Guide to Nose Piercing Names: What Is a Nose Piercing Called?

Nose piercing names can be confusing because people often use different words for the same placement. A simple nostril piercing may be called a nose stud, nose ring, side nose piercing, or nostril piercing. A septum piercing may be called a bull ring by some people, even though the professional name is septum piercing.

So, what is a nose piercing called? The answer depends on where the piercing sits on the nose. Some nose piercing names describe the exact placement, such as nostril, septum, bridge, or high nostril. Others describe more advanced styles, such as rhino, septril, nasallang, or Austin bar.

Quick Chart of Nose Piercing Names

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Different Nose Piercing Types

Nostril Piercing

A nostril piercing is the most common nose piercing name. It sits on the left or right side of the nostril and can be worn with a small stud, hoop, nose screw, L-shaped pin, or flat back jewelry.

This style is popular because it is simple, versatile, and easy to customize. A nostril piercing can look minimal with a tiny gem or more noticeable with a hoop. When people ask for a “regular nose piercing,” they usually mean a nostril piercing.

High Nostril Piercing

A high nostril piercing is placed higher than a standard nostril piercing, closer to the bridge of the nose. It creates a more refined and less common look.

This piercing usually works best with small studs because the placement is higher and tighter. Hoops are not usually the first jewelry choice for high nostril piercings. The placement also depends heavily on nose anatomy, so a professional piercer should check whether the area can support the piercing safely.

Septum Piercing

A septum piercing goes through the soft tissue between the nostrils, not through the hard cartilage. This soft area is often called the “sweet spot” by piercers.

Septum piercing styles include circular barbells, captive bead rings, seamless rings, and clickers. One reason this piercing is popular is that it can be bold or subtle depending on the jewelry. Some circular barbells can also be flipped upward once the piercing is healed, making the piercing easier to hide.

Bridge Piercing

A bridge piercing sits horizontally across the bridge of the nose, between the eyes. It is a surface-style piercing that usually uses a straight barbell.

Although it is called a nose piercing, it does not pass through bone or nasal cartilage. It goes through the skin on the upper bridge area. Bridge piercings require suitable anatomy and careful placement because surface piercings can be more prone to migration or rejection if the tissue does not support them well.

Rhino Piercing

A rhino piercing is a vertical piercing through the tip of the nose. It usually enters near the bottom of the nose tip and exits higher on the tip.

This is one of the more advanced nose piercing names because it is not as common as nostril or septum piercings. Rhino piercings usually require a curved barbell and careful anatomy assessment. They can create a bold vertical look, but they are not suitable for everyone.

Septril Piercing

A septril piercing is an advanced nose piercing that usually requires a stretched septum first. The jewelry exits through the lower front area of the nose tip.

This piercing is not a beginner nose piercing style. It requires planning, experience, and the right anatomy. Because it depends on a stretched septum, it should only be done by a piercer who understands advanced nose piercing placement.

Nasallang Piercing

A nasallang piercing passes horizontally through one nostril, the septum area, and the other nostril. From the outside, it can look like two nostril piercings, but it is actually one straight piercing.

This is a more intense and advanced piercing. It requires precise alignment because the jewelry passes through multiple areas of the nose. A nasallang piercing usually uses a straight barbell and should only be performed by an experienced professional piercer.

Austin Bar Piercing

An Austin bar piercing sits horizontally through the tip of the nose. Unlike a nasallang, it does not pass through the septum or both nostrils.

This piercing is less common and creates a distinctive look on the nose tip. It usually uses a straight barbell. Like other advanced nose piercings, it depends on anatomy, tissue thickness, and accurate placement.

Double Nostril Piercing

A double nostril piercing means two nostril piercings. They may be placed on the same side, one on each side, or in a stacked layout.

This style is popular for people who want more symmetry or a layered jewelry look. Double nostril piercings can be styled with two small studs, two hoops, or a stud-and-hoop combination once healed. Placement planning is important because both piercings should sit evenly with the shape of the nose.

Mantis Piercing

Mantis piercings are forward-facing nostril piercings placed at the front of the nose. Instead of sitting on the side like standard nostril piercings, the jewelry faces forward.

This is a modern nose piercing style that creates a balanced, symmetrical look. It is usually done as a pair with small studs. Because the placement is specific, not every nose shape is suitable for mantis piercings.

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What Are the Standard Sizes and Gauges for Each Nose Piercing Type? 

The gauge refers to the thickness of the jewelry post. A lower gauge number indicates thicker jewelry. Most professional nose piercings use gauges between 18G and 14G. 

Size for Nostril Piercing

A nostril piercing typically uses 20G (0.8mm) or 18G (1.0mm) jewelry.

Most nose studs and nose screws are manufactured in these sizes. The standard wearable post length ranges from 6mm to 8mm depending on nostril thickness.

Size for High Nostril Piercing

A high nostril piercing usually uses 18G (1.0mm) or 16G (1.2mm) jewelry.

Professional piercers often choose flat back labrets between 6mm and 8mm long to provide stability during healing.

Size for Septum Piercing

A septum piercing is commonly pierced at 16G (1.2mm).

Some studios use 14G (1.6mm) for larger jewelry options and improved long term stability. Popular septum clickers and rings typically measure 8mm, 10mm, or 12mm in inner diameter.

Size for Bridge Piercing?

A bridge piercing is usually performed with 14G (1.6mm) jewelry.

Most initial bridge barbells range from 12mm to 18mm in length. The exact size depends on the amount of tissue available on the bridge of the nose.

Size for Austin Bar Piercing

An Austin Bar piercing commonly uses 14G (1.6mm) or 12G (2.0mm) jewelry.

The barbell length varies significantly because nose tip anatomy differs from person to person. Most initial placements require 16mm to 22mm barbells.

Size for Rhino Piercing

A rhino piercing generally uses 16G (1.2mm) or 14G (1.6mm) curved barbells.

Most jewelry lengths fall between 8mm and 12mm, depending on the thickness of the nose tip.

Size for Nasallang Piercing

A nasallang piercing is commonly pierced at 14G (1.6mm) and occasionally 12G (2.0mm).

How to Choose Between Different Nose Piercing Styles

Choosing between different nose piercing styles should not be based on appearance alone. The best piercing depends on your anatomy, lifestyle, jewelry preference, and healing commitment.

If you want something simple, choose a nostril piercing. If you want symmetry, consider a septum or paired nostril piercing. If you want something unique, ask a professional piercer about high nostril, mantis, bridge, or rhino piercings.

You should also consider daily habits. Glasses, masks, makeup, skincare, sports, shaving, and sleeping position can all affect healing. A piercing that looks good online may not be practical for your routine.

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Final Thoughts

Nose piercing names are easier to understand when you think about placement. A nostril piercing sits on the side of the nose. A septum piercing sits between the nostrils. A bridge piercing sits across the upper nose. More advanced styles, such as rhino, septril, nasallang, Austin bar, and mantis piercings, require more planning and professional skill.

Before choosing a piercing, look at more than the style. Consider your anatomy, healing time, jewelry options, and daily routine. A professional piercer can help you choose the safest placement and jewelry for your nose.

Obsidian Needles supports safer piercing practice through professional sterile tools, piercing supplies, and aftercare products for qualified piercers. Readers with an infected nose piercing should contact a healthcare professional for diagnosis and contact an experienced piercer for jewelry fit, material, and aftercare guidance.