Professional Tongue Piercing in London: Safe Procedure, Price & Booking

The tongue piercing is a classic, bold, and deeply personal statement of individuality. When performed by a true professional with an expert understanding of oral anatomy, it is a safe and exciting experience. At Pink Tatpier, London’s leading piercing and tattoo studio, we combine anatomical expertise with uncompromising hygiene to provide the safest, most precise, and most comfortable tongue piercing service in the city.

We understand that the idea of an oral piercing can be intimidating. That’s why our entire process is built on a foundation of trust, transparency, and client education. We don’t just perform a piercing; we guide you through every single step—from the initial anatomy assessment to the crucial aftercare process—ensuring you feel confident and cared for.

Learn about our meticulous, safety-first procedure, get a transparent price for your piercing, and book your appointment online with our specialist oral piercers today.

Why Trust is Non-Negotiable for a Tongue Piercing

 

The mouth is a complex environment, and the tongue is a major muscle filled with important structures. Choosing an experienced, professional piercer is not a luxury; it is an absolute necessity. At Pink Tatpier, we differentiate our service through an unwavering commitment to safety and expertise.

1. The Critical Importance of Oral Anatomy Knowledge

Before a needle is ever unwrapped, our expert piercer will conduct a thorough assessment of your tongue. This is the hallmark of a true professional. We carefully examine:

• The Frenulum (Webbing): We check the placement and size of the webbing underneath your tongue to ensure the piercing does not interfere with it.
• Major Blood Vessels: We identify the large veins running along the underside of the tongue to map out the “safe zone” for the piercing, significantly minimising the risk of bleeding and complications.
• Your Natural “Bite Line”: We consider your speech and bite to determine a placement that will have the least long-term impact on your teeth and gums.

This professional assessment is non-negotiable and is the first step in every tongue piercing we perform.

2. Uncompromising Hygiene & Sterilisation

An oral piercing requires the highest level of cleanliness. Our London studio operates under hospital-grade hygiene protocols.

• Single-Use, Sterile Needles: We exclusively use brand new, single-use, sterilised needles for every piercing. A needle provides a clean, precise channel that is essential for proper healing in a muscular and sensitive area like the tongue.
• Autoclave Sterilisation: All non-disposable tools, such as forceps, are sterilised in a medical-grade autoclave before every use.
• Medical-Grade Disinfectants: We use professional-grade skin and oral prep solutions to ensure the area is completely sanitised before the procedure.

3. The Highest Quality Jewellery for Oral Health

We only use implant-grade, internally threaded or threadless jewellery for initial tongue piercings. This is crucial for oral health, as low-quality metals can cause severe allergic reactions and rough external threading can damage healing tissue.

The Tongue Piercing Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide

To reduce anxiety, it helps to know exactly what to expect. Our process is calm, professional, and swift.

1. Consultation & Anatomy Check: The appointment begins with the crucial anatomy assessment described above.
2. Jewellery Selection: You will choose a simple, implant-grade titanium straight barbell. The initial barbell will be significantly longer than the final piece to safely accommodate swelling.
3. Marking the Placement: After you rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash, the piercer will carefully mark the entry point on top and the exit point on the bottom, ensuring they are perfectly aligned. You will have a chance to see and approve the placement.
4. The Piercing: The piercer will use sterile forceps to gently hold the tongue. You’ll be asked to take a deep breath in and exhale slowly as they pass the needle through in one quick, fluid motion. The entire piercing takes only a second or two.
5. Jewellery Insertion & Downsizing Information: The barbell is immediately inserted and secured. Your piercer will then provide a detailed aftercare plan and explain the critical importance of the follow-up downsize appointment.

 

Tongue Piercing Price, Pain & Healing: Your London Guide (September 2025

The tongue piercing is surprisingly less painful than many people imagine. The tongue has fewer nerve endings than other parts of the body, like the lips or ears. Most clients rate the pain of the piercing itself at a 4-6 out of 10. It is a very quick, sharp pinch. The primary discomfort comes from the swelling during the first few days of healing, not the procedure itself.

