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Getting a new nose ring can be a fun way to change your look but taking your nose stud in and out can sometimes be painful. No matter what type of nose stud you are using, it's important to know how to do it properly in order to make it as easy and painless as possible. Follow one of these methods, depending on which style nose stud you have, to properly take out or put in a nose stud.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Inserting and Removing an L-Shaped Nose Stud

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  1. Whenever changing any piercing start by washing your hands. You don't want bacteria or infections getting into a piercing. [1] Wash the area around your nose stud, whether you have a stud in or not. [2] Also wash the nose stud itself.
    • It is really important to clean the piece of metal that you are sticking into your body. Germs on the stud could transfer straight to your nose, so make sure the stud is clean.
    • It's a good idea to use a saline solution or a mild antiseptic solution to make sure the area is really clean but you can use hydrogen peroxide or plain soap too. Either way, make sure that the cleaner is washed off and the stud is dry before inserting it.
  2. An L-shaped stud is a simple piece of metal with a decorative end and a 90 degree angle at the other end. To insert it you will first need to find the hole in your nose. Push the end of the stud, the opposite end of the decorative end, in the hole making sure to be gentle and that the stud is going straight through to the other side of the hole. When you're sure that the end of the stud is through to the other side (you can feel the inside of your nose to make sure that it is) gently push the rest of the stud in, angling the stud to get the bent part of the stud through the hole.
    • Feel free to do this slowly, pushing only a little bit at a time.
    • The L-shaped nose stud is fully in when the decorative end of the stud is up against the outside of your nose.
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  3. To make sure that you've put in your nose stud correctly, lift up your nostril a bit and look in the mirror. You should be able to see the end of the L-shaped stud inside your nose. The end that is inside your nose should be pointing straight up or down, depending on your preference, and you shouldn't be able to feel it. If you can feel it or its just uncomfortable, readjust it's position.
    • L-shaped nose studs are easy to insert but that also means that they can come out of your nose pretty easily. Be aware of this and take care that it doesn't fall out or your piercing might close up. [3]
  4. Taking out your L-shaped nose stud is simple if you remember that inside your nose the stud is bent at a 90 degree angle. This means that as you pull it out of your nose, while holding onto the decorative end, you will need to angle it down to get the bent portion through your piercing hole. Once the bent portion is through, you can just remove your nose stud.
    • Remember to take your time, as a nose piercing can be sensitive to pressure and force.
    • Once again, make sure your hands and the area around the piercing are clean before handling your nose stud!
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Inserting and Removing a Corkscrew-Style Nose Stud

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  1. Whenever changing any piercing start by washing your hands. You don't want bacteria or infections getting into a piercing. [4] Wash the area around your nose stud, whether you have a stud in or not. Also wash the nose stud itself.
    • It is really important to clean the piece of metal that you are sticking into your body. Germs on the stud could transfer straight to your nose, so make sure the stud is clean.
    • It's a good idea to use a saline solution or a mild antiseptic solution to make sure the area is really clean but you can use hydrogen peroxide or plain soap too. Either way, make sure that the cleaner is washed off and the stud is dry before inserting it.
  2. A corkscrew-style stud is a simple piece of wire with a decorative end that is twisted in a loose spiral towards the other end. It can be a little more difficult to insert than other types of nose studs because it is twisted in an unusual shape.
    • To insert it you will first need to find the hole in your nose. Push the end of the stud, the opposite end of the decorative end, in the hole making sure to be gentle and that the stud is going straight through to the other side of the hole.
    • When you're sure that the end of the stud is through to the other side (you can feel the inside of your nose to make sure that it is) slowly push a little bit more of the stud in while simultaneously twisting the stud so the spiral of wire flows into the hole.
    • The L-shaped nose stud is fully in when the decorative end of the stud is up against the outside of your nose.
  3. To make sure that you've put in your nose stud correctly, lift up your nostril a bit and look in the mirror. You should be able to see the end of the corkscrew stud inside your nose. The end should be positioned so that you are not able to feel it. If you can feel it poking the inside of your nose, readjust it's position.
  4. Taking the stud out of your nose is simple if you remember that inside your nose it is shaped like a spiral. Begin pulling it out, holding onto the decorative end, and allow the stud to twist naturally as it comes out. Its easiest if you have a loose grip on the decorative end and allow the stud to move naturally as it comes out. No need to force it, this will only end up hurting.
    • Like when you put the stud in, remember to have clean hands and a clean area around the nose stud!
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Inserting and Removing a Hoop Nose Stud

