How to Stretch & Care for Your Septum Piercing: A Complete Guide

PDF download Download Article
Learn how long to wait between septum stretches
PDF download Download Article

Many people love the look of thick, heavy jewelry in their septum piercings, but to get your piercing large enough to fit bigger jewelry, you have to stretch it first. Stretching is a long, gradual process that requires aftercare and special jewelry materials, but it’s easy to do at home or with the help of a professional piercer. In this article, we’ll explain how to stretch your septum , including the best aftercare practices , the safest septum stretching jewelry , and more with expert tips from body piercing specialist Karissa Sanford and professional body piercer David Wilkins!

How to Stretch a Septum Piercing: A Quick Guide

After your initial septum piercing is completely healed, insert a new piece of nonporous jewelry 1 gauge size larger than your current piercing. Leave the piercing in place for 1-2 months, then repeat the process with the next size up. Clean your piercing daily with saline solution or mild soap.

Section 1 of 10:

How to Stretch Your Septum at Home

PDF download Download Article
  1. Not everyone has the anatomy to safely stretch their septum, so ask your piercer if this is something you can do. Your piercer will also inspect your piercing to make sure it was positioned properly and isn’t crooked, as this also affects whether or not you can stretch your septum.
    • Your piercing may heal crooked due to a poor piercing technique, improperly sized jewelry, or a deviated septum. If your piercing isn’t straight when you stretch it, your jewelry may not sit right.
    • If the piercing is crooked, your piercer may recommend you take it out, let the piercing close, and then get it redone straight. [1]
  2. 2
    Wait 2-3 months after getting pierced before stretching your septum. Wait until your new septum piercing is fully healed before you try to stretch it. If you start too early, you could damage the cartilage in your nose and increase your risk of an infection. Even if your septum piercing looks fully healed from the outside, it could still be repairing itself under the skin. [2]
    • For some people, the first septum piercing healing process can take 6-8 months or even longer. It depends on how quickly their body heals and whether they're consistent with their aftercare routine.
    • Never had a septum piercing before and want to know what it's like? Check out our "What do I need to know before getting a septum piercing?" forum page and get the tea from other wikiHow readers!
    Advertisement
  3. 3
    Decide what size you want to stretch your septum piercing to. Professional piercers refer to piercing sizes as gauges. A gauge is a measurement of the thickness of the jewelry being inserted, meaning it also tells you the piercing's circumference. 16G is the smallest septum piercing gauge at 0.05 in (1.2 mm), and 00G is the largest at 0.375 in (10 mm). After that, piercing sizes are expressed in inches and can go as big as 0.75 in (19 mm). [3]
    • Most septum piercings start out at a 16G or 14G. From there, it’s possible to size up to a 00G if you want, but just know that it takes a long time to reach that point if you're only stretching your septum at home.
    • Only stretch your piercing one gauge at a time to avoid damaging your septum.
  4. 4
    Wash your hands and clean your new septum jewelry. Before you swap out your old piercing for a new one, thoroughly wash your hands and sterilize the jewelry by soaking it in warm water with antibacterial soap. [4] Make sure your piercing location is clean, as well, by soaking the tip of your nose in saline solution.
  5. 5
    Remove your septum jewelry and insert the next size up with a taper. A taper is a piercing tool that helps insert jewelry into a piercing. If you can’t insert the bigger jewelry by hand, slide it onto the taper . Insert the thinner end of the taper into your piercing, and pass the tool all the way through your septum to help stretch your piercing to fit the jewelry. [5] According to Wilkins, applying a water-based lubricant on the taper can make the process even easier.
    • For example, if you’re wearing a 16G piercing, replace it with a 14G piercing.
    • When used incorrectly, tapers can force a stretch too soon and damage your septum. If you can’t insert the jewelry on your own and don’t have experience using a taper, visit your piercer for assistance.
    • For the best results, opt for single flare plugs , circular barbells , or captive bead rings in a safe, non-porous material. [6]
  6. 6
    Leave the piercing in your septum for at least 1-2 months. Allow your stretched septum to heal and adjust to the new jewelry size for at least 1-2 months. If you can wait up to 6 months, that's even better because it gives the piercing even more time to heal. During this period, avoid taking the jewelry out for longer than a few minutes. Piercings can close up surprisingly fast, even if you've had them for a year! [7] Remember to clean it at least once or twice daily, just like you did when you got pierced for the first time.
  7. 7
    Repeat every 1-2 months until you achieve your desired size. It may sound like a long time, but gradually stretching your septum piercing one size at a time is the key to reaching your goals. If you try to rush the process, you run the risk of overstretching and causing problems like tissue damage or thinning. Overstretching can also cause the cartilage to "blow out," or push outward, which isn't a great look. [8]
    8. Advertisement
Section 2 of 10:

