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The Complete Guide to Septum Piercing Jewellery: Sizes, Styles & What to Buy in 2026

      Quick Answer: Septum piercings use 16 gauge (1.2mm) jewellery with an inner diameter of 8mm–10mm for most people. The two main jewellery types are circular barbells (horseshoe rings — can be flipped up to hide) and clicker segment rings (hinged hoops for a seamless decorative look). Implant-grade titanium is the safest material. At Camden Body Jewellery, we stock over 120 titanium septum pieces from £8. The septum piercing sits through the thin strip of soft tissue between the two nostrils — called the columella or “sweet spot” — and has become one of the most requested piercings in the UK heading into 2026. It heals faster than most cartilage piercings, works with a huge variety of jewellery styles, and can be completely hidden when needed. Whether you’ve just had your septum pierced or you’re looking to upgrade your jewellery collection, this guide covers every detail — from sizes and gauges to the best styles, materials, aftercare and trends for the year ahead. What Jewellery Types Work for a Septum Piercing? The three main jewellery types for septum piercings are circular barbells, clicker segment rings, and seamless segment rings. Each has a different mechanism, aesthetic, and practical advantage. Circular Barbells (Horseshoe Rings) A circular barbell is a C-shaped curved bar with a threaded ball or spike on each end. It’s the most common starter jewellery for septum piercings because the open shape makes it easy for your piercer to fit, and the two visible ball ends sit just below the nostrils. The biggest practical advantage is that you can flip a circular barbell up inside your nose to completely hide the piercing — something no other jewellery type allows you to do as easily. Circular Barbell with Spikes in Gold — Titanium, £10Shop this style → Circular barbells come with different end options — plain balls for a classic look, spikes for an edgier aesthetic, or CZ stone ends for subtle sparkle. All of our circular barbells at Camden Body Jewellery are internally threaded, meaning the thread is inside the bar (not on the outside), which prevents the thread from scratching the inside of your piercing as you insert it. Clicker Segment Rings (Septum Clickers) A clicker segment ring is a hinged hoop that “clicks” shut to create a seamless circle. The hinge mechanism makes them extremely easy to put in and take out — you simply open the hinge, slide it through the piercing, and click it closed. These are the most popular upgrade once your septum has fully healed, and they come in a much wider range of decorative designs than circular barbells. Clicker Pin Segment Ring with Clear CZ in Silver — Titanium, £12Shop this style → The downside of clickers compared to circular barbells is that they can’t easily be flipped up to hide. If you need to conceal your septum piercing for work or other situations, keep a circular barbell on hand for those occasions. Seamless Segment Rings A seamless segment ring has a small removable segment that pops out, allowing you to thread the ring through and then click the segment back in for a completely smooth, gap-free circle. These give the cleanest minimalist look but can be slightly trickier to insert than hinged clickers. They’re ideal if you want a plain, unadorned hoop through your septum. Jewellery Type Comparison Feature Circular Barbell Clicker Segment Ring Seamless Ring Mechanism Threaded balls/spikes screw on Hinged — clicks open and shut Removable segment pops in/out Best for Healing piercings, hiding Healed piercings, decoration Healed piercings, minimalism Can flip up to hide? Yes — flips up inside nostrils Not easily No Ease of changing Moderate (unscrew ball ends) Very easy (click open/shut) Moderate (pop segment out) Decorative options Limited (ball/spike/CZ ends) Wide range (CZ, gems, patterns) Minimal (plain bands) Price range (CBJ) £8–£10 £10–£17 £8–£12 What Size Jewellery Does a Septum Piercing Need? Most septum piercings use 16 gauge (1.2mm) jewellery with an inner diameter of 8mm or 10mm. These two measurements — gauge and inner diameter — are the only sizing you need to get right. Gauge (Thickness) The gauge refers to the thickness of the wire or bar that passes through your piercing hole. The standard septum gauge is 16g (1.2mm). Some piercers use 14g (1.6mm) if your anatomy supports it or if you plan to stretch later. A smaller number means a thicker gauge — so 14g is thicker than 16g. Getting the gauge wrong is the most common sizing mistake. If you buy a 14g ring but were pierced at 16g, it won’t fit through the hole. If you buy an 18g ring