What is the best nose hoop size to get?
Hoop nose rings are sexy, and they’re more than a fad. They’re a great way to do “you.” But which size should you get? Read on to learn more about sizing so you can dress up your nose like a boss.
Gauge
Gauge is the thickness of the post that pierces through the nostril. The standard size is a 20 gauge, which is a post that is .8 millimeters thick (or mm for you Imperial system diehards). Many jewelry stores and professional piercers in the US deal exclusively in 20 gauge, but gauges do range from 22 (thinnest, .6mm) to 16 (thickest, 1.2mm).
What is considered a standard gauge varies throughout the world? Piercings in the Middle East and India typically are 22. If you live in the US, Australia, UK, or Europe and just want that teeny tiny size, you might have to go to a craftsperson to get one specially made for you. A gauge of 18 might not be that common, but these rings still give you some stylish options.
Gauge matters because everyone’s nose size and shape are different. You don’t want a gauge that’s too thick or thin. A post that is too thin will appear loose and might slip out–if you don’t accidentally inhale it first.
Diameter
Diameter is the length between the inside rims of the hoop at its widest point. When talking about nose piercings in general, you’ll come across the term “length.” But for hoop nose rings, professional piercers use the term “diameter” instead. Most diameters are typically 8mm (5/16 in) and 10mm (3/8 in). The larger your nose (no offense), the larger the diameter you’ll need. If you already have a hoop nose ring that fits (lucky you), that can be your baseline when shopping for other rings.
Don’t ignore diameter in your ring shopping because a ring with an incorrect diameter won’t look quite right. For example, if your piercing is a little higher up on your nose, the bottom of a smaller ring might hit the top of your nostril. On the other hand, you don’t want a hoop nose ring that is too big and sticks out too much. This sometimes happens with universal circular rings.
If you have a hard time finding a ring with the right size diameter (unlucky you), don’t fret. Just purchase a fishtail nose ring, which is straight and extra-long. Bring it to a professional piercer, who can measure your nose and create a hoop that uniquely fits you.
Finding the right size hoop nose ring doesn’t have to be tricky. A basic understanding of gauge and diameter–and some personal style–can go a long way to getting just the right look.
