Yes, in many cases, you can train a crooked septum piercing. With the right techniques and consistency, it’s possible to realign a septum piercing that appears off-center or crooked. A misaligned septum piercing can happen for a few reasons, but proper aftercare and regular adjustments may help improve its position.
Let’s explore why septum piercings become crooked and how you can go about training one to look more even.
Why Septum Piercings Appear Crooked
It’s common to notice slight imperfections in a septum piercing after it’s done. Sometimes, the piercing might look uneven due to the anatomy of your nose or slight errors during the piercing procedure. Here are a few main reasons why septum piercings become crooked:
- Natural Nose Asymmetry: No two nostrils or septums are exactly alike. Slight anatomical differences can make a piercing appear crooked.
- Piercing Technique: If the piercer missed the “sweet spot” slightly, the piercing might look crooked. The sweet spot is a small area of soft tissue between cartilage and skin that can help a septum piercing heal better.
- Swelling or Healing Process: Swelling can make a septum piercing look crooked initially, but this often corrects itself as the swelling subsides.
- Improper Jewelry Positioning: Jewelry that doesn’t sit correctly, whether due to shape, size, or movement, can also make a piercing appear off-center.
Understanding these causes can help you determine the best approach for training your septum piercing.
Can You Fix a Crooked Septum Piercing by Training It?
If your septum piercing isn’t too far off, gentle adjustments might help align it better over time. However, keep in mind that severe misalignments may not improve through simple training. If it’s causing significant discomfort or appears extremely off-center, consider consulting with a professional piercer for advice or a possible re-piercing.
How to Train Your Septum Piercing
For those with a slightly crooked septum piercing, a few methods may help correct the position. Patience and consistency are key, as these adjustments need to be gentle and regular. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Choose the Right Jewelry
Different types of septum jewelry can affect how your piercing sits. Opt for a circular barbell, horseshoe, or captive bead ring that’s easy to adjust. Large hoops may pull on the piercing, worsening its crooked appearance. A circular barbell often works best for training purposes.
2. Adjust the Jewelry Gently
Once your piercing has healed (typically after 6-8 weeks), you can start making gentle adjustments:
- Wash Your Hands and Jewelry: Clean hands and jewelry are essential to prevent infection. Wash your hands thoroughly and disinfect the jewelry using a saline solution.
- Use Small Adjustments: Slowly and gently rotate the jewelry in the direction needed to align it. Don’t use force; make small adjustments each day instead. Over time, these slight adjustments may help the piercing sit more evenly.
3. Practice Consistent Aftercare
Even after healing, aftercare is essential for keeping the piercing healthy and flexible for adjustments. Follow these tips to prevent any complications:
- Saline Rinses: Rinse with a sterile saline solution twice daily to avoid buildup or infection. Saline helps to keep the skin around the piercing clean and less likely to tighten around the jewelry.
- Avoid Touching Unnecessarily: Avoid excessive handling of the piercing. Only touch or adjust it with clean hands and as needed.
- Minimize Pressure on the Piercing: Avoid putting pressure on your nose, like pressing glasses or pushing against it when sleeping, as this can worsen the crooked appearance.
How Long Does It Take to Train a Septum Piercing?
The time it takes to correct a crooked septum piercing varies. Consistent adjustments over a few weeks can sometimes make a noticeable difference. However, patience is key, as pushing the process too fast can irritate or damage the piercing. If you don’t see improvements after 1-2 months, consider speaking with a professional.
What if Training Doesn’t Work?
In some cases, training may not fully correct a crooked septum piercing. If you’re still unhappy with its appearance, you have a few options:
- Speak to a Professional Piercer: If the alignment is slightly off, a piercer might be able to offer solutions, such as using specific jewelry shapes.
- Re-Piercing: For severe misalignments, re-piercing may be the most effective solution. A piercer can ensure the correct placement by carefully marking and checking the alignment.
- Cover-Up Jewelry Options: Septum retainers or hoops can sometimes help disguise slight crookedness.
Final Thoughts on Training a Crooked Septum Piercing
Training a crooked septum piercing takes time and consistency, but it’s possible in many cases. Start by ensuring your jewelry fits correctly and adjust it gently after the initial healing phase. Remember, small, consistent adjustments over weeks can often make a difference. However, if training doesn’t work, consult a professional to discuss options.
When considering any adjustment, always prioritize cleanliness and gradual changes to avoid irritation. By following these steps, you can achieve a more even and balanced look for your septum piercing over time.
