Body art in the form of tattoos and piercings has quickly gained popularity over the past thirty years. Decorating your body in this manner is socially acceptable, but employers do not have to be hip to the trend. While a current employer cannot fire you for your nose piercing, a company may choose to skip over you in the hiring process for this reason. Keep in mind that certain industries and positions are very traditional, because of this you may need to cover the nose piercing or ditch it entirely.
Considerations Before Piercing
Review your company's policies on dress codes before getting pierced. Take note if fellow coworkers have tattoos or alternative piercings to determine whether management is accepting of the trend or not.
Understand that you need to wear your initial piercing for a minimum of 2 to 4 weeks, though it can take up to 3 or 4 months for the piercing to completely heal. Do not get your nose pierced if you are unable to keep the original piercing in for this period of time.
Discuss your options with a professional, licensed piercer. Choose a small gauge stud rather than a large ring, if possible, in a color that closely matches your skin tone to make it less visible.
Be certain you have the time each day to clean the area thoroughly to prevent infection, which can cause redness and irritation and call attention to the piercing. Wash your hands before and after cleaning and avoid touching the piercing otherwise.
Hiding the Piercing
Use a tiny bandage for piercings that are not yet fully healed. Do not rely on this method for extended periods of time, or it will begin to look suspicious.
Camouflage the hole with a clear or flesh color retainer only after the piercing has completely healed and the ring can be removed. Use pyrex glass, polytetrafluoroethylene or bio-flex nose retainers as these are clean, flexible materials often shaped in an L- or screw-bend.
Conceal the stud by applying makeup only after the piercing is completely healed. Use a thin layer of lightweight foundation and powder around the piercing but never directly in the hole. Disguise nose studs with a dot of flesh color nail polish, though make sure it does not leak into the pierced skin.