18G vs 20G Nose Ring: Which Size Is Right?
If you've ever ordered a nose ring online and it arrived feeling too thick, sitting too loose, or just refusing to go in, the culprit is almost always gauge. Gauge is the thickness of the jewelry, and the two sizes you'll see most often for nostrils are 18G and 20G. They look nearly identical in a product photo, but they are not interchangeable — and picking the wrong one is the most common nose-ring ordering mistake we see.
Here's how to tell them apart and choose the right size with confidence.
What "Gauge" Actually Means
Gauge measures the thickness of the post or wire that sits inside your piercing. The system is backwards from what you'd expect: the higher the number, the thinner the jewelry. So 20G is thinner than 18G. The difference is small in millimeters but very real in your nose.
- 20G (0.8mm) — thinner, more delicate, popular for healed piercings
- 18G (1.0mm) — slightly thicker and sturdier, the common standard for initial piercings
That 0.2mm gap doesn't sound like much, but jewelry that's even one size off can feel tight going in or sit loosely in a hole that's settled at a thicker gauge. For a deeper breakdown of every gauge number, see our guide to understanding jewelry gauges.
The Short Answer: Match Your Piercing
The single most important rule: your jewelry gauge should match the gauge you were pierced at. Your piercer chose a needle size, and your healed tissue formed around that exact dimension.
- Going thinner (a 20G ring in an 18G hole) leaves the jewelry loose, which can cause irritation and let the hole gradually shrink around the smaller wire.
- Going thicker (forcing an 18G post into a 20G hole) forces a stretch, which should never be done on delicate nostril tissue.
If you don't know what you were pierced at:
- Most US nostril piercings are done at 18G. If you were pierced in a reputable studio in the US, 18G is the safe default. The slightly thicker wire also adds stability during healing.
- 20G is common for jewelry sold for already-healed nostrils and is popular for a daintier, more minimal look.
- When in doubt, ask your piercer — they can tell you your exact gauge in seconds.
Both 18G and 20G are appropriate for the nostril and the earlobe. Neither belongs in cartilage — cartilage piercings like the helix, conch, or tragus use thicker 16G jewelry. Don't try to force a thin nose gauge into a cartilage spot.
18G vs 20G at a Glance
| 20G (0.8mm) | 18G (1.0mm) | |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | Thinner | Slightly thicker |
| The look | Delicate, minimal | Subtly more substantial |
| Best for | Healed nostrils pierced at 20G; dainty styling | Standard US nostril piercings; initial healing |
| Feels loose if… | Your hole is 18G | Rarely — it's the more common pierce size |
| Safe for cartilage? | No | No |
Choosing Your Jewelry
Once you know your gauge, the rest is about material and style. If your piercing is still healing — nostrils take about 3 to 6 months to fully heal — stick with implant-grade titanium (ASTM F-136) or solid 14K/18K gold. These are the biocompatible materials least likely to irritate a fresh piercing. Save trendier pieces for after you're fully healed.
You'll find both 18G and 20G options across studs, screws, L-bends, and hoops in our nose jewelry collection, including titanium pieces ideal for sensitive or healing piercings. If you're unsure which post style suits you, our guide to the types of nose rings walks through each one.
Still not sure about sizing beyond gauge — like length and hoop diameter? Our nose ring size guide covers how to measure everything, and if you're swapping jewelry for the first time, how to put in a nose ring will walk you through it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 18G or 20G more common for nose piercings?
In the US, 18G is the more common piercing gauge for fresh nostrils. 20G jewelry is widely sold too, especially for healed piercings and a thinner, more delicate look.
Can I put a 20G ring in an 18G piercing?
You can physically fit it, but it'll sit loose, and over time the hole can shrink to hug the smaller wire — after which your 18G jewelry may no longer fit comfortably. It's better to match your actual gauge.
Can I put an 18G ring in a 20G piercing?
That means forcing a thicker post into a smaller hole — essentially a stretch. Don't do this yourself on a nostril. Buy 20G jewelry instead, or visit your piercer.
How do I know what gauge I was pierced at?
The fastest way is to ask the studio that pierced you. If that's not an option, 18G is the safe assumption for most US nostril piercings.
Does gauge affect how much the piercing hurts?
Not really — the difference is only 0.2mm and won't meaningfully change comfort. A nostril piercing generally sits around a 3 out of 10 on the pain scale regardless.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. If you have questions about your specific piercing, healing, or sizing, please consult your professional piercer or a healthcare provider.