Lip piercings are a bold way to express your individuality and style.
With so many variations, each piercing offers a unique aesthetic, placement, and healing process.
From the classic Labret Piercing to the edgy Snake Bites Piercing, these styles cater to subtle and dramatic looks.
This guide covers 15 popular lip piercing types, distinctive features, and what you need to know before getting one.
Different Types of Lip Piercings You Should Know
1. Labret Piercing
The Labret Piercing is one of the most common and versatile lip piercings.
It is placed just below the lower lip, centered on the face.
It offers a sleek, minimalistic look and can be styled with different types of jewelry, such as studs or rings.
This piercing heals relatively quickly and is popular among beginners and experienced piercers.
- Location: Below the center of the lower lip.
- Healing Time: 6 to 8 weeks.
- Why It’s Popular: A classic lip piercing can be easily personalized with various jewelry styles.
2. Vertical Labret Piercing
The Vertical Labret Piercing is similar to the traditional labret but with a vertical twist.
Instead of going through the lip horizontally, the piercing runs from the center of the lower lip outward, making both ends of the jewelry visible.
It adds a more striking look than the standard labret piercing.
- Location: Through the lower lip, with both ends visible.
- Healing Time: 6 to 8 weeks.
- Why It’s Popular: The visibility of both ends of the piercing makes it stand out more than a standard labret.
3. Monroe Piercing
Named after Marilyn Monroe’s iconic beauty mark, the Monroe Piercing is placed off-center on the left side of the upper lip.
It mimics the appearance of a beauty mark and is often worn with a small, subtle stud, creating a classic and chic look.
- Location: Upper lip, off-center on the left side.
- Healing Time: 6 to 12 weeks.
- Why It’s Popular: It offers a vintage-inspired look and adds a subtle yet elegant touch to the face.
4. Madonna Piercing
The Madonna Piercing mirrors the Monroe piercing but is located on the right side of the upper lip.
This style is also named after a famous singer, Madonna, known for her iconic beauty mark on the right side.
It’s a fashionable and chic option for those seeking an upper lip piercing.
- Location: Upper lip, off-center on the right side.
- Healing Time: 6 to 12 weeks.
- Why It’s Popular: It’s a great way to make a bold statement while maintaining a classic look.
5. Medusa Piercing
The Medusa Piercing is positioned in the philtrum, the groove below the nose and upper lip.
It draws attention to the face’s symmetry and can be worn with a simple stud or more decorative jewelry for a bold look.
- Location: Above the upper lip, in the center of the philtrum.
- Healing Time: 6 to 12 weeks.
- Why It’s Popular: The central placement highlights facial symmetry and can be paired with other piercings for a dramatic effect.
6. Snake Bites Piercing
The Snake Bites Piercing consists of two piercings placed symmetrically on either side of the lower lip.
This piercing resembles the fangs of a snake, which is how it got its name.
Snake Bites create a bold, symmetrical look and can be adorned with studs or rings.
- Location: Both sides of the lower lip are symmetrical.
- Healing Time: 6 to 8 weeks.
- Why It’s Popular: It’s edgy and allows you to wear multiple jewelry styles, from studs to hoops.
7. Spider Bites Piercing
The Spider Bites Piercing is a double piercing placed close together on one side of the lower lip.
It gets its name from its resemblance to a spider bite.
The placement is versatile, and wearers can choose between studs or rings for a more dramatic effect.
- Location: Close together on one side of the lower lip.
- Healing Time: 6 to 8 weeks.
- Why It’s Popular: The proximity of the piercings makes it a unique and eye-catching option.
8. Angel Bites Piercing
The Angel Bites Piercing combines the Monroe and Madonna piercings, with one on each side of the upper lip.
This symmetrical piercing offers a bold and balanced look and is often worn with small studs to mimic beauty marks.
- Location: Upper lip, both sides (combination of Monroe and Madonna).
- Healing Time: 6 to 12 weeks.
- Why It’s Popular: It offers a chic, symmetrical style for those who want a bolder look above the lip.
9. Dahlia Piercing
The Dahlia Piercing is placed at the corners of the mouth, creating a striking and unusual look.
Named after the infamous “Black Dahlia” case, this piercing can make the mouth appear elongated and is often worn with small studs for a subtle appearance or rings for a bolder look.
- Location: Both corners of the mouth.
- Healing Time: 8 to 12 weeks.
- Why It’s Popular: Its unique placement adds an edgy, mysterious aesthetic to the face.
10. Jestrum Piercing
The Jestrum Piercing, also known as the vertical Medusa, is placed in the philtrum like the Medusa piercing.
Still, instead of going horizontally through the upper lip, it runs vertically through the jewelry.
