The nose piercing is one of the most timeless and expressive forms of facial adornment. It is a tradition that spans millennia and cultures, today representing a mark of personal style that can be anything from subtly elegant to boldly individualistic. From the classic sparkle of a nostril stud to the confident statement of a septum ring, a well-placed nose piercing is a defining feature.
At Pink Tatpier, London’s premier piercing and tattoo studio, we specialise in the art and science of the perfect nose piercing. We understand that this is more than just a procedure; it’s about finding the perfect placement and jewellery to complement your unique facial features. Our commitment is to provide an experience that is not only safe and precise but also a celebration of your style.
Discover our expert approach to both nostril and septum piercings, get a transparent cost breakdown for your chosen service, and book your appointment online with London’s trusted specialists.

Nose Piercing
The Pink Tatpier Difference: Why a Professional Piercer is Essential for Your Nose
Your face deserves the highest standard of care. Choosing a professional piercer is the single most important decision you will make in your piercing journey.
The Dangers of Piercing Guns (A Warning for Nostril Piercings)
Let us be unequivocal: piercing guns should never, under any circumstances, be used for a nostril piercing. They are a dangerous and outdated tool.
- Blunt Force Trauma: Guns force a blunt stud through your delicate nostril cartilage, shattering the tissue. This causes unnecessary pain, significant swelling, and can lead to permanent scarring and lumps.
- Infection Risk: Plastic piercing guns cannot be properly sterilised in a medical-grade autoclave, creating a serious risk of cross-contamination.
- Improper Jewellery: The butterfly-back studs used in guns are too short to accommodate swelling and trap a huge amount of bacteria inside your nostril, making proper cleaning impossible and infection almost inevitable.
The Professional Needle Advantage
At Pink Tatpier, we exclusively use a brand new, single-use, hollow, and razor-sharp needle for every piercing. A needle creates a clean, precise channel through the tissue. This results in less trauma, faster healing, perfect placement, and the ability to use high-quality, body-safe jewellery from the start.

Nose Piercing
Expertise in Facial Anatomy
Our piercers are not just technicians; they are experts in facial anatomy. We understand how to place a piercing to complement your unique features, whether it’s finding the perfect spot on the curve of your nostril or precisely locating the “sweet spot” for a virtually painless septum piercing.
Nostril Piercing: The Classic Choice
The nostril piercing is arguably the most popular facial piercing in the world, and for good reason. Its versatility is unmatched.
Placement & Styl
The classic placement is in the crease of the nostril, but we can customise it to suit your face. Some prefer a higher placement for a more unique look. During your consultation, we will discuss your goals—for example, if you eventually want to wear a snug-fitting hoop, the initial placement is crucial, and we will mark the spot accordingly.
The Best Jewellery for a Healing Nostril Piercing
For the initial healing period, we exclusively use implant-grade, threadless or internally threaded jewellery with a flat back.
- Why? A flat-back labret stud is the superior choice for healing. The flat disc on the inside is comfortable and easy to clean, unlike L-bends or corkscrews which can move excessively and harbour bacteria. Hoops are not suitable for a fresh nostril piercing as their movement will cause severe irritation and healing bumps.

Nose Piercing
Healing Time & Aftercare
A nostril piercing typically takes 4 to 6 months to heal fully. Consistent, gentle aftercare is key. You must clean it twice daily with a sterile saline solution and be very careful not to snag it when washing your face or getting dressed.
Septum Piercing: The Bold Statement
The septum piercing has surged in popularity, becoming a symbol of confidence and style.
Finding the “Sweet Spot”: The Secret to a Perfect Septum Piercing
This is the most important aspect of a septum piercing and the true mark of a professional. Many people fear this piercing because they believe it goes through the hard cartilage of the septum. This is incorrect.
A proper septum piercing is placed through the columella, a small, thin membrane of skin located at the tip of the nose, just in front of the hard cartilage. We call this the “sweet spot.”
- When pierced correctly in the sweet spot, a septum piercing is surprisingly low on the pain scale.
- An experienced piercer at Pink Tatpier will carefully feel for this spot to ensure a safe, straight, and comfortable piercing.
The Best Jewellery for a Septum Piercing
You have several options for initial jewellery:
- Circular Barbell (Horseshoe): A popular choice, as it can be “flipped up” and hidden inside the nose during the healing period, which is ideal for work or school.
- Captive Bead Ring (CBR): A classic, full-ring look.
- Retainer: A simple, staple-shaped piece designed to be completely hidden while the piercing heals.

Nose Piercing
Healing Time & Aftercare
When pierced correctly in the sweet spot, a septum piercing is one of the fastest healing piercings, typically taking only 6 to 8 weeks. Aftercare involves gentle cleaning with a sterile saline solution.
Nose Piercing Cost in London: A Transparent Price Guide (September 2025)
Service | Price (GBP) | What’s Included |
Nostril Piercing Service Fee | £35 – £45 | A professional consultation, marking, sterile procedure, and a comprehensive aftercare guide. |
Septum Piercing Service Fee | £45 – £55 | A professional consultation, in-depth anatomy assessment, sterile procedure, and aftercare guide. |
Initial Jewellery | Starts from £20 | An implant-grade titanium stud, screw, hoop, or barbell. Price varies based on style and material (e.g., solid gold). |
Total Starting Price (Nostril) | From £55 – £65 | The service fee + the cost of your chosen jewellery. |
Total Starting Price (Septum) | From £65 – £75 | The service fee + the cost of your chosen jewellery. |
Professional Aftercare for a Happy Nose Piercing
- DO clean your piercing twice daily with a sterile saline solution. For a nostril, clean the outside. For a septum, clean the entry points.
- DO NOT twist, turn, or play with the jewellery. This is the primary cause of irritation bumps.
- BE GENTLE when washing your face, applying makeup (for nostril piercings), or blowing your nose (for septum piercings).
- AVOID swimming in pools or the sea for the first few weeks.
- NEVER use harsh chemicals like alcohol, peroxide, or tea tree oil.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nose Piercings
1. Does a septum piercing hurt?
When performed correctly in the “sweet spot,” it is much less painful than people expect. Most clients rate it a 3-4 out of 10—a quick pinch that makes your eyes water, but it’s over in a second. If a piercer suggests going through the hard cartilage, they are inexperienced and you should leave immediately.
2. How do I stop my nostril piercing from getting an irritation bump?
These common bumps are almost always caused by three things: physical trauma (snagging it), moisture (not drying it properly after cleaning), or low-quality jewellery. Following our aftercare, using a flat-back stud, and not touching it are the best ways to prevent them.
3. Can I get a hoop in my nostril straight away?
No. The movement of a hoop in a fresh piercing causes constant irritation and will almost certainly lead to a painful irritation bump and a much longer healing time. You must heal it with a stud first, for at least 4-6 months.
4. Can I hide my septum piercing for work?
Absolutely. We can pierce you with a circular barbell or a retainer, both of which can be easily flipped up and completely hidden inside your nose during the healing process and beyond.

Nose Piercing
Find Your Perfect Nose Piercing at Our London Studio
A nose piercing is a beautiful way to express your personal style. Ensure it is done safely, precisely, and with the highest quality jewellery by choosing a professional studio that puts your health first.