High Nostril Piercing in Calgary

A striking, elevated twist on the classic nostril piercing, placed with precision at Tribal Expression.

What is a high nostril piercing?

A high nostril piercing sits higher up on the bridge of the nose than a standard nostril piercing, usually closer to the curve where the nostril meets the bridge. This placement gives a very refined, “stacked” look and can frame the eyes beautifully when paired with standard nostril, septum, or other facial piercings.

Because the tissue is a bit thicker and less flexible than a regular nostril piercing, high nostrils require very deliberate placement, the right angle, and carefully chosen jewelry. When done well, they look clean and intentional rather than crowded or cramped.

At Tribal Expression in Calgary, high nostril piercings are treated as an advanced facial project. We combine two decades of facial piercing experience with in-house, implant-grade titanium and gold jewelry to build high nostril sets that heal as well as they look.

Book an Appointment

Am I a good candidate for high nostril piercings?

High nostril piercings are more anatomy-dependent than standard nostril piercings. During your consultation, your piercer will look at:

• Nasal bridge shape and contour – We need enough flat surface and soft tissue to support the jewelry without excessive pressure.
• Nostril width and height – To ensure high nostrils line up harmoniously with any existing nostril piercings or future plans for hoops.
• Existing piercings and facial symmetry – If you have nostril, septum, or other facial work, we’ll design your high nostrils to complement the overall layout.
• Lifestyle factors – Glasses, masks, helmets, and contact sports can all add friction or pressure around this area.
• Healing history and skin sensitivity – Helps us choose the safest material and gauge for your body.

If your anatomy doesn’t support high nostrils safely or comfortably, we’ll explain why and suggest alternate placements rather than forcing a piercing that your tissue can’t realistically maintain.

Do high nostril piercings hurt more than regular nostrils?

Most clients find high nostril piercings to be a bit more intense than standard nostrils, mainly because the tissue is thicker and the placement is higher on the nose. That said, each piercing is still very quick.

You can expect:

• A sharper pinch for a second as the needle passes through.
• Eyes watering on that side (again, just a normal reflex).
• A deeper “pressure” sensation compared to a standard nostril, which settles fairly quickly.

We’ll walk you through breathing and body positioning so the process feels as controlled and predictable as possible. High nostrils are an advanced look, but the actual piercing moments are very short.

How long do high nostril piercings take to heal?

Because the tissue is thicker and sees more movement from facial expressions and breathing, high nostril piercings usually take 6–9 months to heal, sometimes longer for clients with very active lifestyles or heavy mask wear.

You’ll likely notice:

• Weeks 1–4: Swelling, tenderness, and redness around each piercing. The posts may look a little long at first to allow for swelling.
• Weeks 4–12: The area becomes less reactive, but is still sensitive to direct pressure, glasses, or accidental bumps.
• Months 3–9: The piercing channel gradually stabilizes. This is often when we talk about downsizing to shorter posts for comfort and aesthetics.

Even when high nostrils look calm on the outside, the internal channel is still maturing. Patience pays off here more than almost any other nostril project.

High nostril piercing aftercare

With high nostrils, good aftercare is less about “scrubbing them clean” and more about consistent gentle care and minimizing pressure and friction from the outside world.

Clean gently with hypochlorous acid

• Use the hypochlorous acid aftercare spray we recommend 1–2 times daily (or as directed).
• Spray from the front and slightly from the side so the solution reaches the entry points.
• Let it sit for 30–60 seconds to soften dried discharge.
• Gently pat dry with a clean, disposable paper towel. Avoid cotton pads and avoid twisting the posts.

Buy Piercing Aftercare Spray

Protect high nostrils from pressure and movement

• Be especially careful with glasses – frames and nose pads should not press into the jewelry.
• Watch out for mask edges or straps rubbing high across the bridge of the nose.
• Be cautious when pulling shirts, hoodies, or jackets over your head.
• Avoid sleeping face-down or deeply into a pillow that squashes the front of the nose.

Common irritants to avoid

• Touching or adjusting the jewelry every time you look in a mirror.
• Trying to “test” how solid they feel by pushing on them.
• Using harsh products like alcohol, peroxide, or tea tree oil on the piercings.
• Changing the jewelry too early or downsizing before the tissue is ready.

If you see a bump forming, the piercing suddenly gets more angry, or one side seems to be acting differently than the other, send us clear photos or book a check-up. Catching irritation early is key with high nostrils.

What jewelry is best for high nostril piercings?

High nostrils almost always do best with high-quality, flat-back stud-style jewelry, especially while healing.

• Threadless flat-back labret studs
  These are our preferred choice. The flat disc inside the nose sits comfortably and provides stability, while the threadless top allows for secure, low-trauma jewelry changes once you’re healed.
• Implant-grade materials only
  ASTM F-136 titanium made in-house by Tribal Expression, or 14k/18k solid gold ends for clients who prefer fine jewelry from day one.
• Minimal, well-proportioned tops
  Because high nostrils sit closer to the bridge, we usually recommend smaller, low-profile gems or beads early on, then build up to more ornate pieces later if your anatomy allows.

Once your high nostrils are healed and downsized, we can coordinate them with your other facial piercings using matching gems, mirrored pairs, or custom-cut stones made right here in Calgary.

High nostril bumps & troubleshooting

Just like standard nostrils, most high nostril “bumps” are a sign of irritation or pressure, not a permanent disaster. Because these piercings sit higher on the nose, they’re especially sensitive to glasses and mask friction.

Common triggers include:

• Glasses frames resting directly on or just below the jewelry.
• Masks worn high on the bridge that rub or squish the posts.
• Sleeping face-down or on a very firm pillow.
• Over-cleaning or using strong products that dry and upset the tissue.
• Changing jewelry too soon or wearing heavy tops too early.

When we identify and remove the source of irritation, then return to gentle, consistent aftercare, most bumps calm down over time. High nostrils reward patience and careful habits.

How are high nostril piercings done at Tribal Expression?

Your high nostril piercing appointment typically includes:

1. Consultation & design
   We map out your facial features, existing piercings, and long-term plans (standard nostrils, septum, bridges, etc.). We then mark your high nostril placement carefully and have you check it from straight on and in profile.
2. Visible sterilization
   Your jewelry, needles, and tools are sterilized individually in a Statim 5000 cassette sterilizer. You can see your cassette loaded and run, so you know your setup is prepared specifically for you.
3. Piercing process
   The area is cleaned, the inside of the nostril is supported, and the needle and jewelry are inserted in one smooth, controlled motion on each side. We double-check alignment while you’re relaxed and breathing normally.
4. Aftercare & follow-up plan
   You’ll leave with written aftercare, product recommendations, and a realistic timeline for downsizing. We’re happy to see you back for check-ups or to review photos as you heal.

Why choose Tribal Expression for high nostril piercings?

• Over 23 years of professional body piercing experience in Calgary.
• Extensive experience with complex facial layouts, including multi-nostril and high nostril projects.
• In-house manufacturing of APP-standard implant-grade titanium and fine gold jewelry.
• Visible, individual sterilization for every client in a bright, open sterilization room.
• A focus on anatomy, long-term comfort, and troubleshooting—not just “getting jewelry in.”
• A supportive environment for both first-time facial piercings and serious collectors.

Ready to book your high nostril piercings in Calgary?

You can book online, call the studio, or visit us to talk through anatomy, glasses, mask use, and long-term styling options. We’ll help you decide if high nostrils are right for you and how they can fit into your overall piercing plan.