Labret piercing has gained immense popularity, so much so that lip studs are now commonly known as labret studs. This type of piercing is typically situated just below the center of the bottom lip and involves a single puncture made swiftly with a needle.
What makes this piercing so popular is its versatility in jewellery options. You can choose from various styles, including the classic labret stud, hoops, and curved barbells.
People often love to experiment by combining their labret piercing with other lip piercings, creating unique and trendy looks like the dolphin bite or snake bites.
However, despite its popularity and appeal, it’s crucial to be aware of the specific risks associated with the location of the labret piercing.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable piercing experience, here’s everything you need to know about the labret piercing.
How Much Does The Labret Piercing Hurt?
When it comes to lip piercings, the labret piercing is considered to be less painful on the pain scale. This is because the lips and the surrounding skin have a high concentration of nerve endings, making lip piercings, in general, more sensitive compared to other types of piercings.
However, the labret piercing differs from more painful lip piercings, like the vertical labret, as it doesn’t involve puncturing the lip.
The advantage of the labret piercing is that it requires just one puncture, resulting in a brief moment of discomfort.
During the initial days after getting the piercing, some swelling and throbbing can be expected as the body initiates the healing process. It’s essential to monitor the piercing during this time closely.
If the swelling persists beyond a couple of days or if there’s excessive bleeding or pain, it could indicate a possible infection. Being aware of these factors will help ensure a safe and smooth healing process for your labret piercing.
Quick Facts
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Placement | Usually located centrally under the bottom lip or slightly off to the side. |
| Pain Level | Around 4/10 |
| Healing Time | 2-3 months |
| Pricing | $30-$50 for the piercing only, plus jewellery |
Labret Piercing Healing Process
The labret piercing is known for its relatively fast healing period, typically lasting around 6 to 8 weeks. However, it’s essential to understand that individual healing times may vary, and some individuals might need more than 8 weeks for complete healing.
To ensure a smooth healing process, it’s advisable to seek advice from your piercer before changing the jewellery and to continue practicing proper aftercare.
Keep in mind that the inner part of the piercing tends to take longer to heal, so it’s essential to stay attentive and monitor the piercing well beyond the initial 8 weeks to ensure it heals properly.
During the initial phase, your piercer will likely provide you with a slightly larger labret stud to accommodate any swelling. It’s crucial to avoid using a too-small stud, as it could lead to complications like the jewellery becoming embedded in the skin, which might require more invasive medical interventions.
Be mindful not to exert pressure on the piercing with the jewellery while it’s still in the healing process.
Labret Piercing Aftercare Rules
Aside from the regular aftercare practices, there are specific and essential guidelines to adhere to while your lip heals after getting a labret piercing.
Due to the piercing’s location in the mouth, everyday elements like food, saliva, and toothpaste can present potential health hazards. This makes proper aftercare even more critical for the successful healing of the labret piercing.
Here Are Some Original Tips to Ensure Your Labret Piercing Heals Properly
Be cautious with skincare
When you have a labret piercing, it’s important to be careful with makeup, sunscreen, moisturizer, and chapstick around the area.
These products can get trapped in the piercing and lead to infections. If you use them, avoid the piercing area and thoroughly cleanse your face before bed.
Eat mindfully
The position of the labret makes the jewellery vulnerable to chomping, which could potentially harm your front teeth. Take extra care while eating with a larger labret stud during the initial weeks.
Once the piercing is fully healed, be mindful of larger jewellery pieces like hoops and circular barbells and learn to eat without causing any damage.
Prioritize oral hygiene
Treat your oral health as a top priority. Brush after meals, floss regularly, and use mouthwash to maintain a clean mouth. This will help prevent any complications during the healing process.
Avoid touching the piercing
Refrain from touching it with your fingers, scarves, or anyone else’s lips while healing. Avoid kissing or engaging in oral activities during this period.
If you sleep on your stomach, ensure you use a fresh pillowcase every night or place a clean t-shirt over the pillow.
Be mindful of your diet
Spicy and acidic foods can cause discomfort while the piercing heals. Additionally, alcohol can weaken your immune system, and cigarettes contain chemicals that may lead to infections.
Be cautious about what you consume and keep food away from the piercing site to minimize potential issues.