Other Stretching Methods

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Taping Another way to stretch your septum piercing is to wrap a 1–1.5 in (2.5–3.8 cm) strip of PTFE or bondage tape around your existing jewelry to slightly increase its size. Lubricate the taped area, then reinsert the jewelry. After 1-2 months, add another piece of tape on top of the second one. Repeat until your piercing is stretched to your desired gauge size. This method is just as gradual as the taper, but it’s more customizable and, according to some, more comfortable. [9]
  2. 2
    Septum stacking Septum stacking is when you stretch your septum piercing out by inserting multiple smaller rings into your nose over time. Start with one ring, wait 3-6 months, then add another. Repeat this process until you reach your desired size. Just be aware that your piercing may be more elongated as it expands rather than round. [10]
  3. 3
    Dead stretching Dead stretching is a method that involves inserting jewelry that is slightly larger than your current size without the use of tapers or other tools. Simply replace the jewelry after 1-2 months or whenever your septum has completely healed and adjusted to the new size. This method can be quick and efficient, but requires a lot of practice and may be uncomfortable. [11]
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 10:

Septum Stretching Aftercare

PDF download Download Article
  1. Soak the tip of your nose in saline solution for 5-10 minutes. This helps soothe your piercing, which will be sore and tender. Alternatively, clean your septum gently with a mild, fragrance-free liquid soap while showering. [12]
    • Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or scented body soaps. When it comes to cleaning your septum piercing (or any piercing), the fewer and the milder cleansers you use, the better!
  2. 2
    Rinse your septum in warm water daily for the rest of the healing period. This will help prevent a buildup of dead skin cells or bacteria. If your piercing is healed and the jewelry is easy to remove, take it out for a few minutes to get a deeper clean. [13] Sanford suggests holding "some hot water in your hands while you're showering and blow[ing] bubbles in it with your nose."
  3. 3
    Massage your septum piercing with oil to hydrate and heal your skin. After the initial healing time of 1-2 weeks, start massaging jojoba or coconut oil into the skin around your piercing. These oils are anti-bacterial and will help prevent the tissue in your nose from drying out and tearing as it continues to stretch. [14]
  4. 4
    Avoid touching or flipping your septum piercing until it’s healed. Aside from cleaning it, the best way to allow your septum piercing to heal during stretching is to leave it alone! When it comes to piercing aftercare, Sanford says, "Less is more," meaning the less you fiddle with it, the better. She adds that you also shouldn't flip it up "several times a day" to try to hide it .
    5. Advertisement
Section 4 of 10:

Does it hurt to stretch your septum?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Yes, there is some discomfort and a small amount of pain. Soreness, tenderness, and eye watering are normal during septum stretching. However, if the piercing gives you a lot of pain or itchiness, or your septum starts bleeding, you may have a bigger problem. In that case, take the new jewelry out and put the smaller-sized jewelry back in. Your septum may not be ready to start stretching yet, or you could be allergic to a metal in the jewelry. [15] Always talk to a professional piercer about intense discomfort and ways to mitigate it.
Section 5 of 10:

Safest Septum Stretching Jewelry

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Use septum jewelry made from non-porous materials. Stainless steel, titanium, gold, platinum, niobium, and glass are some of the best options. These are all non-porous materials, which won't trap moisture or cause bacteria to build up. Some plastics, like medical tubing or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), are also okay to use for stretching your piercing. Glass jewelry should be free of lead, and precious metals should be free of nickel. [16]
    • Avoid using bone, hardwood, or other porous materials during the septum stretching process. It’s okay to wear these types of jewelry once your septum is completely healed, but they're not hygienic enough to use at the beginning of the process.
  2. 2
    Wear only single flare plugs, circular barbells, or captive bead rings. These are the most common types of septum piercing jewelry, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding them in the right material and size. Avoid tapered jewelry or spikes until you're done stretching or if you're taking a longer break between stretches (your septum should also be completely healed!). [17]
    3. Advertisement
Section 6 of 10:

Septum Stretching Size Guide

PDF download Download Article
  1. 16G is the smallest septum size, and 0.75 in (19 mm) is the largest. Gauge sizes are even numbers only. The higher the gauge number (G), the thinner the jewelry, and the lower the gauge number, the thicker the ring or post. After 00G, piercing sizes are expressed in inches, starting at 0.44 in (11 mm) and going up to 0.75 in (19 mm). [18] Gradually increase the size of your piercing from 16G to 00G or any size in between using your own jewelry at home or with the guidance of a professional piercer.
    • How much you can increase your septum piercing size depends on the anatomy of your nose and how well your tissue responds to stretching. Some people can only go up a couple of sizes, while others can go all the way to 2G, 0G, or 00G.
    • If you want to quickly go up several sizes, ask a professional piercer about increasing the piercing size with a dermal punch. This method removes excess cartilage, which can sometimes bunch up or cause your nose to look distorted during stretching. [19]
    • Keep in mind, though, that the healing process for a dermal punch may take much longer than 1-2 months. The aftercare process will be like caring for a brand-new piercing.
Section 7 of 10:

How long does it take to stretch your septum?

