I used to think removing a septum piercing would be as simple as pulling the ring out. Once I learned that different septum jewelry uses different closure systems, I realized the process is much easier when I first identify the jewelry and figure out how it opens.
If you want to remove a septum piercing, the first thing I would clarify is that you are usually removing the septum jewelry, not the piercing itself. The piercing is the channel in the tissue, while the ring, clicker, horseshoe, or retainer is the jewelry sitting inside it.
I always prepare before removing mine. I wash my hands, use a mirror with good lighting, identify the jewelry type, and make sure I am not dealing with a healing or irritated piercing.
Can You Remove a Septum Piercing Yourself?
Yes, if the septum piercing is fully healed and the jewelry can be removed without force, you can usually remove the jewelry yourself.
I would be more careful with a new or healing septum piercing. Removing jewelry too early can allow the piercing channel to shrink and may make putting jewelry back in difficult.
If the piercing is still healing, painful, swollen, or irritated, I would have a professional piercer remove the jewelry instead.
For a fully healed piercing, the main thing is to understand how the jewelry opens.
A horseshoe usually has a threaded end. A clicker has a hinge. A seamless ring uses a different opening method, while some septum retainers are held in place by their shape.
When Should You Remove a Septum Piercing?
I remove septum jewelry for different reasons, such as changing to another style, stopping the use of the piercing, or replacing damaged jewelry.
If I want to keep the piercing, I make sure I have the replacement jewelry ready before taking the old piece out.
I would not remove jewelry from a healing piercing just because it looks fine on the outside. A piercing can feel better before the inside has finished healing.
If your goal is simply to change the jewelry, my How to Change Septum Jewelry guide is the better place to learn the full removal and replacement process.
What to Do Before Removing Septum Jewelry
I like to prepare everything before touching the jewelry.
Here is what I do.
Wash My Hands
I wash my hands well before touching my nose or septum jewelry.
I make sure my fingers and nails are clean because I do not want to transfer dirt or oils to the piercing.
Use a Mirror
I use a mirror because the inside of the nose can be difficult to see clearly.
Good lighting helps me locate the closure and see exactly what I am doing.
Prepare a Clean Work Area
I keep the new jewelry or a clean storage container nearby if I plan to remove the jewelry temporarily.
I also avoid working directly over an open sink. Small jewelry parts can disappear down the drain very easily.
Identify the Jewelry Type
Before trying to remove anything, I look closely at the jewelry.
I ask myself:
- Is it a horseshoe?
- Is it a circular barbell?
- Is it a clicker?
- Is it a seamless ring?
- Is it a segment ring?
- Is it a septum retainer?
Once I know the jewelry type, I know which removal method to use.
How to Remove Septum Jewelry
The exact process depends on the jewelry.
I never start pulling or twisting randomly.
Instead, I identify the closure and open that part first.
Once the jewelry is open, I gently guide it out of the piercing channel.
If it does not move easily, I stop rather than forcing it.
How to Remove a Horseshoe Septum Ring
A horseshoe septum ring, also called a circular barbell, normally has a removable end.
The end may be a small ball or another threaded piece.
I remove it like this:
- Wash my hands.
- Hold the curved part of the jewelry securely.
- Find the removable threaded end.
- Unscrew the end carefully.
- Keep the small end somewhere safe.
- Gently guide the horseshoe out of the piercing.
Threaded jewelry generally loosens by turning the removable end to the left and tightens to the right.
I avoid squeezing the ring too hard because that can make it harder to control.
If the ball will not unscrew, I do not keep twisting until my nose becomes sore.
How to Remove a Septum Clicker
A septum clicker works differently from a horseshoe.
Instead of a screw-on ball, it has a hinged section that opens and closes.
I first find the hinge and the small opening point.
Then I:
- Wash my hands.
- Hold the clicker securely.
- Find the hinged section.
- Open the clicker at its closure.
- Gently guide the jewelry out.
- Set it somewhere clean.
I do not try to unscrew a clicker because it is not designed to work that way.
If I cannot find the hinge, I rotate the jewelry carefully until I can see the closure.
