What is a Septum Piercing?

Nov 10, 2022

Trendy. Diverse. Timeless. This is how Whitney and Becky from Chronic Ink’s Toronto & Vancouver Studio would describe a septum piercing. What makes this type of piercing unique lies in its style and experience. Let’s take a closer look.

What is a septum piercing?

A septum piercing is one of the most noticeable and unusual facial piercings because of its central location on the face. Yet it can also be easily concealed, by allowing the wearer to either flip up the ring into their nose, or simply by not leaving a visible scar. It’s easy to see how septum piercings hold a lot of appeal by offering the best of both worlds. People can enjoy and rock the look of facial piercings, while having the options to hide and/or close the piercing. This piercing is also set apart by having the most diverse and ornate selection of jewelry of any facial piercing. It has taken off in recent years, with no shortage of gorgeous designs that suit all styles and budgets. It has opened up a world of possibility for combining fine jewelry with body piercings. For piercers, septum piercings offer a unique challenge. Due to its central and highly visible position, the angle and elevation have to be perfect in order for it to match the intended look. However, given the uniqueness of our facial structures, not everyone is suited for the “perfect” septum piercing. In fact, very few people will have a perfectly straight septum piercing upon closer inspection – which is totally fine! As long as it is pierced skillfully, it will still turn out great, and jewelry selection can make a huge difference in how it sits. Both the outcome of the piercing and the choice of accessory can form a completely individualized look for the wearer.

Trends in Septum Piercings

One constant trend is “stacking”. The look of wearing multiple rings is universally popular, since the dawn of piercings. For septums, it is commonly achieved by stretching the septum to a larger gauge to accommodate multiple rings. The wearer can also create this desired effect by selecting an accessory that gives the appearance of multiple rings, while remaining at a standard gauge for the piercing. Examples of these are BVLA’s MiniMoody or Maria Tash’s Hiranya Clicker. Stacking has recently evolved to include more elaborate designs. The wearer may stretch their piercing to hold multiple unique rings or clickers. Or they may get more than one septum piercing placed behind one another, to allow for multiple coordinating pieces to be displayed. Another look that has become very trendy and has inspired many extravagant jewelry styles is statement pieces. For people who really want to showcase their septum piercing, there are many options to be bold and beautiful, with large, flashy, conversation-starting pieces. For those who prefer a more subtle approach, there is also a wide selection of dainty and elegant jewelry designs. This set has emerged to meet the demand for “barely there” jewelry that is understated and versatile. It has become very common for wearers to own different styles, not unlike earrings, so that they can complement any mood, outfit, or occasion. For piercings in general, one notable trend is pairing or coordinating jewelry between septum and other facial piercings. This trend began within the piercing industry and alternative community, and is now gaining traction in mainstream culture. Similar to a coordinated outfit, pairing jewelry on/around the face gives the wearer a complete look, with more dimension. The most common pairings are with other piercings that are central to the face, often in a symmetrical pattern. Examples of popular pairs are the septum and medusa, or two nostrils (one on either side) and septum, or all four. For the more adventurous, high nostrils (placed higher on the nose than a standard nose piercing) and/or the “third eye” micro dermal or surface piercing (usually placed on the forehead just above the brow line and centred) are also stunning options to pair with a septum piercing. Any or all of the above can add depth to the look of piercings and contribute to overall facial symmetry. Septum piercings have gained more popularity in recent times, for a number of possible reasons. Our society has become more accepting of body modification, including piercings and tattoos. Septum piercings have the appeal of an “alternative” look, as well as the flexibility of changing the look with different accessories, or removing it entirely. Regardless of recent trends, septum piercings have been around for centuries across the globe, with varying cultural meanings. It has certainly left a mark that will not be going away anytime soon.

Recommendations for Septum Piercings

Before getting your piercing: research your piercer. It is challenging to ensure that a septum piercing will suit each person. Find an experienced piercer who understands individual anatomy, in order to get the best possible result. Styling: Thanks to the surge of popularity of septum piercings, you benefit from diversity in styles and price range, especially online. Do some research to make sure that you not only get a style that you love, but also one of high quality and will last you forever. Choose implant grade titanium, niobium, or 14k/18k solid gold, or a large gauge septum piercing. If you need to hide the piercing for work or personal reasons, get pierced with a style that allows you to flip the jewelry up to conceal it. Once that initial jewelry is in, you won’t be able to safely change it for approximately 8 weeks. So plan ahead if you need this option. Maintenance: Always follow the directions from your piercer very carefully, to take the best care of your piercing and to prevent complications during the healing process. Since septum piercings are sheltered from most things that could irritate them (bumps and snags, skin products, make-up, etc.), they tend to heal fairly easily, as long as you are attentive to your aftercare.