How to Choose Your Nose Ring
How to Choose Your Nose Ring
Choosing the right nose ring depends on three things: the style you want, the correct diameter for your anatomy, and the gauge your piercing was made with. Read on to find the right fit — and always follow the guidance of your piercer.
Ring Styles Compared
Seamless Hoop
A continuous ring with a small gap that you flex open to insert and close to secure. Once in place, the join is virtually invisible, giving a clean, minimal look. This style suits healed piercings best — flexing the ring repeatedly before healing is complete can irritate the piercing channel.
Shop Titanium Seamless Nose Ring Hoop →
Clicker Ring
A hinged ring with a small segment that clicks securely into place. Clickers are easy to open and close one-handed, making them a popular choice for everyday wear and for piercings in slightly harder-to-reach positions. The audible click confirms the ring is fully closed, which reduces the risk of accidental opening.
C-Shaped / Nose Hoop
A simple curved ring, shaped like the letter C, that slides into the piercing and rests against the inner nostril. No hinge, no clasp — just a smooth piece of jewellery. C-shaped hoops are quick to put in, but because there is no locking mechanism they can be more prone to falling out during sleep or exercise.
Shop Crystal Double Hoop Lined Nose Ring (6 mm & 8 mm) →
Choosing Your Diameter
Nose ring diameter is measured in millimetres across the inside of the ring (the inner diameter). Getting this right is important — a ring that is too small will feel tight and may irritate the piercing; one that is too large will move around more than intended.
- 6 mm — a snug fit, common for nostril piercings that sit close to the nose edge.
- 8 mm — a slightly looser fit or a more prominent hoop silhouette; also suitable if you have a wider nostril or prefer a ring that sits a little further from the nose.
- 10 mm + — less common for nostrils; typically used for septum piercings or larger hoops worn for style.
If you are unsure, ask your piercer to measure you — they can advise on the exact inner diameter that suits your anatomy.
Understanding Gauge
Gauge refers to the thickness of the jewellery post (the part that sits inside the piercing channel). Confusingly, a higher gauge number means a thinner post.
- 20 g (0.8 mm) — the most common gauge for nostril piercings in the UK. Thin and comfortable.
- 18 g (1.0 mm) — slightly thicker; often used when a piercing has been stretched slightly or when a more secure fit is preferred.
- 16 g (1.2 mm) — common for septum piercings and some industrial-style nostril jewellery.
Wearing jewellery that is thinner than your piercing gauge can allow the piercing to gradually shrink. Wearing jewellery that is thicker than your gauge can cause discomfort or tearing. When in doubt, check the gauge your piercer used.
Healed Piercings: A Note of Caution
All the styles above are designed for fully healed piercings. Nostril piercings typically take 4–6 months to heal on the surface but can take up to 12 months to fully heal internally. Changing jewellery before healing is complete can cause irritation, swelling, or migration.
Signs your piercing is healed: no redness, no tenderness, no crusting, and clear or no discharge. If you are not sure, check with your piercer before changing your jewellery.
Material: Titanium vs Surgical Steel
| Property | Titanium | Surgical Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel content | None (implant-grade G23) | Trace amounts (can vary by grade) |
| Weight | Very lightweight | Heavier |
| Colour options | Can be anodised (gold, rose, blue, etc.) | Typically silver only |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes — ideal for sensitive skin | Generally good, but trace nickel may cause reactions in some people |
| Durability | Excellent | Excellent |
If you have a known nickel sensitivity or your skin tends to react to cheaper jewellery, implant-grade titanium is the safer choice. Always follow your piercer's recommendation on materials, especially for a fresh or recently changed piercing.
Quick-Reference Checklist
- ✓ Know your gauge (ask your piercer if unsure — most nostril piercings in the UK are 20 g or 18 g)
- ✓ Know your inner diameter (6 mm or 8 mm covers most nostril piercings)
- ✓ Check your piercing is fully healed before changing jewellery
- ✓ Choose implant-grade titanium if you have a nickel sensitivity
- ✓ Follow your piercer's guidance — they know your anatomy and piercing history
Need help deciding? Browse our full range of nose rings or get in touch — we are happy to help you find the right fit.