⚡ Quick Answer (30 seconds)
- Snake eyes piercing is a horizontal barbell through the tongue tip — NOT two vertical piercings.
- Most APP-certified piercers refuse to do it because it connects the two sides of the tongue muscle, preventing normal movement.
- High risk of tooth cracking and gum recession — the barbell’s ends rub against teeth with every word spoken.
→ Full risk analysis, dental costs, and safer alternatives below.
The snake eyes piercing has been Instagram-viral since 2020 — a single horizontal barbell passing through the tip of the tongue, with two small ball-ends visible like “eyes” when the tongue sticks out. It looks striking. It’s also one of the most refused piercings in the professional body-mod community. This isn’t piercer gatekeeping — there are real anatomical and dental reasons, and this guide lays them out honestly.
What Is a Snake Eyes Piercing?
A snake eyes piercing is a single surface piercing through the tip of the tongue, running horizontally. One 14G curved or straight barbell passes through the tongue tip, with decorative balls on each end sticking out sideways — resembling a snake’s eyes when the mouth is open.
It is not two separate vertical tongue piercings — that’s a common misconception. The snake eyes uses one connected horizontal barbell that joins the two halves of the tongue muscle.
Why Most Piercers Refuse It
1. Tongue muscle restriction
The tongue is actually two independent muscle halves joined by a central tendon. A horizontal barbell physically connects these halves, preventing them from moving independently. This affects:
- Speech — some consonants become difficult to pronounce clearly
- Eating — tongue can’t maneuver food normally
- Swallowing — slight incoordination
- Kissing — intimate partners report noticeable texture/movement changes
2. Tooth damage (near-certain)
The ball-ends of the horizontal barbell sit against your teeth, rubbing with every word, chew, and swallow. Over months to years, this causes:
- Enamel wear on front incisors
- Chipped or cracked teeth (especially when biting hard foods)
- Gum recession where the ball sits against the gumline
- Tooth sensitivity that escalates over time
Dental damage from oral piercings is cumulative and often irreversible. A root canal or crown costs $1,000–3,000 per tooth; gum surgery is $1,500–4,000 per area. Compare to saving the $60–100 you’d spend on the piercing itself.
3. High rejection rate
Surface piercings in general reject at 30-50%. The tongue tip’s constant movement adds extra shear force, pushing that figure higher — estimated 40-60% rejection within 2 years.
4. Nerve damage risk
The tongue has major sensory nerves running near the surface. A horizontal piercing has higher odds of hitting one than a standard vertical tongue piercing. Numbness, loss of taste in part of the tongue, and persistent altered sensation are reported cases.
Pain & Healing Reality
| Metric | Snake Eyes | Standard Tongue Piercing |
|---|---|---|
| Pain at piercing | 9/10 | 3/10 |
| Swelling (week 1) | Severe (2–3x normal) | Moderate |
| Eating restrictions | Liquids only for 2+ weeks | Soft foods 5-7 days |
| Speech impact | Significant, partial permanent | Temporary lisp 2-3 days |
| Full healing time | Never fully heals (if at all) | 4–6 weeks |
| Rejection rate | 40–60% | <5% |
Why Reputable Studios Say No
The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) doesn’t ban snake eyes officially, but APP-certified members overwhelmingly decline to perform it. The reasoning:
- Ethical code: pierce only what won’t harm the client
- Liability: dental damage claims against piercers have become common
- Reputation: studios building long-term careers won’t do “one-offs” that damage clients
If a studio readily agrees to a snake eyes piercing without warning you about the risks, that’s a red flag — they prioritize revenue over your well-being.
✨ Safer Tongue Jewelry (Vertical Piercings)
If you love the tongue-ring aesthetic, a standard vertical tongue piercing (center, not snake eyes) heals in 4–6 weeks with minimal dental risk.
Safer Alternatives for the Same Look
- Standard vertical tongue piercing: the classic through-the-middle placement. Heals in 4–6 weeks, low dental risk with proper ball size.
- Frog eyes piercing: two separate vertical piercings spaced apart — gives a similar visual to snake eyes without the muscle-bridging problem.
- Tongue web (frenulum) piercing: under the tongue, not through it. Fast heal, no dental contact.
- Smiley piercing: upper lip frenulum — visible when you smile, no tongue impact.
- Clip-on / magnetic fake snake eyes: same visual for costume photos with zero permanent risk.
If You Still Want One: Minimum Safety Checklist
If you’ve read all the risks and still want to proceed, here are the absolute minimums any studio should provide:
- Full informed consent document listing all risks, especially dental damage
- Shorter starter barbell with smaller ball-ends to reduce tooth contact
- ASTM F-136 titanium only — nickel triggers oral reactions amplified in saliva
- Dental consultation before — establish a baseline for future damage claims
- Aftercare plan including dental follow-ups every 6 months
- Liquid diet for 2 weeks minimum, no exceptions
- Commitment to remove if dental damage begins
Removal: Is It Reversible?
The piercing channel closes within days of removal. Dental damage and scar tissue do not. Gum recession is permanent; enamel loss requires crowns or veneers. This is why piercers emphasize: the piercing is reversible, but its consequences usually aren’t.
For professional safety standards, refer to the Association of Professional Piercers (APP).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do piercers refuse snake eyes piercings?
Because it joins the two halves of the tongue muscle (preventing normal movement) and causes tooth enamel wear + gum recession from the barbell ends contacting teeth. Most APP-certified piercers decline for ethical/liability reasons.
How painful is a snake eyes piercing?
9/10 — one of the most painful piercings. The horizontal path crosses more muscle fiber than a standard vertical tongue piercing, causing severe swelling and pain for 1-2 weeks.
Can snake eyes damage my teeth?
Yes — almost certainly over time. The ball-ends sit against front teeth with every word, chew, and swallow. Enamel wear, chipped teeth, and gum recession are documented common outcomes.
How long does snake eyes take to heal?
Officially 4-6 weeks for external healing, but many never fully stabilize. 40-60% reject within 2 years. Ongoing minor irritation is common even in “healed” cases.
Will snake eyes affect my speech?
Yes, at least temporarily (2-3 weeks of heavy lisp), and possibly permanently. The horizontal bar restricts tongue movement, affecting certain consonants (especially T, D, L, R sounds).
What’s the difference between snake eyes and frog eyes?
Snake eyes is ONE horizontal barbell through the tongue tip. Frog eyes is TWO separate vertical piercings spaced apart. Frog eyes is significantly safer since it doesn’t bridge the tongue muscle.
Can I get a snake eyes piercing somewhere?
Yes — some budget or non-APP studios will do it without pushback. We don’t recommend it. A studio willing to do it without warning you about dental and muscle risks isn’t one you should trust with your mouth.
What are safer alternatives to snake eyes?
Standard vertical tongue piercing (center of tongue), frog eyes (two separate verticals), tongue web piercing, or smiley piercing (upper lip frenulum). All give similar aesthetic visibility with far less risk.
About the author
Mona Lin — Head of Piercing Education at The Body Rings. APP member, 10+ years professional body piercing experience.