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Whether you’re a piercing rookie or a seasoned veteran, you may have asked yourself, “which side should a nose piercing be on?” or, “is there some unseen body-art etiquette I might be missing here?” Well, I’m here to navigate this conundrum for you, peppering in some of my signature humor and, of course, drawing from the wellspring of professional experience and knowledge I’ve accumulated throughout my career.
From historical symbolism, cultural perspectives, and aesthetic considerations to professional tips on choosing the right side for your personality and face shape, this blog post is about to uncover every nook and cranny of the nose piercing positioning debate. You can expect some lighthearted banter, a few untold secrets of the trade, and a healthy dose of informed guidance.
Which Side To Pierce – The Big Existential Question!
Left Side
The left side of the nose is often the go-to choice for a piercing, and while there isn’t usually a solid reason behind this, certain cultural beliefs can come into play. For instance, in some Hindu cultures, women pierce their noses on the left side, believing it strengthens their wombs and eases menstrual and childbirth pain. As much as I love these cultural nuggets, I must admit that science hasn’t confirmed this theory—yet!
Right Side
The nose-piercing world is rife with myths. You might have heard that men should get their noses pierced on the right, women on the left, or vice versa. Let’s bust that myth right now! There’s no rule dictating which side you should choose—it’s all about personal preference. The ‘gender rule’ is more tradition than a hard-and-fast standard. Today, nose piercings defy gender norms. From both sides to septum piercings, we’ve seen it all! So, forget the whispers linking your piercing side to your sexuality—it’s your nose, your style, and entirely your choice.
Your Current Style
When deciding which side to pierce, consider your style. Think of a nose piercing as a permanent accessory that can elevate your look and draw attention to your features. Maybe you’re an earring enthusiast, a spectacle wearer, or someone who prefers their hair swept to one side. How would a nose piercing complement these aspects?
A personal anecdote: I’ve got quite a collection of earrings, and I chose to pierce the opposite side of my nose to maintain a balanced look. If you wear glasses, think about how the frames might interact with your piercing. You can either contrast or match the side that has more design details—it’s your canvas!
Cultural and Personal Beliefs
If you belong to a culture where the side of a nose piercing carries significance, or if you have personal beliefs influencing your choice, respect that! Body art is a form of self-expression, and it’s essential to be true to yourself.
Future Plans for More Piercings
Are you thinking about getting more piercings in the future? If so, consider how a nose piercing would fit into your overall aesthetic plan. It’s like a chess game—you need to plan your moves ahead of time!
Practical Considerations
Let’s talk practicality. If you’re a side sleeper, you might want to consider piercing the nostril on the opposite side to avoid any discomfort during the healing process. Some folks find it easier to care for a new piercing if it’s on the opposite side of their dominant hand—fewer chances of accidental knocks! These might seem like minor concerns, but they can make your healing process smoother.
Try It Out
If the decision-making process feels like climbing Everest, take a test drive. Buy a fake nose ring, draw a dot where you want the piercing, or stick on some rhinestone beads. Experimenting can help you visualize and decide which side feels more ‘you.’
Why Choose Just the One Side?
Your piercer is a seasoned veteran who has navigated the nose-piercing realm countless times—they might offer useful insights. Or, why not bring along a trusted friend for their honest opinion? After all, they probably see your face more than you do. Remember, though, you’re the captain of this ship—it’s your choice.
Piercing Both Sides
Can’t decide? Why not both! You can pierce both sides or even opt for a septum piercing, which sits in the middle of your nose, avoiding the side decision altogether. However, bear in mind that some piercers recommend healing one nostril before piercing the second. You should also be aware of the following
- Healing Process: Piercing both sides of your nose means you’ll be dealing with two healing piercings at once. This could potentially double your aftercare routine and also the possibility of complications like infections. Many professional piercers recommend piercing one nostril and allowing it to heal fully before piercing the other. This way, you have one less thing to worry about in the healing process.
- Facial Balance: While some people love the symmetrical look of piercings on both sides, others may find that a single piercing helps to balance their features better. This is highly subjective and depends on individual facial features and personal aesthetic preferences.
- Practical Considerations: If you’re considering piercing both sides of your nose, keep in mind practical factors like the fact that you won’t have a “safe” side to sleep on while they’re healing. You’ll also need to be extra cautious to avoid catching them both on clothing or towels, and cleaning them could be a bit trickier.
In the end, the choice of whether to pierce one or both sides of your nose is a highly personal decision based on your style preferences, lifestyle, and comfort level. It’s always a good idea to discuss this with a trusted professional piercer who can give you advice based on their experience and your individual circumstances.
Leave It to Chance
If you’re still stuck, flip a coin, ask a friend to choose, or let your piercer surprise you. Whichever way you go, remember: nose piercings look fantastic on either side.
Conclusion
Navigating the universe of nose piercings can seem like a daunting task. As a seasoned tattoo and body art professional, I can assure you, the path to making your choice – be it the right or the left, is guided by personal preference, style, practicality, and sometimes, cultural beliefs. In terms of costs, they typically range from $30 to $80, depending on your location and the studio’s reputation. But remember, investing in a professional, clean, and reputable studio is critical to ensuring the best results and minimizing risks.
Despite the exciting journey of self-expression, nose piercings are not without potential drawbacks. You may experience pain, swelling, infection, or scarring, and in rare cases, a condition known as ‘piercing bumps.’ Remember to follow aftercare instructions religiously, keep the area clean, and reach out to a healthcare professional if you notice any signs of infection.
Embrace your individuality, respect your comfort, and let your choice reflect who you truly are. After all, body art is a narrative of self-expression, an extension of your personality, rendered in the language of aesthetics. Whichever side you pick, wear it with confidence and own your story, because that’s what makes you uniquely you.
