Nose Ring Guide Types Sizes and How to Choose

Discover nose ring guide at Brother & Sisters. Personalized jewelry in gold, silver and rose gold finishes. Free worldwide shipping on every order.

The best nose ring depends on your piercing and your style. For nostril piercings, 20G is the standard gauge. An 8mm hoop is the most popular size, and studs usually need a 6-7mm post. Studs suit first piercings and subtle looks, while hoops suit healed piercings. Septum rings usually run 16G or 14G.

There are 119 styles in our collection. This guide sorts them by type, size and finish so you can find the one that feels like you.

Nose Ring Types

Nose Studs

The classic: a small gemstone, ball or design that sits flat against the nostril. It is made for first piercings, professional settings and subtle style.

Nose Hoops

A small ring that wraps around the nostril. You can choose a thin continuous ring or a hinged segment ring. Hoops are best for healed piercings and for bohemian or edgy looks.

L-Shape Nose Rings

A straight post with a 90-degree bend that holds the stud from inside the nostril. It is easier to insert than a screw.

Nose Screws

A post with a corkscrew curve that holds the stud securely. It stays put better than an L-shape but is harder to insert, so it works well for active lifestyles.

Septum Rings

These are worn through the septum, the cartilage between the nostrils. Styles include clickers, horseshoes and continuous rings, and you can flip one up inside the nose for discreet wear.

Style Best For Good to Know
Stud First piercings, subtle style Sits flat against the nostril
Hoop Healed piercings, edgy style Continuous or hinged segment
L-Shape Trouble with corkscrew posts Easier to insert than a screw
Screw Active lifestyles Secure, harder to insert
Septum Discreet wear Can be flipped up inside the nose

Choosing the Right Size

  • Gauge: 20G is standard for nostril piercings. Septum piercings usually take 16G or 14G.
  • Diameter (hoops): 6mm sits close to the nostril, 8mm is the most popular and 10mm looks slightly larger.
  • Post length (studs): 6-7mm is standard. If your nostril is thicker, go with 8mm.

“This ring is a true masterpiece. The attention to detail and the quality of the materials are simply breathtaking. It's like wearing a work of art on my finger.”

Irina I., verified buyer of the Silver Rectangle Ring, February 2023

Material Guide

304L stainless steel is the pick for new piercings. A gold finish gives a warm tone and a silver finish gives a cool, classic one. Both are best once the piercing has healed.

Shop 119 Nose Rings →

Frequently Asked Questions

What size nose ring should I get?

For a nostril piercing, a 20G gauge with an 8mm hoop is the most popular choice. Pick 6mm if you want the hoop to hug the nostril, or 10mm for a slightly larger look. For studs, a 6-7mm post fits most nostrils.

Is a stud or a hoop better for a new piercing?

A stud is the usual choice for a first piercing because it sits flat against the nostril. Save hoops for a healed piercing. Then you can switch to a thin continuous ring or a hinged segment ring.

What gauge is a septum ring?

Septum rings are usually 16G or 14G, which is thicker than the 20G standard for nostrils. Styles include clickers, horseshoes and continuous rings. You can flip a septum ring up inside the nose when you want to wear it discreetly.

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FREE SHIPPING

On all orders, worldwide

HANDCRAFTED TO ORDER

Custom pieces made in 3-5 days

SHIPPED WITHIN 48-72 H

Straight to your door

LIFETIME WARRANTY

On every piece we create