Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Nose Piercing

I have been thinking about getting my nose pierced for the past few years. I'm not sure if I should since I'm not a young kid, or even a young woman, anymore. I'll be hitting middle-age soon! Yikes! I like the look of a little diamond stud.

I have questions about it, like:

  1. How badly does it hurt during and after?
  2. Is it a difficult spot to heal?
  3. Is it difficult to change the nose ring?
  4. Do you have to take it out when you get a cold (ewwww)?
  5. If I decide to take it out eventually, will it close back up and will it leave a noticeable scar?
  6. At 37, am I beyond (too old) to get one now?

Then, the question only I can answer: Will I regret it?

62 comments:

Laurie,  June 11, 2009 at 12:10 AM  

I found your blog as I was looking around about middle aged women and nose piercings. I'm 46 and am seriously thinking of getting a nose piercing. I have seen women older than me with piercings here in the Chicago metro area. I think it is very cute and has a longer history with older woman then with young women. I also asked my son's 17-19yo friends and they thought it would be fine for me to get one.

Syn July 1, 2009 at 6:44 PM  

I am seeing nose piercings everywhere since I started thinking about it again!

Anonymous,  July 31, 2009 at 5:53 PM  

I am a 44 year old female and I have wanted an small diamond stud in my nose ever since I was in middle school.
I did it, my 15 year old thinks it's great, she asked why I had waited so long!
I say go for it- You only live once!

Jessica October 17, 2009 at 7:13 PM  

Hi--I'm 31 and thinking about getting one too! Did you end up doing it yet? How did it turn out? ;)

Syn October 18, 2009 at 10:51 AM  

No, I haven't done it yet. I got busy with my kids and forgot about it. Your comment reminded me, lol. I have a cold right now and I'm kind of happy I didn't do it yet.

Suzanne,  November 4, 2009 at 7:59 AM  

I am a 45 yr old woman and I just had my nose pierced summer before last. It's something I always liked the look of and I just went for it! I only wear the tiniest diamond stud, and I love it. My teenage daughters think this is fine, no big deal. It doesn't hurt or anything, even if i have a cold. I wear such a small stud that it's not a problem. Other women my age have said they like it, but it's really just for me :)

Syn November 23, 2009 at 9:23 AM  

That's what I'd want, Suzanne, just a small stud. I think my kids would be fine with it. My husband would love it. My siblings would hate it. How do they do it though? It seems like the actual piercing would be awfully painful.

Anonymous,  January 14, 2010 at 12:03 AM  

I am 44 yrs old and just got my nose pierced New Years Eve with my 16 yr old daughter. Yes it hurt but I love it. I get strange looks but I don't care. I say go for it! I also have a small diamond. I don't like the hoops nor anything gaudy. Nice and respectable.
44 & happy in Illinois

Anonymous,  January 18, 2010 at 8:32 PM  

I am 42 and just had it done, I am happy I did it. Makes me feel a bit younger, and I ask myself why I waited. I have wanted to for about 10 years and I was worried about what others might think.
As for pain, my cartlidge and navel piercing hurt worse. It wasn't bad at all.

Anonymous,  March 28, 2010 at 9:56 AM  

I am 51 years old and my 18 year old daughter wanted me to have a nose piercing done as her gift to me before going off to college. I was really hesitant, considering my age and profession as a nurse. But I proceeded with the piercing regardless. The pain was not that bad, very momentary, and considering that I had it done less than 24 hours ago, my nose is somewhat tender. I'm not sure how my co-workers will react, but only God can be my judge. So if you really want it... go for it and enjoy it. It's your life... your decision.

Anonymous,  April 7, 2010 at 9:30 PM  

I found your blog also looking around the web about women who are a bit "older" and have a nose piercing. I just turned 40 and would LOVE to have it done, but I'm waffling. Please let us know if you get it done :)

Rose May 5, 2010 at 4:30 PM  

I was searching for a tiny diamond nose stud when I found your blog. I am a 63 year old woman thinking about getting a nose piercing. I am young at hear but not trying to be 16 again. I just think the nose studs are so cute and really want one. What do you guys think? Do you think I would look like I was trying to look young, be embarrased if I was your grandma? All comments appreciated.

