There’s hardly a piercing that has experienced such a hype in the last ten years as the septum piercing. From its former trademark status in the punk and grunge scene, it has evolved into an absolute must-have in high fashion and pop culture. Whether it’s a delicate gold ring or a bold horseshoe, the septum is a strong statement right in the center of your face and instantly gives any look an unmistakable edge.
The genius thing about this piercing? With the right jewelry, it’s the only facial piercing you can make completely invisible within seconds if needed! At Old Dragon Ink in Dinkelsbühl, this piercing is one of the absolute specialties of our piercing expert Ella. In this guide, she explains the “sweet spot” anatomy, takes away your fear of pain, and reveals what you need to pay attention to during aftercare.
The Anatomy: Finding the “Sweet Spot”
A persistent myth claims that the septum piercing goes directly through the hard nasal cartilage. Fortunately, that’s completely wrong (and would be extremely painful)!
A professionally done septum is placed through the so-called “sweet spot.” This is a tiny, extremely soft membrane located directly below the hard nasal septum cartilage and above the lower nasal opening.
- Ella’s expertise: Since everyone’s nose is shaped differently, this sweet spot must first be located by touch. Sometimes it’s very pronounced, sometimes tiny. When Ella plans your septum, she takes plenty of time to find exactly this soft membrane. A perfectly placed septum sits high up in the tip of the nose and doesn’t hang far down.
The Piercing and the Pain: The Famous “Septum Tear”
Since the septum is pierced through this extremely soft, thin membrane (and not through hard cartilage), it’s actually one of the least painful facial piercings.
Many clients only feel a brief pinch or slight pressure. What’s almost guaranteed, however, is that your body will reflexively react with watering eyes! Since the piercing channel runs so close to the tear ducts and nerve pathways of the nose, a “septum tear” will almost inevitably roll down your cheek – even if it doesn’t hurt that much. This is a purely neurological reaction and completely normal. Ella is prepared for this and has tissues ready.
The Chameleon Among Piercings: Why the Septum Is So Genius
A huge advantage of the septum piercing is its concealability (flipping).
If Ella inserts a titanium horseshoe (circular barbell) as your initial jewelry, you can simply flip this piercing up into your nasal cavity when needed. It’s then absolutely invisible from the outside! This makes the septum the perfect choice for anyone working in more conservative professions who doesn’t want to give up their facial piercing in their free time.
- Important rule for healing: During the healing phase, you should decide: Either wear it flipped down permanently, or flip it up on the first day and leave it there until it’s healed. Constantly flipping it up and down during the first weeks will repeatedly tear the fresh piercing channel and massively delay healing.
Healing and Aftercare: Blowing Your Nose with Caution
Since the septum is placed in a mucous membrane, it heals relatively quickly compared to cartilage piercings on the ear. You can expect a healing time of about 2 to 3 months until the channel is stable.
The mucous membranes in the nose naturally defend against bacteria very well, but the piercing still requires your attention during the first weeks:
- Aftercare spray: Ella recommends cleaning the piercing twice daily with Octenisept for mucous membranes or a saline solution (like Cleany Skin). Simply spray it on gently.
- Don’t pick off crusties: Small crusties will inevitably form on the piercing channel. When the ring moves, these hard crusties pull through the channel, which is extremely uncomfortable (it feels like tiny razor blades). That’s why you should always soften the crusties well with warm water or spray first!
- Blowing your nose: This is the biggest challenge during the first weeks. Be very gentle and don’t squeeze your nose too hard when blowing. Cotton swabs are off-limits, as they can leave tiny fibers in the piercing channel.
What Jewelry Works After Healing?
Once your septum is fully healed, a huge world of jewelry opens up to you:
- Seamless rings (seam rings) or clickers: For a super clean, minimalist look.
- Opulent designs: Delicate teardrop-shaped rings adorned with crystals or opals (often in Indian or mandala style) turn your septum into an absolute work of art.
Your Septum Project at Old Dragon Ink
A septum piercing is a bold statement that immediately catches the eye. That’s why it must be pierced absolutely straight (which isn’t easy given the often asymmetrical nasal septums).
Our piercer Ella brings the necessary experience and absolute precision to position your septum perfectly. At our studio in Dinkelsbühl, we work exclusively with sterile needles and high-quality, hypoallergenic titanium jewelry.
Want to give your look that special something? Book your appointment with Ella now and let us find your “sweet spot”!
📍Old Dragon Ink
Danziger Str. 15
91550 Dinkelsbühl
📲 0155 68761848 (WhatsApp only)
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