Jump To:
Shark bite piercings might sound intense, but they’re actually a super cool and bold lip piercing style. If you’ve ever seen someone with multiple piercings under their lower lip and thought, “Whoa, that looks awesome,” they were probably rocking shark bites.
Shark bite piercings are made up of two pairs of labret piercings — that’s four piercings total, with two on each side just below the lower lip. They get their name because the layout kind of looks like a shark took a little chomp.
Each piercing goes through the skin below the lip and exits inside the mouth. So while the look is fierce, the placement is actually similar to a standard labret piercing — you’re just getting more of them at once.
Your piercer will typically use implant-grade titanium labret studs for the initial piercing. The gauge size is usually 16g or 14g. The jewelry will start out a little longer than usual to leave room for swelling, which is totally normal with piercings in and around the mouth.
And speaking of swelling — since you’re getting four piercings, expect your lips to puff up a bit more than usual. Once the swelling goes down, you’ll need to downsize your jewelry to avoid accidentally biting down on it. You might even have to downsize more than once while healing.
Most people rate labret piercings as pretty low on the pain scale because they go through soft tissue rather than cartilage. However, since shark bites are four piercings close together, the process can feel a bit more intense than getting just one.
Don’t worry, though — the discomfort is short-lived, and the end result is totally worth it if you love bold piercings.
The most common jewelry for shark bite piercings is the flat back labret stud. Once your piercings have healed, you can switch things up with:
If you already know you’ll want to wear rings once you’re healed, let your piercer know before getting pierced. The angle and distance from your lips need to be set correctly so the jewelry sits comfortably and looks balanced later on.
SHOP OUR BITES COLLECTION HERE
Healing usually takes around 5 to 6 months, but it can vary depending on your body and aftercare. Because you’re healing four piercings, the process can take a little longer than a single labret.
Here are some important aftercare tips to help your shark bite piercings heal smoothly:
SHOP OUR AFTERCARE HERE
Because these piercings sit close to your gums and teeth, it’s important to keep an eye on your oral health. A good piercer will place your jewelry carefully to minimize any risk, but over time, oral piercings can sometimes cause gum recession or enamel wear.
If you ever notice soreness, damage, or changes to your teeth or gums, talk to your dentist right away. Remember — your long-term oral health always comes first.
Shark bite piercings are bold, unique, and a definite statement piece. If you’re up for the commitment and ready to care for them properly, they can look amazing and heal beautifully.
Please remember to follow us on all our socials @Bodyartforms!
