Lip Piercing Names: Guide to Lip Piercing Types and Styles

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Lip piercings come in many styles, and each one has a different name based mainly on its placement, direction, or combination with other piercings. Some styles sit below the lower lip, while others appear above the upper lip or pass vertically through the lip. If you are researching lip piercing names, understanding the terminology can make it much easier to identify the style you like. For example, a Labret sits below the center of the lower lip, while a Medusa sits in the center above the upper lip. Meanwhile, Snake Bites use two piercings, one on each side of the lower lip.

This guide explains the most common lip piercing names, their placement, typical jewelry styles, and the differences between similar looking piercings.

Safety note: Lip and other oral piercings can cause swelling, bleeding, infection, gum recession, chipped or damaged teeth, and other oral complications. The American Dental Association advises against cosmetic intraoral and perioral piercing because of these potential risks.

Table of Contents

What Are Lip Piercing Names?

Lip piercing names describe different piercing placements around the lips and mouth. The names can refer to the exact location, the number of piercings, or the arrangement of the jewelry.

For instance, a Labret normally refers to a centered piercing below the lower lip. In contrast, a Monroe and Madonna sit above the upper lip on opposite sides.

Some names also describe combinations. Snake Bites have two lower lip piercings, while Angel Bites use two upper lip piercings.

Because piercing terminology can vary between studios and communities, two piercers may occasionally use slightly different names for a similar placement.

Most Popular Lip Piercing Names

Here are some of the best known lip piercing styles:

These terms describe common piercing configurations, although naming conventions can differ between professional piercers.

Labret Piercing

The Labret is one of the classic lip piercing styles. It usually sits in the center below the lower lip.

A traditional Labret uses jewelry that passes through the lower lip area, with the visible end appearing below the lip and the backing positioned inside the mouth.

Vertical Labret

The Vertical Labret creates a different look because the jewelry travels vertically through the lower lip. Unlike a traditional Labret, both ends of the jewelry can remain visible externally.

This style can create a more prominent lip focused appearance while avoiding an internal backing that rests against the gums.

Ashley Piercing

The Ashley piercing is generally described as a single piercing through the center of the lower lip, with the jewelry appearing primarily on the front of the lip.

Because terminology varies among piercing professionals, it is worth showing your piercer a reference image rather than relying only on the name.

Upper Lip Piercing Names

Several popular styles sit above or through the upper lip.

Monroe Piercing

The Monroe piercing sits above the upper lip on one side. Its name references the beauty mark look associated with Marilyn Monroe.

The traditional placement appears on the left side of the upper lip.

Madonna Piercing

The Madonna piercing resembles the Monroe but appears on the opposite side of the upper lip.

This creates a simple way to distinguish the two:

Placement conventions can vary, so confirm the intended location with your piercer before the procedure.

Medusa Piercing

The Medusa piercing, also called a philtrum piercing, sits in the center above the upper lip, in the philtrum area.

Its centered placement gives it a symmetrical appearance and makes it visually different from the side positioned Monroe and Madonna.

Jestrum Piercing

The Jestrum is a vertical upper lip piercing. It is sometimes described as a vertical variation of the Medusa because the jewelry follows a vertical path through the upper lip area.

It usually creates two visible ends, making it easy to distinguish from a standard Medusa.

Double Lip Piercing Names

If you want two piercings instead of one, several established names describe different arrangements.

Snake Bites

Snake Bites consist of two lower lip piercings, with one positioned on each side.

The symmetrical arrangement creates a bold look around the lower lip. Depending on the jewelry and healed placement, people may use studs or other jewelry styles.

Spider Bites

Spider Bites consist of two closely positioned piercings on one side of the lower lip.

The key difference is their location:

• Snake Bites = one piercing on each side
• Spider Bites = two close piercings on one side

Dolphin Bites

Dolphin Bites generally refer to two closely spaced piercings positioned near the center of the lower lip.

They resemble a more centralized version of a double lower lip arrangement.

Angel Bites

Angel Bites use two upper lip piercings, with one on each side.

