Piercing

Snake Bite Piercing: Elevate Your Look With Confidence!

From the step-by-step process to dazzling jewelry selections, this ultimate handbook has everything you need to know about snake bite piercings!


Written by Anshita Singh

On Feb 20, 2024 – 14 minutes read

Snake biter piercing everything you need to know

Howdy ladies, it’s Anshita here, and today we’re diving into the world of snake bite piercing! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for ways to add a little extra flair to your style. Well, look no further because snake bite piercings are here to elevate your look and let your inner beauty shine.

Whether you’re sippin’ sweet tea in West Virginia or enjoying the Southern sunshine in Mississippi, snake bite piercings offer a bold and trendy way to express yourself. So, grab a seat, y’all, as we explore the ins and outs of this fabulous piercing trend that’s capturing hearts all across the South. Let’s get started!

What Is Snake Bite Piercing?

A snake bite piercing is a pair of piercings under your bottom lip. Like a “snake eye” tongue piercing resembles snake eyes, this piercing resembles a snake bite right below your lip. The piercing sits symmetrically below the outer edge of your bottom lip. The spacing between them can vary based on your preference.

Gen-Z is a bold generation that knows how to own their identity. Snake bite piercings are particularly popular among us because they exude a rebellious, “punk” vibe. It is a kind of gripping piercing that anyone can’t help but notice. 

What Is Snake Bite Piercing?

If you are making up your mind about snake bite piercing and wish to know everything about it, then keep scrolling. From procedure to aftercare, we have got you covered with everything about snake bite piercing or venom piercing.

What Is The Process Of Snake Bite Piercing?

Snake bite piercings are not just about accessorizing your lips; they’re a form of self-expression and rebellion against conventional beauty standards. The process itself is similar to any other piercing, with no special tools required. Let’s dive into the steps involved in getting snake bite piercings:

Step 1: Communication is Key

Communicate with your piercing professional about where exactly you want the piercings under your lip. This is your chance to customize your look and express your unique style.

Step 2: Choose Your Statement Pieces

Now comes the fun part – picking out your jewelry! Your choice of jewelry is crucial as it not only adds to your fashion statement but also needs to be comfortable during the healing process.

Step 3: Preparing for the Procedure

Before the piercing begins, your professional will disinfect the skin around your lower lip and provide you with antibacterial mouthwash to ensure a clean environment.

Step 4: Marking and Cleansing

Using a marker, your piercer will carefully mark the spots under your lip where the piercings will go. It’s essential to double-check and ensure the marks align with your desired look. With the help of a clamp, your bottom lip will be gently pulled away from your teeth and gums for precise piercing.

Step 5: Piercing Process

The piercer will then skillfully insert the needle from the bottom through the inside of your lip, followed by placing the chosen jewelry. This process is repeated for the adjacent piercing. Once done, your professional will clean the surrounding skin to ensure proper hygiene.

Aftercare is key.

Following the procedure, your piercer will provide you with aftercare instructions. It’s crucial to follow these instructions diligently to prevent any complications or infections that could delay the healing process.

Now that you’re familiar with the process, let’s explore the exciting world of snake bite piercing jewelry options in the next section of this blog. Get ready to elevate your style and express yourself like never before!

Jewelry Material And Options For Snake Bite Piercing

When it comes to snake bite piercing, it is your mouth we are talking about. The jewelry material comes in contact with your teeth and gum. So, the kind of material that goes through your lip should be mindfully picked. 

According to the Association of Professional Piercers (APP), someone who gets an initial oral piercing should wear jewelry made with implant-grade metals like titanium and gold. Following are the jewelry material options you can choose from:

Snake Bite Piercing Jewelry
  • Surgical Steel: It is a stainless steel, biocompatible, and corrosion-resistant material. It contains other alloys like nickel, chromium, and iron; but due to their low release, it is safe for piercing.
  • Titanium: If you are sensitive to other metals, Titanium might be your best bet. It is more expensive than stainless steel, but it’s nickel-free. Thus, safer for your skin.
  • Niobium: This metal is similar to Titanium, It just doesn’t come under the implant-grade category. However, Niobium can be anodized to create a wide range of colors. So, If you’re looking for colorful piercing jewelry, go for Niobium.
  • Gold (14 Karats Or Higher): Use only higher-level, real gold for lip-piercing jewelry. Gold-plated jewelry is also a no-no. Don’t use gold vermeil or overlay, as they might wear off with time and potentially cause harm to your lip.

