The Snake Bites Piercing is a specific and very bold type of lip piercing, specifically in the lower part of the mouth.
It involves two piercings that are well-aligned and correctly spaced from each other and from the center of the lower lip, positioned on both sides of the lip, one on the right and one on the left to mimic the look of a snake bite.
For this reason, the Snake Bites Piercing is also called a “snake bite piercing” and is one of the most requested and popular body decorations among young people.
Main features of the Snake Bites Piercing – h2
As mentioned above, the Snake Bites Piercing consists of two holes that are made symmetrically on the lower lip, where the piercings are then inserted.
These can be decorative balls closed with flat plates inside the mouth (Labret Studs), clicker rings, rings (Captive Bead Rings) with a small sphere that holds them closed, or horseshoe rings (Circular Barbells).
The holes are made at the outer corners of the lower lip, one on the right and one on the left, and must be absolutely equidistant from the chin to ensure a balanced and harmonious aesthetic.
There is no exact or precise distance: the piercings can in fact be closer or further from the corners of the mouth, it simply depends on personal taste and the look you want to achieve.
The effect of this piercing is definitely eye-catching and very trendy and, for this reason, in recent years it has climbed the rankings of the most requested and popular piercings.
Difference between Snake Bites Piercing and Labret Piercing
The Snake Bites Piercing is very different from other lip piercings it is often confused with, so it is important to know the differences so you know exactly what you want before sitting in the Piercer’s chair.
In fact, there are many types of labret piercings, which we discussed in more detail in this article “How to perform a labret piercing safely“. However, they all differ from the “snake bite” one in some fundamental details and especially in the position of the hole.
Among the most common and requested, we can distinguish between:
- Labret Piercing: represents the most classic of piercings on the side of the lower lip and can be positioned in the center (central labret), or on one of the two sides of the mouth (side labret)
- Medusa Piercing: this is a piercing located in the center of the upper lip, between the nose and the lips, performed through the vertical perforation of the philtrum (for this reason it is also called a Vertical Medusa).
- Monroe, Marilyn, and Madonna Piercing: all three involve the upper side part of the lip but, while the Monroe is done on the left side of the lip and the Marilyn is performed above the left lip (recalling the beauty mark Marilyn Monroe had), the Madonna is instead placed on the right side, to recall Madonna’s beauty mark in this case
- Ashley Piercing: this type of piercing is performed in the center of the lower lip, exiting on the inside rather than under the lip, offering an extraordinary minimalist look
- Dahlia Piercing: in this case we are talking about 2 piercings, but compared to the Snake Bites, the holes are made at the corners of the mouth, near the junction of the upper and lower lips
- Angel Bites Piercing: also called “angel bite piercing,” it is similar to the Snake Bites as it consists of two piercings, but differs from the former because in this case the holes are made one on each side of the upper lip
- Cyber Bites Piercing: the “cyber bite” piercing is also made of two holes, but one is performed under the lower lip and the other above the upper lip, at the level of the Cupid’s bow. It therefore represents a combination of a Medusa and a central Labret Piercing and is a less common and requested piercing
- Spider Bites Piercing: The “spider bite” piercing is a multiple lip piercing; it consists of two labrets side by side and very close together, on the left or right side of the mouth, under the lower lip
- Dolphin Bites Piercing: this type of piercing, which mimics a dolphin bite, is the most similar to the Snake Bites Piercing, but in this case the two holes are much closer together
Snake Bites Piercing and the most common mistakes
The Snake Bites Piercing is a complex and delicate piercing, as it involves a part of the face and requires perfect alignment and impeccable spacing.
Without proper attention or the necessary technique and manual dexterity, you can in fact risk causing complications and making even serious mistakes.
Among the most serious mistakes that must not be made, in first place is certainly not thoroughly analyzing the client’s anatomy: without this step, you can end up piercing areas with prominent blood vessels, causing excessive bleeding, bruising, and prolonged healing times.
Among the most common aesthetic errors for novice Piercers, we find asymmetrical positioning, which consists of two holes not aligned in a harmonious and correct way, with an aesthetic effect that is unpleasant to the eye.
Also, piercing at the wrong angle is a fairly common mistake among the less experienced, who insert the needle in a way that is not perpendicular to the lip, thus prolonging healing times and compromising teeth and gums.
Finally, another common mistake that is absolutely to be avoided is poor information on post-piercing advice, which is essential for effective care, ensuring correct healing, and limiting the dangers of infection.
Snake Bites Piercing: tips to give the client for impeccable healing
Like almost all lip piercings, the Snake Bites Piercing also has a healing period ranging from 6 to 8 total weeks and requires a lot of care and special attention: the post-piercing procedure must therefore be explained in detail to the client, to allow them to achieve complete healing correctly.
In the first few days, it is normal to experience discomfort, pain, and throbbing in the area, discharge of clear or yellowish fluid, and to see the lips swell, which makes speaking or eating slightly more difficult than usual.
It is fundamental that the Piercer advises the client to:
- wash their hands thoroughly before touching or cleaning the new piercing
- disinfect the wound only externally
- avoid knocks or trauma to both newly inserted pieces of jewelry
- wash the piercing twice a day
It is also better to avoid alcohol, cigarettes, spicy foods, and hot foods during the initial healing process, so as not to irritate the piercings, use neutral mouth products (toothpaste and mouthwash), and less invasive facial skin products until the Snake Bites have healed.
As with any other newly done piercing, the rule of not submerging in the sea or swimming in pools or hot tubs for at least the first 2 weeks applies.
Learn to perform the Snake Bites Piercing perfectly at Milano Tattoo School
At Milano Tattoo School, dozens of new Piercers are trained every year.
Many of them have then opened their own personal Studio, others have moved abroad to further explore certain styles, and still others have become Resident Piercers at Studios scattered all over Italy.
All have acquired key knowledge, skills, and abilities of the trade and were ready to enter the world of piercing as professionals.
They did so after attending the 1500-hour Piercing Operator Course and obtaining the Regional Certification to start their careers.
This is a path that trains future Piercers first of all in the classroom, to provide the necessary starting theoretical basis, and then continues in the laboratory, with practical demonstrations, technical tests on silicone anatomical parts, and technical tests on human models for the most important commercial Piercings
It is also enriched by events, workshops, and seminars with the most important international artists to broaden skills through comparison with established professionals in the piercing field.
Finally, it concludes with an internship at one of the MTS affiliated Studios and the delivery of the Regional Certification.
It is a complete, professional, specific, and highly educational path that will start on Monday, September 30, 2024.
If you want to be part of the new class, now is the time to enroll!
Become a professional piercer:
enroll in the Milano Tattoo School Course