How to Remove a Nose Ring or Stud

Whether you've outgrown your nose pierce, or simply feel the need for a change, the removal process is pretty straightforward. Expect the hole to leave its mark, though - a legacy to the period you're leaving behind.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Antibacterial Soaps
• Eyebrow Tweezers
• Gauze Wraps
• Cooking Pots
• Wire Strainers

1. Sterilize a pair of tweezers in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Let them dry in a fresh gauze wrap.

2. Begin with clean dry hands and a face that's free of makeup, lotions or any treatment products. Make sure that your bathroom has plenty of light and that you have enough room to move your elbows freely around your face.

3. Take the tweezers in your strong hand and delicately place the tips on the outside edges of your nose stud. Press your nostril gently against your nose as you pull the stud out in a slow, steady stroke.

4. Remove a barbell at the bridge of your nose by stabilizing the stationary ball with your fingertips and then unscrewing the removable ball. Depending on the placement you may be moving your fingertips in the direction of your eye - take care not to poke yourself.

5. Tilt your head back slightly, then take either end of a horseshoe ring into your fingertips. Gently pull the ball to release the end of the bar, then slide the bar through the hole and off of your nose.

Tips & Warnings

• Getting the right angle can be tricky. If you realize self-removal may not be an option, enlist the help of a friend with a gentle touch and non-squeamish nature, or make an appointment with your original piercer for removal.
• Never remove your nose ring if you suspect infection, unless under a physician's recommendation. The bacteria causing the infection may get trapped in your system as the hole begins to close up.
• Try not to jerk or pull too hard when removing jewelry or you may bruise tissue or rip your skin.

on 6/30/2006 Don't do this when you are home alone. You may need assistance, it's sometimes hard to see what you need to do in a mirror. If things aren't going well or you panic, go to a professional piercer, they understand and will help you without making you feel stupid; even if your jewelry is half in and half out and you walk into the place looking a bit odd, like I did.

on 3/20/2006 To make removing your nose ring easier, change it after taking a nice hot/warm shower. It makes the process painless and simple.

on 11/22/2005 No matter how much it may hurt or sting, stay calm, relaxed, and have a steady hand. Jerking it out or getting it jammed in your cartilage (because your face is tensed up) will cause it to hurt a lot worse. It may help to rotate the stud as you pull it out, too.

on 11/22/2005 Make sure the toilet seat is down and the drain stopper is inserted because you don't want to lose the pieces.