Following these original tips can promote a successful and comfortable healing process for your labret piercing.
Why Shouldn’t I Get A Labret piercing?
Considering that the labret piercing is located beneath the lower lip, the jewellery worn in this area may come into contact with your gums and teeth, resulting in slight scraping.
This contact can potentially cause various issues, including gum recession, enamel erosion leading to tooth decay, and in rare instances, the backing of the jewellery might exert pressure on the teeth, causing them to shift and become misaligned.
If you already have pre-existing dental or gum problems, it’s essential to carefully assess whether getting a labret piercing is suitable for your oral health.
Furthermore, if you observe consistent jewellery rubbing against your teeth and gums after getting the piercing, it is crucial to seek advice from your piercer or a dentist.
They can help determine if it’s safe to continue wearing the labret piercing. Remember, prioritizing your oral health is of utmost importance, even when exploring alternative fashion choices.
How Much Labret Piercing Cost?
The cost of a labret piercing can vary significantly, ranging from $20 to $100. However, it’s essential not to base your decision solely on the price. The key factor should be finding a skilled and experienced piercer.
Choosing a cheaper, inexperienced piercer may lead to problems such as improper equipment use, incorrect stud size, or even piercing in the wrong location. Therefore, prioritize expertise and proficiency over cost to ensure a safe and successful piercing experience.
Moreover, it’s best to use high-quality jewellery made of materials like 14k gold or platinum for your first labret piercing.
Some individuals may have sensitivities to certain metals, and during the healing process, you wouldn’t want to risk developing a rash or irritation.
Opting for top-notch jewellery will promote a smoother healing process and minimize the chances of complications.
Labret Piercing Variations
When it comes to labret piercings, the possibilities for variations are nearly endless. It’s essential to keep in mind that some of these variations can be transformed into other lip piercing styles later on.
So, before you decide to get a labret piercing, it’s crucial to consider how you want it to look now and how it may fit into your desired end look in the future.
Side Labret Piercing: One popular variation is the side labret piercing, which is still placed below the lip but is positioned to the right or left of the center.
This choice is particularly common among individuals who plan to transition their labret into other piercing styles, such as dolphin or snake bites.
So, if you’re interested in exploring different lip piercings, the side labret piercing might be a suitable starting point for your journey.
Lowbret Piercing: The lowbret piercing is a variant of the labret piercing, situated centrally below the lip but placed as far down as the lip allows.
This style is favored by those who enjoy extreme body modifications as it offers more space for potential stretching of the piercing.
However, even if you prefer a more understated look, you can still opt for a simple labret stud with this style, achieving a distinctive appearance without the need for significant alterations.
It’s important to be aware that the positioning of the lowbret piercing means it may come into increased contact with your gum line compared to the standard labret piercing. Therefore, if you decide to get this piercing, it’s crucial to keep this factor in mind and take extra care to prevent gum irritation.
Labret Piercing Jewellery Styles
The labret piercing’s placement offers a wide range of jewellery choices. Feel free to explore and be creative with your selections.
Labret Flat Back Stud
The labret stud is a common choice in a labret piercing. To avoid discomfort and irritation to your teeth and gums, it’s best to use flat back studs with a smooth disc backing.
Consider using internally threaded or push-pin posts for a gentler option that won’t harm your piercing.
You can get creative with your style, choosing large beads and charms or a daintier gemstone for a bolder or subtler look, according to your preference.
Captive Bead Rings
These captive rings come in many styles, from simple to stunning. They are made from different materials and can have sparkling gemstones and intricate designs.
They are just as beautiful as dangling rings. The simpler ones are great for everyday wear.
Seamless Rings
If you want a more subtle hoop look, seamless rings are a great choice. They sit smoothly against your skin, creating a slim line around your lip. This allows you to make a fashionable statement without overwhelming your face.
Circular Barbell
If you like beads, you can choose between the circular and curved barbell. The circular barbell wraps almost around your lip, with the balls close together.
The curved barbell sits wider around your lip and resembles the vertical labret without needing two piercings.
Type of Lip Piercing
Labret Piercing
A labret piercing is a type of horizontal piercing below the bottom lip. It doesn’t go through the lip but is placed under it, with the jewellery resting inside it.