Unknown May 22, 2010 at 10:36 AM  

Hi,
This is for Rose. I am 43 years old and soon to be 44. I have always wanted it done but I kept making excuses. Like I was too old. Found out your never too old for anything if you want it. Anyway, I watched youtube about nose piercings and realized that it couldn't hurt that bad. So I did it. There was like 5 seconds of pain (if that) and that was it. I love it and do not regret it. I'm looking forward to the end of my healing time so I can change it. Hope this helps! Good Luck!!

Anonymous,  June 12, 2010 at 7:57 PM  

I'm 54 and got my nose pierced last Sunday. I had wanted it done for years after seeing so many during my travels. My 21 year old daughter has one and she had been telling me to go for it and I finally did. I love it.

foxy August 9, 2010 at 3:54 PM  

So I just thought I'd chime in here too. :) I'm 37 and just got my nose pierced about a month ago and I absolutely LOVE IT. I keep in a tiny diamond stud as well, but also have a clear retainer that I can change it to if I have to go to a meeting with professional clients. I really do love it though and can't believe I waited so long to do it. Did you ever have yours done?

Anonymous,  August 10, 2010 at 9:31 PM  

I am 46 and found this page after looking for others' comments about older women and nose piercings. I have wanted mine done for several years and just decided to go ahead and do it last week. My best friend's daughter recently had hers pierced and met me at the shop where she had hers done. It did hurt- but only for a few seconds. My husband wasn't too thrilled about me getting it done, but seems to sort of like it now. I am a teacher and school starts back in a few weeks so I am a bit apprehensive about how it will be received by my collegues as well as parents and students. (I do know of at least 1 other teacher at my school whose nose is pierced)My aunt told me I look trashy (!) but others have told me it suits me and the small stud is very discrete. It seems so much more socially acceptable these days, and I say if you want it, go for it!

Anonymous,  January 27, 2011 at 11:39 AM  

I am 64 - almost 65. Have had my nose pierced three times. One time the stud came out, the second time I got impatient BUT this time it is staying in. I know that people will talk but they do anyway.

My stud is small but when it heals enough to change the stud with a teeny, tiny diamond will be inserted and hardly noticeable at all.

Go for it girls. I think a small diamond is pretty, and to me it is not any different than ear piercings.

Tara,  May 5, 2011 at 2:17 AM  

Just turned 40 and got mine repierced (last time was in my 20s). I waffled about my age, especially since I live in the suburban west where its rare for "older" women to have piercings. Realized that what other people think about it is only what they think about themselves, and did what I wanted to. Life's too short to worry about those who put you down for enjoying life.

I think my nostril will be swollen and tender for a couple days, but the pain part was as quick as I remembered - 5 seconds is about right. Make sure you do it with a pro with a needle - guns leave big scars!

Anonymous,  June 14, 2011 at 8:50 PM  

I am also over 60 and thinking about 1 nose piercing or a tattoo. I actually saw a resident of a local senior citizen apartment building with multiple piercings, and I thought it looked good. Don't know if it would look good on me, though.

Jenny Lavigne September 23, 2011 at 9:26 AM  

Thanks ladies, all your comments are helping me to make up my mind!!! I got my nose pierced 2 weeks ago and took it out 3 hours later because I thought I'm almost 39 mom of three what am I thinking. Seriously considering getting it done again tomorrow, still not sure. Wasn't sure if I was too old. You see it EVERYWHERE now older moms and young girls. Give it another couple of years and you will see it even more!

Thanks!

Chrissytine October 9, 2011 at 5:01 AM  

I will be turning 50 in a couple of weeks and I have always wanted to get my nose pierced but have never gotten around to it. So I am going to get it done, but can someone tell me how long it takes to heal and it is red and swollen at all while waiting to heal, I don't want to be at work with a red swollen nose

Chrissytine October 9, 2011 at 5:03 AM  

I will turn 50 in a couple of weeks and have always wanted to get my nose pierced so hopefully I will get it done tomorrow. Can someone tell me what the healing time is and what does it look like while healing. I don't really want to go to work with a red swollen nose.

