October 12, 2024

Mantis Piercing: Pain, Healing, Price, Jewelry, Sizes, Aftercare, Cleaning

Nostril piercings in general are pretty popular. But if you want to stand out from the crowd, you might be interested in a highly unusual variation: the forward nostril piercing, also called a Mantis piercing.

What is a Mantis Piercing?

The Mantis piercing also called the forward nostril piercing, is actually two separate piercings: one per nostril. After a successful Mantis piercing, it looks like you have two tiny jewels on either side of the tip of your nose.

Mantis Piercing Placement

In a typical nostril piercing, the piercing needle goes through the side of your nostril. But with a Mantis piercing, it goes through the front of the nostril.

The exact placement of a Mantis piercing depends on your anatomy. The piercing goes straight through the front part of each nostril.

For some people, the two studs look very close together near the tip of the nose. For others, the studs are spaced out far enough that the piercing looks like an Austin bar.

The Mantis Nose Piercing Is New, Rare, and Bold

Even if you've done your research on facial piercings, you may not be familiar with this one. The Mantis piercing is relatively new. It's still quite rare. And while it looks bold, it's much less painful than some other bold piercings (like the Nasallang piercing).

Do Mantis Piercings Look Good?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that's especially true with piercings. Different people will have different opinions of the mantis piercing.

However, thanks to its interesting location and often-delicate look, the Mantis piercing is appealing to many people. If you're seeking a piercing that's beautiful and rare, the Mantis piercing is a great one to consider.

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Mantis Piercing Pain

Everyone has different tolerances for pain, but one of the main advantages of a Mantis piercing is that it's not very painful. For a Mantis piercing, the pain is often rated around 5-6 on a scale of 1 to 10.

It is only a bit more painful the least painful nose piercing, i.e., the nostril piercing, and much less painful than other bold piercings like the Nasallang piercing or the Austin Bar piercing.

Mantis Piercing Healing

It also heals fairly quickly; it usually takes a little longer than a nostril piercing since the Mantis piercing is actually a thicker nostril piercing. It only takes around 2 to 3 months for an initial healing process (6 to 8 to heal completely). And it might take longer if the piercing keeps catching on to things.

Mantis Piercign Price

How much is a Mantis piercing? Prices will vary widely based on location. But a mantis piercing usually costs about $40-$80. You are recommended to choose high-quality metals like implant-grade titanium for your piercing even though it costs even more than stainless steel.

Mantis Piercing vs Austin Bar

The Austin Bar piercing is a somewhat unusual piercing type. It's a horizontal bar that goes through the tip of your nose, and the finished result makes it look like you have a small bead on either side of your nose.

But unlike a Mantis piercing, which involves 2 separate studs (one per nostril), the Austin Bar pricing is typically done with a fairly short straight barbell. In order to reduce the risk of the piercing migrating, most piercers will use a 16G (1.2mm) or 14G (1.6mm) needle.

Mantis Piercing Jewelry Type

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Usually, you will see labret studs (with a 2.5 or 3 mm disc on the back) used for Mantis piercing jewelry.

Labret studs give you the look of a more traditional nose stud, and the piece at the bottom helps prevent the jewelry from slipping out of your nose.

Labret studs also have another advantage: the bottom part of the jewelry can stay in place as you change the top part. That lets you change the type of jewelry at the top of the piercing without removing the piercing itself!

If you choose to use threadless studs, you may need to face a slight disadvantage. Since the top part (with the jewel or stone) slides into the bottom part, it can be hard to hold it in place. Most piercers do this by slightly bending the jewelry.

But perfecting that bend is an art in itself! A bend that isn't deep enough may result in the top part falling off. An exaggerated bend may make it difficult or impossible to change or insert the top part of the jewelry.

And thanks to the amount of nose tissue the piercing needs to pass through, barbells or rings are not generally used for mantis piercings.

Choosing the right jewelry type is important to the success of your piercing. Be sure to talk to your piercer about the benefits and drawbacks of different jewelry types so you can select the best one for you.

Mantis Piercing Jewelry Sizes

Gauge

The Mantis piercing is essentially a nostril piercing that points forward. So in many cases, the gauge is the same as you'd see with a more traditional nostril piercing: 18G (1mm). 16G (1.2mm) and 20G (0.8mm) are also available.

Length

As for length, that really depends on the size of your nose. But the most common sizes are 1/4"(6mm) and 5/16"(8mm). Most piercers will choose a short stud or other piece of jewelry. You need enough length to accommodate any initial swelling, but a too-long piece of jewelry will almost certainly irritate your nose.

Recommended Metals for the Mantis Nose Piercing

1. Titanium: About $20-$40

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Titanium has a reputation for being the best metal for piercings for many reasons. It is lightweight, hypoallergenic, durable, nickel-free, non-corrosive, and won’t tarnish.

Its non-porous nature reduces places bacteria can hide, promoting healing.

Titanium is also hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely to cause allergic reactions. Titanium is nickel-free.

Its high density-to-strength ratio means your jewelry is very durable.

A lower density also makes titanium lightweight, a big plus in many user's eyes. Finally, the metal comes in many colors because you can anodize it.

The only real downside to titanium jewelry is that you will pay more for all those positive traits. Shop for implant-grade titanium with designations like ASTM F-136, ASTM F-67, or ISO 5832-3.

2. 14K Solid Gold: About $40-$200

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This metal will not rust or tarnish. It is also easy to decorate and shape. The added alloys in 18k, and especially 14k, make them more durable than 24k gold pieces.

