16g vs. 18g Nose Studs, Which Size is Best for You?

When you buy anything, the size matters, and so does the case with piercings. Knowing the size of your nose piercing is something that increases your chances of slaying it. A properly picked nose ring doesn't only look good but gives you a completely snug fit, which obviously increases piercing comfort.

The most common nose stud sizes are 16g and 18g, but knowing which size is right for you can be confusing. So, let's dive into it and understand these sizes.

Difference between 16g and 18g

The “g” in 16g and 18g stands is for gauge, which simply tells the thickness of piercing jewellery. The more familiar you are with your required thickness, the more snugly your jewellery will fit.

Gauges always work backward, meaning the smaller ones are thicker than the bigger ones. So, 16g nose studs are thicker than 18g nose studs. Here’s a quick rundown for better understanding:

• 16g: Thicker, usually about 1.2mm in diameter
• 18g: Thinner, typically around 1.0mm in diameter

Now, the main question is what to choose, which is mainly based on personal preference. However, there are also some important factors like anatomy, design and material.

Benefits of 16g Nose Studs

A 16g nose stud is perfect to create bold and more gothic looks. These are much more popular with people with massive ear plugs and expanders.

• A thicker gauge means more durable. Many people find that 16g nose studs are robust and hold up better to daily wear.
• 16g jewelry often comes in more “industrial” and unique styles, making it a great pick if you want something trendy.
• If you tend to play with your piercing or change it often, the slightly thicker 16g can help reduce the chance of accidental pulls or snags.
• For those who might need to stretch up to a larger size, starting with 16g can make it easier to transition.

Benefits of 18g Nose Studs

Now, come to tiny nose studs, which are sleek and stylish. It is best for people who want something seamless to move into the corporate world.

• Since 18g is thinner, it’s often more suited and snug, especially for new piercings. The smaller gauge is soft on the skin, which can feel more natural.
• Many piercers start with 18g as the default size for nose piercings, so you’ll find a wider variety of styles and designs in this gauge, including everything from small nose hoops to cute nose rings.
• For those who like to switch up their look, 18g jewellery is generally easier to remove and replace without causing discomfort. This size is also perfect for delicate styles, like nose studs with tiny gems or simple, thin hoops.

How to Pick the Right Size

To pick your ideal size, always keep in mind a few things

• Your piercer knows better than many online guides. Ask them what suits you the best.
• You can take your look as another factor and think whether you are going for a bold nose piercing or a simpler one.
• Remember to focus majorly on healing. It will cost you less effort and more results.  

Which Sizes Heal Better?

The healing depends on multiple factors, with a major focus on aftercare. Piercing jewellery aftercare is much more important to retain cute jewellery than we could think of.   

Most initial piercings are done with an 18g needle, meaning your piercing might naturally heal with an 18g needle. For experienced piercers or those with thicker skin, a 16g option could work, but moving up to a 16gimmediately after being pierced with an 18g might irritate the area.

To change your piercing size, material or design, you should wait for the initial healing to complete with an additional 2 to 4 weeks. This way you can be extra sure.

When is it OK to Change Nose Piercing?

Switching sizes too soon could lead to irritation or even infection. Additionally, if you notice a nose piercing bump, it might be due to improper sizing or irritation. Generally, most nose piercings heal within 6-8 weeks, but it’s always wise to consult your piercer first.

So here you have the size guide. Make sure to use the correct nose piercing placement for hoops and studs for a more defined look. It will give you an edge for better piercing styling.