Lip piercings represent one of the most versatile categories of body modification, occupying a central role in facial aesthetics. Because the mouth is a focal point for communication and expression, the nomenclature surrounding these piercings has evolved into a specific vocabulary used by professionals and enthusiasts alike. Understanding the precise lip piercing names is the first step in ensuring a successful consultation with a piercer and achieving a look that complements personal anatomy.

The landscape of oral piercings ranges from subtle single studs to complex symmetrical sets. Each placement carries its own designation based on its anatomical coordinates relative to the vermilion border, the philtrum, and the corners of the mouth. This guide breaks down the terminology used in the industry as of 2026, covering upper, lower, and combination placements.

Upper Lip Piercing Names

The upper lip area offers several distinct sites that highlight the Cupid's bow or mimic natural features like beauty marks. These piercings often require specific jewelry to minimize contact with the teeth and gums.

The Medusa (Philtrum Piercing)

One of the most recognizable names in the industry is the Medusa. Located in the philtrum—the vertical groove situated directly above the center of the upper lip and below the nasal septum—this piercing is prized for its symmetry. Technically referred to as a philtrum piercing, the Medusa typically utilizes a flat-back labret stud. The placement is intended to sit perfectly centered in the indentation, drawing attention to the top of the lip. Healing generally spans six to twelve weeks, depending on individual health and aftercare consistency.

The Monroe and Madonna

These two piercings are named after iconic beauty marks. While they are anatomically identical in terms of the tissue they penetrate, their names are determined strictly by their lateral position:

  • Monroe: This piercing is located on the left side of the upper lip (from the perspective of the person wearing it). It mimics the famous mark associated with classic Hollywood cinema.
  • Madonna: This is the symmetrical counterpart, located on the right side of the upper lip.

Both the Monroe and Madonna are usually performed with a 16-gauge or 14-gauge labret stud. Because these sit against the upper gums, jewelry fit is critical to prevent enamel erosion or gum recession. Professionals often recommend a shorter post once initial swelling has subsided.

The Jestrum (Vertical Medusa)

A Jestrum is a variation of the Medusa but with a significant structural difference. While a standard Medusa goes from the outside of the philtrum to the inside of the mouth, a Jestrum is a vertical piercing. It enters through the philtrum and exits through the bottom of the upper lip tissue itself. This means both ends of the jewelry—typically a curved barbell—are visible. Because it does not enter the oral cavity, it avoids contact with the teeth, though it can be more prone to swelling during the first few weeks of healing.

Lower Lip Piercing Names

Lower lip placements are arguably the most common and offer a wide variety of styles ranging from centered studs to vertical bars that pass through the lip surface.

The Classic Labret

The term "labret" can refer to both a specific type of jewelry and a piercing placement. As a placement, the classic labret is a single piercing located in the center of the area just below the lower lip. While many people choose a dead-center placement, it can also be done "off-center" to one side. Traditionally, a flat-back stud is used for healing, but many individuals transition to captive bead rings (CBRs) or seamless hoops once the fistula is fully matured. The labret is often considered a baseline for lip piercings, with a healing time of approximately six to ten weeks.

The Vertical Labret

Unlike the classic labret, the vertical labret does not enter the mouth. It starts below the lower lip and travels vertically upward, exiting through the top of the lip itself. The most common jewelry for this is a curved barbell, where one bead sits on the lip and the other sits below it. This is a popular choice for those concerned about dental health, as the metal never touches the gums or teeth. However, since the jewelry sits on the surface of the lip, it is highly visible and subject to movement during eating and speaking.

The Ashley Piercing (Inverted Vertical Labret)

The Ashley piercing is often confused with the vertical labret, but the direction is reversed. In an Ashley piercing, the entry point is on the center of the lower lip's surface, and the exit point is inside the mouth. To the observer, it looks like a single stud sitting directly on the lip. Because the jewelry passes through a significant amount of sensitive lip tissue, swelling can be more pronounced than with other styles, and oral hygiene is paramount during the three-to-four-month healing period.

The Lowbret

A Lowbret is essentially a labret piercing placed as low as possible in the chin area, near the labial frenum's base. This placement is often chosen by those who intend to stretch the piercing to a larger gauge or who prefer a more transformative facial aesthetic. Due to the thickness of the tissue at the bottom of the chin, healing may take slightly longer than a standard labret.

The "Bites": Paired and Symmetrical Lip Piercing Names

When lip piercings are performed in pairs or sets, they are almost always referred to as "bites." These names are descriptive of the pattern the piercings create, often resembling the fang marks of various animals.

Snake Bites

Snake bites are perhaps the most famous paired piercing. They consist of two separate piercings placed symmetrically on the outer edges of the lower lip. This style is designed to look like the fangs of a snake. Most people choose to wear matching hoops or studs in these placements. While they are two separate labrets, getting them done at the same time ensures symmetry, though it does double the initial aftercare workload.

Angel Bites

Think of angel bites as the upper-lip version of snake bites. They are a combination of a Monroe and a Madonna piercing—two symmetrical piercings on the upper lip. This look is sharp and balanced, often drawing attention to the cheekbones and the upper curve of the mouth. They typically require labret studs with flat backs to remain comfortable.

Spider Bites

Spider bites are two piercings placed very close together on one side of the bottom lip. The proximity of the two holes is what gives them their name, mimicking the close-set puncture marks of a spider. Because the piercings are so close, they must be performed with precision to ensure they don't migrate or overlap during the healing process.

