So, you’re thinking about getting a snake bites piercing. It’s a classic look. Honestly, it’s one of those modifications that has managed to stay cool through the emo era, the VSCO girl phase, and whatever we're calling the current aesthetic. It’s edgy but symmetrical, which satisfies that weird itch in our brains for things to look balanced. But before you go running to the nearest shop with fifty bucks in your pocket, there is a lot of ground to cover. This isn't just about looking like a rockstar; it’s about your teeth, your gums, and how much you enjoy eating spicy wings without crying.
What Are Snake Bites Piercings Anyway?
Basically, snake bites are two separate piercings on the lower lip, positioned near the corners of the mouth. They’re meant to look like the puncture marks of—you guessed it—a snake. It’s a sub-type of labret piercing. While a single labret sits in the middle, these guys are the fraternal twins of the lip world. They sit just below the vermilion border, which is the technical term for the line where your lip skin meets your face skin.
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It’s all about the symmetry. If one is off by even a millimeter, you’re going to notice it every time you look in the mirror. That’s why you don’t go to a "buddy" who has a hollow needle and a steady hand. You go to a pro who uses calipers.
Most people start with studs. These are called flat-back labret studs. They have a little disc on the inside and a ball or decorative gem on the outside. Later on, once you aren't a walking wound, you can switch to hoops or circular barbells. But don't rush it. Seriously.
The Pain Factor and the Process
Everyone asks "Does it hurt?" Well, yeah. You're pushing metal through a muscle. But it’s not as bad as you think. If a flu shot is a 2/10, snake bites are maybe a 4 or 5. The weirdest part is that you have to do it twice. You get the first one done, the adrenaline spikes, and then you have to sit there and wait for the second one. That second poke usually feels a bit spicy because your body is already on high alert.
The piercer will mark you up first. They'll ask you to rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash. Use it. Then, they’ll use clamps. The clamps are often more uncomfortable than the needle because they pinch. Then—breathe—the needle goes through.
Why the jewelry looks so long at first
You’re going to look like you have tiny antennas coming out of your face for the first two weeks. This is intentional. Your lips are going to swell. A lot. Like, "did I get bad fillers?" levels of swelling. If the piercer put in "cute" short studs, they would get swallowed by your lip, leading to an emergency trip to the doctor to have them cut out.
The Boring (But Vital) Aftercare Stuff
Healing a snake bites piercing is a double-sided job. You have an external wound and an internal wound.
For the outside, you need saline. Not contact lens solution. Not homemade salt water that you eyeballed in a dirty mug. Buy a pressurized can of 0.9% sodium chloride spray (like NeilMed). Spray it on twice a day. Pat it dry with a paper towel. Don't use a cloth towel; those things are basically hotels for bacteria.
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The inside is trickier. You eat with your mouth. You talk with it. You probably kiss people with it. For the first few weeks, you need to rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash after every meal. Every. Single. One. Even if you just ate a handful of Cheetos.
- Avoid: Beer, spicy food, and crusty bread (it’ll scratch the holes).
- Do: Eat yogurt, smoothies, and cold soup.
- No touching: Stop playing with the studs with your tongue. I know it’s tempting. It’s a new toy in your mouth. But every time you flick it, you’re tearing the tiny bit of new skin trying to form inside the hole.
The Reality of Dental Damage
We need to talk about your teeth. This is the part people ignore until they’re looking at a $3,000 dental bill. Metal rubbing against tooth enamel is a fight the enamel always loses. Over time, the backing of the labret studs can wear down your teeth or, worse, cause your gums to recede.
Once gums recede, they don't grow back. You’re looking at gum grafts.
To mitigate this, many people switch to PTFE or BioFlex jewelry once the piercing is healed. This is a medical-grade plastic that is softer than metal. It’s "forgiving." It won’t clink against your teeth like surgical steel or titanium does. However, some piercers hate plastic because it can harbor bacteria more easily than polished metal. It’s a trade-off.
According to a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, long-term lip piercing wearers showed a significantly higher rate of gingival recession compared to non-pierced individuals. You have to be diligent. Check your gums every week. If you see them pulling away from the tooth, take the jewelry out. It's not worth losing a tooth over.
Common Problems: Crusties, Bumps, and Infections
If you see a little yellow crust around the metal, don't freak out. That's lymph. It’s just your body doing its job. It’s not pus. Soak it with saline, let it soften, and gently wipe it away.
Now, if the area gets hot, turns bright red, and starts leaking green fluid that smells like a locker room, you have an infection. Go to a doctor. Do not just "clean it harder." You might need antibiotics.
Sometimes you get a "piercing bump" or a granuloma. This usually happens because the jewelry is moving too much or the angle is slightly off. Usually, it's a sign of irritation. Switch to high-quality titanium (Grade 23 / Ti-6Al-4V ELI) if you haven't already. Nickel allergies are super common and can make a piercing look infected when it's actually just an allergic reaction.
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The Cost of the Look
You’re looking at $60 to $120 for the piercings themselves, depending on the shop’s location and the piercer’s experience. Then you have the jewelry. Do not cheap out here.
Cheap "surgical steel" from a mall kiosk often contains high amounts of nickel. Titanium is the gold standard. It’s biocompatible. It’s what they use for hip replacements. It costs more, but your face is worth it.
Living with Snake Bites
It changes things. You’ll have to relearn how to eat certain foods. Hamburgers are a challenge for the first month. You’ll accidentally bite the metal while chewing, which sends a shock of pain through your jaw. You’ll learn to take smaller bites.
Drinking out of a straw can be weirdly difficult at first because of the suction and the way it pulls on the lip tissue.
And then there’s the professional side. While society is way more chill about piercings now, some corporate environments still have "no facial jewelry" policies. You can buy "retainers"—clear glass or plastic bits that make the holes almost invisible—but they aren't perfect.
Final Steps for the Brave
If you've read all this and you still want them, awesome. You’re ready. Here is your immediate checklist to make sure this goes well:
- Find an APP Member: Check the Association of Professional Piercers website. Find a studio that follows strict sterilization protocols. If the shop looks like a basement or smells like cigarettes, leave.
- Check Your Schedule: Don't get this done the day before a big speech, a wedding, or a vacation to the beach. You need at least two weeks of "quiet time" for the initial swelling to subside.
- Buy the Supplies Now: Get your alcohol-free mouthwash and saline spray before the appointment. You won't want to go to the pharmacy when your lip feels like it’s been stung by a hornet.
- Eat a Big Meal: Your blood sugar needs to be up so you don't faint. Plus, it’ll be your last "normal" meal for a few days.
- Listen to Your Piercer: They do this for a living. If they tell you your anatomy isn't right for the placement you want, believe them. They’re trying to save you from a piercing that will migrate or never heal.
Snake bites are a commitment. They require more maintenance than an earlobe piercing and carry more risks for your long-term dental health. But if you take care of them, use high-quality titanium, and keep your mouth clean, they are one of the most striking and rewarding piercings you can get.
Once they're healed—usually in about 3 to 4 months—you can finally swap those long studs for some snug hoops or matte black spikes. Just remember to keep an eye on those gums. Your future self will thank you.