when you were pierced at 16g, it will be thinner than the hole and may migrate or cause irritation. Always confirm your gauge with your piercer before buying replacement jewellery. Inner Diameter The inner diameter measures the distance across the inside of the ring — essentially how big the circle is. This determines how the jewellery sits on your nose: a smaller diameter creates a snug, close-fitting ring, while a larger diameter hangs lower and is more visible. Septum Piercing Size Chart Specification Most Common Alternative Notes Gauge 16g (1.2mm) 14g (1.6mm) Confirm with your piercer Inner diameter — snug fit 8mm 6mm (petite noses) Sits close to the nose, subtle look Inner diameter — standard fit 10mm 9mm Most popular all-round size Inner diameter — loose/visible fit 12mm 14mm Hangs lower, bold statement look How to Choose the Right Diameter Nose Size / Preference Recommended Diameter Look Petite nose, want minimal visibility 6mm–8mm Tight and subtle Average nose, everyday wear 8mm–10mm Classic septum look Larger nose, want a visible ring 10mm–12mm Statement piece Going for a bold, hanging style 12mm–14mm Dramatic drop If you’re unsure about your diameter, start with 8mm or 10mm — these work for the majority of nose shapes and are the sizes piercers fit most often. You can always size up later once you know your preference. Why Titanium Is the Best Material for Septum Jewellery Implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136) is the safest material for septum piercings — it’s hypoallergenic, nickel-free, lightweight, and the same grade used in medical implants. The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) lists it as one of the top recommended materials for initial and long-term body jewellery. The septum piercing passes through soft tissue with a decent blood supply, which is why it heals relatively quickly compared to cartilage. But that same blood supply means the tissue is sensitive to reactive metals. Low-quality steel, plated jewellery, or anything labelled “surgical steel” (which often contains 8–12% nickel) can trigger contact dermatitis, irritation bumps, or prolonged inflammation. Titanium eliminates this risk entirely. It’s also significantly lighter than steel — which matters when you’re wearing jewellery in your nose all day. And because titanium can be anodised to produce different colours (gold, rose gold, black, blue, rainbow) without any coating or plating, the colour won’t chip, peel, or wear off over time. Every piece of septum jewellery at Camden Body Jewellery is made from genuine ASTM F136 implant-grade titanium — no plated metals, no mystery alloys, no nickel. Starting from just £8. Septum Piercing vs Nostril vs Bridge: Which Should You Get? The septum, nostril, and bridge are the three main nose piercings, and they differ significantly in placement, pain, healing time, and jewellery options. Piercing Placement Pain (1–10) Healing Time Best Jewellery Can Hide? Septum Through the columella (between nostrils) 4–6 6–8 weeks Circular barbells, clickers, segment rings Yes (flip up) Nostril Through the nostril cartilage/skin 3–5 4–6 months Nose studs, L-shape studs, nose hoops With a retainer Bridge Across the bridge of the nose (surface) 5–7 8–12 weeks Curved barbells only No The septum is unique among nose piercings because it heals the fastest (it’s soft tissue, not cartilage), supports the widest range of jewellery styles, and is the only one you can completely hide by flipping the ring up inside your nostrils. How Much Does a Septum Piercing Hurt? Most people rate septum piercing pain at 4 to 6 out of 10 — lower than many cartilage piercings. The key factor is whether your piercer locates the “sweet spot” correctly. The sweet spot is a thin membrane of skin (the columella) that sits between the cartilage of the septum and the bottom of the nose. When a skilled piercer hits this spot, the needle passes through soft tissue only — it’s a quick, sharp pinch lasting about one second, immediately followed by watery eyes (this is an involuntary reflex, not necessarily a pain response). If the piercer misses the sweet spot and goes through cartilage, it hurts significantly more and heals much slower. This is why choosing an experienced, reputable piercer is arguably the most important decision in the entire process. Piercing Typical Pain Rating Tissue Type Standard lobe 2–3 / 10 Soft tissue (earlobe) Nostril 3–5 / 10 Thin cartilage + skin Septum 4–6 / 10 Soft tissue (columella) Helix 4–5 / 10 Ear cartilage Conch 6–7 / 10 Thick ear cartilage Industrial 7–8 / 10 Two cartilage points How Long Does a Septum Piercing Take to Heal? A septum piercing takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal