Septum Ring Size Guide: Choosing Your Gauge & Fit

What size septum ring do I need?

For a round septum hoop, choose a gauge that suits your existing piercing and an inner diameter that fits your anatomy and preferred look.

STEPOY seamless septum hoops are available in 16G and 18G, with these inner diameters:

These are 1mm steps. They are not universal fit categories: 8mm is not automatically snug, and 12mm is not automatically oversized. The same ring can sit differently on different people.

Should I choose 16G or 18G?

Match your current, comfortably worn gauge first. Gauge is the thickness passing through your piercing, not the diameter of the circle.

For example, 16G / 10mm means 1.2mm wire with a 10mm inner diameter. An 18G / 10mm ring has thinner wire, but the same stated inner diameter.

Do not select 18G simply because you want the ring to hang less: that is a fit question, not just a wire-thickness question. If you are considering changing gauge, discuss it with your piercer. Never force a thicker ring through.

How do I measure a septum ring I already own?

Check your original order first. If it lists “16G × 10mm”, confirm that 10mm refers to the inner diameter rather than an outside measurement.

1. Only remove jewellery if your piercing is fully healed and you can comfortably change it. If not, ask your piercer to measure it.
2. Lay a round ring flat beside a millimetre ruler. Keep it in its normal circular shape.
3. Measure straight across the inside opening, from inner edge to inner edge. For a true circle, the inside height and width are equal.
4. Record the gauge separately. A normal ruler may not reliably distinguish 1.0mm from 1.2mm wire; use the original specification or a piercer’s measurement.

If a hoop has been bent out of shape, its widest dimension is not a reliable size reference. Have it checked rather than stretching it into a circle yourself.

I wear a horseshoe or clicker. Can I order the same size?

Sometimes—but only after checking the shape and measurement. “Clicker” describes a closure mechanism, not one particular shape. Some are round; others have a straight wearable bar or a shaped lower section.

From a round clicker

A confirmed inner diameter can be a useful reference for a round seamless hoop of the same gauge. Also check whether decoration projects into the opening or changes the ring’s overall outline.

From a horseshoe

Confirm the diameter of the curved body, excluding its balls. The distance between the balls and the amount they hang down are not the hoop’s inner diameter. Matching the diameter may preserve a useful size reference, but a closed circle will have a different outline.

From a straight-bar, D-shaped or oval design

Check the usable internal height and width. Do not assume a shaped piece labelled “10mm” will sit like a 10mm round hoop. A maker’s sizing diagram or an in-person fitting is more useful than the product name alone.

How do I choose how much of the ring shows?

The visible part depends on where the piercing sits and how the circle passes beneath your nose. Some of the ring is hidden inside the nose. That is why copying someone else’s 8mm or 10mm size may not give you their look.

If your current round hoop fits comfortably, use its known size to describe your goal:

If your ring pulls, pinches, leaves an indentation or sits uncomfortably against the base of your nose, have the fit checked. Do not force a smaller hoop into place to make it look snug.

If you need a size between the listed options, contact us to confirm sizing and ordering.

What if I have no well-fitting ring to measure?

Start by checking whether your piercing studio has a record of the jewellery they fitted. If it was initial jewellery, ask whether that size is still appropriate for the fit you want now.

For a first close-fitting circle, an in-person assessment is the most dependable route. Ask your piercer to check the space needed beneath the piercing and the width needed around the tissue, then write down the recommended gauge and round-hoop inner diameter.

Measuring only the visible space beneath your nose misses the hidden part of the ring. A single front photo or a measurement of nose width cannot establish the correct diameter. Do not insert paper or other objects through the piercing to measure it.

If your confirmed fit falls outside 8–12mm, our listed range may not suit you. Choose according to your piercing rather than rounding into the available range.

Can you tell my septum size from a photo?

We can help you discuss the look and compare known sizes. We cannot accurately identify an unknown gauge or inner diameter from an ordinary wearing photo alone.

Tell us if there is pressure or discomfort. A photo may help explain the issue, but it cannot confirm the condition of the piercing or replace an in-person fit check.

How do I put in a seamless septum hoop?

STEPOY twist-open seamless septum hoops are for fully healed piercings. If you are unsure whether yours is ready, have your piercer check before changing jewellery.

1. Open with a sideways twist. Move one end towards you and the other away, like opening a small spiral. Do not pull the circle wider.
2. Insert gently. Use clean hands and jewellery. Stop if you meet resistance, pain or bleeding; ask your piercer to help.
3. Bring the ends back into alignment. Reverse the twist until the ends meet smoothly. Do not leave a rough edge or obvious gap.

For a first change, or if you cannot see or close the ends properly, arrange professional help. Repeatedly opening and bending the hoop to get it right can distort its shape.

Before you order your septum hoop

• Gauge confirmed: 16G (1.2mm) or 18G (1.0mm).
• Inner diameter confirmed: 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12mm, with a reliable fit reference.
• Shape compared: particularly if changing from a horseshoe or shaped clicker.
• Preferred look clear: closer to the nose, more visible, or similar to your current ring.
• Piercing ready: fully healed and suitable for a jewellery change.

Still missing a measurement? Contact us with what you know before ordering. We can help you work through the options without guessing a size from your face.