Both ends of the jewelry are visible, creating a standout look.
- Location: Vertical through the upper lip’s philtrum.
- Healing Time: 6 to 12 weeks.
- Why It’s Popular: It’s a more intricate and visually striking alternative to the traditional Medusa piercing.
11. Ashley Piercing
The Ashley Piercing is a single piercing that goes through the center of the lower lip and exits inside the mouth.
This piercing is unique because only one end of the jewelry is visible on the outer lip, offering a more subtle and refined appearance.
- Location: Center of the lower lip, exiting inside the mouth.
- Healing Time: 8 to 12 weeks.
- Why It’s Popular: Its subtlety and minimalistic look make it ideal for those who want a stylish but understated lip piercing.
12. Shark Bites Piercing
The Shark Bites Piercing consists of four piercings: two on each side of the lower lip, placed symmetrically.
This piercing creates a bold and dramatic look, often worn with either studs or rings.
It’s the most extreme variation of bite piercings.
- Location: Two piercings on each side of the lower lip.
- Healing Time: 8 to 12 weeks.
- Why It’s Popular: It offers an intense, edgy aesthetic, perfect for making a statement.
13. Cyber Bites Piercing
The Cyber Bites Piercing combines the Medusa piercing (center of the upper lip) and a standard labret piercing (center of the lower lip).
It results in a perfectly symmetrical look that draws attention to both the upper and lower lips.
- Location: Center of the upper lip (Medusa) and lower lip (labret).
- Healing Time: 6 to 12 weeks.
- Why It’s Popular: It offers a balanced, symmetrical look for both lips, making it ideal for those who want a cohesive piercing style.
14. Canine Bites Piercing
The Canine Bites Piercing combines Snake Bites and Angel Bites, with four piercings: two on the upper lip and two on the lower lip.
This dramatic and symmetrical style offers a fierce and bold appearance.
- Location: Two piercings on the upper lip two on the lower lip.
- Healing Time: 8 to 12 weeks.
- Why It’s Popular: It’s one of the most extreme and visually striking lip piercing styles, perfect for those who want a daring look.
15. Horizontal Lip Piercing
The Horizontal Lip Piercing consists of a single horizontal piercing that runs along the lower lip, parallel to the lip line.
Both ends of the jewelry are visible, giving it a modern and sleek appearance.
This piercing is less common but highly eye-catching.
- Location: Lower lip, running horizontally along the lip line.
- Healing Time: 8 to 12 weeks.
- Why It’s Popular: Its unique placement offers a bold, contemporary look for those seeking something different.
Customizing Your Look with Different Lip Piercings
Lip piercings offer various styles to suit any personality or aesthetic.
Whether you’re going for a subtle, classic look or something more daring, knowing how to pair different piercings and jewelry can elevate your appearance.
1. Finding the Right Piercing for Your Face Shape
Different lip piercings can enhance or balance your facial features. Here’s how to choose the right style:
- Oval Faces: Piercings like the Medusa or Labret create balance by adding focus to the center of the face.
- Round Faces: Angular piercings like Snake Bites or Canine Bites can add definition and elongate the face.
- Square Faces: Subtle styles like the Monroe or Ashley soften strong jawlines while maintaining symmetry.
2. Choosing the Perfect Jewelry for Your Lip Piercing
Once you’ve selected your piercing, the right jewelry can enhance your look even further:
- Studs are ideal for a clean, minimalistic look and are perfect for piercings like the Monroe, Medusa, or Labret.
- Rings and Hoops Provide an edgier, bolder look. They are often used for Snake Bites, Spider Bites, or Horizontal Lip Piercings.
- Barbells: These are perfect for vertical piercings like the Vertical Labret or Jestrum, offering a unique view of both ends of the jewelry.
3. Pairing Multiple Lip Piercings for a Cohesive Look
For those looking to combine multiple piercings, balance is key. Here are some tips for creating a cohesive look:
- Symmetrical Styles: Pair Angel Bites with Snake Bites for a balanced, symmetrical aesthetic.
- Edgy Combinations: Opt for dramatic styles like Shark Bites or Cyber Bites for a bold, symmetrical look across both lips.
- Minimalist Approach: For a stylish yet understated appearance, combine a simple Labret with a single Monroe or Medusa piercing.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer the simplicity of a Labret Piercing or the bold look of Shark Bites, there’s a lip piercing style for everyone.
From the more subtle placements like the Monroe Piercing to the dramatic combinations of Canine Bites, each piercing offers a distinct way to express your personal style.
With the proper aftercare and a professional piercer, you can safely enjoy the aesthetic and individuality that lip piercings bring to your look.
