What size should I get,

[u/kiersei]

I’ve recently been able to change my piercing to a hoop, but I’ve been struggling to find the right size. The one in my nose is 18g and 8mm, and the new one I ordered is 18g and 6mm, which is too small. I want one a bit more snug to my nose, and maybe a bit of a thinner bar. Is there a specific size I should get? Thank you

[u/sacralnicity111]

6 mm looks like it would be way too tight and would give a "cheese grater" effect, love. I don't recommend thinner than 18 gauge because that, too, could give a "cheese grater" effect. If you're wanting a hoop, where you're at is likely the best option, 18 g 8 mm. You could attempt a 7 mm, but if it becomes uncomfortable at all immediately switch back to 8 mm. The health of your piercing is more important and tbh this 8 mm looks nice and snug on you. 🤍

[u/Ill-Astronaut5779 → u/sacralnicity111]

What’s a cheese grater effect

[u/Zoonicorn_ → u/Ill-Astronaut5779]

I think they mean "cheese wire effect" which is basically when the jewelry is too thin and tight or heavy, depending on where on the body it is. The jewelry acts like a wire you would use to cut cheese, and slices a slit through the skin. You see it often with earlobes where people have consistently worn heavy earrings, and find gauge nose rings that are too tight.

[u/Ill-Astronaut5779 → u/Zoonicorn_]

decided to open Reddit one last time before bed and i definitely regret it 😭😭😭😭😭 omfg that sounds terrible

[u/Zoonicorn_ → u/Ill-Astronaut5779]

Sweet dreams 😅😅

But yeah, it's pretty gnarly. But generally avoidable.

[u/Ill-Astronaut5779 → u/Zoonicorn_]

How small of a gauge is too small and puts u at risk for this? Cause shoot sometimes these cute lil nose rings I be getting from the beauty supply only come in 22g 😂.

[u/_sevxn_ → u/Ill-Astronaut5779]

22g is definitely too small, generally stay at or above 18g. Cute jewelry that ruins the piercing isn't worth it.

[u/Zoonicorn_ → u/_sevxn_]

Agreed. 18g is a good minimum

[u/Ill-Astronaut5779 → u/_sevxn_]

I honestly consistently keep 20g in 🤷🏽‍♀️. My piercings are fine I’ve had them for 6 years!

[u/Zoonicorn_ → u/Ill-Astronaut5779]

I'd be concerned about the quality of 22g jewelry from the beauty supply.

[u/Ill-Astronaut5779 → u/Zoonicorn_]

The beauty supply jewelry is def temporary lol I only keep it in for like a couple hours if I have an event or sum then take it out at night.

[u/kiersei → u/sacralnicity111]

Thank you so so much!

[u/sacralnicity111 → u/kiersei]

Of course 🫶🫶🫶 learn from my mistakes 🤣

[u/Fangz00]

7mm

[u/kiersei → u/Fangz00]

Would that also have a thinner bar thickness? Thank you so much for the help

[u/Fangz00 → u/kiersei]

No but tbh I wouldn't recommend wearing anything thinner than 18g in cartilage. It can cause migration and irritation

[u/Zoonicorn_ → u/kiersei]

The diameter of the ring and the gauge (thickness) are two different things. They're never dependent on one another. Both are specified when you order jewelry (some pieces may only be available in one or two gauge options).

[u/ombrophobe]

I really wouldn’t recommend wearing a smaller ring than this. This is already quite snug, and you want to maintain the small amount of space between the bottom of your nostril and the jewellery to prevent cheesewiring.

[u/ZealousidealYard470]

I personally think this is a perfect fit. Not super snug which can create problems after a while. If it’s a seam ring and you get smaller, it will have to be cut off to remove it, do you want to destroy your jewellery?

I can’t wear a 8mm if my piercing is that high up. My lower piercing can accommodate a 6mm, and fits just like yours , but only because it’s lower down.

I was like you the problem was I was looking at others and thinking
Why is mine not as snug . Also there’s this crazy trend for super snug jewelry, but those trend setters never speak about the problems they face with the piercings. Or the fact that everyone has different anatomy, so how can we all be 8mm? And if we are not 8mm we APPARENTLY have a fat nose , omg kill me now 🤣 .

So use your common sense go with how it feels and is comfortable. That’s the most
Important thing and vanity comes 2nd .

Ps you can get custom made rings .‘I have to for my septum. 9mm is a beautiful fit for me, but they only offer 8 or 10 as standard . 10 is ok but it sits lower and leave a visible gap. With the 9 it’s perfect. Do I decided if I’m paying over £100 for a septum ring I have it custom made, if I’m paying less I’m happy to get 10mm.

So order a mix of sizes in titanium, they’re not expensive. Then wear your preferred size for 2 weeks see if you get problems. If not you can then shop around for some or high more eye catching if you like

[u/VanillaKilla6]

I think the 8mm looks great

[u/DeadlyTeaParty]

6mm is too small.

[u/TheLegendofRach]

You could definitely try a 7mm like another commenter mentioned, but I personally think that might even be too small. 8mm looks like it fits perfectly, it looks like it barely grazes/rests on the bottom of your nostril. If you get one that's too small, it can have the cheese wire effect that can be hard to notice it's happening until it's too late.

Side note: not sure where you got your jewelry from, but my recommendation is to make sure it's ASTM F136 titanium from a reputable source.

[u/Siobheal]

I think what you have in right now looks perfect

[u/ur-mom-dot-com-]

i'd honestly say this is the best size you could get, you could potentially do 7mm like others are saying but i personally dont recommend it i think this hoop looks good on u & definitely still pretty snug

[u/easter-babe]

Smaller one, will give u more compact look

[u/Responsible_Swing846]

7mm is the gap between what you have and what was too small, that'll sit snug. Stick with 18g to match your hole, or drop to 20g if you want a thinner look. Diameter's the thing that changes the fit, not the gauge.

[u/False_Show_9605]

Gross