Labret Piercing
The labret piercing is a cornerstone of facial piercing—a versatile and iconic adornment for the lower lip that can be styled to be subtle and sophisticated or bold and eye-catching. Whether you are drawn to the classic placement of a standard labret or the unique, modern statement of a vertical labret, our expert piercers at Pink Tatpier in London provide unparalleled precision, anatomical expertise, and a luxury collection of body-safe jewellery.
Understanding the distinct differences between these two popular styles is the first step in your journey. This guide is designed to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed choice.
Explore the unique characteristics of standard and vertical labret piercings, get a transparent cost breakdown for your chosen style, and book your appointment online with London’s trusted piercing specialists.
Standard Labret vs. Vertical Labret: Understanding the Crucial Difference
While both piercings focus on the lower lip, their placement, aesthetic, and jewellery requirements are completely different. Choosing the right one depends on your desired look and, most importantly, your unique anatomy.
The Standard Labret Piercing
This is the classic, original labret piercing.
- Placement: The piercing passes horizontally through the tissue directly below the centre of the lower lip, in the small dip known as the philtrum. The result is a decorative end (like a gem or ball) visible on the outside, and a flat, comfortable disc resting against the gum on the inside of the mouth.
- Aesthetic: Timeless, versatile, and relatively subtle. It can be a single, elegant statement or part of a more complex setup with other lip piercings.
- Jewellery: It is always pierced and healed with a flat-back labret stud. Once fully healed, it can often be changed to a seamless ring or circular barbell for a different look.
Labret Piercing
The Vertical Labret Piercing
This is a more modern and visually striking variation.
- Placement: The piercing passes vertically through the lower lip itself. It does not enter the mouth at all. One end of the jewellery emerges just below the lip where a standard labret would be, and the other end exits through the top of the lower lip.
- Aesthetic: Unique, prominent, and accentuates the curve and fullness of the lip. It draws attention directly to the lip itself.
- Jewellery: This piercing is exclusively worn with a curved barbell.
Which One Is Right for You?
Your choice depends on your desired aesthetic and your anatomy. A standard labret is suitable for almost everyone. A vertical labret requires a lower lip with enough fullness and a defined shape to support the piercing channel. During your consultation, our expert piercer will assess your lip structure and help you determine which style will be the safest and most visually stunning for you.
Labret Piercing
Why Choose Pink Tatpier for Your Labret Piercing in London?
- Expertise in Oral & Facial Anatomy: Our piercers are specialists. They understand the intricacies of placing piercings in a way that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also minimises long-term risks to oral health.
- Uncompromising Hygiene: We adhere to the strictest hygiene protocols. Every piercing is performed with a single-use, sterilised needle in a meticulously clean environment to ensure your safety.
- Luxury, Body-Safe Jewellery: We exclusively use implant-grade, internally threaded or threadless jewellery from the world’s leading suppliers. This is crucial for oral piercings to prevent irritation and allergic reactions.
The Labret Piercing Process: What to Expect at Our Studio
- Consultation & Anatomy Assessment: We begin by discussing your desired style (standard or vertical) and assessing your lip and oral anatomy to confirm the best approach.
- Jewellery Selection: You’ll choose your initial piece of jewellery—either a flat-back stud or a curved barbell in implant-grade titanium or solid gold.
- Precise Marking: Your piercer will carefully mark the placement, ensuring it is perfectly centred and aligned with your facial features. You will always approve the final mark.
- The Piercing Procedure: The piercing itself is performed swiftly and smoothly with a sterilised needle.
- Aftercare Briefing: We will provide you with a comprehensive aftercare plan, covering both external and (for the standard labret) internal cleaning protocols.
Labret Piercing Cost, Pain & Healing: Your London Guide (September 2025)
Lip piercings are generally considered to be one of the less painful types.
- Standard Labret: Most clients rate the pain at a 4-5 out of 10.
- Vertical Labret: This can be slightly more intense as it passes through the dense tissue of the lip itself, typically rated a 5-6 out of 10.In both cases, it is a very quick pinch that is over in a moment. Swelling in the days following is the main source of discomfort.
Labret Piercing
Healing Time
- Standard Labret: The initial healing period is 6 to 8 weeks. A mandatory downsize of the jewellery bar is required after 2-4 weeks. Full healing takes 4-6 months.
- Vertical Labret: Healing time is similar, typically 6 to 10 weeks for the initial phase, with full healing taking 4-6 months.
Cost of a Labret Piercing in London
Our pricing is transparent. The total cost is the piercing fee plus the cost of your chosen jewellery.
| Service | Price (GBP) | What’s Included |
| Labret Piercing Fee (Std or Vertical) | £40 – £50 | Professional consultation, anatomy assessment, sterile procedure, and aftercare guide. |
| Initial Jewellery | Starts from £20 | An implant-grade titanium flat-back (Std) or curved barbell (Vertical). |
| Total Starting Price | From £60 – £70 | The service fee + the cost of your chosen jewellery. |
The Best Jewellery for Your Labret Piercing
For a Standard Labret
For initial healing, the only safe jewellery is a flat-back labret stud with a longer bar to accommodate swelling. The flat disc on the inside is essential for protecting your teeth and gums from damage. After 2-4 weeks, you must return for a downsize to a shorter bar. Once fully healed, you can explore fitting a seamless ring or circular barbell.
For a Vertical Labret
The only suitable jewellery for a vertical labret is a curved barbell. The length will be chosen to perfectly fit the thickness of your lip. Once healed, you can explore a wide variety of decorative ends for the top and bottom of the barbell.
Labret Piercing
Materials Matter
We only use the safest, implant-grade materials for your peace of mind:
- Implant-Grade Titanium (ASTM F-136)
- 14k & 18k Solid Gold (Nickel-Free)
Professional Aftercare for Your New Piercing
- For a Standard Labret (Internal & External):
- Outside: Clean the piercing twice daily with a sterile saline solution.
- Inside: Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free antimicrobial mouthwash after every meal.
- For a Vertical Labret (External Only):
- Clean both the top and bottom of the piercing twice daily with a sterile saline solution.
- Be careful when applying lip balm or lipstick to avoid getting product in the piercing channel.
- General Rules for Both:
- Avoid playing with the jewellery with your tongue or teeth.
- Stick to soft foods for the first few days.
- Be patient and consistent with your cleaning routine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Labret Piercings
1. Will a standard labret piercing damage my teeth or gums?
The risk is significantly minimised by using proper jewellery (a flat-back stud) and, most importantly, by downsizing the bar to a snug fit after the initial swelling has gone down. A long bar is the primary cause of dental damage.
2. Can I get a hoop in my standard labret straight away?
No. Hoops move too much and will irritate a fresh piercing, leading to swelling, bumps, and a prolonged healing time. You must heal with a stud first.
3. Does a vertical labret make it hard to eat or drink?
There will be an initial adjustment period of a few days as you get used to the sensation of the new jewellery. Taking smaller bites and being mindful at first is all that’s needed.
4. Can I get a side labret piercing instead of a central one?
Absolutely! A standard labret can be placed in the centre or off to either side of the lip for a different look. We are happy to discuss all placement options with you.
Define Your Style at London’s Premier Piercing Studio
Whether you choose the classic standard labret or the unique vertical style, a lip piercing is a fantastic way to express yourself. Ensure it’s done perfectly by choosing a studio that prioritises your anatomy, safety, and a beautiful result.
