Septum Piercing Guide UK

Septum Piercing: Style, Healing and What to Expect in the UK

Once a niche statement, septum piercings have firmly stepped into the mainstream—gracing the faces of models, musicians and everyday individuals who want a bold, flexible and fiercely stylish look. Whether it’s a delicate horseshoe, a bold clicker or a simple retainer, the septum piercing has earned its place as a facial feature that balances edginess with elegance.

But beyond the aesthetic, septum piercings require some practical understanding. From how the piercing is placed to how it heals, this guide walks you through everything you need to know—whether you’re already booked in or still deciding if it’s the one for you.

What Is a Septum Piercing?

A septum piercing passes through the thin, soft piece of tissue between your nostrils—often referred to as the “sweet spot.” Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t go through the hard cartilage of your nose. When done properly, the needle glides through the fleshy area just beneath the cartilage, which means less pain and a quicker healing time than some expect.

Because of its central location and symmetrical balance, a septum piercing suits a wide range of face shapes and styles. It’s also discreet—many people choose a hinged ring or curved barbell that can be flipped up and hidden inside the nostrils when needed, making it one of the most versatile facial piercings.

What Happens During the Piercing?

At the start of your appointment, your piercer will examine your nose to locate the ideal placement through the sweet spot. Not everyone has enough tissue in this area, and a good piercer will always check anatomy before proceeding.

Once you’ve agreed on the positioning and chosen your jewellery, the piercer will clean the area thoroughly and mark the entry point. You’ll likely be asked to lie back for the procedure. Using a sterile, single-use needle, they’ll make the piercing in one smooth motion. A septum clamp may be used to gently secure the tissue and ensure correct alignment, but some piercers prefer a freehand technique.

The jewellery—usually a circular barbell or segment ring—is inserted immediately afterwards. A final clean-up and aftercare walkthrough follow, and you’ll be out the door in about 15 to 20 minutes.

Does a Septum Piercing Hurt?

The idea of piercing your nose can sound daunting, but a properly placed septum piercing is surprisingly tolerable. Because the needle goes through soft tissue rather than cartilage, the pain is often described as a quick, sharp pinch. Many people say it’s more startling than painful.

You’ll likely feel your eyes water reflexively, but that’s a normal bodily reaction and not a sign of extreme pain. The area may feel tender, sore or bruised for a few days, particularly if you bump it or move the jewellery. Most of the discomfort is short-lived and manageable.

Healing Time and What to Expect

A septum piercing is one of the faster-healing cartilage piercings thanks to its soft-tissue location. Most people heal within six to eight weeks, although minor sensitivity may linger a little longer.

In the early days, you might experience light bleeding, swelling or clear discharge. These are typical signs of healing and nothing to worry about unless they worsen or become painful. Try not to touch or rotate the jewellery, and avoid blowing your nose too vigorously in the first few weeks.

With gentle care and a consistent routine, you’ll find your septum settles in quickly and comfortably.

Aftercare for a Septum Piercing

Cleaning is simple and should be done twice a day using a sterile saline solution or a piercing-specific spray. You can either spray it directly onto the area or soak a clean piece of gauze and hold it gently under your nose.

Avoid using harsh chemicals such as alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Don’t twist or flip the jewellery during healing, even if you’re tempted to hide it—it’s best to leave it in its natural resting position to avoid trauma.

Refrain from using fragranced face washes or skincare products near the piercing and keep it free from makeup or other cosmetics until it’s fully healed. If you wear glasses, take care that the nose pads don’t press against the piercing.

While it’s tempting to show off your new look straight away with decorative rings or clickers, it’s advisable to stick with simple, non-moving jewellery until the piercing is completely healed.

How Much Does It Cost in the UK?

You can expect to pay between £35 and £60 for a septum piercing in most UK studios. The price usually includes a high-quality starter piece of jewellery—often made from implant-grade titanium or surgical steel—and a full set of aftercare instructions.

Some studios offer aftercare sprays as part of the service, while others sell them separately. Jewellery upgrades such as gold or gemstone options may raise the price, but always choose quality over aesthetics when it comes to initial healing.

Risks and What to Watch Out For

As with all piercings, septum piercings come with some risks, though these are minimal when performed by a professional. Infection can occur if the area is touched with dirty hands or if hygiene routines are inconsistent. Signs to watch for include redness, swelling, pus, heat or pain that worsens rather than improves.

Improper placement is another issue. A poorly positioned septum piercing may go through cartilage instead of soft tissue, leading to longer healing times, more pain and potentially a crooked appearance. This is why it’s essential to choose a studio with experience in facial and septum piercings.

Rarely, jewellery can become embedded or cause allergic reactions—typically when low-quality materials are used. Always insist on nickel-free, hypoallergenic jewellery from a reputable source.

Is a Septum Piercing Right for You?

One of the great advantages of a septum piercing is its flexibility. It suits a wide variety of face shapes and styles, and can easily be hidden with a circular barbell flipped upwards—ideal if you work in a professional setting or want a low-profile option.

That said, not every nose has the right internal anatomy. If your sweet spot is too tight, shallow or misaligned, your piercer may recommend against it or offer an alternative.

The piercing is also a good option for people with metal sensitivities, as it rarely sees movement once healed and can accommodate very small, skin-friendly pieces. Just be sure to avoid constant flipping or fidgeting, which can irritate the area and delay healing.

Studio Standards and UK Hygiene Guidelines

Any professional piercing studio in the UK must be licensed with their local authority and follow strict hygiene protocols. Your piercer should always use sterile, single-use needles and wear gloves throughout the process. The studio should look clean, tidy and professionally run.

Jewellery should be presented in sealed, sterile packaging and made from approved materials such as titanium, surgical steel or 14k+ gold. Before going ahead, you should be given a consultation to discuss placement, jewellery and aftercare. If you feel rushed or uncomfortable, it’s perfectly acceptable to walk away and seek another studio.

Common Myths and FAQs

Can I hide a septum piercing straight away? You can, but it's not recommended. Flipping the jewellery up during healing can irritate the tissue and lead to longer recovery times or misalignment. Wait until healing is complete before experimenting.

Will it affect my sense of smell or breathing? No, a properly placed septum piercing won’t interfere with nasal functions. It sits in soft tissue and doesn't disrupt airflow or olfactory nerves.

Is the septum piercing just a trend? While it's definitely gained popularity in recent years, the septum piercing has been part of cultural traditions worldwide for centuries. Its resurgence is part of a wider embrace of expressive, versatile body art.

Does it hurt more than other nose piercings? Not necessarily. Because it goes through soft tissue, the septum can actually be less painful than a nostril piercing done through thicker cartilage.

Final Thoughts

A septum piercing is a bold yet surprisingly subtle addition to your look. Its central placement and ability to be styled up or tucked away make it one of the most versatile piercings you can get. With a fast healing time, relatively low discomfort and a range of jewellery styles, it’s no wonder it continues to grow in popularity across the UK.

As always, success starts with a good studio, experienced piercer and commitment to proper aftercare. If you’re prepared to take the leap and care for your piercing as it heals, a septum piercing can be a standout feature that fits your life and style perfectly.