I got my septum pierced about two months ago. Before I got it pierced, I wore a fake ring to see if I liked it. There was a lot of mixed feedback, but I decided I really liked the look. After a pretty rough year, I wanted a change, so I went to get it pierced. I was not taking any opinions from anyone, but of course, since I got it done, I’ve heard all the things people constantly say to people with septum piercings.
1. Why would you want to ruin your pretty face?
Hmm I wouldn't say "ruin." To me, I’m not “ruining” my face. I am ENHANCING it. Septum piercings are for adornment. It’s a way for me to express myself. I got mine because I wanted to feel empowered. It seems trivial, but this piece of metal has boosted my self-esteem and made me feel strong.
2. Didn’t that hurt?
It hurt less than a getting a vaccination. If done correctly, septum piercings hardly hurt (or at least mine hardly hurt). The piercer is supposed to only pierce the thin layer of skin where your septum is, not the cartilage in your nose.
When I got mine done, there was a pinch and my eyes watered, but it was a quick, clean piercing. If you are considering getting your septum pierced, go to an experienced piercer. (If you’d like a recommendation, I got mine done at Metamorphosis on Broad Ripple Ave in Indianapolis, IN)
3. I don’t like it
To this, all I can say is: it's a good thing I didn’t ask you.
4. Is that real?
Before I got my septum pierced, I wore a fake ring to test out the look. I got a lot of feedback from it, but I decided I really liked it. So, yes, now it is real.
5. Septum piercings are so gaudy
This is an opinion even I used to have. Septum piercings can be really bold or really simple. Either way, they are outlets for personal expression and I’m all for self-expression. Piercings are often inspired by a person’s cultural background as a way to adorn oneself. Also, like tattoos, piercings can have sentimental meaning.
6. You are really intimidating
I still don’t see this one, but I have noticed that a significant amount of people have said that I look more intimidating. This is something I take more as a compliment now because, again, it’s kind of empowering.
7. How do you clean that thing?
Simple. I put some mild soap on my fingers and stick them up my nose. Sounds gross, but it has to get clean somehow (don’t worry I wash my hands after as well).
8. How are you going to get a job with that thing? (aka how do you hide it?)
I have a barbell ring, which allows me to flip my nose ring up into my nose if I need to conceal it. Septum rings are some of the easiest nose rings to conceal. Piercings and tattoos, in general, are becoming more widely accepted. People with tattoos and piercings are no less qualified and professional than someone without them.
9. Doesn’t having a ring in your nose annoy you?
I can hardly tell it’s there unless I look in the mirror. Sometimes I'll notice it when I take a big bite of my food, but otherwise, it's like it's not even there.
10. I love your septum piercing!
I mostly hear this one from other people with septum piercings, but since it’s becoming more widely accepted, I have heard it more often lately. I love when people tell me they like my piercing. Even though others' opinions of my appearance don't matter to me, I do like getting compliments on my septum ring just like anyone else would.
