To choose your first nose ring, start with a stud rather than a hoop, pick surgical stainless steel, and go with a 20G post for a nostril piercing. Choose an L-shape for easy insertion or a corkscrew for security, then pick a 6mm, 8mm, or 10mm size depending on how subtle you want it.
Five Things to Know Before Your First Nose Ring
1. Start with a stud, not a hoop
Studs move less than hoops, so a new piercing heals faster. Wait 6 to 12 months before switching to a hoop.
2. Choose surgical stainless steel
Surgical stainless steel is a simple choice for a fresh piercing. Save gold finishes for after it has fully healed.
3. 20G is the standard gauge
Unless your piercer used a different size, 20G fits most nostril piercings. For a septum, 16G is the standard.
4. L-shape vs corkscrew post
L-shapes are easier to insert but less secure. Corkscrews take more effort to insert but stay put. Ask your piercer which one they recommend.
5. Size matters
6mm sits closest to the nostril for the most subtle look. 8mm is the most popular. 10mm creates a slightly larger look.
Nose Ring Options Compared
| Option | When to choose it | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Stud | Healing piercings | Moves less and heals faster |
| Hoop | Fully healed piercings | Switch after 6 to 12 months |
| L-shape post | Easy insertion | Less secure |
| Corkscrew post | Staying put | Harder to insert |
Expert Tips
Start simple: pick one piece that feels like you, wear it for a week, and see how it fits your life. The best jewelry is not the most expensive, it is the piece you never want to take off. At Brother & Sisters, we believe jewelry should be personal and meaningful.
“Silver Rectangle Ring Super cute. Lovely design. Goes well with my necklace.”
Darlene G., verified buyer of the Silver Rectangle Ring, October 2020
Need Help Choosing?
Whether you are shopping for yourself or for someone you love, browse the collection to find the piece that tells your story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gauge is a standard nose ring?
Most nostril piercings use 20G, which is the standard gauge for a nose ring. Septum piercings usually take 16G. If your piercer used a different size, follow their measurement so the new jewelry fits comfortably.
When can I switch from a nose stud to a hoop?
Wait until the piercing has fully healed, usually 6 to 12 months. Studs move less than hoops, so keeping a stud in during healing helps the piercing settle before you change styles.
What size nose ring is most popular?
8mm is the most popular size for a nose ring. A 6mm sits closest to the nostril for a subtle look, while 10mm creates a slightly larger look that stands out more.
