⚡ Quick Answer (30 seconds)
- 15+ named lip piercing styles — single and paired configurations.
- Pain: 4-5/10. Healing: 2-4 months depending on placement.
- Dental care matters — most lip piercings contact teeth or gums long-term.
→ Full name guide, placement, pain, and aftercare below.
Lip piercings have one of the most creative naming systems in body modification — named after pop icons (Marilyn Monroe, Madonna), insect bites, celebrity eras, or anatomical mirrors. This guide maps every common lip piercing name to its placement, pain level, healing time, and who typically chooses it.
Complete Lip Piercing Name List
| Name | Placement | Single/Paired | Pain | Heal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labret | Below lower lip center | Single | 4/10 | 2-3 mo |
| Vertical labret | Inside lower lip up through top | Single | 5/10 | 2-4 mo |
| Ashley | Through lower lip center | Single | 5/10 | 2-4 mo |
| Medusa | Upper lip philtrum | Single | 5/10 | 2-4 mo |
| Monroe | Upper lip, right side | Single | 4/10 | 2-3 mo |
| Madonna | Upper lip, left side | Single | 4/10 | 2-3 mo |
| Snake bites | Two labret positions | Paired | 4-5/10 | 2-4 mo |
| Spider bites | Two close-together (one side) | Paired | 4/10 | 2-4 mo |
| Angel bites | Monroe + Madonna together | Paired | 4/10 | 2-3 mo |
| Dahlia | Corners of mouth | Paired | 5/10 | 2-4 mo |
| Dolphin bites | Two central lower lip | Paired | 4/10 | 2-3 mo |
| Shark bites | Two double bites (4 total) | Quad | 4/10 | 2-4 mo |
| Cyber bites | Medusa + labret | Paired | 5/10 | 2-4 mo |
| Canine bites | Snake + angel bites (4) | Quad | 5/10 | 2-4 mo |
| Smiley (upper frenulum) | Inside upper lip | Single | 3/10 | 4-8 wk |
Classic Singles Explained
Labret
Below the lower lip, center. A disc inside the mouth, decorative stud visible outside. The most popular single lip piercing.
Medusa (Philtrum)
Upper lip center, in the philtrum (the groove below the nose). Named for symmetric elegance. Pairs beautifully with Ashley for a mirrored look.
Monroe / Madonna
Upper lip beauty-mark placements. Monroe is on the right (Marilyn Monroe had hers there); Madonna is on the left. Single studs simulating beauty marks.
Paired Configurations
Snake Bites
Two labret-position piercings, one on each side of the lower lip. Classic “tough” look.
Spider Bites
Two piercings close together on one side of the lower lip. Looks like… well, a spider bite. Subtle but visible.
Angel Bites
Upper lip equivalent of snake bites — Monroe + Madonna together.
Dahlia
At the mouth corners, one on each side. Named after the Black Dahlia case. Dramatic statement.
✨ Shop Lip Jewelry
All TBR lip/labret jewelry is ASTM F-136 titanium or medical-grade PTFE — the tooth-safest materials for oral-adjacent piercings.
Vertical vs Horizontal
Two different axes create different looks:
- Horizontal (through the skin): labret, Monroe, Madonna, snake bites, dahlia — most common
- Vertical (through the lip itself): Ashley, vertical labret, medusa — more dramatic, higher dental impact
Dental Considerations
Most lip piercings contact teeth and gums over long-term wear. To minimize damage:
- Ask for the smallest possible internal disc (3mm)
- After full healing, swap to PTFE backing for tooth-safety
- Don’t click the jewelry on teeth — the biggest controllable damage factor
- Regular dental checkups to catch damage early
For standards, refer to the Association of Professional Piercers (APP).
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most popular lip piercing?
Labret (below lower lip, center) remains the most-requested single lip piercing. Snake bites is the most-requested paired configuration.
What’s the difference between labret and Ashley?
Labret pierces through the skin BELOW the lower lip. Ashley pierces THROUGH the center of the lower lip itself, with the backing disc inside the mouth.
Which lip piercing hurts the most?
Vertical placements (Ashley, vertical labret, medusa) are slightly more painful (5/10) than horizontal. Dahlia (mouth corners) also ranks 5/10. Most single lip piercings are 4/10.
Can I get multiple lip piercings at once?
Paired placements (snake bites, angel bites, spider bites) are usually done simultaneously. For unrelated placements, space 3+ months apart for best healing.
Does a labret piercing affect kissing?
Not for the first 4 weeks (healing). After that, low-profile studs have minimal impact. Larger rings or snake bites can be more noticeable to partners.
How long does a lip piercing take to heal?
External healing 4-6 weeks; full internal healing 2-4 months. Downsize the post at 6-8 weeks for best long-term results.
What’s the most unique lip piercing?
Smiley (upper frenulum, inside upper lip) is the most unique — visible only when smiling, hidden otherwise. Quick healing (4-8 weeks) and no visible scar.
What gauge is a lip piercing?
16G is standard for most lip piercings. 14G sometimes used for chunkier jewelry styles (labret, snake bites). 18G is too thin and causes migration.
About the author
Mona Lin — Head of Piercing Education at The Body Rings. APP member, 10+ years professional body piercing experience.