They create a symmetrical appearance similar to Snake Bites, but the piercings sit above the upper lip rather than around the lower lip.

Four Lip Piercing Names

Some styles combine multiple piercings for a more dramatic arrangement.

Shark Bites

Shark Bites generally consist of four lower lip piercings: two on the left and two on the right.

The paired arrangement on both sides creates a more substantial look than Snake Bites.

Canine Bites

Canine Bites generally combine upper  and lower lip placements. They are commonly described as a combination of Angel Bites and Snake Bites, creating four piercings around the mouth.

Because four piercings require several healing sites, professional placement and appropriate jewelry sizing become especially important.

Cyber Bites

Cyber Bites combine a centered upper lip Medusa with a centered lower lip Labret.

The result creates a vertical alignment around the mouth.

This arrangement differs from Snake Bites because both piercings sit on the center line rather than on the left and right sides.

Lip Piercing Names by Placement

If you already know where you want the piercing, the following guide can make your choice easier.

Labret vs Medusa vs Monroe

These three names can easily become confusing because they all involve the area around the mouth.

The easiest distinction is the location. A Labret sits below the lower lip, a Medusa sits centrally above the upper lip, and a Monroe or Madonna sits off center above the upper lip.

Snake Bites vs Spider Bites vs Shark Bites

These names describe different multi piercing patterns.

Snake Bites use two piercings, one on each side of the lower lip.

Spider Bites use two closely spaced piercings on one side.

Shark Bites use four lower lip piercings, with two on each side.

How to Choose a Lip Piercing

Choosing a lip piercing involves more than deciding which style looks attractive. Placement, anatomy, jewelry, healing, and oral health all matter.

Consider Your Anatomy

Not every placement works equally well for every person. A professional piercer should assess your anatomy before deciding on the exact position.

The Association of Professional Piercers notes that traditional lip and cheek piercing placement should account for how the jewelry sits inside the mouth and should avoid unnecessary contact with teeth and gums.

Think About Your Jewelry

Different styles can use different jewelry configurations. A professional piercer can recommend appropriate initial jewelry based on the location and expected swelling.

Once swelling decreases, the original longer jewelry may need to be replaced with a shorter piece. This process is commonly called downsizing and can help reduce contact with teeth and gums.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Think about school, work, sports, photography, and other activities before choosing a visible facial piercing.

You should also consider whether you are comfortable maintaining an oral piercing during its healing period.

Lip Piercing Jewelry

Common jewelry for oral and perioral piercings includes studs, barbells, rings, and hoops. The appropriate style depends on the piercing placement and healing stage.

Your piercer should select jewelry that suits your anatomy and the specific piercing rather than choosing solely based on appearance.

Lip Piercing Aftercare

Proper aftercare helps reduce irritation and supports healing.

The Association of Professional Piercers recommends maintaining good oral hygiene for oral piercings. It also recommends using an alcohol free, hydrogen peroxide free mouth rinse and keeping the external portion clean with appropriate sterile saline.

Basic aftercare includes:

• Wash your hands before touching the piercing.
• Maintain normal oral hygiene.
• Brush your teeth with a soft bristled toothbrush.
• Use an appropriate alcohol free mouth rinse.
• Clean the external portion according to professional aftercare instructions.
• Avoid playing with or twisting the jewelry.
• Avoid unnecessary trauma to the piercing.
• Return to your piercer for jewelry downsizing when appropriate.
• Avoid oral contact during the initial healing period.
• Follow the specific instructions provided by your professional piercer.

The APP also recommends avoiding harsh products such as alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on a healing oral piercing because they can irritate the tissue.

Are Lip Piercings Safe?

Lip piercings involve risks because the jewelry can interact with both external tissue and the mouth.

The American Dental Association reports potential complications including infection, swelling, bleeding, gum recession, tooth damage, scarring, embedded jewelry, and other oral problems.

The position and jewelry fit matter because repeated contact with the teeth or gums can contribute to damage over time. The ADA therefore advises against cosmetic intraoral and perioral piercing.

If you notice significant swelling, severe pain, unusual discharge, persistent bleeding, or other concerning symptoms, seek appropriate medical or dental care rather than trying to treat a potentially serious complication yourself.

How Long Does a Lip Piercing Take to Heal?

Healing varies according to the individual, piercing location, jewelry, placement, and aftercare.

A piercing can appear healed externally before the internal tissue has completely recovered. The Association of Professional Piercers specifically notes that piercings can heal from the outside inward, so an apparently comfortable piercing may still have fragile internal tissue.

For that reason, avoid changing jewelry prematurely and follow your professional piercer’s instructions.

Which Lip Piercing Looks Most Subtle?

A single centered or side positioned stud generally creates a simpler appearance than a multi piercing arrangement.

For example, a Labret, Monroe, Madonna, or Medusa uses one piercing, while Snake Bites and Shark Bites create more noticeable multi piercing arrangements.

However, the final appearance also depends on jewelry size, color, shape, and individual anatomy.

Which Lip Piercings Use Two Piercings?

Several popular styles use two piercings:

• Snake Bites
• Spider Bites
• Dolphin Bites
• Angel Bites

The difference comes mainly from their placement.

Snake Bites appear on opposite sides of the lower lip, while Spider Bites sit close together on one side. Angel Bites appear on opposite sides of the upper lip.

10 Frequently Asked Questions About Lip Piercing Names

What are the main lip piercing names?

The main names include Labret, Vertical Labret, Ashley, Monroe, Madonna, Medusa, Jestrum, Snake Bites, Spider Bites, Dolphin Bites, Angel Bites, Shark Bites, Canine Bites, and Cyber Bites.

What is the piercing under the lower lip called?

The classic centered piercing below the lower lip is called a Labret.

What is the piercing above the upper lip called?

A centered piercing above the upper lip is commonly called a Medusa or philtrum piercing. A side positioned upper lip piercing may be called a Monroe or Madonna.

What are Snake Bites piercings?

Snake Bites consist of two lower lip piercings, with one positioned on each side of the mouth.

What are Spider Bites piercings?

Spider Bites consist of two closely spaced piercings on one side of the lower lip.

What are Angel Bites piercings?

Angel Bites generally consist of two upper lip piercings, one on each side.

What are Shark Bites piercings?

Shark Bites generally consist of four lower lip piercings, with two on each side.

What is a Medusa piercing?

A Medusa is a centered upper lip piercing located in the philtrum area between the nose and upper lip.

Can lip piercings damage teeth?

Yes. Oral and perioral piercings can contribute to tooth damage and gum problems, particularly when jewelry repeatedly contacts or rubs against oral tissues. The ADA identifies chipped or damaged teeth and gingival recession among reported complications.

Should you choose a lip piercing based only on its name?

No. The name helps identify the style, but anatomy, placement, jewelry fit, healing requirements, lifestyle, and oral health considerations also matter. A qualified professional piercer should evaluate the placement before performing the piercing.

Key Takeaways

• Labret is a classic centered piercing below the lower lip.
• Vertical Labret follows a vertical path through the lower lip.
• Medusa sits centrally above the upper lip.
• Monroe and Madonna are side positioned upper lip piercings.
• Jestrum is a vertical upper lip style.
• Snake Bites use one lower lip piercing on each side.
• Spider Bites place two close piercings on one side.
• Angel Bites place two piercings above the upper lip.
• Shark Bites use four lower lip piercings.
• Canine Bites combine upper  and lower lip placements.
• Proper jewelry sizing and aftercare can help reduce unnecessary irritation.
• Lip piercings can affect oral health, including the gums and teeth, so these risks deserve consideration before getting pierced.

Conclusion

Understanding lip piercing names makes it easier to compare different styles and communicate what you want to a professional piercer. From the classic Labret and subtle Monroe to symmetrical Snake Bites and more elaborate Shark or Canine Bites, each style has a distinct placement and appearance. Before choosing one, however, look beyond aesthetics. Your anatomy, jewelry selection, healing process, and oral health all play important roles. Professional placement and appropriate aftercare can help reduce avoidable problems, while dental guidance is particularly important because lip piercings can affect teeth and gums.