How much does a lip piercing cost?
How much does a lip piercing cost?
$50 – $100 average cost (piercing + basic jewelry)
Average lip piercing cost
A lip piercing costs $50 to $100 on average, including the piercing fee and basic jewelry. The piercing fee alone ranges from $30 to $60. The total price of lip piercing depends on the studio location, lip piercing type, piercer's experience, and the type, material, and quality of your chosen jewelry.
| Factor | Average price |
|---|---|
| Piercing fee | $30 – $60 |
| Basic jewelry | $20 – $40 |
| Average total cost | $50 – $100 |
Lip piercing price factors
Several factors influence the price of a lip piercing:
Location: Prices tend to be higher in major cities or trendy areas due to increased overhead costs.
Studio reputation: Well-established, highly-rated piercing studios often charge more for their expertise and safety standards.
Piercer experience: More experienced piercers may command higher fees for their skills.
Complexity of the piercing: Some lip piercings are more intricate and time-consuming, which can increase the price. Styles that require two piercings cost more due to the extra time required and the additional piece of jewelry. However, some shops reduce the fee for the second piercing.
Additional services: Some studios include aftercare products or follow-up appointments in their pricing fee, while others charge separately.
Gratuity: Tipping is not required, but it is standard practice in the body modification industry. Adding 15% to 20% to the total piercing cost is common.
While it's natural to consider the lip piercing cost, always prioritize safety, quality, and proper aftercare over finding the cheapest option.
Types of lip piercings
Labret and side labret are the most common types of lip piercings, but there are many others. Single-piercing lip piercings typically have the same price. However, angel bite, dahlia, and other styles that involve two or more piercings cost more because they take longer and involve more than one piece of jewelry.
| Lip piercing type | Description |
|---|---|
| Labret | Centered on the lower lip, just below the lip line |
| Side labret | Off-center on the lower lip, typically just below the lip line |
| Frenulum | Through the tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums (smiley) or the lower lip to the gums (frowny) |
| Philtrum / Medusa | In the center of the upper lip, just below the nose |
| Jestrum / vertical Medusa | Entry point in the philtrum, exit point through upper lip |
| Madonna / Monroe | Above the upper lip, mimics the look of a beauty mark (left side for a Monroe, right side for a Madonna) |
| Ashley | Inverted vertical labret directly through the center of the lower lip |
| Dahlia / Joker | 2 piercings, one at each corner of the mouth |
| Angel bites | 2 piercings placed symmetrically above the upper lip, resembling a combination of Madonna and Monroe piercings |
| Snake bites | 2 piercings placed symmetrically on either side of the lower lip, toward the outer edges of the mouth |
| Dolphin bites | 2 piercings placed symmetrically on either side of the lower lip, close to the center |
| Spider bites | 2 piercings placed close together on the same side of the lower lip |
| Shark bites | 2 pairs of piercings on the lower lip, one pair on each side (4 piercings total) |
Most lip piercings start with a flat back stud, also called a flat back labret stud. Once healed, other options include hoops, captive bead rings, and curved barbells. The vertical Medusa piercing requires a curved barbell to start.
Jewelry
The type, material, and quality of initial jewelry can significantly affect the overall cost. Basic lip piercing jewelry is typically implant-grade steel or titanium and costs about $20 to $40. High-end lip piercing jewelry made from premium materials like high-end titanium or 14k gold may cost $200 or more.
Invest in high-quality jewelry to reduce the risk of irritation, allergic reaction, or other complications.
Aftercare
Lip piercing aftercare supplies costs $10 to $30 on average. Proper aftercare is crucial for the healing process and can impact the long-term success of your lip piercing. Most piercing studios will provide aftercare instructions, but here are some general guidelines:
Clean the piercing twice daily with a saline solution.
Use a new, soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent bacteria buildup. Replace your toothbrush regularly.
Use alcohol-free mouthwash.
Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands.
Don't play with or rotate the jewelry.
Avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods during the initial healing period.
Do not kiss or engage in oral sexual activities until the piercing has completely healed.
Lip piercing FAQs
How long does a lip piercing take to heal?
Lip piercings take about 6 to 8 weeks to heal externally. However, full internal healing can take 2 to 6 months. Follow your piercer's aftercare instructions carefully to ensure proper healing.
Do lip piercings hurt?
Pain levels vary from person to person, but most describe the sensation as a quick pinch or sting. The healing process may involve some discomfort, swelling, and tenderness. People with fuller lips may experience more discomfort than those with thinner ones.
What gauge is a lip piercing?
Lip piercings are typically done with a 14- or 16-gauge needle. Your piercer will recommend the appropriate size based on your anatomy and the specific piercing location.
When can I change my lip piercing?
Wait until your piercing is fully healed before changing the jewelry, which is usually around 2 to 6 months. Changing it too early increases the risk of complications. Consult your piercer if you're unsure about the healing progress.
Do lip piercings damage teeth?
There is a risk of tooth and gum damage with lip piercings, especially if the jewelry frequently rubs against them. Proper jewelry size and placement can minimize this risk.
Piercing price comparison
The following table shows how the price of lip piercing compares to other piercing prices.
| Piercing type | Average cost (piercing fee + basic jewelry) |
|---|---|
| Lip piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
| Earlobe piercing cost | $30 – $85 (earlobe) $40 – $150+ (complex / cartilage) |
| Helix piercing cost | $40 – $90 |
| Industrial piercing cost | $70 – $100 |
| Eyebrow piercing cost | $40 – $90 |
| Belly button piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
| Nose piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
| Septum piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
| Tongue piercing cost | $40 – $160 |
| Nipple piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
Finding the best piercing studio
To ensure a safe and positive experience, consider these factors when choosing a piercing studio near you:
Reputation: Read reviews on Fash.com and Google. Ask for recommendations from friends or online communities.
Cleanliness: The studio should be spotlessly clean with proper sterilization equipment.
Experience: Look for piercers with a proven track record and a portfolio of their work.
Credentials: Check if the studio and piercers have relevant licensing and are members of the Association of Professional Piercers (APP).
Comfort level: Choose a studio where you feel comfortable and respected.
Pricing transparency: The studio should provide clear information about their lip piercing cost and what's included.
Piercing guns are popular in malls and retail stores, but these devices cannot be properly sterilized in an autoclave, increasing the risk of infection. They also cause "blunt force trauma" to the ear, furthering the risk of complications. The Association of Professional Piercers recommends using a needle for all piercings, even a simple earlobe piercing.
Questions to ask a professional piercer
Asking these questions will help you feel more confident about the procedure and give you a clear understanding of the total lip piercing cost:
How long have you been piercing professionally?
How many lip piercings have you done?
Can you explain the piercing process step-by-step?
What type of jewelry do you use for initial piercings?
What aftercare routine do you recommend?
What should I do if I experience complications during healing?
How much will the entire procedure cost, including jewelry and aftercare products?
Do you offer any follow-up services or check-ups?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.