You’re fortunate if you already know that you’re allergic to certain types of metal. Not everyone who gets a piercing knows that ahead of time.
Perhaps you’re being smart and cautious by avoiding jewelry that causes reactions.
In any case, I’m glad you’re here to see the best nose rings for sensitive skin.
Since it can take two months to a year to heal a nose piercing, you might as well start off on the right foot.
So, what is the best piercing metal for sensitive skin?
Contents
Which materials are hypoallergenic and safe for nose rings?
To avoid infection and scarring, you need the best nose ring for healing. Therefore, it’s crucial to stick with materials that don’t cause allergic reactions.
Here are the safest metals for piercing jewelry:
- Titanium
- Surgical stainless steel
- Niobium
- Solid gold, either 14 karat or 18 karat
- Glass
Titanium is the best metal for body jewelry, as it’s the least likely to cause irritation. It’s completely biocompatible if it’s the kind used for body implants (1).
Next, surgical stainless steel is less expensive and appropriate for most people with sensitive skin. Still, some may react to it unless it’s 316L or 316LVM.
Third, there’s niobium, which is technically not a metal (2). It’s almost as biocompatible as titanium, which makes it safer than surgical stainless steel. It’s just tricky to find niobium jewelry.
Fourth is solid gold, preferably 18k, so that it’s as pure as possible. Pay attention to the “solid” part as gold-plated won’t do. “Gold-filled” might be all right, however. Unfortunately, it is possible to be allergic to gold, but it’s safer than silver.
Fifth is lead-free glass. The problem here is that thin glass is fragile, but thick glass won’t fit in a new piercing.
Metals and materials to avoid when purchasing body jewelry
When you have sensitive skin, it’s best to stay away from silver and sterling silver body jewelry. It tarnishes and may stain the skin permanently and cause allergic reactions.
Also, nickel, nylon, and plastic are poor choices.
The different types of nose piercings and how long they take to heal
The times below are typical and don’t take into account large-gauge piercings or the delay caused by infection (3).
- Septum piercings heal within 6 to 8 weeks.
- Nostril piercings take between 3 to 6 months.
- Bridge piercings are faster, taking only 2 to 4 months.
- Nasallang piercings take up to 6 months to heal.
- Rhino piercings take as long as 9 months.
Please realize that you shouldn’t take out the piercing for long as the hole may close up as quickly as an hour afterward.
If you must remove the piercing for a significant amount of time, you need a nose retainer. Skip to the bottom of the reviews, and you’ll see one made of glass. It’s transparent, and safe for sensitive skin.
Best Nose Rings for Sensitive Skin
Now, if you want to see the best nose piercing jewelry, check out the reviews below.
FIFTH CUE Titanium Press Fit Cubic Zirconia L Bend Stud
Although these are primarily reviews of nose rings, I’m going to include studs and bars. It’s because piercers tend to recommend a straight post for the initial piercing.
Here’s a good example – it’s a solid titanium stud with an L-bend. You can get it in 20 gauge or 18 gauge thickness. In both cases, it’s a quarter of an inch long.
The outer end of the post has a cubic zirconia that’s 2 mm in diameter.
It’s effortless to insert in the nostril and looks dainty and elegant.
DesignedByGrace Small Size Niobium Hoop Rings for Metal Allergies
Often mistaken for stainless steel or titanium, niobium is perfect for hypoallergenic nose rings.
This delicate hoop is handmade by a self-taught artisan in Virginia. It’s 20 gauge thick and 8 mm in diameter.
It’s purposefully designed to leave in for months while the nose heals. It’s comfortable for sleeping and snug enough to stay in all day long.
Body Candy Nose Hoops in 18k Gold, 20 Gauge 5/16″
In case you’re not familiar with gauge sizes, grab a ruler with millimeter markings. Eighteen gauge is approximately 1 mm thick, while 20 gauge is 0.8 mm. (Yes, the higher the number, the thinner the wire.)
