A composite image showcasing various septum piercing jewelry styles. On the left, a person wears a silver clicker hoop paved with clear crystals. To the right, four pieces are displayed on a purple background.

Discover The Types Of Septum Rings

Last updated: April 12, 2026

With so many captivating options to choose from, exploring the different types of septum rings can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll break down popular septum ring styles, materials, and key factors to consider so you can confidently choose the perfect piece for your septum piercing.

Watch the following video to see different types of septum rings in action:

Types Of Septum Rings

Classic Horseshoe: The horseshoe septum ring is one of the most popular and versatile styles available. Also called a circular barbell, this design features a curved bar with a ball on each end, forming its classic horseshoe shape. With options in titanium, surgical steel, and other materials, it’s a comfortable and practical choice for everyday septum jewelry.

Close-up of a person's nose and upper lip featuring a septum piercing. The jewelry is a silver horseshoe-style circular barbell with two translucent, bright pink acrylic beads on the ends.

Clicker Septum Ring: The septum clicker is a game-changer for those who like to switch jewelry often. It features a hinged segment that snaps securely into place with a satisfying click, making it incredibly easy to insert and remove without tools. Clicker septum rings come in a wide variety of styles, materials, and decorative designs, making them a popular choice for both everyday wear and statement looks.

A close-up photograph of a person wearing a gold septum clicker ring. The jewelry features an intricate, ornate design with five embossed floral or sunburst patterns along the outer edge.

Hinged Segment Ring: Similar to a clicker, the hinged segment ring uses a small hinge for easy opening and closing. However, it typically has a smoother, continuous hoop design, giving it a sleek and seamless look that works well for both casual and more polished styles.

A close-up studio portrait of a man with a groomed beard and mustache wearing a metallic blue classic hinged segment ring in his septum piercing. The jewelry has a smooth, polished finish and a seamless circular design.

Captive Bead Ring (CBR): The captive bead septum ring features a circular design with a small bead held securely in place by tension within the hoop. This creates a snug, reliable closure while maintaining a classic look. Available in a wide range of styles, from simple and minimalist to more decorative designs, it’s a versatile option for many septum piercings.

A close-up view of a person wearing a gold-toned captive bead ring in their septum piercing. The jewelry features a high-polished gold hoop with a central iridescent white opal bead.

Septum Tusk: For a more edgy and bold look, septum tusks feature pointed ends on either side of a bar. These striking designs come in a variety of lengths and styles, making them a standout choice for anyone looking to add a bit of attitude to their septum piercing.

A close-up portrait of a man wearing a white, spiral-carved septum tusk. The jewelry is shaped like a narwhal horn or a twisted tusk, extending outward from both nostrils. The tusk has a matte, bone-like texture and tapers to sharp points on both ends.

Choosing the Right Material for Septum Rings

Choosing the right material for your septum ring is essential for comfort, durability, and preventing irritation. Below are some of the most popular septum jewelry materials.

316L Surgical Steel: Surgical steel is one of the most common choices for septum rings, known for its durability, affordability, and smooth, polished finish. It’s a reliable option for everyday wear and works well for many people with sensitive skin.

ASTM F136 Titanium: Titanium septum rings are another excellent hypoallergenic option, known for being lightweight, highly durable, and comfortable for long-term wear. They’re especially ideal for those with nickel allergies or sensitive skin.

Gold (Yellow, Rose, White): Gold septum rings offer a more luxurious look and are available in a variety of colors, including yellow, rose, and white gold, as well as different karats. While they add a premium touch, gold jewelry typically requires more care and may not be the most budget-friendly option.

Niobium: Niobium is a hypoallergenic material known for its vibrant color options, achieved through anodization. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to add a bold pop of color to their septum jewelry.

Acrylic: Acrylic is a lightweight, flexible plastic material that can be a comfortable option, especially for those who prefer less pressure on their septum piercing. However, it’s not as durable as metal options and is generally better suited for short-term wear rather than everyday use.

An educational infographic featuring a collage of five labeled polaroid-style photos of septum jewelry on a wooden background. The categories include: Surgical Steel, Titanium, Gold, Niobium+, and Acrylic.

Septum Ring Sizes: Finding the Perfect Fit

Septum ring sizes can vary, but there are two key measurements to consider when finding the right fit.

The Gauge of Septum Ring: This refers to the thickness of the barbell. In fact, the most common gauges for septum piercings are 16g (1.2mm) and 18g (1.0mm). Many people do stretch their septum piercing from a 16 gauge to a 14 gauge (1.6 mm) also. So, it's important to choose a gauge that matches your piercing to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

Three gold-toned horseshoe septum rings of different thicknesses—14 gauge, 16 gauge, and 18 gauge—arranged from largest to smallest. The jewelry is displayed against a high-contrast black and white marble background.

The Diameter of Septum Ring: This refers to the inner width of the horseshoe or other design. In fact, diameters typically range from 5/16 inch (8mm) to 3/8 inch (10mm) for septum piercings. So, knowing your ideal diameter ensures the jewelry sits comfortably within your septum piercing without putting pressure on the septum itself.

Additional Considerations:

When choosing septum jewelry, prioritize comfort above all else. The piece shouldn't put pressure on your septum or snag easily.

  • Start Simple: If you're new to septum piercings, consider starting with a simple horseshoe ring or clicker in a comfortable gauge.
  • Proper Care: Regularly clean your septum piercing jewelry with a mild soap and warm water solution. Indeed, this helps prevent irritation and keeps your jewelry looking its best.
  • Listen to Your Body: If you experience any discomfort or irritation after wearing a new piece of septum jewelry, remove it and consult a piercer to ensure proper fit or explore alternative materials.

Find the Perfect Septum Ring for Your Style

The world of septum jewelry offers endless possibilities for self-expression, with so many types of septum rings to choose from. From classic and understated designs to bold, statement-making pieces, there’s a style to match every personality. Take the time to explore different styles, materials, and sizes, prioritize comfort and care, and choose the septum ring that best reflects your unique look.

A wide graphic banner for a "Frequently Asked Questions" section about septum rings. The word "FAQ" is prominently displayed in large, dark blue letters above the subtext "Frequently Asked Questions." The design features stylized silhouettes of two faces in profile, each wearing different septum jewelry like hoops and captive bead rings.1. Question: What size is a septum piercing typically done at?

  • Answer: Typical septum piercings are 16 gauge unless there are anatomical variations with your septum.

2. Question: What is the best type of septum ring to wear?

  • Answer: The best type of septum ring to wear depends on your experience level, comfort, and personal style. For most people, horseshoe septum rings and clicker septum rings are the most popular choices because they are easy to wear, comfortable, and versatile.

3. Question: Can you stretch your septum piercing?

  • Answer: Yes, you can stretch your septum piercing, but it should be done slowly and carefully to avoid irritation or injury. Stretching involves gradually increasing the gauge (thickness) of your jewelry over time, allowing the tissue to adjust safely. It’s important to wait until your septum piercing is fully healed before attempting to stretch it. Most people start at a standard size like 16g and move up in small increments, giving the piercing several weeks (or longer) between each stretch.

Author: Scott S.
Rock Septum Rings

Last updated: April 12, 2026

Need to find a piercer? Check out the Association of Professional Piercers.

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