Four10 October 29, 2011 at 5:32 PM  

I am 42 and just got my nose pierced last week. I have always wanted to do it and just went for it along with my 19 year old daughter. I work for the US Government as a Contracting Officer so I was pretty worried about what people would think. Just as I suspected, there were stares and comments behind my back. I am sure people feel it is not professional, however, the US Government does not have a dress code so if people can wear tennis shoes and jeans every day, I can wear my nose ring. I love it!

smoove002@aol.com,  November 24, 2011 at 1:43 AM  

i'm a guy and today i saw a mildly attractive middle aged (47-52 y/o) woman at a dunkin donuts. she turned her face in a different direction and i noticed she had her nose pierced. a tiny stud on her left nostril.

now i know the professional worlds opinion of adult women and piercings probably isn't very favorable, but god this was SEXY. and now i know i'm gonna regret not talking to her.

i dont know what it is, but i think smart guys are attracted to women who don't necessarily portray the image of magazine models, and who are more difficult to judge, i.e middle aged women with nose rings.

and to clarify, she didn't appear to be a bar hopping stripper type. she seemed more like a divorced mother, trying desperately to hang on to her youth, which i find cute and sexy.

heres to the divorced milf with her nose pierced from dunkin donuts who i'll never see again.

to the middle aged ladies reading this - get your noses pierced. fuck what the 'professional world' will think of you. i am telling you, the harder it is to judge a girl, the more thoughtful guys will be interested.

- dave

Amy,  December 28, 2011 at 2:42 PM  

I googled "how old is too old for a nose piercing" and ended up here-glad I did! I just turned 48 yesterday and have wanted my nose pierced for some time now, after reading all the comments and then watching several being done on utube I went for it! I am so happy I did, it looks great! Yes it hurt but only for 2-3 seconds and then it was over, and it wasn't horrible pain or anything-I would do it again! I had a great piercer, his place was very clean and he explained the after care instructions completely. Age is only a number and you only live once if you want it then get it!

Anonymous,  January 8, 2012 at 2:23 PM  

Hello. I'm 56, writing on January 8, 2002. After reading all of these posts, I am now more convinced than ever that I should just go ahead and get my nose pierced, by God! I've earned the right to do it. I've always worked in a profession where this is frowned upon, but now I JUST DON'T CARE. I'll get a diamond stud, but what else looks good? A small gold ball? --a silver one?

Beth January 17, 2012 at 9:22 PM  

Yeah! So glad I found this blog, cause there isn't much out there about this topic -- middle to older aged women and nose piercing. I got a tattoo when I turned 43 (a small butterfly on my left ankle) and LOVE IT! I get compliments on it all the time and have never regretted that decision. Now I'm 48 (and a grandmother of 2 beautiful babies!) and want a nose piercing SO bad! The only reason I haven't gotten one before now is b/c I didn't want to look like an older woman who was just trying to look younger. But I believe the mentality on that is changing -- it's not seen that way anymore. I have 5 adult/teenage daughters and they have all told me to go for it -- 2 of them have it already. My husband is hesitant, but I think he will like it too. Beauty, as well as ugly, is in the eye of the beholder!

EmrldaaNkh February 20, 2012 at 2:10 PM  

I just turned 48 last week, and I've always wanted a nose piercing. My 20 year old daughter said I was too old, and it didn't look good on overweight women. After reading your posts, I am going for it! Childbirth has to be more painful anyway! Ha! Ha!

EmrldaaNkh February 20, 2012 at 2:12 PM  

I just turned 48 and was wondering if I'd look too much like I was tryng to be younger,or if I was too heavy for it to look good. After reading your posts, I am going for it today! Thank you everyone for you help!

EmrldaaNkh February 20, 2012 at 2:12 PM  

I just turned 48 last week, and I've always wanted a nose piercing. My 20 year old daughter said I was too old, and it didn't look good on overweight women. After reading your posts, I am going for it! Childbirth has to be more painful anyway! Ha! Ha!

Anonymous,  February 25, 2012 at 10:29 AM  

I really enjoyed this article and the comments. I'll be 49 this April. I think nose piercings, especially the tiny diamond studs are beautiful. I want one. I thought I might be too old, but after reading this article and the comments, I'm going to do it. You only live once. You should live your life based on your standards, rather than the standards of others.

