Most countries have professional piercing associations that certify piercers who adhere to their policies. Make sure you choose a piercing studio certified by your country’s association. [2] X Research source Ask friends with septum piercings for their recommendations.

When in doubt, choose hypoallergenic piercings.

Consult your employee handbook or talk with your employer if you are unsure what your dress code allows. If piercings are not allowed at your work, you may be able to flip your piercing up while working so it is not visible or find other ways to hide it.

The same goes for colds: wait until you’ve recovered completely and your stuffy nose is gone before getting your septum pierced. If you are allergic to specific things, like animals or flowers, avoid anything that would trigger your allergies while your piercing heals.

Plan to show up 10-15 minutes early for your appointment. Let your piercer know about any medications you are taking, which can change your septum piercing’s healing time.

Circular barbells: a simple bar piercing with a metal ball or spike at the end. Captive bead rings: a separable ball that goes between both ends of the ring. Septum clickers: a straight rod with a hinge that latches onto the piercing’s rod. Septum retainers: a curved piercing that can be flipped up or down.

If you are nervous, practice deep breathing or bring along a friend for moral support.

Ask your piercer whether they use numbing cream or cold packs to soothe the piercing pain.

Do not play with your septum piercing. Fiddling with your piercing will delay the healing process and increase the risk of infection.

Continue cleaning your septum piercing every day after it has healed to avoid unpleasant smells.

Pus accompanied by a lump near the piercing site is another infection symptom. [14] X Research source

Place the cold pack on your nose in 20-minute increments once every 2 to 4 hours or as needed. [16] X Research source

Dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil if you are sensitive to strong scents.

If the infection persists after medical treatment, contact your piercer to discuss possible removal options. You might re-pierce your septum several months after your septum has healed.