Dolphin Bites

Dolphin bites are two piercings placed side-by-side in the center of the lower lip. They are similar to snake bites but are positioned much closer to the midline, just like the narrow snout of a dolphin. This placement is often favored for its subtlety compared to the wider-set snake bites.

Shark Bites

Shark bites are essentially a double version of spider bites. They consist of four piercings in total: two on the left side of the lower lip and two on the right. This creates a bold, heavy look. Because four separate wounds are healing simultaneously, the initial swelling can be significant, and piercers may suggest doing one side at a time to manage the body's inflammatory response.

Canine Bites

Canine bites are a quadruple piercing set that combines angel bites and snake bites. You have two piercings on the upper lip and two on the lower lip, all symmetrically aligned. This creates a rectangular frame around the mouth. It is one of the more intense lip piercing setups and requires a dedicated aftercare routine to ensure all four sites heal without complication.

Cyber Bites

Cyber bites are a combination of a Medusa (philtrum) piercing and a classic centered labret. This creates a vertical line of symmetry through the center of the mouth. The juxtaposition of the upper and lower central studs provides a balanced, futuristic aesthetic that works well with other facial piercings like septum or bridge piercings.

Dahlia Bites

Named after a historical reference to the "Glasgow Smile," Dahlia piercings are placed at the very corners of the mouth. They are almost always done in pairs. Because the corners of the mouth move constantly during speech and eating, Dahlia bites are notorious for being difficult to heal. They require high-quality jewelry and a wearer who is mindful of their facial movements during the first few months.

Internal and Hidden Lip Piercing Names

Not all lip piercings are visible at first glance. Some are tucked away inside the mouth, attached to the thin membranes of tissue known as frena.

The Smiley (Upper Lip Frenulum Piercing)

The Smiley is located in the thin strip of tissue that connects your upper lip to your gums. It is named "Smiley" because it only becomes visible when the wearer smiles, revealing a small hoop or horseshoe barbell resting against the teeth. While popular, it is anatomy-dependent; if the frenulum is too thin or too small, the piercing may migrate or reject. Furthermore, constant contact with the teeth means it is often considered a short-term piercing to protect tooth enamel.

The Frowny (Lower Lip Frenulum Piercing)

The Frowny is the opposite of the Smiley, located in the frenulum of the lower lip. It is hidden behind the bottom lip and is rarely seen unless the lip is pulled down. Like the Smiley, it carries risks of gum recession and requires specific anatomical structures to be successful.

Jewelry Terminology and Sizing

When discussing lip piercing names, it is equally important to understand the jewelry that goes into them. The naming convention of the jewelry often dictates the comfort and health of the piercing.

  1. Labret Studs: These consist of a flat disk on one end and a decorative ball or gem on the other. The flat disk sits inside the mouth, minimizing the amount of metal that rubs against the gums. These are the standard for most non-vertical lip piercings.
  2. Captive Bead Rings (CBRs): A hoop that is closed by a single bead held in place by tension. These are popular for snake bites and labrets once they are healed.
  3. Curved Barbells: Used for vertical labrets and Jestrums. The curve allows the jewelry to follow the natural contour of the lip tissue.
  4. Circular Barbells (Horseshoes): These are "U" shaped bars with two beads on the ends. They are commonly used in Smileys and side labrets.

Gauges and Lengths

Most lip piercings are performed at a 16-gauge (1.2mm) or 14-gauge (1.6mm). Starting with a thinner needle might increase the risk of the jewelry "cutting" through the tissue (the cheese-cutter effect), while thicker gauges provide more stability.

Initial jewelry is always longer than necessary to accommodate the "inflammatory phase"—the period immediately after piercing when the lip can double in size. Switching to a shorter post (downsizing) is a crucial step that usually happens 4 to 6 weeks into the healing process. Failure to downsize can lead to the jewelry snagging or causing dental damage.

Anatomical Considerations and Safety

Every mouth is unique, which means that not every lip piercing name in this guide will be suitable for every person. Professional piercers assess several factors before proceeding:

  • Gum Health and Tooth Alignment: Piercings that sit inside the mouth can rub against the gingival tissue. If a person already has receding gums, a Medusa or Monroe might exacerbate the issue.
  • Frenulum Strength: For Smileys and Frownies, the tissue must be thick enough to support the weight of the jewelry.
  • Vein Placement: Piercers use a light to check for major veins in the lip to avoid excessive bleeding during the procedure.

The Healing Process

Oral tissue heals remarkably fast due to high blood flow, but it is also an environment teeming with bacteria. Aftercare typically involves two components:

  1. External Care: Using a sterile saline spray on the outside of the piercing twice a day.
  2. Internal Care: Rinsing with an alcohol-free, antimicrobial mouthwash or a mild saline solution after eating or smoking.

Avoiding irritants like spicy foods, alcohol, and oral contact with others is recommended during the initial healing phase. While the surface might look healed after 3 weeks, the internal tissue (the fistula) takes much longer to fully strengthen.

Summary of Lip Piercing Styles

Choosing between the various lip piercing names often comes down to the desired level of symmetry and the individual's concern for dental health. Vertical options like the Vertical Labret and Jestrum offer a bold look with zero dental risk, while classic options like the Medusa or Snake Bites provide a timeless aesthetic that has remained popular for decades.

When selecting a placement, it is helpful to view the face as a canvas. A single Monroe can add a touch of elegance, while a full set of Canine Bites makes a much stronger alternative statement. Regardless of the choice, using the correct terminology ensures that both the client and the piercer share the same vision for the final result.