By Mona, APP-certified senior piercing artist. She blends avant-garde designs with human aesthetics, preserving traditional techniques while innovating modern body jewelry. Her works appear in Body Art Magazine, inspiring trendsetters in self-expression—and as a seasoned piercer, she’s passionate about demystifying Nose Piercing basics for safe, stylish results.
Understanding the Gauge System: It’s Backwards!
First, let’s clarify what “gauge” means for Nose Piercing jewelry. Gauge refers to the thickness of the jewelry post—but here’s the quirk: the smaller the gauge number, the thicker the post. Think of it like golf scores (lower = better, but for thickness, lower = thicker)!
A 14-gauge post is much thicker than a 20-gauge one. This system comes from an old wire measurement standard, so it takes a minute to get used to—but once you do, choosing Nose Piercing jewelry becomes easy. I promise!
What is the Standard Gauge for a New Nose Piercing?
This is the most common question I get in my studio. For a fresh nostril piercing, professional piercers almost universally use either 18-gauge (18g) or 20-gauge (20g) needles. These sizes are the “sweet spot” for initial healing.
Why these two? They’re small enough to minimize tissue trauma during piercing, but robust enough to avoid “cheese-wiring”—a issue where too-thin jewelry migrates or cuts through tissue. I always pick between 18g and 20g based on a client’s anatomy and desired Nose Piercing look, as it sets the foundation for long-term success.
Is 18g or 20g Better for a Nose Piercing?
The 18g vs. 20g debate is common—but both work! The choice depends on your lifestyle, anatomy, and aesthetic goals:
- 20-gauge: Slightly thinner (0.8mm), perfect for a delicate, discreet Nose Piercing. It’s great if you want a tiny stud that’s barely noticeable. However, its thinness raises the risk of the “cheese-cutter effect” if you wear heavy jewelry or snag your Nose Piercing often (e.g., with scarves or glasses).
- 18-gauge: Slightly thicker (1.0mm), offering more stability. It’s less prone to migration and works with a wider range of high-quality Nose Piercing jewelry (most intricate designs are made in 18g). Many piercers—myself included—prefer 18g for initial piercings, as it creates a more durable healing channel.
I always discuss this with clients before picking jewelry—your Nose Piercing should fit your needs, not just a “standard.”
What Gauge Do Professional Piercers Use for Nostril Piercings?
As I mentioned, 18g and 20g are the go-to for professional Nose Piercing jobs. We choose these sizes for two key reasons:
- Healing optimization: A slightly larger gauge (like 18g) often heals smoother by creating a stable channel, while 20g works for those wanting a more delicate start.
- Safe jewelry options: These gauges align with implant-grade materials (titanium, surgical stainless steel) recommended by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP). For more on safe practices, visit safepiercing.org—I always follow APP standards to protect your Nose Piercing health.
What Does 20 Gauge Mean for Nose Piercing Jewelry Size?
Let’s get specific with measurements. A 20-gauge Nose Piercing post is approximately 0.8 millimeters (mm) thick. For comparison:
- 18g = ~1.0mm
- 16g = ~1.2mm
- 22g = ~0.6mm
This matters when buying jewelry: if your Nose Piercing is 20g, only 20g jewelry will fit safely. Forcing a larger gauge causes trauma; wearing a smaller one risks the post falling out or the piercing shrinking. It’s like forcing a square peg into a round hole—save yourself the hassle and double-check the gauge!
Typical Gauge for a Small, Discreet Nose Stud?
For a “barely-there” Nose Piercing look, 20g (0.8mm) is the standard. It works with tiny gems or minimalist studs, keeping your piercing subtle. Some opt for 22g (0.6mm) for even more discretion—but 22g is risky for initial piercings (it’s prone to cheese-wiring).
If your Nose Piercing is fully healed, 20g or 22g can work—but be extra careful with snagging (I’ve seen too many tiny studs disappear into vacuum cleaners!). Always wait until healing is complete (6–9 months) before downsizing.
What Gauge Nose Ring Should I Buy for a Healed Piercing?
Once your Nose Piercing is fully healed (6–9 months), you have more flexibility—but the golden rule remains: stick to your initial gauge. If you were pierced at 18g, buy 18g jewelry; if 20g, buy 20g.
Why? Your piercing channel forms around the initial post. A larger gauge tears tissue; a smaller one makes the channel shrink (you may struggle to reinsert your original size later). If you’re unsure of your gauge, check the original jewelry’s packaging or visit your piercer—they’ll confirm it in seconds.
How to Measure the Gauge of Your Nose Piercing at Home?
Measuring your Nose Piercing gauge at home is tricky, and I usually recommend professional help to avoid irritation or inaccuracy. But if you’re determined, here’s a cautious method:
- Buy a “gauge wheel” or jewelry-specific digital caliper (available online or at craft stores).
- Gently remove your Nose Piercing jewelry (only if it’s fully healed!).
- Insert the smallest end of the gauge wheel into the piercing—find the size that fits snugly without forcing.
- The number on that section is your gauge.
Warning: If it hurts, stop. A professional piercer has sterile tools and expertise—don’t risk damaging your Nose Piercing over a DIY measurement.