 

Healing & Swelling Guide

• First 3-7 Days: This is the most challenging phase. Expect significant swelling, a temporary lisp, and some difficulty eating. This is completely normal.
• Weeks 2-4: The swelling will have completely subsided. During this period, you must return for your mandatory downsize appointment.
• Weeks 6-8: The piercing is typically considered fully healed.

Cost of a Tongue Piercing in London

Our pricing is transparent and reflects the high level of skill and safety provided.

Service	Price (GBP)	What’s Included
Tongue Piercing Service Fee	£50 – £60	Specialist consultation, in-depth anatomy assessment, sterile procedure, comprehensive aftercare guide, and your follow-up downsizing appointment.
Initial Jewellery	Starts from £25	An implant-grade titanium straight barbell with a longer bar to accommodate swelling.
Total Starting Price	From £75 – £85	The service fee + the cost of your chosen jewellery.

 

The Best Jewellery for Your Tongue Piercing

For Initial Healing: The Long Barbell

For the first 2-4 weeks, the only safe option is a simple, implant-grade titanium straight barbell with a standard ball end. The bar must be longer than your tongue’s natural thickness to allow for swelling without the jewellery embedding into the tissue.

The Mandatory Downsize Appointment

After 2-4 weeks, once the swelling has gone down, it is absolutely essential that you return to the studio to have a shorter, properly-fitted barbell installed.

Continuing to wear the long initial bar is the number one cause of long-term dental damage. The long bar can catch on, knock against, and rub on your teeth and gums, leading to chipped enamel and gum erosion. Your downsize appointment is included as part of our dedicated service.

For a Healed Piercing

Once fully healed, you can explore a wide range of decorative ends for your barbell, including different coloured titanium balls, gemstone ends, and unique shapes.

Professional Aftercare Tips for a Safe Healing Process

Diligent aftercare is critical for a happy tongue piercing.

• DO rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free antimicrobial or antiseptic mouthwash for 30-60 seconds after every meal, drink (except water), or cigarette.
• DO gently suck on ice chips, drink cold water, and sleep with your head slightly elevated for the first few days to help manage swelling.
• DO stick to soft, cold, and non-spicy foods for the first week. Smoothies, ice cream, yoghurt, and soup are your best friends.
• DON’T smoke or drink alcohol for at least the first week, as this will significantly increase swelling and delay the healing process.
• DON’T play with the jewellery with your teeth or hands. This can damage your teeth and introduce bacteria.
• DO NOT SKIP YOUR DOWNSIZE APPOINTMENT! We cannot stress this enough.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tongue Piercings

1. Will I be able to talk normally?

You will likely have a noticeable lisp for the first few days to a week due to the swelling. This is temporary and will disappear as the swelling subsides and you get used to the jewellery.

2. Will the piercing damage my teeth?

The biggest risk to your dental health comes from wearing a barbell that is too long. By downsizing your jewellery at the appropriate time and avoiding the habit of playing with it, you drastically minimise the risk of any damage to your teeth or gums.

3. Can I get my tongue pierced if I have a short frenulum (tongue web)?

This depends on how short it is and where it is attached. In most cases, a skilled piercer can work around it, but it may affect the placement. This will be determined during your mandatory anatomy assessment.

4. What are the signs of an infection?

Normal healing involves significant swelling and a white/yellowish fluid secretion. Signs of a potential infection include excessive or prolonged pain, a very swollen tongue after the first week, green or foul-smelling discharge, and fever. If you suspect an infection, contact us or a medical professional immediately.

 

Book Your Safe Tongue Piercing in London Today

A tongue piercing is an exciting form of self-expression. Ensure it’s done right by choosing a studio that prioritises your anatomy, safety, and long-term oral health.