How to Put In & Change a Septum Ring
- Wait 6-8 weeks minimum before your first septum jewellery change
- Have your piercer do the first change — they can confirm the channel is ready
- Seamless hoops require a gentle twist to open; clickers snap shut; horseshoes unscrew
- Always wash hands and clean new jewellery before insertion
- If it hurts, stop — force can damage the channel. Try again later or visit your piercer
When is it safe to change?
First change: 6-8 weeks minimum. The septum heals fast, but the channel needs to be fully formed before you introduce new jewellery. Your piercer should confirm readiness.
Signs you are ready: zero tenderness when the ring is moved, no discharge of any kind, the ring moves freely in the channel without pain, and the piercing has been stable for at least 2 weeks.
Signs you are NOT ready: any tenderness, discharge, crusting, or resistance when moving the ring. Wait longer and check again in 1-2 weeks.
Changing a seamless hoop
Removing: locate the join in the ring (it may be nearly invisible). Hold each side of the join and gently twist in opposite directions — do not pull apart. The ends separate with a slight lateral twist.
Inserting: with the ring slightly open, guide one end into the piercing channel from below. Once through, align both ends and twist gently to close. The ends should meet flush with no gap.
Tip: do this over a soft surface (towel on a table) in case you drop the ring. Seamless hoops are small and bounce unpredictably on hard surfaces.
Changing a clicker ring
Removing: find the hinge point. Gently pull the straight bar away from the curved section — it should click open. Slide the ring out of the piercing.
Inserting: open the clicker. Guide the straight bar through the channel from one side. Once through, align with the hinge and press until it clicks shut. You should feel a definite click.
Tip: clickers are the easiest septum jewellery to change yourself. The click mechanism provides clear feedback that it is securely closed.
Changing a horseshoe barbell
Removing: unscrew one ball end (lefty-loosey). Hold the ring steady with one hand and twist the ball with the other. Once the ball is off, slide the ring out of the channel.
Inserting: remove one ball. Guide the ring through the channel. Screw the ball back on (righty-tighty). Ensure it is snug but not over-tightened.
Tip: tiny balls are easy to drop. Work over a towel and consider wearing latex gloves for better grip on small threaded pieces.
Tips & troubleshooting
Cannot find the hole: use a mirror with good lighting. Gently feel inside the nostril for the channel opening. A small taper or insertion pin (available from piercing suppliers) can help guide jewellery through.
Ring will not go through: do not force it. Apply a tiny amount of water-based lubricant to the ring. If it still resists, the channel may not be fully healed or may have started to shrink. Visit your piercer.
It hurts during insertion: stop immediately. Pain means the channel is not ready, or you are at the wrong angle. Try again gently from a different angle, or wait a few days and try again.
Channel started closing: septum channels can begin to shrink within hours of removing jewellery, especially in newer piercings. If you need to remove jewellery temporarily, insert a retainer to keep the channel open.
Gauge mismatch: always use the same gauge as your original piercing. A thicker gauge will not fit; a thinner gauge can cause the channel to shrink around it. If unsure, check with your piercer.