PDF download Download Article
  1. The amount of time it takes to stretch your septum depends on which gauge you're starting with and where you want to end up. 1-2 months is the minimum amount of time for stretching from one gauge to another. [20] If you have a 14G piercing and want to increase it 3 sizes to 8G, that could take 3-6 months. If you want to go from a 14G to a 00G by stretching, it could take 8-16 months.
    • This doesn't include any breaks you might need to take for life circumstances between inserting a new gauge size, nor does it account for your body's unique healing needs.
    • Be realistic about your septum stretching goals and how long it could take for you to meet them. The important thing is to be patient and allow your piercing to heal properly. Otherwise, you could develop infections and delay the process even more.
    2. Advertisement
Section 8 of 10:

Potential Risks of Septum Stretching

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Nose distortion Some people who stretch their septums notice their nose looks misshapen or distorted over time. That's because cartilage—the tissue which the nose is made of—is softer and more pliable than bone. As your septum piercing stretches and the jewelry puts pressure on the inside of your nose, it can start to bulge and look more bulbous from the outside. This is normal and won't impact your health, but it's not always an ideal or attractive look. [21]
    • Consult your piercer on how far it's safe to stretch your septum without changing the shape of your nose (if that's a concern for you).
  2. 2
    Overstretching Overstretching occurs when you stretch your septum piercing too quickly and don't give it enough time to heal properly. If this happens, you may notice some skin around the piercing bulging out in a phenomenon called "blowout." The cartilage may thin or disappear altogether. Some people even lose their septum piercing completely! In that case, there's nothing you can do to repair it, so you'd have to stop wearing septum jewelry. That's why stretching gradually, while time-consuming, is extremely important. [22]
  3. 3
    Allergic reactions Some people experience redness and irritation around their septum piercing while stretching because they're having an allergic reaction. This can happen when you use jewelry containing an inferior metal, like nickel. In most cases, all it takes to recover is to remove the jewelry and replace it with a precious metal with no nickel or other allergens. [23]
    • If you're at a point in the stretching process where removing the ring would be detrimental to your stretch, talk to a professional piercer. They may recommend downsizing until the allergic reaction clears up.
  4. 4
    Tearing and scarring Stretching your septum piercing without following the proper procedures can lead to tearing, followed by scarring. These complications can prevent you from stretching your piercing any further. [24]
  5. 5
    Infection An infection occurs when bacteria builds up in your septum piercing. This can happen when you don't clean your piercing properly, if you use non-porous jewelry, or if you try to stretch your septum too quickly. An infected septum piercing will present the following symptoms: [25]
    • Redness
    • Inflammation
    • Swelling
    • Yellow pus
    • It's normal to experience some pain, redness, and clear discharge during the first 1-2 weeks of septum stretching, but those symptoms should go away quickly. If they get worse and develop into the symptoms of an infection, seek medical attention.
  6. 6
    Septal hematoma A nasal septal hematoma is a collection of blood and fluid in the septum. This occasionally happens to people who stretch their septum piercings too fast and injure the tissue. Symptoms of a septal hematoma include trouble breathing through your nose, congestion, swelling, and a fever. See a doctor right away if you think you might have a septal hematoma. [26]
  7. 7
    Bloodborne diseases If you or your piercer uses unsterilized needles, dermal punches, tapers, or jewelry to stretch your piercing, you're at risk of contracting a bloodborne disease. This is a serious illness that can be transmitted from one human to another through their blood. Common bloodborne diseases include hepatitis B and C, HIV, and tetanus. [27]
    • This is why it’s important to get pierced in a professional, sterile environment.
    8. Advertisement
Section 9 of 10:

