Nose Piercing Jewellery

Nostril studs and hoops, sized properly

A nostril piercing is finer than anything in your ear. It is usually done at 20G or 18G, where cartilage placements start at 16G ā€” which is why an ear stud bought by eye will not fit a nose piercing, and why so many nose rings ordered online arrive too thick.

Gauge
20G (0.8mm) or 18G (1.0mm)finer than ear cartilage
Stud post
6.5mm ā€“ 8mmfor a flat back labret
Hoop size
8mmthe standard nostril hoop
Healing
4 ā€“ 6 monthsfaster than cartilage, slower than lobe

Shop nose jewellery

Getting the size right

  • Do not reuse your ear gauge. Most nostril piercings are 20G or 18G. A 16G ear stud is visibly thicker and will not pass through a finer nostril channel without forcing it.
  • 8mm is the standard hoop diameter. Smaller sits tight against the nostril, larger hangs away from it. If a hoop you own fits well, measure its inner diameter and repeat it.
  • Flat backs will not fall out. If you have lost nose studs overnight before, that is the L-bend or bone style working loose ā€” a flat back labret is the fix.

Not sure of your gauge or length? The Belora size guide walks through measuring in about 30 seconds, and our material page explains why every core piece is ASTM F136 titanium. If you would rather start from what other people already wear, the best reviewed pieces each hold 50+ reviews. Our materials and company standards page sets out exactly what we stock and how to check it.

Which style suits a nostril

  • Flat back labret stud

    The most secure everyday option. Threads or presses together, sits flush inside the nostril, and does not work its way out while you sleep.

    Browse this style
  • Threadless push pin

    The easiest to change once healed ā€” the decorative top presses into the post. Quick to swap, slightly less secure than a threaded flat back.

    Browse this style
  • Hinged hoop / clicker

    A ring that clicks shut around the nostril rim. Best on a fully healed piercing; 8mm is the standard diameter.

    Browse this style

Common questions

What gauge is a nose piercing in the UK?
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 piercing is one of the most common online sizing mistakes.
What size nose hoop should I buy?
8mm inner diameter is the standard nostril hoop size and suits most people. A smaller diameter sits tighter against the nostril; a larger one hangs further away from it.
Why does my nose stud keep falling out?
Almost always because it is an L-bend or nose bone style, which rely on friction rather than a fixed back. A flat back labret ā€” where the post threads or presses into a flat disc ā€” stays put overnight and is the standard fix.
What is the difference between a flat back, a push pin and an L-bend?
A flat back labret has a threaded post and a flat disc inside the nostril, and is the most secure. A threadless push pin uses tension instead of a thread and is the easiest to change. An L-bend is a bent post held in place only by its shape, and is the easiest to lose.
How long does a nostril piercing take to heal?
Typically 4 to 6 months ā€” faster than ear cartilage but slower than a lobe. Wait for your piercer to confirm before changing jewellery, particularly before switching to a hoop.

Go deeper

Other placements

Helix Conch Tragus Daith & Rook Septum Belly & Navel

Sizes and healing times on this page are typical ranges, not guarantees ā€” 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 a piercing that is still settling. Belora sells jewellery and does not provide medical advice.