Terri February 27, 2012 at 7:52 PM  

Wow... here I am right where the rest of you are at... I will be 48 this summer and a grandmother of three. My daughter in law just got her nose pierced and I was told what my mother who will be 69 said to her, "why would you do that at your age?" I of course was like,
"What??" how rude...! Anyway, I am seriously contemplating having mine done after reading your comments, I am pretty sure I will. I agree.. life is short and do what you want as long as it isn't hurting anyone else.

still_smilin,  March 3, 2012 at 3:14 AM  

I am a 41 year old mother of 3 and have wanted a nose piercing for at over 20 years now (before my oldest was even born), but always thought my nose was too big for it. Well I let my daugher convince me that we should get it done together over the Dec 2011 holiday. I wouldn't say it hurt to get it, just discomfort for a minute or so - it is really quick.
The issue I am having is...her's healed fine (of course) and mine has not. smh
I have tried everything: sea salt, tea tree oil, asprin, lavendar oil neutrogena & vitamin e & I keep getting the dreaded bump(3 times so far).
I was still adjusting to having it & getting the questionable looks and I kept thinking "I can't take it out after going through all of this" & each time I got the bump again I thought "I really can't take it out now because then everyone would see the bump"! lol
I currently have a surgical steel screw, but I think the way it sits on my nose is an irritant for me.
I am going to try another type of stud (maybe titanium, or white gold and see if it works any better and give it one more try...after all this, I think I deserve to keep it!
Anyway, I shared my story not to discourage anyone, but to say - If you want it, get it,keep it & ROCK it!
If you look around you will see that so many women (of all ages) have started to get them! I guess we are waiting for the right time to get one. (now)
Be encouraged!I am still smilin!

Anonymous,  March 24, 2012 at 7:41 PM  

So good to read all your comments - I'm 45 and about to be medically retired from the police force and fancy the idea of going out the day after I become a pensioner and getting my nose pierced! I've always fancied having it done but as a police officer it was a total no-no... a bit of rebellion do you think???
Who cares! Now to find the place to have it done...

Anonymous,  April 5, 2012 at 6:06 PM  

I am 46 yrs old mother of a 24 yr old daughter & a 19 yr old son. I too wanted a nose peircing for awhile but worried about what other people would think. Well yesterday I decided to do it. Both my children came with me & I did it. I have a very small diamond stud & I love the way it looks. My children love it too.... It hurt for about 5 seconds & still tender today. I am happy I did it how dare I all this time let others thoughts dictate what I wanted. My suggestion is; if you want it go for it life's too short :-)

Karley Ziegler Mott June 7, 2012 at 3:24 PM  

So glad I found this blog! I am almost 37 as well and I have always wanted a tasteful nose piercing. I am going next week to have it done. Some friends are supportive. My hubby is supportive. Others have said I am "too old" to do it. Life it too short--do what makes you happy!

Eliot,  June 24, 2012 at 7:17 PM  

I am 50 and got my nose pierced last week. I have a small diamond stud. So far I love it! I am out of school for the summer, so we will see how this goes over with the administration once school starts back in the fall!!

Cerebral1 July 23, 2012 at 2:04 AM  

Hello, I'm 47, a middle school teacher, and have had my nostril piercing for 2 weeks now. I have my ears pierced and no tattoos. I am a classy, modern dresser, no desire to look 16... I just have always loved the small sparkle on the side of a cute nose. I love my "tiny shiny". If you want it, go for it with no apologies. It's your nose, your choice.

teeliteful September 6, 2012 at 9:46 PM  

I am 40 and just repierced my nose last week. Last time I pierced my nose was two years ago. The guy who did it then, didn't pierce it right, so the earring sat too proud. Needless to say, it came out. This time, my hair consultant recently had her nose pierced (she is over 45). The next day, I pierced mine! Love it. I work in an operating room. Noone has said anything, which was of no concern to me -I did it for me! I wouldn't have done this in my 20's! My advice is : Do it -it 's your nose! At this point in your life, you know who you are -nothing to prove, and noone to convince!

Anonymous,  October 9, 2012 at 11:47 PM  

Am 43 and just got mine done and I *LOVE* it! Hubby thinks it's pretty cute, too. Go for it!

Unknown April 14, 2013 at 2:57 AM  

I am 60 and want a nose piercing.,I would like to get a tiny stud,I spoke with the Tattoo and piercing shop and they said older women have it done.My husband thinks I am losing it,my Daughter says go for it.Shelly

Unknown April 14, 2013 at 2:59 AM  

I would love a nose ring everybody thinks I am crazy,I am 60.

