Your Complete Guide to Snake Bite Piercings
Snake bites are two symmetrical piercings on the lower lip, one on each side. This guide covers placement symmetry, why the second piercing hurts more than the first, the 2 to 3 month healing timeline and the dual aftercare routine managing both piercings simultaneously.Your Complete Guide to Snake Bite Piercings
Snake bite piercings are two symmetrical side labret piercings placed below the lower lip, one on each side at equal distances from the centre. The name describes their fang-like placement, which creates a distinctive framing effect on the lower lip. Each piercing is independently a side labret: the jewellery passes through the skin beneath the lip, with a flat-back disc inside the mouth against the lower gum and a decorative end facing outward on the face.
Both piercings are typically done in the same session. Your piercer will measure and mark both sides carefully, ensuring the horizontal distance from the lip centre and the vertical distance below the lip line are mirrored exactly on both sides before any needle is used. Approving the marks before the piercing begins is important: once done, the symmetry is set.
The combination creates a bold, balanced look that has crossed from alternative into mainstream fashion. With matching studs the aesthetic is clean and modern; with matching hoops it reads as more dramatic. The versatility of being able to wear either style once healed is part of what makes snake bites one of the most popular paired lip configurations.
Snake Bites vs Other Paired Lip Piercings
Do Snake Bite Piercings Hurt?
Each individual snake bite rates around 4 out of 10 on the pain scale, the same as a single labret. The skin below the lower lip is soft with moderate nerve density so the sensation is a quick sharp pinch at each side. However getting both piercings in one session means the second one is done on a face that is already reacting: adrenaline has elevated, the lower lip is already sensitised and some swelling has begun. Most people find the second piercing noticeably more intense than the first. This is normal and expected.
Swelling after snake bites is more significant than after a single labret because both sides of the lower lip swell simultaneously. The lower lip may appear noticeably puffy for 3 to 5 days. Eating and talking require patience during this window. The swelling then drops sharply and both piercings begin to feel much more comfortable.
| Stage | Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Inflammatory | Days 1–7 | Both sides swell simultaneously; lower lip visibly puffy; soft foods and patience required |
| Downsize window | Weeks 3–6 | Replace both long initial posts with shorter bars at the same appointment once swelling resolves |
| Proliferative | Weeks 6–10 | Both piercings comfortable day to day; internal tissue still maturing; maintain aftercare on both sides |
| Full healing | Months 2–3 | Both fistulas mature; can switch to rings or decorative ends with piercer confirmation |
What Jewellery Works Best for Snake Bite Piercings?
A matched pair of flat-back labret studs is the standard starting jewellery for snake bites. Matching posts in identical gauge, length and design are essential: visually unmatched starting jewellery defeats the symmetrical aesthetic from day one. Initial posts are longer than the final healed size to accommodate swelling. Both should be downsized at the same piercer appointment once swelling resolves.
| Style | Best For | Size Guide | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matched flat-back labret pair | Fresh and healing | 16G, 8–10mm post initially; downsize to 6–7mm | Essential starting jewellery; matched pair maintains symmetry |
| Matched seamless hoops | Fully healed | 8–10mm inner diameter | Classic snake bites ring look; more dental contact than studs |
| Matched captive bead rings | Fully healed | 8–10mm inner diameter | Bold look; monitor gum and enamel contact with regular dental checks |
| Matched gem tops | Healed flat-back posts | Match post gauge | Subtle sparkle; easiest on teeth; popular for everyday wear |
Implant-grade titanium for both piercings throughout healing. Once healed, ring-style jewellery creates more movement and therefore more dental contact than flat-back studs. If you choose hoops long-term, monitor both gum lines at every routine dental checkup.
For every lip and mouth piercing type including labret, medusa, smiley and tongue piercings, visit the Lip and Mouth Piercing Types Explained guide. For all piercing types in one resource, visit the Piercing Types Explained hub.
Book your snake bite piercings at OSCO London
Snake bite piercings at OSCO London are just £10 per piercing. Symmetry marking confirmed before every session, implant-grade titanium as standard.
OSCO London is a professional piercing studio in Northwood, London. Visit the OSCO London homepage to book your snake bite piercings and have the symmetry marks confirmed before any needle is used.
How to Care for Snake Bite Piercings
Snake bite aftercare applies the same dual routine as a single labret to both piercings simultaneously. External: spray sterile saline at both face-side exit points twice daily and pat each dry with a clean paper towel. Internal: rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash after every meal and drink. A single rinse covers both piercings at once. Do not use alcohol-based mouthwash.
Managing two healing piercings simultaneously means twice the surfaces to keep clean and twice the points that can be irritated. Keep makeup and skincare clear of both exit points during the entire healing period. Do not play with either bar using your tongue or teeth at any point. This is the leading cause of both delayed healing and dental damage in snake bites.
If one piercing develops an irritation bump while the other remains settled, treat them independently: identify and remove the cause of irritation at the affected side while continuing normal aftercare on both. Both posts must be downsized at the same appointment with your piercer at 3 to 6 weeks: never attempt to change or downsize either labret yourself.
For detailed information on every other lip and body piercing type, visit the Piercing Types Explained hub at OSCO London, the complete guide to all piercing placements from lip and mouth piercings through to ear cartilage and body piercings.