How to Make a Fake Septum Piercing

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 29, 2021

If you love the way a septum piercing looks but are unsure if you want a real piercing, you can easily make a fake septum piercing. With some wire, paper clips, or earring hooks you can use pliers and scissors to make a fun fake septum to wear. Just make sure you take certain precautions. Watch for sharp edges, use clean materials, and make sure you know how to deal with a potential allergic reaction.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using Pliers and a Pencil

1
Gather your materials. Wires are commonly used to make fake septum piercings. You can buy various types of wires from your local craft store. Choose a wire that has the color you want but is also easy to bend. You'll also need a pencil and a pair of pliers.
2
Cut off a piece of wire using your pliers. You'll trim it down later but to start with go for wire that's 2 to 3 inches in length. Fold your wire around a pencil. This will create the curve you need for a septum piercing. Then, take the pliers and trim down the wire until both sides are roughly the same length. Make a swift, strong cuts with your pliers. You need to make a clean cut for the septum to be safe for use.^{[1]
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3
Add beads. Many septum piercings are decorated with beads. If you want yours to look more elaborate or realistic, consider adding small beads to your fake piercing.^{[2]
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- You can buy tiny beads at most craft stores. Pick a color and design you like.
- If you want to add beads, pause before creating small loops on either side of your fake piercing. Slide the beads in place and then use your pliers to curve both ends of the piercing.
4
Use the pliers to bend the ends of the wire backwards. You want to sharp edges of the wire to fold out away from the curve. Create two small loops on either side of your fake piercing. This assures that your piercing will not poke or irritate your inner nose when you put it in place.
- Then, use your fingers to bend and fold the wire as needed to create a smooth semi-circle that fits your nose. It may take quite a bit of manipulation with your fingers before the wire forms an even semi-circle, so don't get discouraged if it's taking you awhile.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using an Earring Parts

1
Gather your materials. If you can't find a type of wire you like at a craft store, you can also use earring hooks. Earring hooks are fairly cheap and available for purchase at most craft stores. You'll also need a pair of pliers.
- You can also use a barbell earring to make a fake barbell piercing. If you're going this route, get a pair of barbell earrings instead of earring hooks.
2
Use the earring hook. An earring hook should have one end that's folded inward, forming a loop. Use your pliers to bend the unfolded end into a loop-like shape, roughly matching the other end.^{[4]
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- Squeeze the earring hook into a semi-circle. Use your fingers to gently form a semi-circle with the hook. Then, squeeze the ends together so they close enough to fit your nose.^{[5]
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3
Bend a stud earring to make a barbell piercing. Barbell septum piercings are piercings with large studs on either end rather than curved edges. You can get a barbell earring, which is an earring shaped something like a barbell, and use pliers to create a curve. This will give you a fun barbell septum piercing to wear.^{[6]
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- Barbell earrings may require a lot of force to manipulate. It may take you awhile to get the right shape if you're using this method.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Trying a Paper Clip

1
Gather your materials. A paper clip can also be used to make a fake septum piercing. Paperclips are often easier to manipulate than wires or earring hooks. You'll also need a pencil and pliers.
2
Bend the paperclip into a septum ring. Unbend the paper clip until it stretches into a thin line. Then, bend the clip around your pen to form a loop.^{[7]
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- Clip the ends of the paperclip so they're even in length and you have a small circular loop, roughly the size of a septum piercing. Use your fingers to bend it into a semi-circle until it comfortably fits on your nose.^{[8]
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3
Use different colors of paperclips. If you're using paper clips, consider using different colors. You can make a fake septum piercing in a variety of fun colors, like red or purple.^{[9]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Taking Precautions

1
Keep everything clean. Keep all the materials you're using for your fake septum clean. As you're placing your septum inside your nose, dirty materials could cause infection or illness. Wash pliers, wires, paperclips, and other materials in clean water with antibacterial soap before use.^{[10]
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2
Make sure you make clean cuts with your pliers. When using your pliers, make quick and clean cuts. You do not want to end up with rough edges. This can puncture or tear your skin.^{[11]
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- In the event you end up with rough edges, use some sand paper to gently sand them down until they're smooth.^{[12]
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3
Watch for allergic reactions. Avoid using any materials you're allergic to when making a fake septum. If you notice a rash or burning, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction.^{[13]
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- If you do experience an allergic reaction, apply antibacterial cream. Make an appointment with your physician to see how to treat the infection. Stop using any fake piercing that resulted in an infection. Try to make a different septum using other materials.^{[14]
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4
Try on your piercing and adjust the size if necessary. With any of the above methods, wear the piercing around your house before wearing it out. You may have to adjust the size if it does not fit in your nose.
- A septum piercing is worn on the bridge of flesh separating your nostrils. Place your piercing around this bridge and walk around for a bit.
- If the piercing falls off or feels loose, use your pliers or fingers to tighten your fake piercing. Conversely, if it's feels painful you may have to increase the size of your loop.
5
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

What else can I use if I don’t have pliers or wires?

BodyBlingPiercings

Community Answer

If you don't have pliers, you can wrap the wire around a pencil. If you don't have wire, you can use a paperclip or a jump ring.
Question

What if my friends don't believe me and ask me to take it out to see if it's real? How do I make it look believable?

Tara Burke

Top Answerer

Just tell them you can't because its new, and it might get infected or close up. Try making the area around it a little red, or take pictures the day before of you after "getting pierced" (maybe add a little bit of fake blood).
Question

Do I have to have pliers to use the paperclip?

BodyBlingPiercings

Community Answer

You can make this piercing by either wrapping the unwrapped paper clip around a pencil and cutting the long end, or unwrapping and bending the paperclip with pliers.