What Gauge Are Nose Piercings?

Back in the day, nose piercings exclusively adorned the faces of Mughal emperors. Fast forward to the present, and style-savvy folks have gracefully embraced this regal accessory, turning it into their preferred fashion statement.

This one shiny addition to your face can set you apart, make you feel more confident, and keep your fashion game strong.

But before you jump on the bling bandwagon, let's get the basics right. What size should you opt for? What gauge are nose piercings, anyway?

We'll cover all your questions and more. So keep reading your journey into the world of nose ring sizes and self-expression begins now!

What Is a Gauge?

In the fantastical world of body piercings, the gauge tells us how thick the jewelry is. It's a convenient way for piercing enthusiasts and professionals to communicate their preferred accessory without relying on the fickle imperial or metric systems.

Simply put, the gauge is your nose ring diameter.

The Gauge Paradox: Bigger Is Smaller

Brace yourself for the ultimate plot twist: the higher the gauge number, the thinner the jewelry. So if you find yourself torn between an 18-gauge and a 16-gauge nose ring, remember the 18-gauge one is skinnier.

What Gauge Are Nose Piercings Usually?

Three sizes have become standard for nose rings: 16G, 18G, and 20G.

20G is the subtlest of the bunch. With a delicate touch, it adds a hint of twinkling glamor to your nostrils. Best suited for minimalists, this dainty accessory is the epitome of "less is more."

Those looking for a statement piece might fancy the 16G. This glamorous go-getter steals the spotlight with a thicker presence and an undeniable charm.

18G is a happy medium. Striking a balance between all-out glam and demure sparkles, it's a favorite among ladies who like to play it safe.

Choosing the Right Gauge

If comfort is your main concern, go with smaller gauge jewelry. Their airy design offers minimal pressure on your nose. Options like the 20G will likely be more comfortable to wear long-term.

If you're a teeny bit clumsy or just happen to have an animated style of expressing yourself (e.g., face-palming), get used to larger gauges. Nose piercings that are 16G and over tend to remain in place during unexpected knocks and snags.

You may be inclined to believe a larger gauge equates to more pain during the initial piercing. In reality, the difference is strikingly minor. Because the discrepancy between gauge sizes is so small, you'll experience minimal pain when getting any standard nose ring size.

Changing Gauges: Is It Necessary?

Moving up or down in gauge sizes isn't a requirement or even a common practice. While some piercers recommend switching sizes once healing is complete, whether you stay loyal to the gauge you started with is entirely your call.

Like everything in life, however, moving through the gauge grading system comes with its fair share of risks and rewards. A larger gauge may give your nose jewelry a more striking look, but if you retire your piercing later on, you'll be left with a larger blemish. Still, you shouldn't let that discourage you; it's easy to minimize piercing scars.

Do Larger Gauges Cause Migration?

If you've never heard of migration, it's when your piercing ends up somewhere it wasn't initially. Poor nose-piercing aftercare and bad positioning are the most common reasons for migration. Gauge size isn't usually to blame unless it's extraordinarily large.

Pro Tips for Nose Piercing Aftercare

Cleanliness is crucial, especially during the initial healing process. Make sure to wash your hands before and after touching your piercing.

Use a gentle saline solution to sanitize your piercing as often as your piercer recommends. Apply the solution with a gentle touch using a clean cotton ball or swab.

Resist the urge to fiddle with your nose jewelry throughout the day. Your piercing needs to stay in place to heal nicely.

Avoid smearing makeup or spraying any cosmetic items around the piercing area. Things like foundation and concealer prevent the wound from breathing and can cause irritation.

If your nose piercing is infected, it will be tender to the touch and may have discharge. Contact your piercer immediately if this happens.

Shopping for Nose Jewelry: How to Get the Right Fit

Though varying types of nose piercings may pique your interest, gauge identification remains a vital, uniform element.

If you're not sure about the size of your current jewelry, contact your original piercer. There's a good chance they'll remember the gauge they used for your piercing, even if it has been months since you last crossed paths.

Another option is to consult the sizing information on the packaging of your old jewelry.

However, you might be like most people who throw away their jewelry packaging. If so, use comparison.

Do you have a piece of jewelry with a known gauge size? Hold it up to your current piercing jewelry to measure the visual difference.

If you can't determine your gauge size via examination alone, a nifty caliper tool or a quick trip to professional piercers can help you figure out your piercing's diameter.

The Perfect Gauge for Your Piercing Jewelry

There you have it, our in-depth explanation for your query, "What gauge are nose piercings?"

Now that you understand gauge sizes, you're equipped to choose jewelry that brilliantly reflects your individuality. We encourage you to keep embracing your uniqueness, and most importantly, keep enjoying the journey of expressing yourself through your piercing jewelry.

Eager to see how your new gauge knowledge can reshape your jewelry shopping? We invite you to check out Body Pierce Jewelry. Our collection is full of beautiful designs for all gauge sizes.