October 12, 2024

Rhino Piercing (Vertical Nose Tip): Pain, Healing, Cost, Jewelry, Gauge, Aftercare, and Cleaning

Fast Facts

Placement: It goes through the tip of your nose.
Cost: $50-$100.
Pain: One of the more painful piercings to get.
Healing time: 6-9 months.
Jewelry: Curved barbells (banana barbells).
Risks: Infections, swelling, scarring, allergies, and nerve damage.

What Is a Rhino Piercing?

Rhino Piercing (Vertical Tip): Pain, Healing, Cost, Jewelry, Gauge, Aftercare, and Cleaning

A Rhino piercing (the vertical nose tip piercing) is a type of nose piercing that goes through the tip of your nose. It is called a Rhino piercing because it resembles a rhino’s horn. You may also hear it being referred to as a vertical nose tip piercing.

One end of the piercing goes through the bridge of your nose and the other end comes out through the top of your nose.

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Keep in mind, there are a few different variations of the Rhino nose piercing, so you may hear other names too, such as a gauged Rhino piercing, horizontal Rhino piercing or double Rhino piercing.

Trending: Stretched Rhino Piercing (Gauged Rhino Piercing)

While a Rhino nose piercing in itself is unique and distinct, piercing enthusiasts can take it a step further by doing a stretched or gauged rhino piercing.

The placement of a gauged Rhino piercing is at the top of your nose, toward the tip. As the piercing hole stretches, it exposes the inside of your nose and its bridge.

Variant 1: Horizontal Rhino Piercing

Another variation of the Rhino piercing to consider is a horizontal Rhino piercing. Instead of going vertically, this piercing style goes side to side.

Consider if you want the endpoints of your piercing to be on either side of your nose or at the top and bottom. You can also brainstorm what type of jewelry you want to wear, which could help guide your decision.

Variant 2: Double Rhino Piercing

A double Rhino piercing can be a great option for those who are looking for multiple nose piercings. Combining nose piercings can create an edgy look and give you more opportunities to mix and match jewelry pieces.

A double Rhino piercing incorporates two rhino piercings, often in the opposite direction of one another.

In other words, you can combine a horizontal and vertical Rhino piercing and do something like spikes to adorn all various angles of your nose.

Variant 3: Deep Rhino Piercing

The deep Rhino is an “extreme” version of the Rhino piercing, with the top portion of the piercing coming out higher on your nose.

However, the anatomy of your nose may dictate how far up your piercing can take the piercing, and they may need to off-center it.

This is because there is a strip of cartilage through the center of your nose they may have to go on the right or left of when doing the piercing.

Variant 4: Half Rhino Piercing (Septril Piercing)

Another piercing variation to consider is the half Rhino piercing, also known as a Septril piercing or half vertical nose piercing.

This modified version of the Rhino piercing only involves the bottom of your nose, so the piercing does not also come out of the top of your nose. When fitted with jewelry, you’ll see the piercing only at the tip of your nose.

This is a tricky piercing because it will need to go into the nose tip and out through one side of your nostril, where a septum piercing would be.

To do this, your piercer will have to use a gauge to create enough space for the septril piercing and it can take months to plan and complete.

Rhino Piercing Pain

A Rhino piercing or a vertical tip piercing is one of the more painful piercings to get, so it's not a good choice for a first piercing. However, it can be an adventurous first step, if you’re up for the challenge.

During the healing process, you may experience pain throughout your nose, instead of just one area, because it goes through such a large portion of your nose.

Rhino Piercing Price

On average, the cost of a Rhino piercing can range from $50 to $100.

However, it is important to keep in mind that the cost may be higher or lower depending on the factors like the location and reputation of the piercing studio, the experience and skill of the piercer, the type of jewelry used, and so on.

How Long Does It Take for a Rhino Piercing to Heal?

This piercing goes through a good bit of thicker tissue on your nose. That means that it takes a good bit of time to heal -- usually, you can expect one of these piercings to heal in about 6-9 months.

What Is the Point of the Rhino Piercing?

There are many different reasons why you may get a Rhino piercing. Many people use piercings as a way to express themselves and their style. Others find piercings therapeutic and like to pierce different areas of their body for the experience.

The Rhino piercing is a great option because:

It’s unique and one of the rarer piercings you’ll see
There are different jewelry opportunities with bars and various caps like balls and spikes
It’s highly visible as a face piercing and one right in the center
It can easily be combined with other types of nose piercings

Rhino Piercing Jewelry Type: Curved Barbells (Banana Barbells)

Spike curved barbell titanium 16G $18.9, SHOP NOW.

Rhino piercings are typically done using a curved barbell (banana barbells). One end rests between your nostrils while the other one sits on top of your nose.