One downside to gold jewelry is the price tag, which is expensive. Another concern will be that the metal is soft, making it susceptible to bends, breaks, and gouges. Gold can also be heavy, especially with more pure karat ratings.

3. Surgical Steel: About $5-$30

Surgical steel is nonreactive. However, even surgical-grade steel contains small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions in those with skin sensitivities. Choose a different option if you are concerned about irritation or a nickel allergy.

Steel combines iron and carbon, improving its strength and ability to resist fracturing.

One of the pros most people cite for steel jewelry pieces is the lower price point. Steel is also a durable option. These pieces are low maintenance because the steel does not corrode, rust, or tarnish.

Weight is the top complaint for those using steel jewelry pieces. Steel can be less comfortable if worn in piercings for long periods.

4. Niobium: About $20-$60

Niobium is a light grey metal known for its hardness that is like titanium. The metal resists corrosion and tarnishing like others on the list, creating minimal maintenance for you.

It might be the best metal for a piercing if you want titanium-like durability with more malleability. That extra pliability makes it easier for jewelers to shape pieces. Niobium can come in various colors as it is something that you can anodize.

The only real downsides are that it weighs a bit more than titanium and you will likely pay a bit more due to the process involved in manufacturing this metal.

Pros and Cons of the Mantis Piercing

Piercings are a highly personal choice. So before you decide whether to get a Mantis piercing, it's wise to consider some of the pros and cons.

Pros:

It's rare and bold enough to make you stand out.
It's one of the safer piercings to get, as it's not especially prone to infection.
It heals very easily and relatively quickly.

Cons:

It can snag on clothes or towels, and that hurts!
It can make it harder to blow your nose if you're sick.
Just like with any piercing, there's some risk of infection.
Since it is quite new and rare, it can be difficult to find an experienced piercer.
You have a limited selection of nose jewelry.

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Potential Risks of the Mantis Piercing

1. It Snags on Clothes or Towels

A potential problem (that's not unique to Mantis piercings) is the piercing snags on things. Be very careful when getting dressed, drying your face with a towel, etc. Especially with a newer piercing, snagging it on something can really hurt!

2. Bumps

Typically, a raised red bump around the nose piercing is a sign of infection. Make sure to clean the piercing properly, as mentioned below, and control the bump- if it worsens, you could develop a severe systemic infection.

And as a side note, with bumps or other signs of infection, don't remove the piercing! That can cause the hole to close, sealing in the infection.

3. Swelling and Irritation

Like any other piercing, be mindful of the risk of swelling. Swelling is normal and can last up to a month after the procedure.

At first, you might experience pain, blood, tenderness, and bruising. The piercing stays tender, sore, and swollen for several weeks as the healing process begins. With appropriate aftercare, the swelling goes away after about one month.

If cleaned inappropriately, touched with unclean hands, or disturbed constantly, the piercing can get infected and increase swelling. Proper aftercare is vital.

How to Care For a Mantis Piercing?

Take care to avoid contaminating the piercing.
Avoid touching it or applying makeup very close to it.
Avoid getting in the water that might be dirty.
Clean your piercing twice per day using a saline solution made for wound cleaning or soap and water to prevent infection.
Avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation.
And of course, make sure to avoid snagging on clothes or towels.
Wear loose clothing. Avoid wearing tight clothing or clothing that may rub against the piercing, as this can cause irritation and slow down the healing process.
Use hypoallergenic jewelry like implant-grade titanium and 14- or 18-karat gold. Surgical-grade steel may contain small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions.
Don't move the piercing unless you're cleaning it. Pulling on a piercing early in healing is painful, but it also can get in the way of healing or damage the piercing itself.
Wait until your piercing heals before changing out your jewelry.
Watch for potential signs of infection and consult your piercer or doctor if it becomes infected.

You should ensure you get pierced by someone experienced and reliable who utilizes the right cleaning and sterilization procedures. You’ll also need to choose high-quality jewelry that you aren’t allergic to. After you get your piercing, be sure to follow all instructions from your piercer.

How to Clean a Mantis Piercing?

It is recommended to use sterile saline that you buy from the store, rather than homemade saline, for cleaning your piercings. Homemade saline may be too salty for delicate piercing sites, leading to dryness and delayed healing.

Using mild, fragrance-free soap and water to clean your piercing site is also an option.

If you prefer homemade salt solution. You can start by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt with one cup of distilled or boiled (for at least 20 minutes) water. You may choose to use less of the salt mixture like 1/4 to 1/8 teaspoon if you want a weaker solution that’s less likely to burn or sting. Stir the solution until it dissolves.

If you see signs of infection, you can also use antiseptic solutions, such as betadine, isopropyl alcohol, or diluted hydrogen peroxide. However, avoid using them for daily cleaning as they can damage cells.

Then proceed with the following steps to clean your piercing:

Soak a cotton ball, a paper towel, or a non-plush cloth with the solution. Avoid fabrics that could snag and pull the jewelry or leave fibers behind. Gently saturate the piercing and cleanse it. Don't remove the jewelry!
If you have a sterile saline wound wash that you buy from stores, then spay it while healing.
Ensure you cleanse the piercing of any discharge or crusty material.
Take clean gauze or cotton swabs and pat the area dry.

Your piercer should give you detailed instructions on how to keep your piercing clean once it has been placed.