What gauge is a septum piercing? When I got my septum pierced last year, I had no idea about it. Turns out, most septum piercings are done at a 14 or 16 gauge.
But all this talk of gauges got me thinking about the right size for my piercing. That rabbit hole led me to learn way more than I expected about measuring the septum jewelry.
Decoding the Septum Piercing Gauges
Gauges refer to the thickness of the piercing jewelry. Standard septum gauges are 16g or 14g, which are pretty small compared to ear stretching sizes.
Choosing the right gauge is important so healing goes smoothly and you can modify it later. Who knew nose piercings had so much to consider in just a millimeter of metal?
What Gauge is a septum piercing: discover the Piercing Gauge
If you’re new to body piercings, the whole gauge size thing can be really confusing at first. Essentially, the term “gauge” denotes the thickness or diameter of the shaft of the jewelry that passes through your piercing.
This measurement can be in either millimeters (mm) or inches. A higher gauge number indicates that the jewelry is thinner.
For example, something like a 16 gauge stud is only 1.2mm wide, so it can fit through a smaller piercing hole like an earlobe or nostril.
A thicker 8 gauge bar is 3.2mm, better for wider holes like a nipple or septum piercing. I like to remember it as “small numbers for big holes.
” Makes sense, right? I had no idea what size jewelry I needed at the time of my first piercing. The piercer was like “this 16g will be good for your helix” and I just nodded cluelessly.
Now I know that a 16-gauge is 1.2mm, which is pretty standard for ear cartilage. Over time as the hole heals, you can stretch up to a bigger gauge if you want.
So far, I’ve transitioned from an 18-gauge to a 14-gauge for my lobe piercings. Measurement of different gauge sizes:
- 00g = 9.3mm (3/8-inch)
- 0g = 8.3mm (5/16-inch)
- 2g = 6.5mm (1/4-inch)
- 8g = 3.2mm (1/8-inch)
- 14g = 1.6mm (1/16-inch)
- 16g = 1.2mm (0.05 inches)
- 18g = 1.0mm (0.04 inches)
The Best Gauge Size for Septum Piercings and Jewelry Choices
There are several size and style options for septum piercing. But if you’re not too confident to experiment, you better stick to the most common gauges and jewelry types.
What gauge is a septum piercing? The usual starter gauge is 16G, which is 1.2mm thick. Some people go up to 14g (1.6mm) for a bolder look, but people with a small nose should start with 18g (1.0mm) or 20g (0.81mm).
I would recommend having an experienced piercer evaluate your nose to determine the most suitable gauge for you.
Standard 16G clickers, captive bead rings, and circular barbells are super secure and come in cute designs.
Captive bead rings can be changed up by switching the bead. Horseshoe style rings are adjustable and give off that cool bull vibe.
For a subtle look, try petite 16G regular hoop nose rings. And when your piercing has healed, a segment ring makes swapping jewelry a breeze.
I love how customizable septum piercings are, thanks to the variety of gauge sizes and jewelry available. A 16g or 14g horseshoe is my go-to for daily wear.
I save my bejeweled clickers for nights out.
How Important Is Picking the Perfect Piercing Gauge?
If you’re considering a new piercing, the gauge size you choose really matters. Starting with the proper gauge makes healing easier and opens up more options if you want to stretch your piercing later on.
It’s better to ask an expert piercer for the ideal gauge suggestion rather than choosing one yourself. For example, they may go up a gauge if you have thicker cartilage.
Too small a gauge risks rejection or migration pain, while too large can mean a longer healing time. What gauge is a septum piercing?
Personally, I’ve found 16g or 14g to be a good minimum gauge for most piercings. My 16g septum piercing got irritated easily, so I stretched up to 14g once healed.
Go much thinner than 16g and you likely won’t be able to stretch much, if at all. It’s also crucial to wait until fully healed before sizing up, usually a few months minimum.
Attempting to stretch too soon can seriously damage or tear the piercing. Patience pays off in the long run, leading to healthier, stretched piercings.
What Gauge Is a Septum Piercing: Finding the Right Fit for You
Sizing up a new piercing? Choosing the ideal piercing gauge involves considering your unique face and nose anatomy.
Also, it depends on the piercer’s recommendations and your future stretching plans.
Factor 1: Your Facial Anatomy and Septum Size
Picking the right gauge and diameter according to your facial anatomy can be tricky if you’re new to this whole piercing thing.
Septum sizes are super variable from person to person. The gauge (thickness) often depends on the actual size of your septum.
Folks with smaller “sweet spots” do better with thinner gauges like 18g instead of the standard 16g. Make sure the piercer tailors their gauge recommendation based on examining your nose up close.
Diameter (the circular size) matters too. If you want to flip the ring up into your nose to hide it, you’ll likely need a larger diameter.