If the hinge will not open, I stop instead of forcing it.
How to Remove a Seamless Septum Ring
Seamless septum rings can be a little harder to remove because they do not have an obvious clasp or screw-on end.
I first find the point where the ends meet.
I then use the correct opening method for that particular ring.
I avoid simply pulling the two ends straight apart. That can distort the shape of the ring and make it harder to use again.
If I am unsure how my seamless ring opens, I would have a piercer remove it rather than experimenting inside my nose.
How to Remove a Segment Septum Ring
A segment ring has a removable section that keeps the ring closed.
I first look for the segment and identify how it locks into the rest of the ring.
Once I know how it releases, I carefully remove the segment and then guide the ring out of the piercing.
Different segment rings can use different closure systems, so I do not assume that every piece works the same way.
If I cannot tell how the segment comes out, I would have a piercer take a look at it.
How to Remove a Septum Retainer
Septum retainers can have different shapes and closure systems.
Some are held in place by their shape rather than a screw-on end.
I first identify how the retainer is designed to come out.
Then I gently move it into the correct position and remove it without forcing it.
If the retainer feels stuck, I stop rather than pulling harder.
What If My Septum Ring Is Stuck?
A stuck septum ring can be frustrating, but I would not try to win a battle with it.
First, I identify why it might be stuck.
It could be:
- A tight threaded end
- A difficult clicker hinge
- Dried buildup around the jewelry
- Swelling
- Irritation
- A damaged closure
- Jewelry that is difficult to grip
I first make sure I am using the correct opening method.
If the jewelry still will not open, I stop.
I would rather have a piercer remove a stuck ring than damage the jewelry or irritate the piercing by using excessive force.
What If the Septum Ball Won’t Unscrew?
This is common with horseshoe-style jewelry.
I hold the curved ring steady and try to turn the threaded ball in the correct direction.
I make sure I have a good grip before trying again.
If the ball still will not move, I do not keep twisting until the skin around the piercing becomes sore.
I would have a piercer remove it.
I also avoid using random household tools directly on jewelry inside my nose. A tool can scratch the jewelry, pinch the tissue, or make the situation worse.
What If a Septum Clicker Won’t Open?
If my septum clicker will not open, I first locate the hinge and closure.
Sometimes the jewelry is simply positioned in a way that makes the hinge difficult to reach.
I carefully reposition it so I can see the closure.
If it still will not open, I stop.
I would not insert scissors, pins, needles, or other sharp objects into the clicker to force it open.
A piercer can usually identify the mechanism and remove difficult jewelry without me having to keep struggling with it.
What If My Septum Jewelry Won’t Come Out?
If the jewelry will not come out, I first ask whether I am trying to open it correctly.
For a horseshoe, I check the threaded end.
For a clicker, I check the hinge.
For a seamless ring, I check the joining point.
For a retainer, I check how its shape holds it in place.
If the correct method does not work, I stop.
I do not pull harder simply because the jewelry is not moving.
Can You Remove a Healing Septum Piercing?
I would avoid removing a healing septum piercing unless there is a good reason and a professional has advised it.
A healing piercing is still developing its internal channel. Removing the jewelry can allow the opening to shrink and may make reinsertion difficult.
If I no longer want a healing septum piercing, I would ask my piercer about the best way to remove it.
I would also continue appropriate care while the area closes rather than treating it like normal healed skin.
For the full healing process, my Septum Piercing Healing Time and Septum Piercing Healing Stages guides cover those topics separately.
What Happens When You Remove a Septum Piercing?
Once the jewelry is removed, the piercing can begin to shrink.
How quickly this happens varies from person to person.
Some people can leave jewelry out for a while and still put it back in later. Others find that the opening becomes tight much sooner.
I would never assume that a healed septum piercing will stay open permanently without jewelry.
If I want to keep the piercing, I avoid leaving it empty for long periods.
If I am finished with the piercing permanently, I can leave the jewelry out and allow the opening to close naturally.
Will a Septum Piercing Close After You Remove It?