A curved barbell is shaped like a semi-circle or a slight arch, with a small ball or other decorative end on each side.

Curved barbell piercing 16G $22.9, SHOP NOW.

Is the Rhino Piercing Done With a Surface Bar?

No. A surface bar is designed for surface piercings, which are located on flat areas of the body. Surface bars have a flat, staple-like shape, which helps reduce pressure on the skin and minimize the risk of rejection.

Since Rhino piercings go through the tip of the nose and have a more curved path, a curved barbell is more suitable for this type of piercing.

Rhino Piercing Jewelry Sizes

Rhino piercings typically use a 16 gauge (1.2mm) or 14 gauge (1.6mm) needle for the initial piercing. Common initial barbell lengths for Rhino piercings are 3/8" (10mm) or 1/2"(12mm).

Rhino piercing gauge: Rhino piercings typically use a 16 gauge (1.2mm) or 14 gauge (1.6mm) needle for the initial piercing. The gauge of the jewelry refers to the thickness of the barbell.
Length: Common initial barbell lengths for rhino piercings are 3/8" (10mm) or 1/2"(12mm). The length of the barbell will depend on your individual anatomy and the swelling that occurs during the healing process. Typically, a piercer will use a longer barbell initially to accommodate for swelling. Once the piercing has healed, you can switch to a shorter barbell for a more comfortable fit.
Bead size: The size of the beads on either end of the barbell should be proportional to the size of the barbell and the individual's nose. Larger beads may be used for a more dramatic look, but they may also increase the risk of irritation or prolong the healing process.

As the piercing heals, your piercer may recommend downsizing the jewelry to a smaller size to promote healing and prevent migration or rejection of the piercing. It is important to consult with your piercer before changing the jewelry size or style.

Recommended Materials for Rhino Nose Piercings

It is recommended to use high-quality, body-safe materials such as implant-grade titanium, 14K solid gold, niobium, or surgical-grade stainless steel to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction or other complications.

Here are some materials commonly used for rhino piercing jewelry:

Implant-grade titanium: This is considered one of the best materials for body jewelry due to its biocompatibility, durability, and resistance to corrosion. It is hypoallergenic and can be anodized to create a variety of colors.
14K solid gold: Gold is a popular choice for body jewelry due to its aesthetic appeal, but it is important to use high-quality gold, such as 14k or 18k, to minimize the risk of allergic reactions or other complications.
Implant-grade niobium: This is another biocompatible and hypoallergenic metal that is popular for body jewelry. It can also be anodized to create different colors.
Surgical-grade stainless steel: It is durable and resistant to tarnish and corrosion, however, even surgical-grade steel contains small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions in those with skin sensitivities.

How to Do a Rhino Piercing?

So what is the process like to get a Rhino piercing? It’s similar to other nose piercings, but it takes longer and is more uncomfortable because there is more cartilage that your piercer has to go through. Deeper piercings will increase the time and discomfort, and require an experienced piercer.

Typically, the process entails:

Find a qualified, experienced piercer who knows how to do a rhino piercing. Consider chatting with them first, looking at their reviews, and visiting their piercing studio to check out their sanitary practices.
Research different types of jewelry for rhino piercings to get an idea of what you’d like.
Set up your appointment and tell your piercer exactly what you’re looking for, including positioning.
Your piercer will prepare their tools and clean your nose to reduce the risk of infection.
Your piercer will mark the entry and exit points of the piercing, confirming placement with you.
The piercer will push a hollow needle through the tip of your nose, moving from bottom to top.
The piercer will insert the jewelry through the perforation and secure it in place.
You’ll be instructed on how to care for the piercing and can start the healing process.

Tools to Do a Rhino Piercing

The tools you’ll likely see your piercer use include a cotton pad or cotton swab, rubbing alcohol, a hollow needle, a sterile marker, and your jewelry.

Potential Risks

As with any piercing, there are some potential risks and drawbacks of the Rhino piercing. These may include:

Nose pain or numbness
Nerve or structural nose damage
Potential for jewelry allergies
Potential for infection
Scarring if you have to or want to take the jewelry out
Swelling
Long healing time (around six to nine months with proper cleaning and care)

Many of these risks, like pain and healing time, are heightened the deeper you take the piercing. And if you go with a gauged piercing or a half vertical piercing, this can also be a longer, more uncomfortable process.

It’s best to talk about the pros and cons of a Rhino piercing with your piercer to ensure it’s the right piercing for you.

Caring for a Rhino 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 Rhino 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.

Is a Rhino Piercing Right for You?

If you’re thinking about getting a Rhino piercing, take some time to think through all of the pros and cons. Do your research, especially when it comes time to choose a piercer. If you’re ready and willing to get the rhino, it can be a truly unique and rewarding piercing.