The Most Popular Snake Bite Piercings Types

Snake bite piercings offer a canvas for expressing individuality and embracing rebellious beauty. When it comes to adorning these piercings, the choice of jewelry is crucial in defining one’s personal style. Let’s explore some popular options:

Snake Bite Piercing Types
  1. Labret Bar: The labret bar features a straight or curved bar with a flat disc on one end and a removable ball on the other. This versatile piece of jewelry is inserted on each side of the lip, with the decorative ball or end resting outside, adding a touch of sophistication to your look.
  2. Circular Barbell: For those seeking a more edgy vibe, the circular barbell is the go-to choice. This horseshoe-shaped bar comes adorned with balls or decorative parts on each side, making it a standout option for snake bite piercings. Its unique design adds an element of rebellion to your style.
  3. Seamless Hoop: For a seamless and understated look, consider the seamless hoop. This lip-piercing jewelry forms a continuous loop around your lip, offering a minimalist yet chic aesthetic. Perfect for those who prefer a subtler approach to self-expression.
  4. Ball And Spike End: Looking to make a statement? The ball and spike end piercing is the ultimate choice for adding an extra edge to your snake bite piercings. With a horseshoe-shaped design featuring a ball on one end and a cone-shaped spike on the other, this option exudes confidence and boldness.
  5. Captive Bead Ring: Last but not least, we have the captive bead ring, a classic option with a modern twist. Similar to a hoop but with a spherical bead in the center, this piercing creates a captivating look that complements your snake bite piercings perfectly. Its versatility allows for endless styling possibilities.

Incorporating these stunning jewelry options into your snake bite piercings not only enhances your beauty but also serves as a powerful form of self-expression. Choose the piece that speaks to your unique style and let your personality shine through.

Pain Management Tips For Snake Bite Piercings

It is usually said that lip piercing hurts more than other piercings. But there are tips that can help you manage your pain after getting a snake-bite piercing: 

Snake Bite Piercing Pain Level

Take over-the-counter painkillers After Snake Bite Piercings

You might want to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help you reduce pain and inflammation after a piercing. Take the recommended dosage only after consulting your healthcare provider.

Ice packs To The Rescue After Snake Bite Piercings

Lightly pressing ice packs on the areas of piercings can help alleviate the pain and reduce swelling. Don’t put ice packs directly on your lips, instead wrap the ice pack with any towel or cloth.

Avoid Hot And Spicy Foods After Snake Bite Piercings

If you wish to avoid any kind of irritation and discomfort around your lips, say no to hot and spicy food. Such food increases the blood flow around your piercing making it feel the worst. The best you can do is stick to bland foods for the first few days after the piercing.

Say No To Alcohol And Smoking

Alcohol and smoking can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection. So, avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 24–48 hours after the piercing procedure.

Follow Aftercare Instructions

Listen to your piercing professional and take good aftercare of your piercing for quick healing and reduced pain and discomfort. Avoid touching and twisting the jewelry and keep the piercing clean with the help of the saline solution.

If the pain persists or becomes severe, consult with a healthcare provider for further advice and treatment.

Potential Risks Associated With Snake-Bite Piercing

Let’s face it. While piercing, metal is going through your skin, breaking the tissues, so it is pretty normal to expect certain risks. 

However, correct and regular aftercare can protect you from various risks associated with snake bite piercings. Aftercare is discussed further down in this blog. So, keep scrolling. 

But first, let’s look at the risks you might face while getting a snake bite piercing:

1. Infection

The piercing makes a wound and the wound lures bacteria. The bacteria can get in while eating, drinking, touching your lips with dirty hands, kissing, or having oral sex.

2. Swelling And Pain

No matter how carefully the piercer made a hole in your lips, It still is a hole and it can lead to swelling and pain for a few days. Pressing ice packs and being mindful about your fresh piercing can help you further mitigate it.

3. Tooth And Gums Risk

The frequent contact of your piercing jewelry with your teeth and gums can make them weak and damage them.

4. Allergic Reaction

The metal used in snake bite-piercing jewelry like nickel might cause allergic reactions.

