Sonam Kapoor flaunted it at Cannes, while Vidya Balan used it to step up the glamour quotient of a designer Sabyasachi saree… yes, the nose ring is firmly back on the face of haute couture.

During the Sixties and Seventies, hippies who travelled to India learned about nose piercings and embraced it as an act of rebellion. But Indian women, especially in urban areas, increasingly shunned this piece of facial jewellery in favour of a modern look.

And as the fashion wheel turns inexorably, the nose ring makes a confident comeback.

Sharmila Das, who is in her mid-30s and has a flourishing media business, sports a nose ring with her jeans and other western outfits. She believes the combination makes her stand out and underlines her rebellious nature.

But for 25-year-old Aakanksha Gupta, who runs PR outfit The Other Circle, the nose ring’s traditional aspect is its biggest attraction: “I was against a nathani (nose ring) initially. However, it grew on me when I saw someone getting her nose pierced. For me it stands as a strong connection to my Uttar Pradesh roots… for no matter what I wear — a saree or a dress — the nathani complements it beautifully.”

Amesh Gala, a sought-after makeup artist, agrees on the evergreen appeal of the nose ring. “Apart from the mangalsutra , the toe ring, the kumkum and bangles, the nose ring or nose chain formed an essential part of solah shringar — the 16 beautification stages of a bride,” he says.

It was for this very reason that Rohini Rathod (45) pierced her nose when she was young… the nath enhanced her beauty and made her cheeks shine!

Traditionally, the nose ring was also associated with fertility, and sexual and emotional wellbeing.

“ Nathani was worn to honour Parvati, the goddess of marriage… that is why it gained importance in families with daughters,” says Pushpa (48).

The left of the nose is popularly pierced as it is supposed to ease childbirth and reduce menstrual discomfort.

Worn either as a loop, stud or nose pin, the accessory also takes a modern avatar in the form of a clip that does away with the need for piercing.

Piercing style: Compared to the soft tissue in earlobes, the nose cartilage is tougher, making piercing that much harder. Septum piercing uses the cartilage wall between the nose chambers at the bottom of the nostrils. It’s also called a “bull ring” or barbell jewellery, as cattle in some places have this kind of pierced noses.

When not to pierce: Before piercing, students would be advised to check whether their school or college policy allows wearing a nose ring. Some workplaces may also discourage it.

Precautions: Cross-check the piercing facility for hygiene and other safety standards. Unlike pierced ears, which remain open even when not in use, a nose piercing can seal up within a matter of hours or days if left unattended.

All said and done, if you have the nose for it, then go for it…

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