Unknown April 14, 2013 at 3:03 AM  

I am 60 and want a nose piercing.,I would like to get a tiny stud,I spoke with the Tattoo and piercing shop and they said older women have it done.My husband thinks I am losing it,my Daughter says go for it.Shelly

Unknown April 14, 2013 at 3:07 AM  

I want to dot this so much,I am hearing YOu are too old,I will be 60

Unknown May 25, 2013 at 5:14 PM  

Thank you ladies. I'm 47 have two tattoos on my back ( got them 2 and 3 yrs ago) getting one behind my ear when I go to Maui next month and have plans for a one more later on my forearm. I've been thinking about a discrete nose piercing stud, but was concerned it might only be seen as appropriate for the younger generation. I work as a nurse practitioner in a hospital and one of the female physicians I work with has one. Lots of the nurses have them as we'll as gaged ears. I'm not doing that but I feel better about getting a nose piercing after reading this. I guess as I get older I'm not so afraid of the things I wanted when younger. So I'm going for it!! Thanks for your blog.

Unknown May 25, 2013 at 5:21 PM  

Thank you ladies. I'm 47 and thinking about a discrete nose piercing. I work as a nurse practitioner in a hospital, but one of the female physicians has one and many of the nurses do as we'll. I got my first tattoo 3 yrs ago I have 2 now going for my 3rd when i go to Hawaii next month and love them. Watch out once you start they are addicting. But didn't know if this would be viewed as appropriate. You have all made this an easy decision. I guess as I get older I want things I was too afraid to get when I was younger, so I'm going for it! Thanks for your blog!!!

Anonymous,  May 26, 2013 at 11:11 AM  

I have worked In the Medical field for 10 years now and we see this sort of thing all the time! They need to drain the bump where the piercing is located and apply Witch Hazel to it. The gal that did my piercing knows how to do this and you may want to check back with the piercer to see if he/she can do it. If not I would suggest going in to see a physician to drain it. Hope that helps!

Anonymous,  May 26, 2013 at 11:16 AM  

I have worked in the medical field for 10 years and we see this type of thing a lot! We really only recommend that you clean your new healing piercing with normal saline. Applying things to the piercing site will agitate it and infect it further. Any petroleum based products such as neosporin will help attract bacteria. Once they have adhered to the product and infect the piercing it's hard to get them back out! Bumps around the piercing should be drained. Especially in cartilage piercing a like the nose. If they aren't properly drained it can cause a permanent bump to form that will never go away. I would see the gal/guy who pierced your nose and see if they know how to drain the bump. Most piercing professionals know how to do this safely and effectively for no cost to you. After the bump is drained apply Witch Hazel to the area and the bump should be gone! Hope this helps! If you aren't confident in letting your piercing professional drain it I suggest going in to see your doc.

Anonymous,  June 22, 2013 at 9:21 PM  
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous,  June 22, 2013 at 9:22 PM  

I googled women over 40 with nose piercings and this was the top hit. Congrats!! I'm 42 and just got my nose pierced a few weeks ago. Best thing I ever did for myself, besides my tattoo. I'm a suburban housewife in Chicago with 2 teen boys. I'm a jeans and tshirt girl, who doesnt wear a lot of makeup. The mom next door???--thats me. I'm a little chunky and I've been married for 20 years. I did this for me, no one else. It makes me feel a little sexier, and who doesn't need that? :)

Marva Plummer-Bruno July 17, 2013 at 8:32 PM  

Okay I had to leave a comment. I'm 54 and got my nose pierced last summer. I love the look of it. I haven't gotten any weird looks here in Philly, we'll see if that changes when I move back to Colorado. :) I'm an artist and it's a way of expressing myself. I am not trying to be 21 again, wouldn't go back there for the world!!! :) If you want it go for it!!

Unknown July 22, 2013 at 11:21 AM  

Hello! I'm 37 and had my nose pierced a few days ago. I absolutely love it!

Jess July 31, 2013 at 12:20 AM  

How did the district react?

Jess July 31, 2013 at 12:21 AM  

How did the district react?

