Guide to Stacking Septum Rings

Stacking is one of the more creative ways to build on a septum piercing. Whether you want a subtle layered look or a full mixed-metal stack, there are options for every level of commitment.

The initial decision

There is more than one way to approach stacking septum rings. The true stack involves stretching the septum piercing to a larger gauge over time. Most septum piercings start at 16g or 14g, and stretching to 10g, 8g, or 6g allows multiple smaller rings to fit side by side within the same opening. As the piercing stretches, the hole becomes oval-shaped, which is what allows the rings to sit parallel to each other.

For those not ready to stretch, faux stacks are a practical alternative. Multi-tier clickers and pre-stacked septum rings use a single standard-gauge bar that fits through the piercing, with additional rings hanging below in various configurations. The result mimics a true stack without the commitment of stretching.

Choosing your jewelry

Balance is the main consideration when stacking. Too much metal can weigh down the nose or overwhelm the face, so building gradually tends to work better than adding everything at once.

Smooth rings or clickers in 18g or 16g are a good starting point and typically serve as the foundation of the stack. From there, septum tusks and spikes can be added for texture and dimension. Tusks are tapered pieces that sit horizontally through the piercing, traditionally made from glass, bone, or horn. Spike clickers and curved barbells with downward-pointing spike ends add vertical interest and work well as accent pieces alongside rings and horseshoes.

For materials, implant-grade titanium (ASTM F-136) is the most recommended option. It is lightweight, nickel-free, and durable. Solid 14k or 18k gold is also suitable. Avoid gold-plated or gold-filled pieces, as the coating can flake and cause irritation over time. Organic tusks made from bone, horn, or glass are appropriate for healed and stretched piercings.

How to arrange your stack

There are three traditional arrangements to consider, though the approach can always be adjusted to suit your anatomy and preference.

In the core tusk style, a tusk is inserted through the center of a stretched septum piercing, with thin rings or clickers slid around or behind it. The rings anchor the tusk and frame it snugly against the base of the nose.

The spiked crown style leads with a circular barbell with spike ends or a spike clicker at the front, backed by two or three rings or clickers sitting closer to the face. Placing the rings behind the spikes pushes the spikes forward so they remain visible rather than getting hidden by the other jewelry.

For septum piercings stretched to 6g or larger, the ring-tusk-spike sandwich layers all three elements. One or two thin gold or titanium clickers sit at the front, a glass or organic tusk anchors the middle, and a horseshoe ring with downward-pointing spikes sits at the back.

PHOTO CREDIT: kehinde solomon o ogunsanya, _brunovisual