Did you know that getting a nose ring can reduce the pain that comes from childbirth? It can also ease menstrual cramps and support a person’s reproductive health.
To take advantage of these benefits without making yourself uncomfortable, you’ll need to choose the right nose hoop size. To do that, you’ll have to have a basic understanding of gauges and diameters.
You also need to be able to measure rings before you buy them. If you don’t, and you get one that’s too big, you won’t be able to adjust it.
These are only a few things to keep in mind. Check out this nose ring sizing guide to learn more.
The Importance of Sizing
Even if your piercing has healed, it’s still susceptible to damage. If your jewelry is too small, it will pull against the hole. This can cause a wide range of complications.
On the flip side of this, wearing a ring that’s too large can lead to issues as well. For example, you could snag it on your clothes and rip your piercing hole. If this were to happen, it would take months for your nose to heal.
Understanding Gauges
A gauge is the measure of the thickness of a piece of jewelry. The lower the measurement, the thicker the nose hoop.
The average gauge is 20, which is about .8 millimeters thick. The thickest option is a 16 gauge, and the thinnest is a 26.
Gauge is an important factor to consider because no two noses are alike. If your ring is too thick, it will be uncomfortable and cause some of the problems that we talked about above. If the ring is too thin, it could slip out by accident.
Diameter
When buying nose pins and studs, you’ll see the word “length” thrown around a lot. With hoops, this word is replaced by diameter.
If you have a larger nose, you’ll need a ring with a wider diameter, and vice versa. If you have a tiny nose, a ring with a smaller diameter will be more appropriate.
If you buy a ring that’s the wrong diameter, everyone will be able to tell because it will look off.
Measuring 101
For you to measure nose ring sizes, you’ll need to first know the difference between inner and outer diameter.
Inner diameter is the measurement from one inside edge of the ring to the other. Outside diameter is the same concept, except you’re measuring the outside of the ring instead.
Grab a ruler and measure the inside distance between your piercing and the bottom edge of your nose where the hoop is going to rest. This number will be the size you look for when shopping for rings. It should line up with the inside diameter of a ring.
If it turns out that you’re between ring sizes, the general rule of thumb is to round up.
Is It Okay If the Ring Is a Bit Snug?
It’s okay for a ring to fit a bit snugly, but it shouldn’t be uncomfortable. This is an indicator that the inner diameter is far too small.
Another indicator that you have the wrong size is if you struggle to close the ring clasp.
Can You Make the Hoop Smaller?
Let’s say that you order a nose ring from bodypiercejewelry.com. When it comes in, it’s as beautiful as you expected, but it’s far too big for your nose.
Instead of returning the ring, is it possible for you to adjust it using a pair of pliers? The answer is technically yes, but you shouldn’t do it. All you’ll accomplish is deforming your ring and making it dangerous for you to wear.
The better option is to remeasure your nose and buy a new ring after returning the old one.
What If Hoops Aren’t An Option for You?
For some people, wearing hoops is impossible because their piercing is placed too high up on their noses. If you’re one of these people, you can buy an oval hoop instead of a traditional one.
There are also nose studs. They come in a wide range of styles and options like L-shaped prongs, twists, bone prongs, and flat-back studs.
L-shaped prongs are shaped like, well, an L. You insert these rings by pushing them in at a 90-degree angle and twisting them to secure them in place.
Twist prongs look a bit like screw thread. All you have to do to put them in is twist them into place.
Bone prongs include a nub at the end of the stud. You’ll push this numb through your piercing as you insert the ring. You should avoid wearing this type of nose ring if your piercing is fresh and still healing.
The last type of stud is the flatbacks. These studs use a normal prong with a threaded flatback.
After you insert the ring, you secure it in place using the back piece. It works the same as any stud that you would put in your ear.
Choosing the Right Nose Hoop Size
There are countless benefits to piercing your nose. For you to take advantage of them without hurting yourself, you’ll have to choose the right nose hoop size.
As you can see, measuring your nose is so simple that it’s complicated. If you run into trouble, talk to a professional piercer. Not only will they measure your nose, but they’ll also provide you with ring options.
For more tips that will help you pick out the right nose jewelry, visit the Beauty section of our blog.