5. Keloids

Keloids are a pretty common skin reaction to piercing. It is generally thickened areas of scar tissue around the piercing site. It is common to experience discomfort, swelling, pain, and redness for a few days after piercing. However, if you develop an infection, get a fever, or experience pain, for an elongated time, you must seek medical help. Delaying treatment might lead to the spread of infection and further severe complications.

Snake-Bite Piercings Healing Process And Aftercare

So, you’ve made the bold decision to embark on the journey of snake bite lip piercings. But remember, along with the allure of the piercing comes the responsibility of proper aftercare. After all, you wouldn’t want your sultry lip adornment to turn into a nightmare, would you? Let’s delve into the crucial steps of aftercare, shall we?

Aftercare You Need For Snake-Bite Piercings

Clean Hands, Healthy Piercings

First things first, ensure your hands are squeaky clean and free from any harmful bacteria before touching or handling your piercing. Dirty hands can introduce unwanted bacteria to the delicate piercing site, leading to potential issues like infection and swelling.

Mouth Maintenance

Maintain oral hygiene by rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial, alcohol-free mouth rinse or saline solution after waking up, eating, and before bedtime. This helps keep the piercing site clean and reduces the risk of infection.

Piercing Hygiene

Keep the outside of your piercing clean by rinsing it with a saline solution 2 to 3 times a day for five to ten minutes each time. This helps to prevent bacteria buildup and promotes healing.

Oral Care

Don’t neglect your regular oral hygiene routine! Brush and floss your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Be gentle around the piercing area to avoid irritation.

Gentle Cleansing

Use mild soap to gently clean the skin around your piercing, ensuring to rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Pat the area dry with a paper towel to avoid irritation.

Mindful Eating

Be mindful of your diet during the healing process. Avoid spicy and hard foods that may irritate the piercing, as well as hot foods and drinks. Opt for softer, gentler options to promote healing.

Sleeping Position

When sleeping, try to keep your head elevated to prevent the piercing from getting compressed and causing discomfort. This can help promote healing and reduce irritation.

Remember, consistency is key when it comes to piercing aftercare. Resist the temptation to touch or play with your piercing, and refrain from kissing or engaging in oral activities for a few days to allow proper healing. Additionally, avoid alcohol and smoking, as these can exacerbate pain and discomfort.

Keep an eye out for signs of healing, such as reduced swelling, pain, redness, and the formation of a crust or clear discharge. Healing time can vary depending on individual factors, but with proper care and attention, your snake bite piercings will be on the path to recovery in no time.

Tips On Styling Snake-Bite Piercing 

The most important point for styling snake-bite piercing is picking the right jewelry that complements your style in the first place. The perception of face piercing is that it only gives an edgy and bold look. However, a piercing can also look cute, pretty, and dreamy if complimented with soft makeup. 

On the other hand, If you are a bold-look fan, the boldest look that one can think of with the piercing is the “Gothic look”. The black eyes, black lips, messy hair, black distorted dress, topped up with sigil tattoos and snake-bite piercing give out the major drip!

There are no rigid boundaries on styling the snake bite piercing. The main aspect of styling oneself should be to feel good and comfortable with that look. So, experiment with your ideas and how you wish to pull off your snake bite piercing. 

Maintenance Of Snake-Bite Piercings

The first and foremost step to styling the snake bite piercing is following the aftercare process of snake bite piercing religiously. 

Here are tips to follow while changing your snake bite piercing:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly before going in with the changing of your snake bite piercing jewelry.
  2. Rinse your mouth with anti-bacterial alcohol-free mouthwash.
  3. Be careful with unscrewing your current jewelry. Use sterilized jewelry pliers to remove the jewelry, if needed.
  4. Be very careful while sliding and removing the jewelry from the piercing.
  5. Clean your new jewelry with soap and warm water or an antiseptic solution to avoid catching any bacteria in your piercing.
  6. Insert the new jewelry into the piercing gently. Make sure it is all the way through the piercing.
  7. Close and secure the jewelry carefully. Don’t make it too tight because that can be uncomfortable and cause irritation.
  8. Once you’re done with putting on the new jewelry on both your snake bite piercings, rinse your mouth again with mouthwash.

Just follow these easy maintenance tips and you’re good to styling your snake bite piercing in whatever way you want. 

