Just under 20 percent of women and around 15 percent of men have their nose pierced.

If you’re thinking of getting pierced, you’ll want to choose the right jewelry for your face.

Let’s go through how to pick the perfect nose ring.

Material

Choose a material that suits your skin type and lifestyle. You also need to think about any allergies you might have, so that you won’t end up causing irritation to your skin or your nose piercing.

Surgical steel is a hypoallergenic and corrosion-resistant material that is commonly used in body jewelry.

Gold is a traditional and high-end material that is available in different karats and colors.

You could also go with titanium, which is a lightweight and durable material that is known for its strength and biocompatibility.

Brass is another, rarer option. It’s a yellow-toned metal that is affordable and often plated with other metals such as gold or silver.

Or, you could choose sterling silver. Sterling silver is a popular and affordable option that is often plated with rhodium to prevent tarnishing.

Acrylic is a lightweight and affordable plastic material that is available in a variety of colors.

Style

Nose rings come in various styles, including hoops, studs, and bones. Consider what style complements your face shape and personal style.

One of the most common options is a nostril screw. This is a type of nose ring that has a screw on one end and a ball or gem on the other.

You can also try a nostril screw with a flat back, which is a type of nose ring that has a screw on one end and a flat back on the other, making it more comfortable to wear.

There are also L-shaped rings. This is a type of nose ring that has a 90-degree bend, making it suitable for people with an active lifestyle.

Or, you can try fishtail rings, a type of nose ring that is wider at one end and narrows to a point at the other, resembling the tail of a fish.

Nostril hoops are another option. This a type of nose ring that has a circular or semi-circular shape and is often used for septum piercings.

Of course, there are studs. Studs have a straight post with a decorative ball or gem on one end.

There are Hhnged segment rings, which is a type of nose ring that has a segment that can be opened and closed for easy insertion and removal.

There are also captive bead ring which contains a bead that is held in place by the tension on the sides of the ring.

Gauge

The gauge of a nose ring refers to its thickness, and is usually measured in millimeters or inches.

A 20 gauge is 0.8 mm. It’s a thin gauge that is suitable for initial piercings or for people with delicate nostrils.

If you want something thicker, you might want an 8 gauge (1.0 mm) nose ring. This is a medium gauge that is suitable for well-healed piercings and for those who prefer a thicker ring.

16 gauge (1.2 mm) is a thicker gauge that is suitable for more experienced wearers and for those who prefer a bolder look.

14 gauge (1.6 mm) is a thick gauge that is suitable for experienced wearers and for septum piercings.

It’s important to note that the thicker the gauge, the larger the diameter of the ring. It is important to choose a gauge that is appropriate for your piercing and that is comfortable to wear.

Size

Consider the size of the ring in relation to your nose and facial features.

A smaller ring may suit a petite nose, while a larger ring may suit a wider nostril.

Size of the Stone

If you’ve chosen a stud nose ring or a ring with the stone, you’ll also need to think about the size of the stone for your nose ring.

You should also consider your lifestyle and work environment. If you work in a very uptight environment, you’ll probably want to stick to smaller and more subtle stones.

Clasp Type

Nose rings come with different types of clasps, including screw-on, captive bead, and L-shaped. Choose a clasp that is easy for you to insert and remove, and that provides a secure fit.

Remember to consult a professional piercer for the correct sizing and fitting of your nose ring.

Face Shape

Of course, if you want to look your best, you’ll also want to think about what will look best for your face shape.

If you have a round face, a small nostril screw or stud can help elongate the face and create a more angular appearance. Those with square faces should consider a delicate hoop or a fishtail nose ring that can soften the sharp angles of a square face and create a more rounded appearance.

Anyone with a heart-shaped face might want a small nostril screw or stud that can help balance a heart-shaped face by drawing attention to the tip of the nose.

An oval face, on the other hand, is versatile and can suit many different styles of nose rings. A hoop or a nostril screw with a decorative end can enhance the natural symmetry of an oval face.

People with long faces may want a small nostril screw or stud that can help shorten the appearance of a long face, while a hoop can help to balance the face’s proportions.

Of course, none of these are stringent rules you can never break. Pick what you’re comfortable with and what suits your own sense of style. Otherwise, you’ll just end up switching it out anyway.

Pick the Perfect Nose Ring Today

With this info, you’ll have the best possible nose ring in no time. Sit down with a piercing professional and figure out what works for your needs.

Are you looking for more fashion advice? Scroll through some of our other posts on related topics.