Lip, Nostril, or Septum? Choosing the Right Facial Piercing for Your Style

Facial piercings hit differently.

A tattoo can stay hidden under a shirt.

A facial piercing becomes part of how people see you every day.

That’s why choosing the right one feels surprisingly personal.

Some people want something subtle.

Others want something bold enough to completely change their look.

Some want jewelry that feels edgy.

Others want something clean, minimal, and easy to wear daily.

And honestly?

There’s no “correct” answer.

The best facial piercing is the one that actually feels like you.

At Curly’s Tattoo Parlor in Athens, a lot of first-time piercing clients walk in stuck between:

  • nostril piercings
  • septum piercings
  • lip piercings
  • or combinations of all three

The good news is there’s no rush to figure it all out before coming in.

This guide breaks down:

  • the vibe each piercing gives off
  • common jewelry styles
  • how different piercings change your appearance
  • and what tends to fit different personalities and aesthetics best

Without all the weird gatekeeping or “you have to look a certain way” nonsense.

Because honestly?

Piercings are about self-expression — not fitting somebody else’s rules.

Why Facial Piercings Feel So Different From Other Piercings

Facial piercings instantly change your overall appearance.

Even small jewelry can completely shift:

  • your style
  • your energy
  • your confidence
  • and how you carry yourself

That’s part of why people connect so strongly with them.

A nostril stud might make somebody feel:

  • cleaner
  • more polished
  • more expressive
  • or more confident

A septum ring might give somebody:

  • a bolder edge
  • more attitude
  • more alternative style
  • or a stronger sense of individuality

Lip piercings can completely reshape the vibe of somebody’s face, depending on the jewelry and placement.

That transformation aspect is a huge reason people get hooked on piercings in the first place.

And honestly, a lot of people don’t realize how much confidence body modification can give them until they finally do it.

If you want to dive deeper into the emotional side of body art and self-expression, check out this article on how tattoos and piercings can impact confidence and identity.

Nostril Piercings: The Most Versatile Option

If facial piercings had a universal starter option, nostril piercings would probably be it.

They work with almost every style:

  • minimalist
  • edgy
  • alternative
  • clean-cut
  • heavily tattooed
  • casual
  • professional

That versatility is why nostril piercings never really go out of style.

You can go:

  • tiny and subtle
  • flashy and noticeable
  • delicate
  • bold
  • elegant
  • or fully alternative, depending on jewelry choice

That flexibility makes them incredibly popular with:

  • first-timers
  • college students
  • people testing the waters with facial piercings
  • and clients who want something easy to style daily

Nostril Jewelry Styles

Jewelry choice changes the entire personality of the piercing.

Studs

  • clean
  • simple
  • minimal
  • timeless
  • easiest to pair with almost any look

Hoops

  • slightly bolder
  • more visible
  • more alternatives depending on size

Gems & Decorative Ends

  • eye-catching
  • stylish
  • more fashion-forward

A tiny silver stud gives completely different energy than a chunky black hoop.

That’s why jewelry matters just as much as the piercing itself.

If you want a more detailed breakdown of nostril jewelry options and placement styles, read this full guide to nostril piercings and jewelry choices.

Septum Piercings: Bold Without Being Permanent-Looking

Septum piercings have exploded in popularity over the last several years — and honestly, it’s easy to see why.

They’re one of the most adaptable facial piercings out there.

A septum can look:

  • aggressive
  • stylish
  • punk-inspired
  • soft
  • alternative
  • or surprisingly clean, depending on jewelry

That flexibility makes them appealing to a huge range of people.

And unlike some facial piercings, septum jewelry can often be flipped up and hidden if needed.

That makes it popular with:

  • students
  • professionals
  • first-timers
  • and people who want flexibility

Septum Jewelry Completely Changes the Vibe

This piercing might have the biggest personality swing depending on the jewelry.

Small Horseshoe Rings

  • classic
  • clean
  • slightly edgy

Decorative Clickers

  • stylish
  • highly expressive
  • can lean elegant or alternative

Large Gauged Jewelry

  • heavy alternative energy
  • bold visual statement

Minimalist Seam Rings

  • subtle
  • sleek
  • modern

A septum piercing can either quietly complement your face or completely dominate your style — depending on what you wear.