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  1. Whenever changing any piercing start by washing your hands. You don't want bacteria or infections getting into a piercing. [5] Wash the area around your nose stud, whether you have a stud in or not. Also wash the nose stud itself.
    • It is really important to clean the piece of metal that you are sticking into your body. Germs on the stud could transfer straight to your nose, so make sure the stud is clean.
    • It's a good idea to use a saline solution or a mild antiseptic solution to make sure the area is really clean but you can use hydrogen peroxide or plain soap too. Either way, make sure that the cleaner is washed off and the stud is dry before inserting it.
  2. A hoop-style stud is a simple piece of wire that has been shaped into a circle, with a small gap between the ends of the wire. To insert it you will slip the opening in the hoop over your nostril, taking one of the ends of the hoop and putting it in your nose. The goal is to put the end of the wire that is in your nose through the piercing, going from inside out. This may take a little bit of feeling around with the ring but you should be able to push it through the hole, making sure to be gentle and that the stud is going straight through to the other side of the hole. Gently rotate the ring through your piercing until the opening of the circle is at the bottom of your nose.
    • There are several styles of hoop nose studs, ones that close the gap with a bead and ones that have a ball at one end of the gap that keeps the hoop in your nose. Either way, inserting and removing the hoop is similar.
    • If you have a bead attachment, this is when you will pop it into place between the two ends of the ring. If you have the other style, just simply keep rotating your nose hoop until the ball at the end is up against the inside of your nose.
  3. With a hoop nose stud this should be obvious. If it is comfortable and feels secure then you have done it right.
  4. Taking the stud out of your nose is as simple as moving the ring around until the end of the hoop comes out of the piercing, and then sliding it down and out of your nose. Allow the stud to move naturally as it comes out. No need to force it, this will only end up hurting.
    • Like when you put the stud in, remember to have clean hands and a clean area around the nose stud!
    • When purchasing a hoop nose stud, remember that the diameter of the hoop needs to be at lease as long as the distance between your nose piercing and the bottom of your nostril, so that it will fit easily around your nostril.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Inserting and Removing a Nose Bone Type Nose Stud

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  1. Whenever changing any piercing start by washing your hands. You don't want bacteria or infections getting into a piercing. [6] Wash the area around your nose stud, whether you have a stud in or not. Also wash the nose stud itself.
    • It is really important to clean the piece of metal that you are sticking into your body. Germs on the stud could transfer straight to your nose, so make sure the stud is clean.
    • It's a good idea to use a saline solution or a mild antiseptic solution to make sure the area is really clean but you can use hydrogen peroxide or plain soap too. Either way, make sure that the cleaner is washed off and the stud is dry before inserting it.
  2. A nose bone type nose stud is a straight piece of metal with a decorative piece on one end and a small bulb of metal on the other end. To insert it you will first need to find the hole in your nose. Push the round end of the stud, the opposite end of the decorative end, in the hole making sure to be gentle and that the stud is going straight through to the other side of the hole.
    • You may need to hold your nostril taught with your other hand to get the small ball to go through the opening. This can definitely be a bit uncomfortable and for a lot of people it is a bit painful.
    • Feel free to do this slowly, pushing only a little bit at a time. You will know when the end of the stud is through to the other side, as the decorative end of the stud will be up against the outside of your nose.
  3. To make sure that you've put in your nose stud correctly, lift up your nostril a bit and look in the mirror. You should be able to see the end of the stud inside your nose. Twist it around a little bit to make sure its in well. If you can feel it or its just uncomfortable, readjust it's position.
    • Nose bone type nose studs are easy to insert but that also means that they can come out of your nose pretty easily. Be aware of this and take care that it doesn't fall out or your piercing might close up. [7]
  4. Taking out your nose stud is simple but a little uncomfortable. Pull it straight out of your nose, while holding onto the decorative end with one hand and pulling your nostril taught with the other hand.
    • Be sure to do this gently, as getting the bulb through your piercing can be uncomfortable. Remember to take your time because a nose piercing can be sensitive to pressure and force.
    • Once again, make sure your hands and the area around the piercing are clean before handling your nose stud!
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Community Q&A

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Add New Question
  • Question
    I have a nose ring that I got pierced with but instead of a ball on the end it's like a flat piece. It's healed up and I want to change it but I don't know how to get it out. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Grab each end and pull gently.
  • Question
    What can I do if my nose stud is stuck inside my nose and I am in pain?
    Community Answer
    Your nose is probably swollen. Try to avoid touching it and ice it to decrease pain/swelling. And over-the-counter pain reliever will help too. Then, your best bet is to return to your piercing place and have them remove it for you.
  • Question
    Can I put Duo glue on the tip of my nose ring to keep it in place?
    Community Answer
    You should never put glue anywhere on your face.
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      Tips

      • Every type of nose stud comes in a variety of diameters and sizes. Your piercing should start off with a relatively small diameter of metal (called its gauge). If you would like to increase the gauge of your piercing you need to do it gradually. [8] It may be a good idea to consult a professional piercer to find out the correct method for your piercing.
      • Nose piercings aren't just a modern fad but have a long history, especially for women in India. They are an essential part of the wedding ceremony for many Indian women. [9]
      • Make sure to buy a good, quality nose stud. If you can afford it, buy studs made out of precious metals and avoid cheap nose studs.
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      References

      1. Stephanie Anders. Piercing Specialist. Expert Interview. 4 December 2019.
      2. http://uhs.berkeley.edu/home/healthtopics/bodypiercing.shtml
      3. http://uhs.berkeley.edu/home/healthtopics/bodypiercing.shtml
      4. Stephanie Anders. Piercing Specialist. Expert Interview. 4 December 2019.
      5. Stephanie Anders. Piercing Specialist. Expert Interview. 4 December 2019.
      6. Stephanie Anders. Piercing Specialist. Expert Interview. 4 December 2019.
      7. http://uhs.berkeley.edu/home/healthtopics/bodypiercing.shtml
      8. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15771237
      9. http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/adorning-the-nose/article3244249.ece

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        Aug 2, 2016

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