The common jewellery used for labret piercings are flat back barbells or pushpin posts, usually in sizes of 14 or 16 gauge. You can also wear captive rings or circular barbells, but be careful about touching your teeth.
A labret piercing costs around $50, but it may vary depending on the jewellery and the shop location.
Monroe
The Monroe piercing is named after Marilyn Monroe because it is placed on the left side above the upper lip to look like her famous beauty mark.
It’s usually done with a 16 gauge flat back barbell, but you can also use threadless or pushpin post jewelry. Getting a Monroe piercing costs around $50, but the price can vary depending on the jewelry and the shop.
Medusa (Philtrum)
The Medusa piercing, also known as the philtrum piercing, is a horizontal piercing above the upper lip. It goes through the indented groove on the upper lip called the philtrum.
You can get this piercing using a 16 gauge flat back barbell or a threadless (or pushpin) labret post. The Medusa piercing costs around $50, but it may vary based on the jewelry you choose and the piercing shop location.
Vertical Labret Piercing
The vertical labret is a different type of labret piercing that shows both ends of the jewelry.
It’s achieved using a curved barbell, with one end under the bottom lip like a horizontal labret and the other resting on top of the bottom lip’s center. Usually, vertical labret piercings use a 16 gauge size.
A vertical labret piercing costs around $50, but it may change depending on the jewelry options and the piercing shop.
Snake Bites
Snake bites consist of two piercings on each side of the lower lip, strategically placed to imitate the look of snake fangs or bites.
You can also explore our labret stud collection that works well for this piercing style. You can choose between 16 gauge or 14 gauge sizes when getting snake bites, so it’s essential to know your preferred size before getting pierced.
Since snake bites involve two separate piercings, the cost starts at $100 and may vary depending on the type of jewelry you select and the specific piercing shop you choose for the procedure.
Ashley Piercing
The Ashley piercing is a unique lip piercing that goes through the center of the bottom lip and comes out at the back.
It is officially called an inverted vertical labret, but it might have been named after the first person to get it or the piercer who performed it, possibly named Ashley.
A flatback labret stud is commonly used for this piercing to minimise contact with the teeth, usually in a 16 gauge size. Another option is the pushpin labret stud.
An Ashley piercing costs around $50, but it can vary based on the piercing shop’s pricing and the type of jewelry chosen.
Jestrum
The jestrum piercing is a unique version of the vertical philtrum or medusa piercing. What makes it different is that the piercing comes out from the top lip’s centre, showing both sides of the barbell.
For this piercing, 16 gauge curved barbells are commonly used. Getting a jestrum piercing usually costs around $50, but it may vary depending on the piercing shop and the type of jewelry you choose.
Spider Bites
Spider bites piercings involve getting two piercings on the same side of the lower lip, either on the left or right, placed close together like an actual spider bite.
They are commonly done on the lower lip, but some people may choose the upper lip. Each piercing is done separately; the total cost usually starts at $100 or more, depending on your choices.
Angel Bites
Angel bites piercings are a unique combination of the Monroe and Madonna piercings placed on the upper lip, one on each far side, creating a look similar to dual beauty marks.
We offer labret studs and pushpin posts that work perfectly for angel bites piercings to achieve this stylish look. The most common size for these piercings is 16 gauge, but other sizes are available to suit your needs.
As angel bites involve getting two piercings, the cost typically starts at around $100. However, the total price may vary depending on the type of jewelry you choose and the specific piercing shop you visit.
Madonna
The Madonna piercing is named after the 1980s musical icon. It goes on the upper right lip to look like her beauty mark. A 16 gauge labret stud or a pushpin post is usually used for this piercing.
It costs around $50 but can vary depending on the jewelry and where you get it done.
Cyber Bites
Cyber bite piercings combine the Medusa above the top lip’s center and the traditional labret piercing below the center of the bottom lip. It creates the illusion of a piercing that extends between both lips, with only one end visible for each piercing.
For the top piercing in cyber bites, it’s recommended to use a flatback labret stud or a pushpin post to avoid potential damage to the teeth.
As for the bottom piercing, you can choose between a labret stud or a captive ring, but avoid contact with the teeth.
The cost of cyber bites piercings typically starts at around $100, with $50 for each piercing, but the final price depends on the jewelry you choose and the location of the piercing shop.
