History

• Nose piercing originated in India and is rumored to make the pain of childbirth easier. Southern Indian women commonly wear their piercings on the right, and Northern Indian women wear their nose rings on the left. In India, nose rings also represent beauty and prosperity. Typically, women in India have been known to wear nose studs or nose rings.
  
  

Function

• Nose rings are a symbol of individuality and sex appeal for most people in America. Another reason to get pierced is intimidation factor, although as piercings have become popular among youth and high-school students, the myth of piercing being only among punks and rockers has dissipated.
  
  

Types

• Nose rings available for sale in head shops and tattoo parlors typically include pieces for three types of piercings: nostril piercing, bridge piercing and septum piercing. Nostril piercings are most common and include studs and rings on the side of the nose. Nose screws, barbells, bridge piercings and captive bead rings are septum piercings. The septum is the piece of cartilage between the two nostrils and can be painful to pierce. Another painful piercing is the bridge piercing, which is located through the top of the nose, between the eyes. Both the bridge piercing and the septum piercing may affect the sinuses.
  
  

Size

• It is possible to gauge your nose piercing if you get a septum piercing. Septum piercings are usually performed with a 20-gauge needle. Once your piercing has healed, you can buy larger plugs every few weeks to stretch your septum piercing. This way, you can fit large barbells and nose screws into your septum piercing. Both plugs and large barbells can be found at local head shops or tattoo parlors.
  
  

Warning

• If you attempt to pierce your own nose, it is better to stick to the nostril piercing only. Bridge piercings and septum piercings can be dangerous if done incorrectly. Whether you've had your nose pierced professionally or at home, pay attention to your nose after piercing. If you feel any severe pain, swelling, crusting or see any unusual redness, your nose could be infected. If your nose is infected, take your piercing out as soon as possible and see a doctor.