The Difference Between Fake & Real Nose Studs

Nose studs are an increasingly popular form of jewelry.

Nose piercings can vary from a tiny stud in the corner of your nose to a bar through the center of your nasal passage, the piece of skin and cartilage called the septum that separates the two nostrils. For those worried about the permanency of a real piercing, temporary or fake alternatives are available to test out before committing to a real piercing.

Types

The two most popular types of fake studs are magnetic and stick-on. Magnetic studs consist of two pieces: the decorative metal piece for the outside of the nostril and a small magnet that is placed inside the nostril to secure the fake stud. Stick-on studs or crystals require a skin-safe glue to stick to the nose, creating the illusion of a piercing.

Real studs usually consist of one whole piece of steel or other material, such as gold or silver. A stud has a hooked end that sits inside the nostril and holds the stud in place. Other studs are similar to studded earrings, where the piercing affixes with a small fastener on the inside of the nostril.

Price and Features

Because fake studs can be made easily and with cheaper materials, they tend to cost a lot less than real studs. Real studs require more material and--due to the high number of allergies or irritations people get from wearing fake jewelry--are usually made from gold, silver or even expensive gemstones, such as diamonds, which contributes to their higher cost.

Benefits

Fake studs can make a striking addition to a costume, outfit or new style. Perhaps the best benefit they offer is they allow the wearer to test out the look of a nose stud before committing to a real piercing. However, because they lack the quality of construction of a real piercing, they may not last as long as a real one. Real studs offer much more variety in materials and design than fake studs and can even be customized with a jeweler to suit the wearer's personal style.

Safety and Considerations

Clean new studs before wearing them.

Wearers should always clean their hands and the pierced holes before wearing studs. This is especially important with a newly pierced nose, as it is more prone to infections. A mild soap or saline (water and sea salt) solution is best for cleaning the area. Harsh cleansers, such as hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol, should be avoided, because these only irritate the skin. Even fake magnetic studs require some sanitary care before use because they are still placed within the nostril and sinus passage, an area sensitive to infections, to stay in place. They should be submerged in a disinfectant liquid occasionally for cleaning.

History

Nose piercing is an ancient practice in many cultures around the world. It is referenced as far back as biblical times but is mostly prominent in Indian cultures and mainly among women. Its appearance in Western culture began in the 1960s, when hippies adopted the practice after visits to India and reappeared again in the 1970s as a physical act of rebellion in the punk movement. Over time the practice has become popular among different demographics and gained in acceptance.

References

• Street Directory: The Latest Fashion Trend Is the Fake Nose Ring
• Body Piercing: Nose Piercing
• Painful Pleasures: Body Piercing History

Resources

• The Nose Stud