If you’re interested in getting cyber bites, make sure to select suitable jewelry and visit a reputable piercing shop to achieve the desired stylish look.
Dolphin Bites
Dolphin bites piercings involve having two labret piercings placed side by side under the center of the bottom lip. The cost usually starts at around $100 ($50 for each piercing), depending on the type of jewelry you choose and the piercing shop.
The usual style for dolphin bites is to wear two labret studs, but you can also choose two lip rings.
Dahlia Bites Piercing
The Dahlia Bites piercing is a unique style inspired by a dark story. It involves two piercings on each side of the mouth’s corner, creating an extended smile effect.
Some people also call it the Joker piercing. You can get it with two labret studs in 16- or 14-gauge.
Canine Bites
Canine bites piercings are a relaxed style with four piercings. Two are on the outer edges of the upper lip, and two on the outer edges of the bottom lip, like the canine teeth.
It’s best to use 14 gauge or 16 gauge flatback labret studs for this piercing. In our store, we offer various options, including labret studs, threadless, and pushpin posts, with many different styles.
The cost of getting canine bites piercings can vary since it involves four piercings. It depends on your chosen jewellery, but it usually costs between $100 and $150.
Shark Bites
Shark bites piercings have four piercings on the bottom lip, with two on each side. Usually, 16 gauge size is used, but 14 gauge can work too.
You can choose from various jewelry options for shark bites piercings. Many people go for four labret studs, and we have different styles and decorative ends for them, giving a modern look.
You can also mix and match, wearing a labret stud on one side and a captive ring or circular barbell on the other.
The cost of shark bites piercings starts around $200 ($50 for each piercing), but it can vary based on the jewelry you choose and the piercing shop’s location.
More Body Piercings
Double Nose Piercing: A Complete Guide
Nose Piercing 101: Everything You Need to Know
Getting Your Ears Pierced at Target (Through Rowan)
Ashley Piercing: Everything You Need to Know About Eye-Catching Lip Piercing
Ashley Piercing Scar: Every Thing you Need to know About Ashley Piercing Scarring
Conclusion
The labret piercing, known as labret studs, is a popular and versatile lip piercing below the centre of the bottom lip. Its appeal lies in the wide range of jewelry options available, such as labret studs, hoops, and curved barbells.
While it’s relatively less painful, proper aftercare is essential for a smooth healing. Healing time is typically 6 to 8 weeks. Cost varies, but it’s crucial to prioritize a skilled piercer and high-quality jewelry.
The labret piercing offers a stylish way to express yourself, but oral health should always be a top consideration.
FAQs – Labret Piercing
Q – What does the term “Labret” mean?
A – The term “Labret” refers to an ornament, often a small piece of shell, bone, or stone, that is inserted into the lip for cultural adornment purposes in some societies.
Q- What is the symbolism behind labret piercings?
A – Labret piercings, specifically those on the lower lip, have a rich tribal history, representing either pure adornment or the act of forsaking individual identity for a committed relationship.
Q – What is a labret stud?
A – A labret stud is a type of jewelry commonly used in labret piercings, which are located just below the bottom lip. It resembles a lip stud and involves a single puncture to create an MM labret piercing, typically done using a needle.
Q – Is it possible to use a ring in a labret piercing?
A – The typical jewelry used for labret piercings includes flat back barbells or threadless labret posts (pushpin posts) in sizes of 14 or 16 gauge. While captive rings or circular barbells can also be worn, caution is advised to avoid contact with your teeth.
Q – What are the types of lip piercings other than labret piercings?
A – Other lip piercings include Monroe, Medusa (Philtrum), Vertical Labret, Snake Bites, Ashley, Jestrum, Spider Bites, Angel Bites, Madonna, Cyber Bites, Dolphin Bites, Dahlia Bites, Canine Bites, and Shark Bites.
Each piercing style offers a unique look and can be combined creatively to achieve different appearances.
Q – What are the risks associated with a labret piercing?
A – The positioning of the labret piercing might cause jewelry to come into contact with gums and teeth, potentially leading to issues like gum recession, enamel erosion, or teeth misalignment.
People with pre-existing dental or gum problems should carefully assess whether getting a labret piercing is suitable for their oral health.
