Nose rings work by piercing the nostril (or septum, in the case of septum piercings) and then using different jewelry closure mechanisms to stay in place. The specific "workings" depend on the type of nose ring. Here's a breakdown:
Types of Nose Rings and How They Function:
There are several common types of nose rings, each utilizing a different method for staying in place:
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Nostril Screws (or Nose Pins): These feature a straight post that goes through the piercing, with a decorative end on the outside and a small, curved or screw-shaped end on the inside to prevent slippage. They work by the curved end creating just enough of a barrier against the inside of the nostril to stop the jewelry from easily falling out.
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Nose Bones (or Bone Prongs): As the reference states, a nose bone is a straight piece of jewelry with a decorative end and a small ball or flared end on the inside. The small ball is slightly larger than the piercing hole, creating friction to hold it in place. These rely on a snug fit.
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Seamless Rings (or Captive Bead Rings): These are full circles that pass through the piercing.
- Seamless Rings: These rings are almost complete circles that have a small gap. To insert, you gently twist the ring open, insert it through the piercing, and then twist it closed. The reference mentions to twist up and down in opposite directions.
- Captive Bead Rings (CBRs): These rings are complete circles with a small gap where a bead or decorative element sits. The bead is held in place by the tension of the ring.
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L-Shaped Nose Rings: These rings have a straight post that goes through the piercing with a 90-degree bend at the end, forming an "L" shape. The "L" shape prevents the jewelry from falling out.
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Septum Piercings: These go through the cartilage that separates the nostrils. Septum jewelry includes:
- Circular Barbells: These are horseshoe-shaped rings with balls screwed onto each end.
- Septum Clickers: These are rings with a hinged segment that clicks into place to close.
- Septum Retainers: These are typically U-shaped pieces that can be flipped up inside the nostrils to conceal the piercing.
Factors Affecting How Well a Nose Ring Works:
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Proper Piercing: The piercing must be performed correctly by a professional piercer to ensure the jewelry sits properly and doesn't cause irritation or rejection.
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Correct Gauge and Diameter: The gauge (thickness) of the jewelry and the diameter of the ring must be appropriate for the piercing. Jewelry that is too small can be uncomfortable and prone to falling out, while jewelry that is too large can cause stretching and irritation.
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Material: High-quality materials like surgical steel, titanium, or gold are less likely to cause allergic reactions or irritation.
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Secure Closure: The chosen jewelry closure mechanism must be reliable to prevent the jewelry from falling out accidentally.
In summary, nose rings function through a combination of a correctly placed piercing and a jewelry design that creates enough friction or resistance to prevent the jewelry from falling out. The specific method varies depending on the type of nose ring chosen.