FAQs Related To Snakebite piercings

1. Does Snake Bite Piercings Hurt?

Yes, snake bite piercings do hurt. The pain level can vary from person to person due to individual pain thresholds and the piercer’s technique. Generally, it’s described as a sharp pinch or pressure during the piercing process. Afterward, some tenderness and sensitivity in the area is common.

2. What is the Pain Level of Snake Bite Piercings?

The pain level for snake bite piercings is subjective but generally falls into the medium category on the piercing pain scale. The initial piercing can be sharp and intense but brief. During the healing phase, discomfort, and sensitivity around the area are common but manageable with proper care.

3. What can I eat after a snake bite piercing?

After getting a nake-bite piercing, avoid eating spicy foods, crunchy and hard foods, alcohol, and tobacco. Instead, eat soft and easy-to-chew foods including foods high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Stay hydrated as well.

4. How painful are snake bite piercings?

Snake-bite piercings are a little more painful than earlobe piercings and nose piercings. The pain also depends on factors like piercer and your pain tolerance.
However, If you are too afraid of the real snake-bite piercing or you’re not sure about how It’d look, you can always go for a fake snake bite piercing.

5. How fast does a snake bite piercings close?

On removing the jewelry from a snake bite piercing, the piercing can start to close within hours or days. A newer piercing is likely to close faster than a well-established one.

6. Can snake bite piercings damage your teeth?

Yes, It is possible that your teeth might get damaged because of the snake-bite piercing jewelry. Fractured or chipped teeth and gum recession are possible side effects of snake-bite piercing, especially if the after-care is not considered properly and the jewelry is too big.

7. What is the most painful piercing?

The genital piercing is considered the most painful piercing because the genitals are one of the most nerve-dense areas on your body.

8. How much do snake bite piercings cost?

Snake bite piercings can cost anywhere between $60 to $120.

9. Why Are Snake Bite Piercings Dangerous?

Snake bite piercings, like any piercings, carry risks if not done correctly and cared for properly. The main dangers include:
Infection due to improper piercing technique or aftercare.
Nerve damage if not pierced in the correct spot
Some people may react to the piercing jewelry, especially if it contains nickel.
Sometimes Jewelry can rub against gums and teeth, causing recession or damage over time.

10. Snake Bite Piercing Swelling: What to Expect?

Swelling is a normal reaction to snake bite piercings. It usually peaks within the first few days and gradually subsides over the following week. To minimize swelling, apply cold packs and keep the area elevated. If swelling persists or worsens, it could indicate an infection, or snake bite piercing rejection, requiring professional attention.

11. How long does it take to heal a Snake Bite Piercing?

The healing process for snake bite piercings typically takes 4 to 8 weeks for the initial healing and up to 6 months for complete healing.

12. Snake Bite Piercing Scar: What to Expect?

Scarring from snake bite piercings can vary. With proper care and healing, any scarring should be minimal and can fade over time. However, if there are any infections or the jewelry is removed before it’s fully healed, the risk of noticeable scarring increases. The appearance of scars also depends on healing processes and skin types.

The Bottom Line

There are reasons why body-piercing enthusiasts adore lip-piercing. The snake-bite piercing adds an edgy touch to your overall style. Venom piercing is popular amongst Zoomers because of its striking and bold aesthetics. 

If you’re asking “Are snake bite piercings dangerous”- there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Snake-bite piercings are usually safe as long as the aftercare instructions are followed daily for a few days after the piercing and every time while changing the piercing jewelry. However, if you see and feel the signs of infection, fever, chills, etc.; make sure to consult a doctor or your piercing professional and seek medical treatment, immediately.  With that being said if you are thinking of getting a snake bite piercing, be fully confident about it first. If it is a “Hell yes!” about the snake bite piercing, then go for it! Can’t wait to see the brazen you. 

  1. Association of Professional Piercers.(2020).jewelry-for-initial-piercings. Available at:

    https://safepiercing.org/jewelry-for-initial-piercings/
  2. University of Toronto.(2023).Treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars. Available at:

    https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/handle/1807/5462

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Anshitha sigh

As a seasoned critic, a style icon, and a compassionate relationship advisor, Anshita has carved a distinctive niche in the world of entertainment and personal development.

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