what are snake bites piercings

Snake bites piercings are a pair of matching lip piercings on either side of the lower lip, placed symmetrically to look like a snake’s fangs or a bite mark.

What Are Snake Bites Piercings?

Think of snake bites as two separate piercings that work together as one style: one on the left side under your lower lip, one on the right, both sitting near the outer corners.

They’re technically a type of “paired labret piercing,” but the slang name stuck because, with rings or studs, they really do mimic the look of fangs.

You’ll usually see:

• Two holes beneath the bottom lip, evenly spaced.

• Jewelry like rings (hoops) or labret studs in each hole.

• An overall vibe that ranges from soft and subtle to very bold, depending on jewelry size and design.

Why Are They Trending Now?

Snake bites piercings are part of the wider 2000s–alt revival that’s been big on TikTok, Instagram, and body-mod forums since the early 2020s.

They sit in the same “bite” family as spider bites (two close together on one side) and angel bites (upper lip), and people love them because they photograph well and instantly change your face’s vibe.

On forums and blogs, common themes are:

• Self-expression and “inner serpent”/“warrior” aesthetics.

• Mixing them with other piercings (septum, nostril, eyebrow) for a full alternative look.

• Debates about pain, healing time, and whether they’re practical for jobs or school.

“It’s like my whole face changed with just two piercings” is a typical sentiment in body-mod discussions.

How They’re Done (Quick Version)

A professional piercer will:

1. Mark two symmetrical spots under your lower lip.

2. Clean and disinfect the area thoroughly.

3. Use a hollow needle to pierce each side, usually one after the other.

4. Insert starter jewelry (often slightly longer to allow for swelling).

People typically rate the pain around a 3–5 out of 10: noticeable but not unbearable, with many saying the clamp is more annoying than the needle itself.

Jewelry Options

Most common jewelry types for snake bites are:

• Labret studs (flat disc on the inside, decorative end outside)
• Hoops / captive bead rings
• Circular barbells (horseshoe-style rings)

Safer starter materials usually include:

• Implant-grade titanium
• Surgical steel
• Sometimes high-quality gold, depending on the studio

People often start with simple pieces for healing, then switch to more decorative ends, themed charms, or thicker rings after the initial healing period.

Risks, Healing, and Aftercare

Because snake bites are on and around the mouth, they need careful care.

Common risks:

• Infection from bacteria while eating, touching your mouth, kissing, or oral sex.

• Swelling in the first few days.

• Tooth or gum irritation or enamel wear from jewelry rubbing inside the mouth.

• Snagging or tearing on clothes, hair, or during physical activity.

Typical healing guidance includes:

• Clean the outer area with saline solution as directed by your piercer.

• Avoid unnecessary touching, spinning, or playing with the jewelry.

• Be gentle with eating; avoid very spicy, acidic, or extremely hot foods at first.

• Sleep with your head slightly elevated in early days to reduce swelling.

Warning signs to call a piercer or doctor about:

• Severe redness, pain, or swelling that worsens
• Thick green, yellow, or gray discharge with a bad smell
• Fever, chills, or spreading redness around the piercing site

Mini Story: The “Face-Changer” Piercing

Imagine someone who’s always wanted a more dramatic look but doesn’t want tattoos yet.
They scroll through social media, keep seeing close-up selfies with twin rings under the lip, and finally book an appointment for snake bites.

The first week, their lip is puffy, they’re cutting pizza into tiny pieces, and carefully sipping through a straw.

A couple of weeks later, swelling is down, they’ve got a mirror selfie routine, and everyone at school or work has an opinion—some love it, some don’t—but for them, it feels like their outside finally matches their inner style.

Quick FAQ

Are snake bites piercings just one piercing?
No, it’s a pair of lower lip piercings, one on each side, treated as a single style.

Do they always use rings?
No, you can use studs, rings, or other lip jewelry; many start with studs for easier healing.

Are they safe?
They can be relatively safe if done by a professional with sterile equipment and if you follow aftercare, but there are real risks to gums, teeth, and infection.

Simple HTML Table (Snake Bites Snapshot)

html

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Aspect</th>
      <th>Details</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>What are they?</td>
      <td>Two piercings beneath the lower lip, one on each side, resembling a snake bite. [web:3][web:5][web:8]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Jewelry types</td>
      <td>Labret studs, rings, and circular barbells in materials like titanium or surgical steel. [web:3][web:5][web:10]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Main appeal</td>
      <td>Edgy, symmetrical look that strongly changes facial aesthetic and photographs well. [web:2][web:3][web:10]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Key risks</td>
      <td>Infection, gum and tooth damage, swelling, and accidental snagging or tearing. [web:3][web:7][web:8]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Aftercare basics</td>
      <td>Clean with saline, avoid touching and rough foods, monitor for unusual pain or discharge. [web:3][web:7][web:8]</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.