Those who prefer a snug “fitted” look tend to opt for smaller diameters. I suggest trying on a few different sizes with your piercer to see what feels most secure and comfortable.
Factor 2: Personal Style and Jewelry Preferences
Your personal style definitely influences what gauge you should go for. If you want an edgier, bold look, a thicker gauge like 14g or 12g is the way to go.
I prefer chunky septum clickers, so I sized up to 14g once my piercing healed. The substantial gauge shows off my jewelry better.
Some people like larger gauge jewelry, like 8g or 6g. And a handful of them unlock the god-level with 2g or 00g gauge!
However, you must consult a professional before going that extreme. If you lean minimalist, dainty jewelry often looks best with thinner 16g or 18g piercings.
A cute little 16g hoop will pair perfectly with a petite nose. For fancy occasions, you can swap in a gold, titanium, or sterling silver horseshoe ring.
And don’t forget the width of your actual jewelry. A 16g ring with an embellished design can make more of a statement than a 14g or 12g piece.
I like to balance thinner gauge piercings with jewelry that has some visual weight.
Gauging a Septum Piercing: Things to Do
Stretching the septum piercing requires patience and care. If possible, do it by a professional piercer. If not, you can do this by using a taper.
After about 3 months when the piercing is fully healed, you can start sizing up if desired. Lubricate the gauge and gently slide it through the piercing using a taper.
Go up just 1 size at a time, waiting 1-2 months between stretches to give your septum time to adjust. Stretching too fast can cause blowouts or tears.
Some sting or soreness is normal at first but shouldn’t persist. If you ever feel a sharp pain, stop immediately and see a piercer.
Patience pays off for healthy stretched piercings. With proper time and care, you can gradually achieve your goal septum gauge.
It’s a journey, but so worth it when you finally get to rock that bold look you’ve been dreaming of!
What Happens When You Gauge Your Piercings Wrong?
A wrong piercing gauge can bring some health complications. The possible risks and corrective measures you can take for the wrong piercing gauge are:
Health Complications for Using a Wrong Piercing Gauge
Choosing the wrong piercing gauge can spell T-R-O-U-B-L-E! Too small a gauge means jewelry will be painfully tight, leading to irritation bumps or torn tissues.
Too large and your piercing risks getting stretched out or damaged. I made the mistake of inserting a 14g ring into my freshly pierced 16g septum.
It was so painful that I had to remove it immediately and have it checked by my piercer. Moral of the story: always follow your piercer’s gauge recommendation, or you may end up with lopsided, even infected piercings.
Listen to the experts, be patient, and avoid potential issues by starting with the ideal size jewelry for your piercing.
Does your nose piercing smell? This article can provide a solution.
The Fixes for Piercing Gauge Mistakes
Picked the wrong piercing gauge? No worries, there are some clever corrective options so you can still rock your dream look.
You can try tapering up gradually to your desired size if possible. Go slow and steady. I tapered from an ill-fitted 16g to a comfy 14g in my septum.
If tapering isn’t working, ask your piercer about surgical correction methods. Dermal punching is about removing a small, circular piece of tissue from your piercing.
It lets you jump up several gauge sizes at once, unlike gradual tapering. However, dermal punching is still a medical procedure and carries risks like infection and scarring if not done properly.
I’d recommend having an extremely experienced professional piercer perform any punching.
The Takeaway
What gauge is a septum piercing? The most common starter gauges are 16g or 14g, based on your individual anatomy.
It’s crucial to go up just one size at a time, waiting months in between stretches to allow proper healing. It’s better to consult a professional piercer to determine the perfect gauge for you.
What Gauge Is a Septum Piercing FAQs
Is septum piercing 14G or 16G?
The standard gauging size for a septum piercing is 16g. Most people start with this size and go up from there. However, you can choose between 12g and 20g, depending on your gauging goal.
How do I know what size my septum ring is?
Cut a thin strip of paper in a straight line and place it in a way so the edge aligns with the bottom of the piercing inside your nose. Mark where the edge of your nostril meets on the strip. Measure the distance between the paper edge and the mark you made in millimeters. This will give you the inner diameter measurement of the ring.
Can I put a 14G in a 16G septum piercing?
Unless you want to stretch your septum piercing, it’s not recommended to wear a 14g into a 16g hole. Wearing a bigger gauge will damage the tissue and may cause infection.
How thick is a 16G septum ring?
The 16g septum rings are 1.2mm or 0.05 inches thick. It’s the standard sizing for septum piercing. However, a 14g or 18g could be the ideal starter gauge for some people.
What gauge is a septum piercing?
Septum piercings are generally done in two main gauges: 16G (1.2mm) for a more delicate look, and 14G (1.6mm) for a slightly thicker appearance.