It can shrink or close after jewelry is removed, but there is no single timeframe that applies to everyone.
The age of the piercing, how well established the channel is, and individual healing patterns can all affect what happens.
A newer piercing is generally more likely to shrink quickly when jewelry is removed.
Even an older, fully healed piercing can become smaller when left empty.
That is why I do not give a fixed number of hours or days for everyone.
If you want to keep your septum piercing, I would not leave the jewelry out just to see how long it takes to close.
Can I Put My Septum Ring Back In After Removing It?
If the piercing remains open and the jewelry fits correctly, it may be possible to put the septum ring back in.
However, I would never force it.
If the jewelry does not slide through easily, I stop.
A piercing can become smaller after jewelry is removed, and trying to push jewelry through a narrowed channel can cause pain and tissue damage.
If I cannot put the jewelry back in easily, I would have a piercer check it.
What If I Remove My Septum Ring and Cannot Find the Hole?
This can happen if the opening has become difficult to see.
I first use good lighting and a mirror.
I do not poke around with the jewelry trying to find the channel.
If I cannot locate the opening easily, I stop.
A piercer can check whether the channel is still open and help with reinsertion if appropriate.
What If Removing Septum Jewelry Causes Bleeding?
If I notice bleeding while removing jewelry, I stop manipulating the piercing.
I would not continue pulling or trying different pieces.
A small amount of irritation can happen if jewelry has been difficult to remove, but ongoing or significant bleeding needs more attention.
If there is heavy bleeding, severe pain, increasing swelling, or other concerning symptoms, I would seek medical care.
What If My Septum Hurts When I Remove the Jewelry?
I do not think of sharp or increasing pain as something I should simply push through.
If removing the jewelry hurts, I stop and look at what might be causing the problem.
Possible reasons include:
- The piercing is not fully healed.
- The jewelry is tight.
- The jewelry has been pressing against the tissue.
- The piercing is irritated.
- The jewelry mechanism is being handled incorrectly.
- The tissue has become swollen.
If the pain continues, I would have the piercing checked rather than repeatedly trying to remove the jewelry.
Should a Piercer Remove a Stuck Septum Ring?
Yes, I would choose a piercer if I cannot remove the jewelry using its normal closure.
This is especially true if:
- The jewelry is stuck.
- The ball will not unscrew.
- The clicker will not open.
- The piercing is swollen.
- There is significant pain.
- The jewelry is embedded.
- I cannot tell how the jewelry opens.
- The piercing is still healing.
A short visit to a piercer is better than damaging the jewelry or irritating the piercing by trying random methods at home.
Common Mistakes When Removing Septum Jewelry
Pulling the Jewelry Out Without Opening It
I never pull a closed ring through the piercing.
I first identify how it opens.
Using Too Much Force
If something does not move, I stop.
More force is not always the solution.
Using Sharp Household Objects
I avoid scissors, needles, pins, and similar objects around the piercing.
They can cause injury and make a simple jewelry removal much harder.
Removing Jewelry From a Healing Piercing
I do not remove a healing piercing simply because it looks fine on the outside.
Forgetting the Replacement Jewelry
If I plan to change the jewelry, I have the new piece ready before removing the old one.
Losing a Small Jewelry End
I work over a clean surface and keep small balls or segments somewhere safe.
Leaving the Piercing Empty Without Realizing It Can Shrink
If I want to keep the piercing, I do not leave it empty for long periods.
How to Remove Septum Jewelry for Good
If I have decided that I no longer want the septum piercing, I can remove the jewelry and leave it out.
For a fully healed piercing, I simply remove the jewelry using the correct opening method and leave it out.
I then keep an eye on the area while it closes.
I do not keep touching or squeezing the opening.
If the piercing is irritated, infected, painful, or otherwise causing problems, I would get professional advice rather than assuming that removing the jewelry is always the best solution.
Can You Remove a Septum Piercing Before It Heals?
I would not remove it early just to change the look.
If the piercing is healing normally, I would wait until it is ready before removing or changing the jewelry.