What to Do If Your Septum Piercing Is Infected

PDF download Download Article
  1. Clean the piercing two times a day with warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat it dry with a paper towel, then apply an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin or Polysporin . Follow the instructions on the ointment’s label to apply it properly. Take an over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen as needed to help reduce the pain and swelling. [28]
  2. If at-home treatments aren't working or the infection seems to be getting worse, it's best to seek help from a medical professional. [29] They may need to prescribe antibiotics, drain an abscess, or remove the piercing.
    • Don't remove the piercing before you see your doctor! The only time you should remove it is if you're having an allergic reaction to the jewelry. In that case, immediately swap it out for a better material.
    3. Advertisement
Section 10 of 10:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Why do people stretch their septums? People stretch their septums to be able to wear thicker, heavier septum jewelry or more jewelry at one time. It's also an expression of their unique personality and fashion sense. In some cases, people may also stretch their septum for cultural traditions.
  2. 2
    Can you stretch a crooked septum piercing? Depending on how crooked the piercing is, it may be possible to stretch it, but it’s generally not a good idea. The piercing will still be crooked as it gets bigger, and your jewelry won't sit properly. If you suspect your piercing is crooked, talk to a professional piercer to see if you can stretch it safely and effectively.
  3. 3
    Will a stretched septum close or shrink? Yes, a stretched septum can close or shrink over time if you leave your jewelry out of it long enough. If it's still healing, it can close up overnight. After it heals, it may take several months to start shrinking. Other factors to consider are the size of your piercing and how fast your body heals. [30]
    • Keep in mind, though, that stretched septums typically won’t shrink all the way to their original size. Severely stretched septums may require surgical intervention to shrink them completely.
  4. 4
    Can you downsize a stretched septum piercing? Yes, it is usually possible to downsize your piercing. Do so gradually by swapping out your current gauge with the next smallest gauge until the piercing closes over it. However, unlike ear stretching, a stretched septum may not return to its original size.
  5. 5
    Can I stretch my septum from a 16G to a 12G? Yes, in most cases, it’s possible to stretch your septum piercing from a 16G to a 12G. However, it’s important to do so gradually, moving up one size at a time, to avoid complications like tissue damage and blowout. Ask a professional piercer if they think your anatomy is suited for that larger size.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      • If you don’t have experience stretching piercings and don’t think you can do so safely, visit a professional piercer instead.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Get Rid of a Piercing Bump in Your Cartilage
      Nose Rings and Their Sexual Meanings
      What Does It Mean to Have a Left Nostril Piercing? TikTok, Spirituality, & More
      How to
      Remove a Nose Ring
      How to
      Pierce Your Septum
      How to
      Put in a Nose Stud, Hoop, or Corkscrew Ring
      Treating Your Infected Nose Piercing at Home (and When to See a Doctor)
      How to
      Get Rid of a Nose Piercing Bump ASAP
      How to
      Change a Nose Piercing
      How to
      Put a Hoop Nose Ring in
      How to
      Take Your Nose Stud in and out of Your Nose
      Will Your Nose Piercing Close Overnight If You Take Out Your Jewelry?
      How to
      Get a Nose Piercing to Close
      How to
      Clean Your Nose Piercing
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.bodycandy.com/blogs/body-jewelry-blog/ask-body-candy-my-septum-is-crooked-can-i-train-it
      2. ↑ https://safepiercing.org/aftercare/
      3. ↑ https://safepiercing.org/stretching/
      4. ↑ https://uhs.berkeley.edu/health-topics/body-piercings
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/fQKPrnwvYic?si=Qjia_QMjjDytbPLQ&t=7
      6. ↑ https://bodyartforms.com/blog/how-to-stretch-your-septum-piercing
      7. ↑ https://safepiercing.org/stretching/
      8. ↑ https://safepiercing.org/stretching/
      9. ↑ https://www.customplugs.com/blogs/blog/a-comprehensive-guide-to-tape-for-stretching-ears-a-safe-and-effective-method
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/3eenwZ0pbus?si=0691vL-gdXlBtEgo&t=652
      2. ↑ https://amatopiercing.com/piercings/stretching/?srsltid=AfmBOoovSHN_J539GMGlL9FQMUrTtcNJ3W0w64t42XTgGmCwJKcQ38BK
      3. ↑ https://safepiercing.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/APP_Procedures_2013_A_Web.pdf
      4. ↑ https://safepiercing.org/stretching/
      5. ↑ https://safepiercing.org/stretching/
      6. ↑ https://safepiercing.org/stretching/
      7. ↑ https://safepiercing.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/APP_Procedures_2013_A_Web.pdf
      8. ↑ https://bodyartforms.com/blog/how-to-stretch-your-septum-piercing
      9. ↑ https://safepiercing.org/stretching/
      10. ↑ https://bodyartforms.com/blog/how-to-stretch-your-septum-piercing
      11. ↑ https://youtu.be/iBA3GvJFbvE?si=quWgPgJBsO3mCt_a&t=46
      12. ↑ https://youtu.be/iBA3GvJFbvE?si=OVfv_KB6bt4cwV-I&t=184
      13. ↑ https://safepiercing.org/stretching/
      14. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/infected-nose-piercing
      15. ↑ https://www.monsterpiercing.com/blogs/news/septum-stretching-101-how-to-size-up-safely-stylishly
      16. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/infected-nose-piercing
      17. ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/nasal-septal-hematoma
      18. ↑ https://ufhealth.org/stories/2016/trendy-nose-rings-can-pose-health-risks
      19. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/infected-nose-piercing
      20. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/infected-nose-piercing
      21. ↑ https://plugyourholes.com/blogs/blog/how-fast-can-a-septum-piercing-close

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 77 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement