Tongue piercings and lip piercings are two fun ways to express the real piercing edginess. Tongue piercings are usually placed in the centre of the tongue and are most commonly worn with tongue bars and tongue rings.
On the other hand, lip piercings are extremely versatile. You can choose from a bottom lip piercing, a side lip piercing, or even an upper lip piercing. Each style gives you a different look.
Best Jewellery for Tongue Piercings
When it comes to tongue piercing jewellery, the most popular choice is the tongue bar. These straight barbells are comfortable, easy to clean, and available in a range of materials like surgical steel, titanium, and even acrylic for a splash of colour.
If you prefer a different look, tongue rings (sometimes called circular barbells or horseshoes) are a great alternative. They give your tongue a more unique appearance and can be swapped out once healing is complete.
Exploring Lip Piercing Options
The right type of lip piercing depends on your style. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Vertical labret piercing: This passes through the bottom lip vertically, showing both ends of the jewellery.
Side labret piercing or side lip piercing: Placed slightly off-centre for an asymmetrical, stylish look.
Top lip piercing: Perfect if you want a bold look on the upper lip.
Middle lip piercing: A centred piercing that works well with a classic stud.
Bottom lip piercing: The most common option, often worn with a labret stud or lip ring piercing.
Choosing the Right Lip Ring or Labret Stud
The most iconic look is the lip ring, which loops around your lip and comes in many sizes. A lip ring piercing can be worn on the bottom or side lip, depending on your chosen piercing placement.
A labret stud is another favourite. It’s flat on the back (inside the mouth) and has a ball, gem, or spike on the outside. This makes it very comfortable, especially for everyday wear.
If you have a vertical labret, curved barbells are a popular choice because they follow the natural shape of the lip.
Healing and Care Tips for Mouth Piercings
Both lip piercings and tongue piercings fall under the category of mouth piercings, which means they need a little extra care.
- Rinse with saline or an alcohol-free mouthwash after meals.
- Avoid biting or playing with your jewellery while healing (though the occasional lip bite might be tempting!).
- Stick with high-quality lip piercing jewellery or tongue bars until fully healed to avoid irritation.
Healing time for a tongue piercing is usually faster (around 4–6 weeks) compared to some types of lip piercings, which can take a bit longer.
Styling Your Lip Piercings and Tongue Piercing
Once healed, you can get creative! Mix and match colours, gems, and even themed pieces. For lip piercings, try a small hoop on one side and a labret stud on the other for a unique look. For tongue piercing jewellery, switch between plain tongue bars during work or school and colourful ones for nights out.
If you have multiple lip piercings (such as a side labret and top lip piercing), consider pairing matching lip rings for a balanced look.