Unknown February 15, 2014 at 11:37 PM  

I am so glad to find this site! I am a 56 year old medical professional who has wanted a nose stud since I was 19 and hanging around with students from India. Went to the piercing studio today. Now I just have to get past the fear of pain part of this! My husband hates the idea but agrees it's my choice.

CaliforniaOwl May 4, 2014 at 11:52 AM  

Same here. Had one in my 20s, removed it to look more "professional". Just googled older women with nose rings this morning. Should have been more confident and kept it in. Now turned 40 and I want one again. I say the more of us who do it, the more we will notice each other and smile. I think it looks beautiful at any age. Lets do it <3

Yanna May 25, 2014 at 9:50 PM  

This post is several years old but I am so happy to find it and all of the great comments. I've loved the look of nostril piercings since the 80s and recently had mine done. I wouldn't have done it when my child was younger as what people think of parents does often affect how the children are treated, but now my kiddo is in high school and it:s less of an issue, in my opinion. I like the way it looks and even though I get stares, I don't mind. This is a gift to myself after years of trying to make others happy. If others choose to judge,
I'm better off without them anyway! One tip, if you have it done, leave it alone except while cleaning it! This will help prevent infection and scarring. Also, the urge to put a bunch of different things on it to "help it heal" only irritates it more when you do it, by and large. Best wishes! Middle age is an amazing, empowering time of life. Enjoy it to the fullest!

karenshavon July 9, 2014 at 8:23 PM  

Hello! I'm 48 and had my nose pierced over the 4th of July weekend.....Yes! It hurt for about five seconds and a little blood.......nothing serious.....I chose a small diamond....My hubby and 3 children love it! I'm a child care provider and wear it to work....I got alot of nice comments....a few of my Parent's just look at me and smile...some family member's (like my 69 year old Mother)! say I'm too old! I say it's my choice! At the end of the day....I LOVE ROCKING MY STUD!!!!!!!!

Unknown July 14, 2014 at 9:41 PM  

Good for you,I miss mine.I am 62 and had mine done at 61 after calling the piercer and emailing them asking them if I was too old.They told me people in their 80's do it and I just met a woman who got a rose tattoo at age 82 because she always wanted one.great job!

Unknown July 14, 2014 at 9:46 PM  

Good for you,I miss mine.I am 62 and had mine done at 61 after calling the piercer and emailing them asking them if I was too old.They told me people in their 80's do it and I just met a woman who got a rose tattoo at age 82 because she always wanted one.great job!

green earth, green wallet August 9, 2014 at 1:19 AM  

I'm always late to the party! I'm 41 and my two daughters are in their mid teen years. The oldest is 16 and has pierced her eyebrows, septum, chin and has her ears pierced all around the edges. At first, it was a little hard to accept but I've always instilled in her the understanding that her body belongs to her and no one else...so I had to walk the talk. Anyway, she did several of them herself so I invested in a piercing kit, numbing cream and anti-bacterial after-care cleaner so she would do it hygienically. I have to say, she has done a nice job on them and has saved hundreds of dollars by doing them at home. Tonight, I have decided to let her pierce my nose! I have a larger nose that kept me from doing it as a teenager, because I thought I didn't have the "right kind" of nose for a piercing even though I thought they looked really cute on other young women. Over the years, I have grown to love my face just as it is and I'm SO glad I couldn't afford plastic surgery when I wanted to have a nose job. I have come to see how my big nose matches the rest of my face; a little nose would look out of place next to my big eyes and full lips. Since I've always wanted a nose piercing, I figure 41 is the right age to do it for me, since I don't have to worry about changing my mind once I grow up (because I now know I will NEVER grow up!) The numbing cream should take effect fully in about 20 minutes from now...wish me luck!!!

BamaKathy August 13, 2014 at 4:44 PM  

I am 58, and just had mine done today. Tiny little diamond-look stone. It hurt but was very quick. My eyes didn't even water. They told me to use fragrance free antibacterial soap when .i shower, use a drop of Bactine once a day, and to keep my hands off it. (most infections are from fiddling with it). I bought some non-latex gloves for when I wash, put the bactine on. I just ordered a 1.5 mm (tiny) diamond in 14k white gold from ebay. At six weeks, I can go back and they will change it free. I just absolutely love it.

  © Blogger templates The Professional Template by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP