All Lip Piercing Types & Styles Explained

Close-up of a woman's lower face showing where each lip piercing sits

Find your piercing

Lip piercing basics

What to know before you get a lip piercing

Tap a dot on the photo to jump to that piercing. The essentials are below.

Lip piercing basics

What to know before you get a lip piercing

Tap a dot on the photo to jump to that piercing. The essentials are below.

How long does it take to heal?Typically six to eight weeks - but everyone heals differently, so follow your piercer's guidance. Piercings heal from the outside in, so it can feel healed while the inside is still settling.
What does it cost?The piercing itself is a studio fee that varies by piercer and city. For the jewelry, most of our solid 14k gold lip pieces sit between $174 and $328, with simple labret studs starting lower.
Will it hit my teeth?It can if the post stays in too long. Once the swelling settles it is vital to swap the longer initial jewelry for a shorter post, to avoid damage to the teeth and gums. Have a qualified piercer do the swap.
What jewelry is worn in a lip piercing?A flat back labret stud is the standard: a straight post with a flat disc that sits flush inside the lip. Hoops, seam rings and clickers are options once the piercing is healed.
When can I change the jewelry?After the swelling has gone down, and with your piercer rather than at home. Even a long-healed lip piercing can shrink or close within hours if it is left empty.
How do I look after it?Sterile saline with no additives, and brush and rinse after every meal. Expect some swelling, tenderness and light secretion for the first three to five days.

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The edit

Flat Back Studs in 14K Gold

Flat back labret studs, handcrafted in solid 14k gold.

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The types

Every type of lip piercing, side by side

Eight single placements, what each one takes, and how long each needs. Tap any marker on the diagram above to jump to one.

Unless a profile says otherwise, lip piercings are done at 14G or 16G with an initial post of 1/4" to 5/16" (6–8mm), fitted long to allow for swelling. Once the swelling settles, swap to a shorter post — one left long can rub the teeth and gums — and have a qualified piercer fit it.

01

Labret

Also called lower lip piercing

A single piercing centred just below the lower lip — the most versatile lip placement, and the one that takes the widest range of jewelry.

Placement: Centred directly below the lower lip
Jewelry: Flat back labret studs, seamless hoops, captive bead rings, clickers or circular barbells
Healing: 6 to 8 weeks
Once healed: Almost anything — this is the one lip placement that wears a hoop as comfortably as a stud
Size: Studs 1/4" (6mm) or 5/16" (8mm); hoops 5/16" (8mm) to 7/16" (11mm)
Builds into: With a Medusa above, this becomes cyber bites
Worth knowing: The only lip placement that wears a hoop as naturally as a stud — the one to pick if you expect to change the look often.

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02

Side Labret

Also called side lip piercing, lower lip piercing

A single off-centre piercing of the lower lip — the most common lip piercing, and probably the one you picture first.

Placement: Off-centre on the lower lip, occasionally the upper
Jewelry: Flat back labret studs
Healing: 6 to 8 weeks
Once healed: A shorter flat back stud, or a hoop for the ring look
Size: 1/4" (6mm) or 5/16" (8mm) while healing, 3/16" (5mm) for a close fit once settled
Builds into: Mirrored it becomes snake bites; doubled on one side, spider bites
Worth knowing: The most common lip piercing, and the usual starting point — most of the multiples on this page are built from it.

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The edit

Gemstone Flat Backs

Opal, topaz and diamond ends — plus the tool that makes changing them painless.

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Flat back earring insertion tool beside a gold CZ flat back stud, showing tool and jewelry separately

Flat Back Earring Easy Insertion Tool

$14.00

14k yellow gold 3mm CZ bezel flat back labret resting on marble surface, lifestyle angled shot

2mm Cubic Zirconia Bezel-Set 14k Gold Flat Back Stud

From $167.00

Reina Ethiopian Opal Nose Ring in 14K Yellow Gold with crown-set Ethiopian Opal - for nostril piercings

Reina Ethiopian Opal Flat Back Stud

From $112.00

14k yellow gold evil eye flat back stud with blue topaz center and diamond halo, angled lifestyle shot

Evil Eye Diamond & Blue Topaz 14k Gold Flat Back Stud

From $535.00

03

Madonna

Also called left upper lip piercing

A single piercing on the upper lip set to the left — the mirror image of the Monroe.

Placement: Upper lip, left side
Jewelry: Flat back lip studs only
Healing: 2 to 3 months
Once healed: A shorter post with a decorative end — hoops do not sit correctly here
Gauge: 16G (1.2mm), sometimes 14G (1.6mm)
Builds into: With a Monroe opposite, this becomes angel bites
Worth knowing: The exact mirror of the Monroe — the same piercing on the opposite side.

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04

Monroe

Also called Marilyn piercing

A single piercing on the upper lip set to the right, placed to echo Marilyn Monroe's beauty mark.

Placement: Upper lip, right side
Jewelry: Flat back lip studs only
Healing: 2 to 3 months
Once healed: A shorter post with a decorative end — hoops do not sit correctly here
Gauge: 16G (1.2mm), sometimes 14G (1.6mm)
Builds into: With a Madonna opposite, this becomes angel bites
Worth knowing: Named after Marilyn Monroe's beauty mark, which sat on her left — so it is worn on the wearer's left.

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05

Medusa

Also called philtrum piercing

A single piercing set in the philtrum — the dip in the skin directly above the centre of the upper lip.

Placement: Centre of the philtrum, above the upper lip
Jewelry: Flat back lip studs only
Healing: 2 to 3 months
Once healed: A shorter post — the front end is where the personality goes
Gauge: 16G (1.2mm), sometimes 14G (1.6mm)
Size: 5/16" (8mm) initially, stepping down to 1/4" (6mm) or 3/16" (5mm)
Builds into: With a labret below, this becomes cyber bites
Worth knowing: Philtrum depth varies a lot between people, and a shallow one changes how the stud sits — worth having your piercer check before you book.

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06

Vertical Labret

Two openings, one piece of jewelry: the bar enters through the front of the lower lip and exits on the labret, so both ends stay outside the mouth.

Placement: Vertically through the lower lip, both ends visible
Jewelry: Curved barbell only
Healing: 6 to 8 weeks
Once healed: The same curved barbell with different ends
Size: 5/16" (8mm) to 3/8" (9.5mm)
Worth knowing: One of the few lip placements with no jewelry inside the mouth, so it carries far less risk to the teeth and gums than a standard labret.

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The edit

Hoops in Solid 14k Gold

Seam rings and clickers, handcrafted in solid 14k gold.

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18K gold seam ring hoops in yellow, rose, and white gold shown in multiple sizes on gray surface

14K Gold Seam Ring Hoop

From $79.00

14K rose gold four-diamond side-set seam ring on reflective surface, front studio view

Four Diamonds Side-Set Seam Ring Hoop

From $300.00

Close-up of 14k yellow gold CZ infinity clicker showing round CZ prong detail and hinge mechanism

Cubic Zirconia Infinity Hoop 14k Gold Clicker

From $941.00

18K yellow gold clicker ring hoop shown open on marble surface, revealing hinged clicker mechanism

14k Gold Plain Hoop Clicker Ring

From $318.00

07

Ashley

Also called inverse vertical labret

A single piercing through the centre of the lower lip, with the back sitting inside the mouth rather than below the lip.

Placement: Through the centre of the lower lip; exit inside the mouth
Jewelry: Flat back labret stud
Healing: 6 to 8 weeks
Once healed: A shorter flat back with a decorative front
Gauge: 16G (1.2mm)
Worth knowing: The opposite of the vertical labret — the flat back sits inside the mouth against the teeth, which makes this the placement where downsizing on time matters most.

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08

Jestrum

Also called vertical medusa

An upside-down vertical labret on the upper lip: it enters above the centre of the top lip and exits through the lip itself.

Placement: Vertically through the upper lip, both ends visible
Jewelry: Curved barbell only
Healing: 6 to 8 weeks
Once healed: The same curved barbell — swap the ends for variety
Size: 5/16" (8mm) to 3/8" (9.5mm)
Worth knowing: The upper-lip counterpart to the vertical labret, and far less common — expect fewer piercers to offer it.

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Good to know

Fun facts about lip piercings

Wide Variety of Styles

Lip piercings come in many styles, including labret, Monroe, Medusa, snake bites, and spider bites, each positioned uniquely around the mouth for different looks.

Ancient and Modern Appeal

Lip piercings have roots in ancient cultures, particularly among indigenous tribes in Africa and South America, where they held cultural and spiritual significance. Today, they are popular in modern fashion and self-expression.

Healing Time Can Vary

The healing time for lip piercings can range from 6 to 10 weeks, but this depends on the location and how well you care for it. Inner lip piercings tend to heal faster due to the mouth's regenerative properties.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated, which aids in healing. Dryness can irritate a fresh piercing, so staying hydrated will help reduce discomfort.

Enhances Facial Symmetry

Many people choose lip piercings because they can enhance facial symmetry, especially when paired with other piercings or used as a central focal point.

Clean with Saline Solution

Rinse the outside of your lip piercing with a saline solution twice a day. For the inside of the lip, use an alcohol-free mouthwash or a saltwater rinse after eating or drinking anything besides water.

The edit

Birthstone Lip Rings

Prong-set birthstones in solid 14k gold — peridot, pink sapphire, amethyst and ruby.

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2mm peridot 14K yellow gold flat back labret with four-prong setting, angled product view

2mm Peridot 14K Gold Prong Set Labret

From $186.00

14K yellow gold flat back labret with 2mm pink sapphire in four-prong setting, angled studio view

2mm Pink Sapphire Prong Set Flat Back Labret

From $190.00

14K yellow gold flat back labret with 2mm prong-set amethyst, angled studio view showing post and disc

2mm Amethyst 14K Gold Prong Set Labret

From $168.00

2mm ruby 14K yellow gold prong-set flat back labret, angled studio shot showing flat disc backing

2mm Ruby 14K Gold Prong Set Labret

From $201.00

Combinations

Where each combination sits

Eleven ways to combine lip piercings, on one face. Choose one to light up exactly where it goes — or leave it on Show all for the overview.

Lip piercing placement map showing where each combination of piercings sits

Choose a combination

Pick a combination to see exactly where each piercing sits.

Combinations

Worn in pairs and fours

Every double and quadruple lip piercing, what each one takes, and how long each needs.

Unless a profile says otherwise, lip piercings are done at 14G or 16G with an initial post of 1/4" to 5/16" (6–8mm), fitted long to allow for swelling. Once the swelling settles, swap to a shorter post — one left long can rub the teeth and gums — and have a qualified piercer fit it.

01

Dahlia

Also called Joker piercing

A pair of piercings at the corners of the mouth, set to suggest a stretched smile — though a single one is a quieter alternative.

Placement: At the corners of the mouth, usually as a pair
Jewelry: Flat back studs only — gemstone ends make more of it
Healing: 6 to 8 weeks
Once healed: A shorter flat back stud with a decorative end
Worth knowing: Sits at the corners of the mouth, where the tissue moves most — which is why it is usually done as a pair rather than singly.

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02

Angel Bites

Nearly identical to snake bites, but placed on each side of the UPPER lip.

Placement: Paired, one either side of the upper lip
Jewelry: Flat back lip studs
Healing: At least 2 to 3 months
Once healed: A shorter flat back stud with a decorative end
Builds into: With snake bites below, this becomes canine bites
Worth knowing: A Madonna and a Monroe done together.

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03

Snake Bites

Also called double lower lip piercing

A matched pair of side labrets, one either side of the lower lip, set to echo fangs.

Placement: Paired, either side of the lower lip
Jewelry: Hoops, circular barbells, or flat back studs
Healing: 6 to 8 weeks
Once healed: A pair of hoops for the classic look
Builds into: With angel bites above, this becomes canine bites
Worth knowing: Two side labrets, one either side.

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04

Spider Bites

Also called viper bites

The same close pairing as dolphin bites, but set to one side of the mouth rather than centred.

Placement: Two together on the left or right of the lower lip
Jewelry: Labret studs, slender seamless hoops, small captive bead rings or circular barbells
Healing: Anywhere from 4 weeks to 3 months
Once healed: Hoops, or a shorter pair of studs
Builds into: Mirrored on the other side, this becomes shark bites
Worth knowing: The same pair as dolphin bites but off-centre — placement is the only difference between them.

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05

Dolphin Bites

Two piercings placed close together, centred below the lower lip.

Placement: Centred below the lower lip, side by side
Jewelry: Most often flat back lip studs, though hoop styles and circular barbells work too
Healing: At least 6 to 8 weeks
Once healed: Hoops for a softer line, or shorter studs
Worth knowing: The centred version of spider bites; otherwise identical.

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06

Cyber Bites

A Medusa and a labret worn together — one above the upper lip, one below the lower.

Placement: Centred above the upper lip and below the lower lip
Jewelry: A flat back stud must be worn in the Medusa; the labret can take a ring
Healing: Medusa 2 to 3 months; labret 6 to 8 weeks
Once healed: Keep the stud up top and try a ring in the labret
Worth knowing: The two halves heal on different clocks — the Medusa is the slower one, so they will not finish together.

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07

Shark Bites

Two spider bites, one either side of the mouth, set to resemble a shark's teeth marks.

Placement: Two pairs, one either side of the lower lip
Jewelry: Flat back lip studs, seamless rings, captive bead rings, clickers or circular barbells
Healing: Around 6 to 8 weeks
Once healed: Mix studs and rings across the four
Worth knowing: Four piercings at once is a lot of swelling to manage; many piercers suggest doing two at a time.

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08

Canine Bites

Four at once — the Monroe, the Madonna and a side labret either side — for a fully decorated mouth.

Placement: Monroe and Madonna above, a side labret either side below
Jewelry: Lower lip takes studs, seamless hoops, captive bead rings or curved barbells; upper lip takes flat back studs only
Healing: Lower lip 6 to 8 weeks; upper lip 2 to 3 months
Once healed: Rings below, studs above
Worth knowing: The upper and lower pairs heal at different rates, so they will not finish together.

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09

Cheek Piercings

Also called dimple piercings

Usually done as a pair, set to suggest dimples — or to accentuate the ones you already have.

Placement: Through the cheeks, almost always as a pair
Jewelry: Labret studs — a plain bead keeps the dimple effect, gemstone ends make more of a statement
Healing: 8 to 12 weeks
Once healed: Shorter labret studs once the swelling has fully settled
Size: Longer than a lip post, and fitted to your anatomy by your piercer
Worth knowing: The placement that depends most on individual anatomy — have an experienced piercer assess whether it suits you before booking.

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Also for this piercing

Hoops, opals and statement ends

Seam rings and coloured stones for healed lip piercings.

Shop all lip jewelry →