Winter colds, spring allergies, a stuffy nose: sooner or later you will need to blow it. It feels automatic, until you have a stud or a ring in your nostril. If you are wondering how to blow your nose with a nose piercing, the good news is that it is simple.
It is just a small knack: learning to pinch the right spot on your nostril so you can clear your nose without hurting yourself or dislodging your jewelry. Below we cover the tenderness of the first days, the best technique for each type of jewelry, and how to manage a septum.
Table of Contents
Do Not Worry, It Will Not Hurt
If the idea of a nose piercing worries you because you are afraid you will never be able to blow your nose again, let us reassure you right away: you will still be able to blow your nose once you have your piercing.
Unless you choose a septum, your jewelry will most likely sit right where you are used to pinching (more or less firmly) when your nose runs or feels blocked. Do not worry: as long as you are gentle and mindful, it will not hurt.
If you had your piercing done only a few days ago and you feel you have to blow your nose very softly, you are right to do so, because the area can stay more sensitive for a short while.
Some Tenderness in the Days After the Piercing
In the first days after your nose piercing, go easy when you blow your nose, ideally pinching only the very tip of your nostrils. We know that is not the most effective method, especially when your nose is congested and you want to clear everything out.
But with the needle having passed through your nostril not long ago, it is normal for the skin to still be tender, so it is better not to press on that spot.
There is a second reason to blow your nose gently after a piercing: your healing. Pressing or blowing too hard while the hole is still healing can slow the process down and irritate the fresh piercing.
Want the full timeline? See our guide on how long a nose piercing takes to heal, and if you are still deciding, our honest take on whether a nose piercing hurts.
Blowing Your Nose: A Habit You Build Fast
The first few times you blow your nose with a piercing, you may not know exactly where or how to press. It is actually very simple: find the spot on your nostril where you can pinch without pressing on your jewelry.
If you press directly on the piercing, you may feel the end of the post or the inside of the ring, which is not exactly pleasant. Depending on your nose, pinch a little higher, a little lower, or slightly to the side. You will find what works for you very quickly.
Also keep in mind that among all our nose jewelry, some pieces have an L-shaped post that rests flat against the inner wall of your nostril, so it does not get in the way at all when you blow your nose.
How to Blow Your Nose With a Septum
If you chose to pierce your septum, the tip of your nose may also feel more sensitive for a few days. When you blow your nose you might notice some discomfort, but do not worry, it does not last. After a few days you can blow your nose normally again.
With a septum, if the way you usually pinch your nose bothers you, try pinching a little higher on your nostrils. Pinching there means you are less likely to catch the ring.
There is a good chance you will nudge your piercing slightly each time you wipe your nose, so make sure to seat it back in place so it does not fall out.
Conclusion
Learning how to blow your nose with a nose piercing just takes a little care. Depending on the jewelry you wear, you will feel the tip of the post inside your nose more or less, so the trick is to find the right spot to pinch your nostril without pressing on the piercing.
Blowing your nose can also loosen or shift your jewelry, so be gentle and reseat it each time to be sure you do not lose it. Within a few days, it will all feel automatic again.