Can You Stretch a Nose Piercing to a Bigger Gauge?
Yes, you can stretch a Nose Piercing—but it’s not like stretching earlobes. Nostril tissue is cartilage, which is less forgiving than soft lobe tissue. Stretching requires extreme patience and a slow, gradual approach (and only on fully healed piercings).
I strongly advise against home stretching. Professional piercers use sterile tapers and techniques to avoid blowouts, scarring, or permanent damage. It’s a marathon, not a sprint—trust a pro to keep your Nose Piercing healthy.
What Gauge is a Septum Piercing Compared to a Nose Piercing?
Septum piercings (through the cartilage between your nostrils) use larger gauges than nostril Nose Piercings. The standard initial gauges for septums are 16g (1.2mm) or 14g (1.6mm).
Why thicker? The septum area is more robust, so a larger gauge provides better stability. It also works with popular septum styles (clickers, circular barbells) that look best in thicker posts. While nostril piercings are delicate accents, septums often make a statement—and a bigger gauge supports that aesthetic.
Does Nose Piercing Gauge Affect Healing Time?
Gauge has a minor impact on Nose Piercing healing time—but it’s not the main factor. A slightly larger gauge (18g vs. 20g) may take a few extra days to heal (more tissue displacement), but the difference is negligible.
What does matter most for healing:
- Aftercare: Clean gently, avoid touching, and don’t snag jewelry.
- Jewelry material: Use implant-grade metals (titanium is my top pick for Nose Piercings).
- Your health: Nutrition, stress levels, and immune function play big roles.
- Anatomy: Everyone’s body heals at its own pace.
Focus on these factors, and your Nose Piercing will heal smoothly—regardless of gauge.
Summary: Your Gauge Journey Starts Here
Understanding gauge is foundational for a safe, stylish Nose Piercing. We’ve covered standard initial gauges (18g, 20g), how to choose jewelry for healed piercings, measuring tips, stretching risks, and septum vs. nostril gauge differences. Remember: while gauge matters, professional guidance and proper aftercare are your best tools for a healthy Nose Piercing.
Ready to Rock Your Perfect Nose Piercing?
- Find Your Fit: Unsure of your gauge? Book a consultation with a professional piercer—they’ll measure your Nose Piercing and recommend jewelry tailored to you.
- Explore Jewelry: Once you know your gauge, browse my curated collection of body-safe Nose Piercing pieces—find something that matches your style!
- Master Aftercare: Healing is key! Download my free “Nose Piercing Aftercare Checklist” to keep your piercing healthy.
Most Common Questions and Answers Related to Nose Piercing Gauges
Q1: What is the most common gauge for a nose piercing?
A1: The most common gauges for a new nostril piercing are 18-gauge (1.0mm) and 20-gauge (0.8mm)—professional piercers rely on these for safe initial healing.
Q2: Can I put a 20g nose ring in an 18g piercing?
A2: Yes, but your Nose Piercing may shrink over time to fit the thinner 20g post. You could struggle to reinsert 18g jewelry later, so proceed with caution.
Q3: Is 22 gauge too small for a nose piercing?
A3: 22g (0.6mm) is too small for initial Nose Piercings (it risks cheese-wiring). It’s only suitable for fully healed, ultra-discreet piercings—and even then, be careful with snagging.
Q4: How do I know what gauge my nose piercing is?
A4: The most accurate way is to visit a professional piercer. If you have the original jewelry, check its packaging (many list the gauge). Avoid guessing—you could damage your Nose Piercing.
Q5: Does a bigger gauge nose piercing hurt more?
A5: A slightly bigger gauge (e.g., 18g vs. 20g) may cause a tiny, momentary increase in sensation during piercing (more tissue displacement). But a skilled piercer makes the process quick, so the difference is minimal.
Q6: Can a nose piercing close if I take out the jewelry for a short time?
A6: Yes—even fully healed Nose Piercings (especially smaller gauges like 20g) can shrink or close in hours. New piercings close even faster, so avoid removing jewelry until healing is complete.
Q7: What’s the difference between gauge and length in nose jewelry?
A7: Gauge = thickness of the post (e.g., 18g = 1.0mm). Length = how long the post is (e.g., 6mm, 8mm)—it determines how well the jewelry fits your Nose Piercing anatomy. Both are critical for comfort.
Q8: Can I stretch my nose piercing to a bigger gauge myself?
A8: No—home stretching risks scarring, blowouts, or permanent damage to your Nose Piercing (nostril cartilage is delicate). Always have a professional piercer handle stretching.
Q9: Why do some nose rings feel tighter than others, even if they’re the same gauge?
A9: Minor manufacturing differences or jewelry style (e.g., seamless hoops vs. studs) can cause this. Your Nose Piercing channel may also fluctuate slightly due to swelling or recent jewelry removal.
Q10: Is there a specific gauge for nose rings vs. nose studs?
A10: No—both nose rings (hoops) and studs come in 18g and 20g (the standard for nostril Nose Piercings). Studs are recommended for initial healing, but the gauge stays the same for both styles.