If there is a problem with the jewelry or piercing during healing, I would ask a professional piercer about the safest option.
If you are unsure whether your piercing is ready for a jewelry change, my guide on When Can You Change Septum Piercing covers that specific question.
What I Do When Removing My Septum Jewelry
My process is simple.
I wash my hands first.
Then I set up a mirror and good lighting. I identify the jewelry type and work out exactly where the closure is.
After that, I open the jewelry using its proper mechanism and gently guide it out.
If it comes out easily, I am done.
If it does not, I stop.
That last part matters because I would rather ask a piercer for help than turn a simple jewelry removal into an irritated piercing.
Final Thoughts
For me, removing septum jewelry is much easier when I stop treating every ring the same way. A horseshoe, clicker, seamless ring, segment ring, and retainer can all have different closure systems.
I always start by washing my hands, getting good lighting, and identifying how the jewelry opens. Then I remove it slowly instead of rushing.
The most useful rule I follow is simple: if the jewelry does not open or come out easily, I stop forcing it.
If the piercing is healing, irritated, painful, swollen, or the jewelry is stuck, I would rather have a professional piercer remove it.
And if I want to keep the piercing, I make sure I have replacement jewelry ready before removing the old piece because a septum piercing can shrink after the jewelry is taken out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you remove a septum piercing?
I first identify the type of septum jewelry I have. Then I open its closure and gently guide the jewelry out of the piercing. I avoid pulling or forcing it.
How do you remove a septum ring?
It depends on the ring. A horseshoe usually has a threaded end, a clicker uses a hinge, and a seamless ring requires a different opening method.
How do you take out a septum clicker?
I locate the hinge and open the clicker at its closure. Once it is open, I gently guide it out of the piercing.
How do you remove a horseshoe septum ring?
I hold the horseshoe steady, unscrew one removable end, and then gently guide the ring out.
How do you remove a seamless septum ring?
I find the point where the ends meet and use the correct opening technique for that ring. I avoid pulling the ends apart randomly because this can distort the jewelry.
What if my septum ring is stuck?
I identify the jewelry mechanism and make sure I am using the correct opening method. If it still will not come out, I stop and have a piercer remove it.
What if my septum ball won’t unscrew?
I hold the ring steady and try turning the ball in the correct direction. If it still will not move, I would have a piercer remove it instead of using excessive force.
What if my septum clicker won’t open?
I locate the hinge and closure and make sure the jewelry is positioned correctly. If it still will not open, I would have a piercer handle it.
Can I remove my septum piercing myself?
If the piercing is fully healed and the jewelry opens normally, you can usually remove the jewelry yourself. I would choose a piercer if the piercing is healing, irritated, painful, or the jewelry is stuck.
Will my septum piercing close if I take it out?
It can shrink or close after the jewelry is removed. The timeframe varies from person to person, so I would not assume that a healed septum piercing will remain open permanently.
How long can I leave my septum piercing out?
There is no universal timeframe. Some piercings shrink quickly after jewelry removal, while others remain open longer. If I want to keep mine, I avoid leaving it empty.
Can I put my septum ring back in after removing it?
Possibly, if the channel is still open and the jewelry fits. I would never force it through. If it does not slide in easily, I would have a piercer check it.
Can you remove a septum piercing before it heals?
I would avoid doing this unless there is a specific reason and professional guidance. Removing jewelry from a healing piercing can allow the channel to shrink and may make reinsertion difficult.
Should a piercer remove a stuck septum ring?
Yes. If I cannot remove the jewelry using its normal opening mechanism, I would have a piercer remove it rather than forcing it.
What happens after you remove a septum piercing?
The opening may gradually shrink or close. How quickly this happens varies from person to person. I avoid touching the area unnecessarily while it changes.
Can a healed septum piercing close after removing jewelry?
Yes, it can shrink or close even after healing. Some healed piercings stay open longer than others, so there is no guaranteed timeframe.
Does removing a septum piercing hurt?
It should not require force. If I experience sharp or increasing pain while trying to remove it, I stop and have the piercing or jewelry checked.
