Tongue Piercing:
Types, Features, and Care Guidelines

A tongue piercing is a bold and extravagant form of self-expression, often chosen by those who seek unique body art and ways to emphasize their individuality.

This type of piercing is one of the most concealed; it’s easy to hide but also adds a stylish accent and attracts attention. In this article, we’ll discuss the popular types of tongue piercings, the procedure itself, essential care tips, and advice on choosing the right jewelry.

Like other forms of body adornment, tongue piercing has ancient roots. In various cultures, tongue piercing was associated with ritual and religious traditions, and today it’s primarily popular among younger people, serving as a symbol of subculture and style.

Unlike many other piercings, a tongue piercing is hidden from others’ view, yet it adds a touch of boldness and uniqueness to one’s image.

A key advantage of a tongue piercing is its ease of concealment and flexibility in jewelry choice, allowing the wearer to adapt their look depending on the occasion.

1. Classic Vertical Piercing
   1. This is the most common and universal type of tongue piercing, positioned vertically through the center of the tongue. It typically uses a barbell with rounded ends. The vertical piercing is convenient, relatively safe, and heals quickly with proper care.
2. Horizontal Piercing
   1. This piercing goes horizontally through the front part of the tongue. It’s more complex and requires a highly skilled professional, as it’s essential to avoid blood vessels and nerves. Horizontal piercings are less common due to a longer healing period but look very unique and striking.
3. Serpentine Piercing
   1. This involves multiple piercings along the length of the tongue, creating a "snake" effect. The serpentine piercing can be either vertical or horizontal, depending on preferences. It requires substantial expertise from the piercer and patience from the client, as each piercing needs meticulous care.
4. Tip of the Tongue Piercing
   1. This type is placed at the very edge of the tongue, typically using small barbells or rings. It’s unique and highly visible but requires careful handling, as the location at the tongue’s tip makes it vulnerable to friction against the teeth.
5. Double Vertical Piercing
   1. This involves two piercings along the central line of the tongue. This style looks especially impressive with small barbells featuring decorative ends. The double piercing accentuates the tongue’s geometry and adds boldness to the look.

The tongue piercing procedure requires a high degree of skill and sterilization from the piercer.

During the session, the piercer carefully secures the tongue, selects a piercing location to avoid nerve and blood vessel damage, and uses a specialized needle to create the hole. A chosen piece of jewelry—usually a barbell, as it’s ideal for initial healing—is then inserted into the piercing.

The whole procedure takes only a few minutes and involves antiseptic measures to minimize the risk of infection. The level of discomfort varies depending on an individual’s pain threshold, but most people find the procedure less painful than expected.

Tongue piercings require special care, as the mouth is an ideal environment for bacterial growth.

Proper care is key to quick and safe healing. Here are the primary recommendations:

1. Cleaning
   1. The mouth should be regularly cleaned of food particles and bacteria. It’s recommended to rinse the mouth with a saline solution or antiseptic recommended by the piercer after every meal. In the first few weeks, avoid hard and sharp foods that could irritate the piercing.
2. Avoid Hot Drinks and Spices
   1. Hot, spicy, and acidic foods can cause irritation and slow down healing. During recovery, softer and cooler foods are preferable, as they won’t cause discomfort or additional strain on the tongue.
3. Maintain Hygiene
   1. Despite the allure of the piercing, avoid touching it with your tongue or hands unnecessarily, especially during the first weeks after the procedure. Bacteria can enter the piercing and cause inflammation, so it’s essential to minimize any contact.
4. Regular Monitoring of the Tongue
   1. It’s important to observe the healing process. If the tongue remains swollen, red, or painful for more than 2-3 weeks, consult a specialist. A slight swelling and discomfort in the first few days is normal, but persistent problems may indicate infection or a reaction to the jewelry.

The most popular jewelry for a tongue piercing is a barbell. It’s simple to use, comfortable, and easy to replace.

For the initial healing stage, it’s best to choose titanium or bioplast jewelry, as these materials are hypoallergenic and minimize the risk of irritation.

After healing, you can experiment with jewelry of different lengths and styles. There are barbells with eye-catching ends, colorful balls, crystal embellishments, or even glow-in-the-dark details. For those who prefer subtle jewelry, transparent barbells or pieces in natural tones are ideal.

Conclusion

A tongue piercing is an original adornment that lets you express your individuality and adds a hint of extravagance. Though discreet, a tongue piercing attracts attention and requires dedicated care. If you’re considering a tongue piercing, consult the professionals at VEAN TATTOO studio. Experienced piercers ensure a safe procedure and provide essential aftercare tips, so your piercing becomes the perfect complement to your style and brings you joy for a long time.