Nostril Screw, L-Bend, Fishtail and Septum Retainers

Every piercing has different challenges and jewelry options. This is especially true once the piercing is healed. Sometimes, due to employment or fashion, jewelry that can be hidden easily or has a lower profile is a better option. Often, it's an issue of the shape and size of the piercer, as well as limited space. In these cases, less secure jewelry is a better option, where the jewelry is simply a bent piece of wire with a fixed end on one side, or, in the case of Septum Retainers, no ends at all.

Nostril Screws are the most widely used of this type of jewelry. It's the end of a long post that has been bent at a 90-degree angle and then curved. Think of a question mark bent at the start of the curve. The straight area from the ball or other end sets in the piercing, and then the bent curved area sits along the inside of the nostril. The only thing keeping the jewelry from falling out is the bent wire lying against the inside of the nostril. L-bends are the same, but the wire is not curved.  The advantage is that you can place a stud-style piece of jewelry in a tight place. The disadvantage is that they can fall out easily, though they can be bent and adjusted to fit tightly after healing. Additionally, they can be used in other tight areas, such as tragus piercings.

Fishtails are not as readily used as they once were and have almost entirely been fazed out in favor of threaded Labret Studs. The advantage of Fishtails was that there was no disc in contact with teeth and gums, thus reducing damage. The disadvantages were that the jewelry took up more room in the mouth, fell out easily if the jewelry was sized correctly, and didn't leave room for additional labret groupings. It is a piece of wire bent at a 90-degree angle with a ball at one end, then bent to the curve of the inside of the mouth.

Septum Retainers allow the piercee to flip them up into the nose to hide them. Since there are no ends, caution needs to be taken when the jewelry is worn down.  Essentially, it has no ends or anything that keeps the jewelry from sliding out of the piercing. However, when flipped up, the combination of the jewelry's shape and size, along with the shape of the nostrils, prevents it from falling out.

Removing Nostril Screws:

1. Grab the end on the outside of the nostril. It can sometimes be helpful to push the jewelry out by putting your finger inside your nostril.
2. Pull the jewelry out until you come to the 90-degree bend.
3. Turn the jewelry past the 90-degree bend. This will cause the jewelry post to lie flat against the outside of the nostril.
4. Rotate the jewelry through the curved part to slide the jewelry out completely. You want to kind of spin the jewelry through the curve.

Removing L-Bends and Fishtails:

1. Grab the end on the outside of the nostril. It can sometimes be helpful to push the jewelry out by putting your finger inside your nostril. With Fishtails, you want first to rotate the tail end so that it is vertical, then grab the ball.
2. Pull the jewelry out until you come to the 90-degree bend.
3. Turn the jewelry past the 90-degree bend. This will cause the jewelry post to lie flat against the outside.
4. Slide the jewelry the rest of the way out.

Septum Retainers:

1. First, you need to flip the jewelry down by grabbing the ends and rotating them down. It can sometimes be helpful to push up on the tip of your nose to add extra space.
2. Rotate and slide the jewelry out.

Hints:

• I found a long time ago that wearing medical gloves increases the traction and grip you have on slippery beads, balls, and rings.
• Make sure that you have a paper towel or other safe place to place the ball or bead after you remove it. They are, in cases, perfectly round and will roll in whatever direction gravity pulls them. Also, if you are eliminating jewelry over the bathroom sink, place a towel in the sink to prevent the jewelry from going down the drain.
• Have someone else help you. Piercings, especially those located above the neck, are challenging to see or access. Save yourself hours of frustration and have someone else remove the jewelry.
• It is easier to remove jewelry after showering, soaking, or applying a compress. This will not only remove any deposits on the jewelry but will also cause the piercing to expand. Soaks and compresses should be done with a mixture of sea salt and warm water. 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon per cup or 8oz of warm water. Soak is done by inverting a small cup over the piercing area or submerging the piercing for around 10 minutes. For piercings where it is not possible, use a folded clean paper towel or sterile gauze sponge to soak up the liquid and lay it against the piercing area. Re-submerge the compress when it cools and apply it for roughly 10 minutes.
• A small amount of water-based lubricant can be used to make the jewelry more straightforward to remove. 

Storing Jewelry:

• Jewelry needs to be stored alone. Placing a number of pieces of jewelry into one container or bag will increase the likelihood of damage to the jewelry's finish from the contact with other jewelry.
• The most common and readily available form of container is a zip lock bag. It should be new to avoid contamination. Also, any air-tight container will work, including plastic ones.
• The best option is to have your piercer wrap and sterilize the jewelry in an autoclave. The jewelry will be kept sterile for a few months as long as the pouch is unbroken.