QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizEngagement Ring QuizTake QuizWhat Tattoo Matches My Personality QuizTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

How toCare for Your Nose PiercingHow toDo a Self Piercing at HomeHow toPierce Your EarHow toGet Your Nose Pierced

Featured Articles

What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I Quiz13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness Test

Trending Articles

Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How toMake Out

Featured Articles

How toEnjoy the HolidaysHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly Quiz200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy BetterHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz

Featured Articles

21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me Quiz15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More

Watch Articles

How toWrap a Round GiftHow toSteam in an OvenHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Have I Met My Soulmate Yet Quiz180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentAm I a Furry QuizWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Should My Name Really Be QuizRandom Fortune Generator

Quizzes & Games

Makeup Quiz: Discover The Perfect Stye For YouTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat Perfume Note Am I QuizTake QuizWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake QuizWhat Skincare Products Should I Use QuizTake QuizAm I Funny QuizTake Quiz

• Categories
• Personal Care and Style
• Tattoos and Piercing
• Piercings
• Self Piercing

wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Jobs
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info
• Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

Let's do this! X --700