The double hoop nose ring for a single piercing is designed to give the appearance of two separate rings using only one healed piercing channel. This design typically incorporates a spiral or coiled shape where the metal wraps around itself, allowing both “hoops” to emerge from the same exit point on the skin. The advantage of this style is achieving a stacked look without undergoing a second piercing procedure, which minimizes tissue trauma and healing time. This guide provides a straightforward method for managing the insertion and final adjustment of this specific jewelry type.
Identifying the Jewelry and Preparing the Area
Before attempting insertion, familiarize yourself with the jewelry’s mechanics, which are based on a C-shaped or subtle spiral design. Identifying the leading edge, often called the “inner” loop, is necessary because this smaller segment must pass through the piercing first. The inner loop is usually positioned to guide the rest of the coil into the tissue smoothly, and handling the piece requires care to maintain the integrity of its coiled structure.
Preparation begins with hygiene to prevent introducing microbes into the piercing channel. Hands should be thoroughly washed with soap and water to minimize the transfer of surface bacteria. The piercing site should be gently cleansed with a sterile saline solution or a mild, non-abrasive soap to remove any debris. The jewelry piece should also be wiped down with the same saline solution to ensure the metal surface entering the body is clean.
Step-by-Step Insertion Technique
With the jewelry and piercing area prepared, the insertion process begins by locating the entrance of the piercing channel. Stabilizing the tissue around the nostril with one hand provides a base for the other hand to manipulate the jewelry. A small amount of water-based lubricant or sterile petroleum jelly can be applied to the leading edge of the hoop, which decreases friction and allows the metal to slide through the dermal tissue more smoothly.
The inner loop’s leading edge should be positioned directly against the piercing entrance, requiring a steady hand and a clear view. Apply gentle pressure to guide the tip of the metal into the channel, ensuring the angle is perpendicular to the skin to avoid stretching or tearing the piercing. Once the tip is secured within the tissue, the process shifts from pushing to a slow, controlled rotation.
The jewelry is rotated incrementally, allowing the curved path of the C-shape to follow the internal contours of the healed fistula. This gradual rotation prevents the more rigid outer loop from catching on the internal wall of the channel. As the first loop passes through, the second, larger loop of the coil will begin to approach the piercing entrance.
Continue the slow rotation until the entire piece of jewelry has completely passed through the piercing channel and rests against the outside of the nostril. A slight tug or resistance might be felt as the wider part of the coil passes through the narrowest point of the piercing, but this should not involve significant discomfort. Once fully inserted, the two hoops may not yet be lying parallel.
Achieving the Double Hoop Illusion
Once the jewelry is fully through the piercing, the final step involves adjusting the loops to achieve the double hoop illusion. The metal loops require manipulation to sit flush against the curvature of the nostril and appear parallel, which is done by applying light, targeted pressure with clean fingertips. The goal is to gently push the two hoops closer together so that the separation distance between them is minimal, typically less than one millimeter, enhancing the stacked appearance. Avoid bending the metal sharply or applying excessive force, as this can permanently distort the jewelry’s shape or irritate the surrounding tissue.