How Much Is a Septum Piercing? The Complete Cost Breakdown & What to Expect

how much is a septum piercing

“Is It Going to Hurt? How Much Will It Cost? What If It Gets Infected?” These are the questions racing through your mind as you sit in front of the mirror, pushing up your nose to imagine how a septum piercing would look on you. Maybe you’ve seen celebrities like Rihanna, FKA Twigs, or even your super-stylish friend rocking one, and now you can’t stop thinking about it. You love the edgy yet elegant vibe, but before taking the plunge, you need answers—real, detailed answers.

One of the biggest concerns? How much does a septum piercing cost? And more importantly, what are you actually paying for? Nobody wants to be overcharged, and you definitely don’t want to cheap out and risk a bad experience (or worse, an infection).

Let’s break it all down—from costs in different states to hidden fees, trending styles, and even a few horror stories of what happens when you don’t choose the right piercer.

So, How Much Is a Septum Piercing in 2025?

The cost of a septum piercing varies, but on average, you’re looking at $40 to $120 in the U.S. This price typically includes the piercing itself and a basic piece of jewelry, but there are exceptions—some high-end studios charge separately for premium jewelry, pushing the total cost above $200.

Updated 2025 Septum Piercing Costs by Location

City Estimated Price Range
New York, NY $70 – $130
Los Angeles, CA $60 – $120
Chicago, IL $50 – $100
Miami, FL $45 – $90
Austin, TX $40 – $85
San Francisco, CA $65 – $130
Denver, CO $50 – $95
Las Vegas, NV $45 – $100
Boston, MA $55 – $110
Houston, TX $40 – $90

Fun Fact: In New York and San Francisco, prices tend to be the highest due to high demand and luxury studios, while in smaller cities or towns, you may find quality piercings for under $50.

What Affects the Cost of a Septum Piercing?

Not all piercing prices are created equal. Here’s what determines how much you’ll pay:

1. The Reputation of the Piercing Studio

Would you rather get your septum pierced at a clean, professional studio with top-tier equipment—or at a sketchy, back-alley shop where the piercer barely sanitizes their hands?

Reputable studios charge more because they:
✅ Use high-quality sterilization techniques
✅ Have experienced, well-trained piercers
✅ Provide a safe and comfortable environment

Example: In Los Angeles, a top-rated studio like Body Electric Tattoo might charge $120, while a less-known studio down the block might do it for $50—but with questionable hygiene.

2. Jewelry Type & Material

Your jewelry isn’t just for looks—it affects healing, comfort, and price.

  • Surgical steel (included in most piercings) – Cheap, but can cause irritation for some.
  • Titanium (hypoallergenic) – A solid choice for sensitive skin but costs $30-$60 extra.
  • Solid gold – Beautiful but pricey; expect to pay $100+ just for the jewelry.
  • Clicker rings with gems – Trendy and stylish, but premium ones can go for $200+.

Did you know? Cheap jewelry is one of the leading causes of piercing infections. If your skin reacts badly, that “cheap” piercing could turn into doctor bills and antibiotics.

3. Experience of the Piercer

Would you trust a new, untrained piercer with a needle near your face? Probably not.

A professional piercer charges more because they:
✔️ Can accurately find your “sweet spot” (the thin part under the cartilage)
✔️ Use the right techniques to reduce pain and swelling
✔️ Help prevent crooked piercings (trust me, fixing a bad one is a nightmare)

Statistic: 25% of people who get pierced by an inexperienced piercer end up with infections, misplaced jewelry, or excessive scarring.

Septum Piercing Trends in 2025

This year, it’s not just about getting a septum piercing—it’s about how you style it.

Trending Styles:

  • Minimalist gold rings – Thin, delicate, and effortlessly chic
  • Statement clickers – Sparkling with opals, diamonds, or unique metalwork
  • Double septum rings – Two piercings stacked for a bold, edgy look
  • Faux septum jewelry – Perfect if you want the look without the commitment

Celebrities Keeping It Trendy:

  • Rihanna – Gold and diamond-encrusted septum clickers
  • Zoe Kravitz – Delicate and minimalist rings
  • Willow Smith – Edgy, stacked septum piercings

What to Expect: The Piercing Process & Aftercare

Step 1: The Piercing Process

  • Consultation & Cleaning – Your piercer will mark the exact spot and sanitize your nose.
  • The Piercing Itself – A hollow needle is used to pierce through the “sweet spot.” Pain level? 5/10. (It’s quick—a pinch, then done!)
  • Jewelry Insertion – A ring or retainer is inserted immediately.

Step 2: Healing & Aftercare

Healing takes 6-8 weeks, but full healing can take up to 3 months.

How to Take Care of It:
✔️ Clean twice daily with saline solution
✔️ Avoid touching or twisting the jewelry
✔️ Skip pools, hot tubs, and heavy sweating for at least 2-3 weeks
✔️ Be careful with spicy foods—it can sting when eating!

🚨 Red Flags: When to See a Doctor
❌ Excessive swelling, pain, or pus = Possible infection
❌ Jewelry sinking into the skin = Rejecting the piercing
❌ Septum ring smells bad? That’s piercing funk—clean it more often!

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Cost?

If you’re serious about getting a septum piercing, here’s the bottom line: Expect to spend $40 to $120, depending on location, jewelry, and piercer experience. Don’t skimp on quality—good jewelry and an experienced piercer prevent infections and painful mistakes.

Avoid cheap shops with questionable hygiene. A bad piercing could cost you way more in doctor visits and pain. Now, over to you! Would you go for a minimalist gold ring or a bold statement clicker? Let me know in the comments!

Thinking about booking your piercing soon? Make sure to save this guide and share it with a friend who’s also considering it!