Hoop Nose Rings

It’s possible to get pierced with a nose hoop, but professional piercers generally advise against it. Piercing with a hoop may lead to an increased risk of tearing, infection, and irritation, and can even impede the overall healing process. Labrets and other nose studs are a safer option for a new piercing – but if you’re dead-set on a hoop, look for something with a large diameter and a thicker gauge (and be sure to keep up with daily aftercare!).

You can switch out your nose stud for a hoop once the new piercing is fully healed. Though healing times vary from person to person, the 6-month mark is generally regarded as the best time to start changing your nose jewelry while avoiding bumps, infection, and damage to your nose cartilage.

Spencer’s nose jewelry collection includes hoop nose rings in a variety of materials, including high-quality ASTM F-136 titanium, G23 titanium, surgical steel, stainless steel, acrylic, and Bioflex pieces.

For those with nickel-sensitive skin, Spencer’s hoop nose rings made with ASTM F-136 titanium and Bioflex are recommended for high-quality, body-safe wear. Acrylic nose rings are also considered hypoallergenic and generally nickel-free, but are discouraged for use in new, unhealed piercings.

While the process can vary depending on the style of your nose ring, you will generally start by gently twisting open the hoop sideways, creating an opening. Slip the ring through the piercing site, making sure to follow the angle of the hole as you wiggle and thread it through. Once it’s sitting securely, close or twist the ring back into place. And remember: always handle your jewelry with clean hands!

Start by sanitizing your jewelry. Slide the straight post gently into your piercing, then slowly twist or wiggle it through. Rotate the ring until the curved part sits snug against your nostril, with the stopper or ball resting comfortably on the inside. Once it’s in place, you’re good to go — secure, comfy, and ready to show it off.

How you take out your hoop nose rings depends on what type of hoop you’re wearing. For hinged hoops, unlock the ring by gently pulling at the seams, and carefully thread it out of the piercing site. For seamless parts, twist each end apart, and follow suit. For captive bead ring styles, you’ll want to first remove the bead (usually using pliers), then gently twist the ring and pull it out.

It is safe to shower with hoop nose ring on at any point during and after the piercing’s healing process. However, you should avoid submerging your nose in pools, baths, the ocean, or any other body of water during the first 4 to 6 months of healing. Once your piercing is healed safely, feel free to go wild! High-quality materials like ASTM F-136 and G23 titanium are perfect for keeping your nose jewelry looking its best, since they’re designed to resist breakdown from water exposure.

While everyone’s piercing time can be different, most nose piercings tend to take between 6 to 12 months to fully heal. You’ll know your piercing is healed when it no longer shows any signs of swelling, tenderness, or crusting.

Hoop nose rings can be gently cleaned with a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap and rinsed off with warm water. For a deeper clean, you can soak your nose jewelry in warm water and soap, then carefully scrub when needed. For everyday maintenance, you can clean your nose ring and piercing site with a sterile saline solution or use Spencer’s Jewelry Wipes.

Hoop nose rings and other nostril jewelry pieces usually range between 16 gauge and 22 gauge in sizing. 20 gauge nose hoops are most common, while 22 gauge is reserved for more delicate styles. Larger piercings will require a thicker, 16 or 18 gauge hoop. For help finding your perfect fit, contact Ask Jules.