That’s why consultations matter.

At Curly’s, piercing conversations are less about “what’s trendy” and more about:

“What actually fits your personality?”

Lip Piercings: Probably the Most Underrated Facial Piercing

Lip piercings don’t get talked about enough anymore.

And honestly?

That’s a shame.

Because they can completely change somebody’s look in the best way possible.

Lip piercings tend to feel:

  • expressive
  • rebellious
  • confident
  • slightly chaotic in the best way
  • and heavily personality-driven

They’re usually less “subtle” than nostril piercings.

And that’s part of the appeal.

Different Lip Piercings Create Different Looks

“Lip piercing” actually covers a bunch of different placements.

Labret Piercing

Centered below the lower lip.

Clean, balanced, classic.

Side Labret / Monroe

More asymmetrical and personality-heavy.

Snake Bites

Dual piercings with strong alternative energy.

Vertical Labret

One of the boldest modern piercing looks.

The jewelry also dramatically changes the aesthetic.

Studs feel cleaner.

Rings feel more rebellious.

Black jewelry creates a different vibe than silver or gold.

Lip piercings tend to attract people who want their piercing to feel like part of their identity — not just a small accessory.

Which Facial Piercing Fits Your Style Best?

There’s no universal answer, but there are patterns.

If You Want Something Minimal & Easy to Style:

Go nostril.

It blends easily into almost any aesthetic while still adding personality.

If You Want Flexibility:

Septum.

You can go subtle, bold, hidden, or expressive depending on the jewelry.

If You Want a Stronger Alternative Look:

Lip piercings usually carry the most edge visually.

Especially paired with tattoos or multiple piercings.

If You’re Nervous About Getting Pierced:

Nostril piercings are usually the least intimidating starting point for most people.

That’s a huge reason they stay so popular with first-timers.

Don’t Choose Based Only on Trends

This matters.

Social media trends move fast.

Your face doesn’t.

A piercing should feel like you, not just something you saw on TikTok three days ago.

The best facial piercings usually happen when somebody chooses something that genuinely matches:

  • their personality
  • their confidence level
  • their style
  • their energy
  • and how they want to express themselves

Not because it’s trending for the month.

At Curly’s, the goal isn’t to push clients toward one specific look.

It’s to help people find what feels authentic to them.

That people-first approach is a huge reason the shop culture feels more relaxed and welcoming than a lot of traditional piercing environments.

Jewelry Quality Matters More Than People Think

A piercing isn’t just about placement.

Jewelry changes everything.

Cheap jewelry can:

  • look bad
  • feel uncomfortable
  • irritate the piercing
  • or cheapen the entire aesthetic

Good jewelry helps the piercing actually complement your features.

That’s why Curly’s focuses heavily on helping clients choose jewelry that:

  • fits their face
  • matches their style
  • and feels wearable long term

Sometimes the right jewelry makes a piercing suddenly “click” visually in a way clients didn’t expect.

You Don’t Need a Certain “Look” to Pull Off Facial Piercings

This is one of the biggest myths in body modification culture.

People think:

  • they’re too old
  • too professional-looking
  • too soft-spoken
  • too clean-cut
  • too nervous
  • or not “alternative enough.”

That’s nonsense.

Facial piercings work because they become part of your identity — not because you fit somebody else’s stereotype.

At Curly’s, clients range from:

  • heavily tattooed bikers to
  • nervous college freshmen getting their first nostril stud

Both belong there equally.

That inclusiveness is a huge part of modern tattoo and piercing culture.

And honestly?

It’s part of what makes body modification more meaningful now than ever before.

Thinking About Getting Pierced?

Whether you’re leaning toward a nostril stud, a septum ring, or a lip piercing that completely changes your style, the best first step is talking it through with somebody who actually listens.

Check out the shop’s piercing services here, browse the team behind the shop on the artist and piercer page, or explore more from the Piercing Info blog section.

And if you’re ready to talk through jewelry, placement, or ideas in person, head over to the Contact page here or stop by the shop.

Sometimes changing your look starts with something small.

Sometimes it starts with a single piece of jewelry.

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