The standard piercing size is 18 gauge. It may be possible to ask for 20 gauge instead. That’s the size of this discreet gold nose hoop.
The hoop has a rounded, thicker end to secure it inside the nose. The 8 mm diameter ring is handcrafted by artisans in the USA from 18 karat yellow gold.
365 Sleepers G23 Titanium Hinged Seamless Segment Ring
It’s hard to resist iridescent jewelry, isn’t it? This rainbow shaded ring is made from G23 titanium, which is completely nickel-free and hypoallergenic.
It’s ideal for day wear and sleeping, so you never need to remove it while your piercing is healing.
The thickness is 20 gauge, while the outside diameter is 10.6 millimeters. Therefore, it’s suitable for all sorts of body piercings, including cartilage, nostril, lip, navel, septum, and tragus.
FIFTH CUE Grade 23 Titanium Nose Hoop
This solid titanium hypoallergenic nose ring has a flat disc on the end. The disc is hidden inside the nostril to secure the hoop.
It’s silver in color and comes in 2 sizes: 18 G or 20 G. The former is 10 mm in diameter while the latter is 8 mm (or 5/16-inch).
As the manufacturer points out, all you need to do is wash it with antibacterial soap and warm water. You don’t have to sanitize it with alcohol.
Dynamique Implant-Grade Titanium Hinged Segment Hoop Ring with Opal Lined Outer Side
This nose ring will be too thick if you just got pierced. It’s 16 gauge, or 1.2 mm thick. The overall diameter is 10 mm, or 3/8-inch.
Once the skin has healed, this is a spectacular piece of body jewelry.
The outside is covered in gorgeous iridescent opal. Meanwhile, the inner ring is biocompatible titanium – the same stuff used for body implants.
FIFTH CUE Cubic Zirconia Nose Stud Black Titanium Over 316L Surgical Steel
I love the look of this black nose stud! It’s made with titanium plating over surgical-grade stainless steel. This design protects extremely sensitive skin.
The end is accentuated with a 2 mm cubic zirconia.
The stud is available in 22, 20, and 18 gauge sizes, all of which are 6 mm long.
COCHARM Solid Titanium Nose Screw Stud, 20G
This is a nose screw made from 20 gauge solid titanium. The shiny curved metal reminds me of a pirate’s hook.
It has a pretty blue cubic zirconia on the end.
You’ll need to twist its 7 mm length to insert it into the piercing.
Playful Piercings 8 Fire Opal Nose L-Bend Surgical Steel Posts, 20 gauge
If you get bored of the same jewelry every day, rotate through this set of 8 posts with different opal colors mounted on them.
The collection includes multicolor black, pink, blue, yellow, green, white, and more.
Each of the L-shaped studs is made of hypoallergenic 316 L surgical steel.
WildKlass Jewelry Chain Round Septum Clicker
Be unique when you wear this black chain nose ring. It’s made for septum piercings.
It’s crafted from hematite over 316L surgical steel. That’s good news for sensitive skin.
The clicker design is easy to insert, and it doesn’t fall out easily. Customers say it’s not difficult to open, but it stays put.
The 16-gauge thickness is best for after your piercing has healed.
14k Solid Gold Nose Ring Hoop, 22 Gauge, by EllieJMaui
If you have very sensitive skin, you might want to skip over this gold nose ring in favor of titanium or niobium.
But if you’re okay with 14 karat solid gold, it’s a dainty endless loop with no clasp. Twist the ends apart to slide it in, then push them back together.
It’s hand-forged and fits snugly into a nose piercing.
14K Solid Yellow Gold Tribal Nose Hoop, 20G by Alagia
Upgrade your appearance from a simple gold nose ring to something more stylish. This handmade nose hoop has a tribal design for an edgier look.
