While every piercing is different, most new nose piercings will need at least a month to heal to the point that you can safely remove the jewelry. However, longer waiting periods (up to two months or longer) are usually preferable. As a general rule, if your piercing is painful to remove, it may need more time to heal. Note that, if your piercing becomes infected, your doctor may direct you to remove your piercing early. See our article on infected piercings for more information.
Another good option is to put on a fresh pair of sterile latex gloves (unless you have a latex allergy, in which case, you should steer clear. ) Gloves can have the added benefit of making it easier to grasp the slippery ends of jewelry pieces that rest inside your nose.
Seamless hoops: This is a metal hoop or ring with a break in the middle. To prep the hoop for removal, just bend the two ends of the ring in opposite directions to widen the opening. Captive bead hoops: Similar to seamless hoops (see above), but with a bead in the middle to cover the break in the ring. Prep for removal by pulling the ends of the hoop in opposite directions — the bead should eventually fall off the ring. These can be notoriously difficult for first-timers to remove, so if you’re struggling, consider getting a professional’s help. L-shaped studs: Basic “stud” design with a 90-degree bend in the skinny portion so that the jewelry resembles an “L” shape. To prep for removal, grab onto the decorative portion on the outside of the nose and gently push down until you see the curve of the L come through the outside of your piercing. Note that you may feel a slight pinch as the bend in the stud comes through the piercing hole. Nose Screws: Similar to ordinary studs but with a corkscrew shaped stick portion. These require a little twisting to insert and remove. To prep for removal, gently push outward on the end of the piercing inside your nose. It should begin to slide out. Gently twist it as you push it through your nose, following its curve. Depending on your jewelry, it make take two or three full twists to come through. It may also help to use KY jelly or another gentle lubricant when you do this to keep the stud from getting stuck. Bones or Fishtails: Miniature “sticks” or “poles” with beads or other stoppers at both ends. The central pole may be straight or curved. While some bone may have removable stoppers, the majority do not, which means that these can be some of the most difficult pieces of jewelry to remove. To prep for removal, press a finger or thumb against the end of the jewelry on the inside of your nose and push so that the jewelry sticks out slightly on the outside.
For some piercings, you may find that it’s helpful to have one finger inside the nose to guide the internal portion of the jewelry out. Don’t be shy about this — it may look like you’re picking your nose, but if you do it in a private place, it can save you from unnecessary discomfort. For nose bones without removable stoppers, pulling the jewelry through will require more force than with the other types of nose jewelry. Try to remove it in one firm but gentle motion. Be prepared for an uncomfortable pinch as the nub on the inside end of the bone comes through the piercing. Don’t be alarmed if you bleed a little bit after it comes out, especially if this is your first time, but be sure to clean it thoroughly if this happens (more details on cleaning below. )
Saline (salt and water) solution[1] X Expert Source Stephanie AndersPiercing Specialist Expert Interview. 4 December 2019. Rubbing alcohol Bactine Antibacterial ointment (i. e. , neosporin, etc. )
To make a saline solution, heat two cups of water in a small pot. When it starts to boil, add 1/2 teaspoon (not tablespoon) and stir until it dissolves. Continue to boil for five minutes to kill any microorganisms in the water. [2] X Research source To sterilize your jewelry, pour your saline solution into two separate clean containers, then drop your old jewelry into one container and your new jewelry into the other. Let both pieces soak for five to ten minutes. [3] X Research source
Give your new jewelry a chance to dry on a clean paper towel before inserting it into your piercing. Rubbing alcohol can sting if it’s introduced directly into a piercing (though it shouldn’t cause serious harm. )
Another great thing about Bactine and similar products is that they can help relieve the pain that can accompany changing your jewelry for the first time, so don’t be afraid to gently apply a little to the piercing itself.
Note that the use of ointments for piercings is somewhat controversial — while they’re good for killing bacteria, there is some evidence that using ointments this way can actually slow the healthy healing process of the piercing. [5] X Research source Note also that some people are allergic to common antibiotic ointments. If you experience pain and swelling upon inserting your new jewelry after cleaning it with ointment, remove it and stop using the ointment. Contact a doctor if problems persist.
If your piercing is in your septum (the “middle” section of the nose), you’ll need to insert the jewelry into the hole through one nostril. If, however, the piercing is in the side of one of your nostrils, you should insert it from the outside of the nose. As a reminder, be sure to wash your hands or put on gloves before handling your (sterile) new jewelry or touching your piercing.
Seamless hoops: Simply bend the two ends of the ring so that they line up inside your nose and the ring sits securely in your piercing. Captive bead hoops: Bend both ends of the ring so that they meet inside the fastener bead. As noted above, these pieces can be quite difficult for beginners, so consider enlisting the help of a professional if you’re having trouble. L-shaped Studs: Stick the narrow end of the jewelry through your piercing. The decorative end of the stud should be above the piercing if you want the end of the “L” to point up into your nostril and vice versa if you want the end to hang below. Push it through until you reach the bend, then carefully work the angle of the stud through your piercing (pull it down if you started with it above the piercing and push it up if you started with it below the piercing. ) Nose Screws: Put the tip of the stud through your piercing. Put your thumb or finger against the hole on the inside of your nose for guidance. Gently push the screw through, twisting clockwise until you feel the tip poke through the inside of your nose. If necessary, keep twisting until the piercing is flat against the outside of your nose Bones or Fishtails: As noted above, while these types of jewelry are comfortable to wear long term, they can be some of the least comfortable to put in and take out. To insert a bone or fishtail, start by placing the nub of the jewelry against the outside of your piercing. Using your thumb or finger inside your nose for support, firmly push the bar through until you feel it come through the other side. Don’t be alarmed if you feel an uncomfortable pinch as you are doing this.
