Don’t let social media fool you – septum piercings are not just for Gen-Z. As more and more people have re-discovered themselves during the pandemic, it’s no wonder that body modifiers such as septum piercings have been seeing a resurgence in popularity.
This upward trend can be seen all over social media on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. While many of these posters are teenagers, this trend is for anyone who wants to explore non-traditional fashion.
Any age can rock a septum ring. The only thing that stands in the way of altering your appearance with this piercing is you!
And, with a never-ending range of septum piercing jewelry styles to choose from, this piercing can easily fit any aesthetic from boho-chic to punk to anything in between. This versatility means that septum piercings suit you, whatever style that may be.
However, there are some things like career, hobbies, and medical history to take into consideration before that plunge of the needle.
Are septum piercings workplace appropriate?
Society has come far in recent years to be more accepting of alternative fashions – for example, most workplaces today are tolerant of a simple nose stud whereas even a decade ago they could’ve been considered inappropriate in an office environment. With that said, some career paths are still reluctant to get with the times.
As a rule of thumb, professions that interact with the public, such as receptionists, those in the medical field, or those who represent a brand tend to have stricter dress codes. Due to this, sporting a septum piercing could be considered as going against policy.
If you’re unsure of whether your employer is open to body modifiers, it’s worth reading up on any available literature before coming into work one day with your septum pierced and chance being written up for violating workplace codes of conduct.
Alternatively, if you’re between jobs then you have more of a risk-reward situation at hand. While you don’t run the risk of being written up, you do have to worry about the work environment of the places to which you are applying.
The reward here is that you have the power to work someplace that you know is accepting of body piercings. You can do this by scope out perspective employers by reading reviews on websites like Glassdoor or by checking their social media presence. By doing so, you’ll know which companies are a good fit and won’t have to waste your time applying to those that are not.
Medications and Septum Piercings
Generally speaking, yes. Most medications should not cause problems during the piercing and healing process. Although, if you are on a medicine that reduces your body’s ability to clot, then this could cause problems and should be discussed with your piercer.
Likewise, piercers need to know if you’re on aspirin, ibuprofen, and other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. It is also a good idea to avoid aspirin for up to a week before getting pierced, and avoid NSAIDs for a day before getting pierced and seven days after.
If you’re on medications that suppress your immune system or have a condition that weakens your immune system, such as uncontrolled diabetes, it is important to let your piercer know beforehand and ensure that proper after care is followed to prevent an infection.
Table could not be displayed.Activities that interfere with septum piercings
Fortunately, healed septum piercings do not interfere with one’s day-to-day life. After the six to eight weeks healing process, life returns to normal. Unless normal for you includes contact sports.
While most sports should not pose a threat to a septum piercing, contact sports, such as football, roller derby, boxing, etc. can cause damage or even rip out septum jewelry. Obviously, this would not be ideal, so if you enjoy contact sports, this piercing might not be for you.
If you still want this piercing, then you could invest in getting a tiny u-shaped ring and ensure that you always flip up inside your nostrils during practice and games.
While most activities shouldn’t have an impact on this piercing, it’s important to be mindful of repetitive motions that could tug or irritate septum jewelry.
For example, while the activity of scuba diving would be fine, the gear involved could cause irritation that might damage your piercing in the long run.
Will a septum piercing hurt more if you’re older?
There is no evidence to support that as we age our pain tolerance declines. However, if it’s your first piercing, or the first one in a while, then you might be a tad anxious which could make you feel more aware of the pain. Research has found that anxiety can elevate your perception of pain.
If you’re an anxious person, it might be worthwhile to try some of these calming techniques before getting your septum pierced:
- take slow, deep breaths
- count down from ten
- notice your surroundings
- practice aromatherapy, try spritzing yourself with lavender fragrance
- bring moral support with you
- listen to your own music
Tips to build up the confidence to wear septum jewelry
If you just got your septum pierced, it might feel daunting to go from the jewelry your piercer used to sporting the one you want. Luckily, you have a couple months to build yourself up before the time comes and, hopefully, by then you’ll be ready.
But, if that time comes and you’re still not fully prepared, that’s okay, too. Below are some tips to build up the confidence:
- Start small: Try wearing simple rings that have a single gem or stone. Opting for jewelry that isn’t too much of a statement piece won’t draw too much attention to the area and can serve to ease this adjustment.
- Tonality: By selecting jewelry that has a similar tonality with your skin you can similarly ease your self-perception into including septum jewelry.
- Take the plunge: You got this piercing because you wanted it. It’s on you and regardless of how you may be feeling in the moment, it looks amazing on you. This piercing reflects your personality and style, so let it shine. Wear the jewelry that scares you. After a couple of minutes, you’ll adjust to it and won’t even notice it anymore!
Age shouldn’t hold you back from letting your inner you out – if getting your septum pierced as a baby boomer or Gen-X is what feels right for you then live that truth.
Those who judge others for living their authentic self, whether that being having piercings or unnaturally dyed hair or visible tattoos, are most likely just projecting their own insecurities onto others.
If what’s holding you back from rocking the septum jewelry you want is the reaction of others, remember it’s how you feel about yourself that matters most.
The decision to get a septum piercing is not the same as making a life altering commitment – it can be undone almost as quickly as it can be done. So, if the permanence of a septum piercing is what’s keeping you on the fence, why not take a septum piercing on a test drive?