The nose ring comes packed as a gift. The artist promises a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Tiny White Opal Nose Hoop Ring, 24 G, by Lugasis
This elegant nose ring is 14 karat gold-filled, which isn’t ideal for sensitive skin. But it’s undoubtedly safer than mystery metal or sterling silver. The little white opal stone is an attractive highlight.
It’s tiny, being only 24 gauge in thickness. The hoop itself is 7 mm in diameter.
It comes in a small gift box.
Body Candy 14k Rose Gold Nose Stud Hoop
Contrast the heft of this 18 gauge nose ring with the diminutive hoop above. It’s one millimeter thick and 8 millimeters in diameter. (That’s just over a quarter-inch.)
To insert it, you’ll need to twist it until the ball on the end rests against the inside of the nostril.
But the hand-polished rose gold finish is classy and much more striking than the typical yellow gold.
14k White Gold, Black, Clear Cubic Zirconia Flower Nose Stud by Body Candy
The white gold of this nose stud sets off the beautiful black and clear cubic zirconia flower.
It’s an 18 gauge nose stud that’s 6 mm (a quarter of an inch) long.
Body Candy Black Anodized Titanium Skull Nose Stud Ring
Halloween is coming up. That’s why it’s hard to resist this black skull nose screw.
It’s made of 316L surgical steel anodized with titanium.
The shaft is 6 mm long, and the metal is 20 gauge.
The only complaint we’ve heard is that it tends to rotate, which means the skull is not always upright.
Freedom Fashion Pirate Skull L-Shaped 316L Surgical Steel Nose Stud
For a more complete skull and serious pirate vibes, try this nose stud.
There’s no rusty iron or gold doubloons here—it’s 316L surgical-grade steel.
Besides black, you can get it in gold or silver colors, both of which are also stainless steel.
Nose Stud Yellow Tiny Leaf Gold Nose Ring Stud 20G
Celebrate nature with this tiny gold leaf nose screw. It’s handmade from 14k solid gold.
Keep in mind that nose screws are designed for either left or right nostrils because they need to be twisted. This one happens to be for a left-sided piercing, and it’s 3mm long. In other words, it’s like it’s barely there.
Body Candy 14k Rose Gold Diamond L-Shaped Nose Ring, 20 Gauge
Why not show off real bling instead of costume jewelry?
This nose stud features a genuine diamond rated for clarity and color. It only weighs a minuscule 0.015 carats, but it’s prong-set just like an engagement ring.
The stone is mounted on a shiny rose gold nose stud. It’s 20 gauge thick and one-quarter of an inch long at the bend.
One reviewer commented that it sits flush and secure without feeling tight.
Painful Pleasures Clear Crystal Glass Right Bend Nose Retainer
What happens when you need to hide your nose piercing? If you take it out more than a couple of hours, the hole will close, and you’ll have to start all over again.
Solve the problem with a nose retainer.
The perfect nose retainer is transparent, so it matches every skin tone. It allows the piercing hole to remain open without drawing attention to itself. You can easily cover the end with a little bit of concealer.
This retainer is handmade from crystal. You can get it in 20 gauge up to 14 gauge. Each one is approximately 8 to 10 mm long.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best nose ring is the one you’ll enjoy wearing the most. Even if you have sensitive skin, there is plenty of piercing jewelry out there.
Luckily, there are many hypoallergenic rings, screws, and studs made from titanium, stainless steel, niobium, and pure gold.
Don’t settle for jewelry that will tarnish or cause an adverse reaction. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a skin-safe nose ring.
Source:
1. https://tatring.com/getting-pierced/Fifteen-Things-I-Wish-Id-Known-Before-I-Got-My-Nose-Pierced 17 Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Got My Nose Pierced by Katherine Sanger, published April 20, 2020
2. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/qa/what-type-of-metal-should-i-get-for-my-nose-piercing published June 13, 2019
3. https://tatring.com/piercing-types/nose-piercing-tips-2 Nose Piercing 101: Choosing the Right Jewelry by Hal Gall, published March 20, 2020
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