initially, with full maturation at 3 to 6 months. This makes it one of the fastest-healing piercings you can get. The reason it heals so quickly is that the correct piercing placement goes through soft, vascular tissue (the columella), not cartilage. This tissue has good blood supply, which delivers the nutrients and immune cells needed for wound repair. Septum Piercing Aftercare Guide During healing, follow these essential aftercare steps: Clean twice daily with sterile saline solution. Spray or soak for 30–60 seconds each time. Don’t use tea tree oil, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or any antiseptic. Don’t touch, twist, or rotate the jewellery. This disrupts the delicate fistula (healing channel) forming around the bar. Avoid flipping the jewellery up and down during healing. Pick a position (up or down) and leave it there until fully healed. Don’t remove the jewellery during healing. The piercing can close within hours if left empty. Be careful blowing your nose. Gently press one nostril and blow softly from the other. If you experience persistent redness, unusual discharge, or a bump forming at the piercing site, check our Piercing Bump vs Keloid vs Infection guide to diagnose the issue, and visit our Piercing Care Guide for detailed aftercare protocols. Can You Hide a Septum Piercing? Yes — the septum is the easiest piercing to hide completely. If you’re wearing a circular barbell (horseshoe ring), you can flip the two ball ends up inside your nostrils, making the piercing invisible from the outside. Wait until healed to flip regularly. During the initial 6–8 week healing period, choose one position and stay with it. Circular barbells are the only type that flips easily. Clicker segment rings and seamless rings form a full circle and don’t fold up inside the nose. A retainer is another option. Clear or flesh-toned septum retainers are designed specifically for hiding the piercing while keeping it open. What Are the Best Septum Piercing Styles for 2026? The biggest septum piercing trends for 2026 are stacked septum rings, ornate clickers with gemstones, and mixed-finish jewellery. Stacked septum rings involve wearing two thinner rings through the same piercing (or through two septum piercings placed close together). The double-ring look creates a layered, editorial aesthetic that’s been gaining traction across social media and piercing studios throughout the UK. Ornate clickers with CZ stones, fan shapes, and detailed metalwork are replacing the simple plain ring as the default septum look. Our Clicker Pin Segment Ring with Front Face CZ in Gold is a perfect example. Clicker Pin Segment Ring with Front Face CZ in Silver — Titanium, £12Shop this style → Mixed-finish jewellery — combining polished gold and matte silver, or pairing a black titanium septum ring with gold nostril studs — is replacing the old “match everything” rule. For a deeper look at one of the most versatile septum jewellery types, see our Ultimate Guide to Circular Barbells. How Much Does Septum Piercing Jewellery Cost? At Camden Body Jewellery, implant-grade titanium septum jewellery starts from £8 and goes up to £17 for decorative clicker styles with CZ stones. Every piece is genuine ASTM F136 titanium — the same grade recommended by the Association of Professional Piercers. Price Range What You Get Examples £8–£10 Simple circular barbells, plain segment rings Circular Barbell with Balls in Silver, Circular Barbell with Balls in Gold £10–£13 CZ-set clickers, spiked barbells, coloured segment rings CZ Circular Barbell in Black, Clicker Pin CZ Segment Ring £13–£17 Multi-stone clickers, ornate segment rings, statement pieces Duality Segment Rings, Double-Row Hinged Rings Piercing studios typically charge £30–£60 for a single septum ring of equivalent material quality. Our direct-to-customer model cuts out the studio markup. How to Change Your Septum Jewellery Once your septum piercing is fully healed (minimum 6–8 weeks, ideally 3+ months), you can change the jewellery yourself at home. For circular barbells: Unscrew one ball end by turning it anticlockwise while holding the bar steady. Slide the old barbell out, slide the new one in, and screw the ball end back on clockwise. For clicker segment rings: Simply press the hinged section to open the ring, slide it out of the piercing, insert the new clicker, and click it shut. For seamless segment rings: Use your fingernails or a small pair of ring-opening pliers to pop out the removable segment. Thread the ring through, then click the segment back into place. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling any jewellery. Clean the new jewellery with saline solution before inserting. Use a mirror with good lighting — a magnifying mirror is ideal. If the jewellery won’t slide through easily, don’t force it. A drop of water-based lubricant can help. For your very first change, consider visiting your piercer so they can show you the technique. Septum Piercing Myths — Debunked Myth: Septum piercings go through cartilage.Fact: A correctly placed septum piercing goes through the columella — a thin membrane of soft tissue between the cartilage and the bottom of the nose. Myth: Septum piercings smell bad permanently.Fact: During healing, dead skin cells and natural discharge can create a mild odour around any piercing. This is normal and temporary. Once healed, regular cleaning eliminates any smell. Myth: You can’t blow your nose with a septum piercing.Fact: You absolutely can. You just need to be gentle during the healing period. Once healed, blowing your nose is completely normal. Myth: Septum piercings are unprofessional.Fact: The septum is the most workplace-friendly facial piercing specifically because it can be completely hidden by flipping a circular barbell up. Myth: Surgical steel is just as good as titanium.Fact: “Surgical steel” is a marketing term, not a regulated material grade. Most surgical steel contains 8–12% nickel. Implant-grade titanium contains zero nickel and is genuinely biocompatible. The APP recommends titanium, not surgical steel. Read more on the APP’s jewellery standards page. Frequently Asked Questions What gauge is a septum piercing? Standard septum piercings are 16 gauge (1.2mm). Some piercers use 14 gauge (1.6mm) depending on your anatomy. Always confirm your gauge before buying replacement jewellery. What size septum ring do I need? Most people need 8mm or 10mm inner diameter. 8mm gives a snug, subtle fit; 10mm is the most popular all-round size; 12mm gives a bolder, more visible look. Can I flip my septum ring up to hide it? Yes, if you’re wearing a circular barbell (horseshoe ring). Simply flip the two ball ends up inside your nostrils. Wait until healed before flipping regularly. How long does a septum piercing take to heal? 6 to 8 weeks for initial healing, 3 to 6 months for full maturation. The septum heals faster than most piercings because it goes through soft tissue with good blood supply. Does a septum piercing hurt? Most people rate it 4 to 6 out of 10. When pierced correctly through the sweet spot (columella), it’s a quick sharp pinch lasting about one second. What is the best material for septum jewellery? Implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136) is the safest choice. It’s hypoallergenic, nickel-free, lightweight, and biocompatible. The Association of Professional Piercers recommends it as a primary material for all body jewellery. Can I change my septum jewellery myself? Once fully healed, yes. Clicker segment rings are the easiest — they click open and shut with a hinge. Circular barbells require unscrewing one ball end. What’s the difference between a septum clicker and a circular barbell? A septum clicker is a hinged ring that clicks shut for a seamless look. A circular barbell is a C-shaped bar with two ball ends that can be flipped up to hide. Clickers offer more decorative designs; circular barbells offer more practical versatility. Can I sleep with my septum ring in? Yes — always keep your septum jewellery in, especially during healing. The septum is one of the most comfortable piercings to sleep with because it sits between your nostrils and doesn’t press against a pillow. How much does septum piercing jewellery cost? At Camden Body Jewellery, titanium septum jewellery starts from £8 for simple circular barbells and ranges up to £17 for ornate clicker segment rings with CZ stones. All pieces are genuine ASTM F136 implant-grade titanium. Key Takeaways Standard septum size: 16 gauge (1.2mm), 8mm or 10mm inner diameter Two main jewellery types: Circular barbells (can flip up to hide) and clicker segment rings (decorative, seamless look) Best material: Implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136) — hypoallergenic, nickel-free, APP-recommended Healing time: 6–8 weeks initial, 3–6 months full maturation — faster than most piercings Pain level: 4–6/10 when pierced through the sweet spot (columella) Can hide completely: Yes — flip a circular barbell up inside your nostrils Price at CBJ: £8–£17 for genuine implant-grade titanium, no plated metals 2026 trends: Stacked rings, ornate CZ clickers, mixed-finish combinations Aftercare essentials: Saline only, don’t twist, don’t flip during healing, don’t remove early Browse our full range of septum and nose jewellery — over 120 implant-grade titanium pieces from £8, with free UK delivery on orders over £30.