Which Type of Nose Ring Stays in the Best?

When it comes to which type of nose ring stays in the best, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The answer depends on which type of nose piercing the jewelry is going to be worn in. High-quality nose jewelry that is well-designed will stay put and shouldn’t fall out during normal activities or while sleeping, but there are some basic guidelines to follow to help you choose which nose ring is best for your piercing.

Nose Studs

Nose studs are one of the types of nose rings that stays in the best for most nostril piercings. Nosebones are short, straight barbells that have a larger decorative end and a smaller end that rests on the inside. The end is small enough to push through the piercing but will still anchor the jewelry in. Threadless barbells are two separate pieces that each have an end (a decorative side and the anchor end), and they slide or push into each other. One side has a small bend or curve, and this locks the two pieces together so they don’t separate.

Nose Screws

Nose screws and L bend nose rings also considered nose studs and are worn in the nostril. The difference is that they aren’t straight barbells. Nostril screws have a spiral-type curve halfway down the stud and this threads through the piercing then rests against the inside of the nostril to keep the jewelry in place. L bend nose rings stay in the same way, but they have a 45-degree bend instead of a twist/screw.

Retainers

Retainers are flesh-colored or clear-colored pieces of jewelry that are designed to camouflage or hide your nose ring, usually for work or school. They will hold the piercing open safely and securely when you can’t wear regular jewelry. There are nostril screw style retainers and retainers for the septum that flip up into your nose.

Rings & Hoops

For septum piercings, rings and hoops are the usual choice. These include segment hoop rings, captive rings, and clickers. Each of these rings is a circular or semicircular piece of jewelry that fastens or “clicks” shut, so that it won’t fall out. Segment hoop rings are circular and have a hinge with a closure that clicks into place. Clickers can be circular or semicircular and they also have a hinge with a clicking closure. Captive rings are circular and closed with by a bead that is held in with pressure (the bead/ball has two indents for the ring to fit into). All of these rings and hoops close snugly and securely, and it takes direct applied pressure to “pop” or “click” them back open.

Circular Barbells

Circular barbells are another option for septum piercings. They are shaped like a horseshoe and have a ball (or a spike!) on each end, instead of being a complete circle closed with one bead. Both ends of the barbell will be visible, and the ends keep the jewelry from sliding out. For circular barbells, the ends should be checked occasionally to ensure they remain securely tightened.