Nose Stud Sizing: Gauge, Length and Why Yours Keeps Falling Out

August 31, 2026

The short answerMost nostril piercings are 20G (0.8mm) or 18G (1.0mm) — finer than ear cartilage, which starts at 16G (1.2mm). A flat back labret post is normally 6.5–8mm, and a nostril hoop is normally 8mm inner diameter. If your nose stud keeps falling out, it is almost certainly an L-bend or nose bone rather than a flat back.

Do not reuse your ear gauge

This is the mistake that sends most returned nose jewellery back. A nostril piercing is finer than anything in your ear.

Ear cartilage placements — helix, tragus, conch — are pierced at 16G (1.2mm). Nostrils are usually 20G (0.8mm) or 18G (1.0mm). Buying a 16G stud for an 18G nostril means the bar is physically too thick to pass through the channel without forcing it, and forcing it damages the piercing.

The gauge you need is the one your piercer used. If you do not know it, ask them — it takes a message, and it is more reliable than guessing from how the current piece looks.

Why your nose stud keeps falling out

The answer is nearly always the style, not the size. Three types dominate the market and they are not equally secure.

An L-bend is a post with a right-angle bend at the end. It is held in place by the shape alone. Any friction — a towel, a jumper, a duvet — can walk it out, and it is the single most commonly lost piece of body jewellery.

A nose bone has a small ball on the end that sits inside the nostril. It holds slightly better than an L-bend but the same principle applies: it relies on friction and a bump to stay in.

A flat back labret has a threaded or push-fit post with a flat disc inside the nostril. It is mechanically fastened. It does not fall out overnight, and it is the fix for anyone who keeps losing studs.

There is a trade-off worth stating: a flat back takes a little more effort to put in the first few times, because you are locating a disc inside your own nostril. That is the price of it staying put.

	Gauge	Size	Security
Flat back labret	20G – 18G	6.5 – 8mm post	Highest — mechanically fastened
Threadless push pin	20G – 18G	6.5 – 8mm post	High — held by tension
Hinged hoop / clicker	20G – 16G	8mm diameter	High, but healed piercings only
Nose bone	20G – 18G	6 – 8mm post	Low — friction fit
L-bend	20G – 18G	6.5 – 8mm post	Lowest — shape only

Nostril jewellery at a glance

Getting the length right

A nostril flat back post is normally 6.5mm to 8mm. Nostril tissue varies in thickness more than ear cartilage does, so this is a real range rather than a single answer.

Too long and the disc sits away from the inside of the nostril and the front rocks. Too short and the disc presses into the tissue, which is uncomfortable and, sustained, causes embedding.

As with ears, a fresh nostril piercing is fitted longer to allow for swelling. That length is temporary and should be downsized once your piercer confirms the piercing has settled — commonly around 4 to 6 months for a nostril, though it varies.

Studs, hoops and what suits when

Flat back labret — most secure, best for everyday wear and for sleeping. The default recommendation.

Threadless push pin — nearly as secure and much quicker to change. Good if you swap tops often.

Hinged hoop or clicker — 8mm is the standard nostril diameter. Save it for a fully healed piercing; a hoop moves and rotates all day, which a healing nostril does not tolerate well.

Screw / corkscrew — a curled post that follows the inside of the nostril. Secure once in, but genuinely difficult to insert and easy to bend out of shape.

Common questions

What gauge is a nose piercing?

Most nostril piercings are done at 20G (0.8mm) or 18G (1.0mm). This is finer than ear cartilage, which starts at 16G (1.2mm). Buying a 16G stud for an 18G nostril is one of the most common online sizing mistakes.

What length nose stud should I buy?

6.5mm to 8mm suits most healed nostril piercings. Nostril tissue thickness varies more than ear cartilage, so there is a genuine range. A fresh piercing is fitted longer to allow for swelling and should be downsized once it settles.

Why does my nose stud keep falling out?

Almost always because it is an L-bend or nose bone, which are held in by shape and friction rather than a fastening. A flat back labret, where the post threads or pushes into a flat disc inside the nostril, stays put overnight and is the standard fix.

What is the difference between 18G and 20G nose rings?

18G is 1.0mm thick and 20G is 0.8mm. 18G is slightly more substantial and is the more common piercing gauge in the UK; 20G is finer and more delicate. They are not interchangeable — use the gauge you were pierced at.

What size hoop do I need for a nose piercing?

8mm inner diameter is the standard nostril hoop size and suits most people. A 6mm or 7mm sits tighter against the nostril, and anything larger hangs away from it.

When can I change my nose jewellery?

Only once your piercer confirms the piercing has healed — typically around 4 to 6 months for a nostril, though it varies between people. Changing earlier, and particularly switching to a hoop, is a common cause of irritation.

Keep reading Nose jewellery guide Titanium nose rings and hoops

Sizes and healing times on this page are typical ranges, not guarantees — anatomy varies and healing differs from person to person. Your piercer has seen your piercing and we have not: check with them before changing jewellery, especially on one that is still settling.