What you need to know when changing your nose piercing from a stud to a ring

A change of jewelry can completely change the look of any piercing.  We love how studs and rings look in nostril piercings and it's so much fun to be able to switch between them to complement any look you're going for!

Whether you're looking for a minimalist gold nostril nail or beaded ring that can be your eye-catcher, there are a few things you should consider before making an exchange!

1. Make sure your piercing was done in a safe studio by a professional piercer

A good piercing starts with being done by a professional in a safe place! It is very important to make sure that you trust professional and experienced piercers. You can rest easy knowing that they will follow proper safety procedures and protocols, but they will also make sure your piercing is positioned correctly for your anatomy!

The correct location for your nose piercing is critical, especially if you plan to wear a ring in this piercing in the future. We advise you to let your piercer know that you may want to put a ring on the piercing after it has healed so that he can keep this in mind when choosing your piercing.

A piercing too far from the edge of the nostril may result in the client having to wear an oversized ring in the future to accommodate a less than ideal location. This is frustrating for some customers, as many people want the nose ring to look more "neat". 

2. Make sure your nostril piercing is completely healed 

At Pierced Mississauga, we always suggest that our clients start by putting the stud on the piercing first. Wearing a carnation will help keep your jewelry, sheets, towels, etc. from snagging on your jewelry, which will speed up the healing process. Studded jewelry also tends to move less, which will also help the area heal faster!

Once the area is completely healed, you can replace the nose ring. 

3. Choose the right jewelry style for your lifestyle

There are several jewelry options you can wear when it comes to nostril piercings! For example, if you are considering replacing your nose stud with a nose ring, you need to consider what type of ring will suit you best.

At Piercing we offer:- nostril nails- Seam rings- Captive beaded rings-Clickers

We have a blog post that explains in detail some of the rings and their pros and cons. Click here to learn more about the different types of jewelry we offer at Pierced.

We always recommend wearing body jewelry made from materials suitable for implantation. This is especially important for those who experience allergic reactions or have a sensitivity to metals.

We recommend wearing only implant titanium or solid 14k gold jewelry to avoid any reactions! 

4. Determine the size of the ring you will need

This is where visiting a professional piercer can really come in handy! Your piercer will be able to measure your nostril and make sure they fit the correct size ring for your desired appearance and anatomy.

If you can't get a professional sizing check out our blog post on how to learn how to measure jewelry at home! 

5. Change jewelry in a safe and clean place, or seek professional help!

If you go to a piercing shop to have a piercer help you change your jewelry, feel free to ask them about their disinfection methods! Whether you have your jewelry replaced by a professional or do it yourself at home, you need to make sure your jewelry has been sterilized beforehand.

If you are changing your jewelry at home, you should start by washing your hands and laying down a clean paper towel to put on your jewelry. If you have disposable gloves, feel free to wear them. 

We suggest changing jewelry in front of a well-lit mirror. This will make it easier for you to see what exactly is going on. If you're doing this in the bathroom, be sure to cover the drains of any nearby sinks. You will be surprised how much jewelry can be thrown down the drain! 

Once you've made sure your environment is safe and secure, you'll want to remove the hairpin. If you were wearing a hairpin without a thread, you will need to grab the decorative end and the hairpin and pull them apart without twisting. Threadless decorations should just come apart, but you may need to apply some force. Once you've removed the hairpin, lay it aside on a clean paper towel. Next, you'll want to clean the piercing with saline and follow your normal piercing care routine. It's always a good idea to clean a piercing before inserting anything new. 

Once your piercing is clean, insert the ring into the piercing and twist the ring until the seam or clasp (depending on the ring style) is inside the nostril. 

6. Store old jewelry in a safe place

You never know when you'll want to go back to studs or put on old jewelry again. We recommend storing your jewelry in a zip lock bag so that the pin and end do not get lost. 

7. Keep track of your piercings and be mindful of new jewelry.

Once you've made the switch to a nose ring, you'll need to keep a close eye on things for a few weeks before changing your jewelry. 

While your piercing may be completely healed, a new piece of jewelry can sometimes be a little irritating or just take some getting used to. 

If you notice anything unusual (severe swelling, tingling, prolonged redness, etc.), contact your piercer and ask for an appointment.  

It's always better to play it safe when it comes to the health of your piercing!