Snake Eyes Piercing: What to Know Before Getting This Trending Tongue Piercing

A snake eyes piercing is a horizontal tongue piercing placed through the tip of your tongue. When you stick your tongue out, the two ends of the curved barbell resemble a snake’s eyes, hence the name.

This piercing has grown in popularity for its bold look, but it also comes with significant risks for your teeth, gums, and speech. If you’re considering a snake eyes tongue piercing, knowing exactly how it’s done, how it heals, and the pros and cons will help you make an informed decision.

Snake Eyes Piercing at a Glance

Feature	Details
Placement	Horizontal through the tip of the tongue
Jewelry	Curved barbell
Healing Time	Around 55 days
Pain Level	Low to moderate
Main Risks	Tooth damage, gum recession, speech changes
Best For	Experienced piercees who can commit to strict aftercare

What Is a Snake Eyes Piercing?

The snake eyes piercing sits at the very front of the tongue and uses a curved barbell inserted horizontally. When done correctly by an experienced piercer, it creates the striking “two eyes” effect without interfering with most of your tongue.

This style appeals to people looking for something more unique than a standard vertical tongue piercing. However, because it’s placed through a small area of muscle, it can cause functional issues if not done carefully.

How a Snake Eyes Tongue Piercing Is Done

1. Your piercer will disinfect the mouth and mark the placement at the tip of the tongue.
2. Using a sterile needle, they will pierce horizontally through the marked spot.
3. A curved barbell, often stainless steel or titanium, is inserted.

Many people expect this piercing to be very painful, but it’s typically mild to moderate in discomfort. The real challenge comes in the healing stage.

Healing and Aftercare for a Snake Eyes Piercing

Because your mouth is home to a lot of bacteria, aftercare is crucial. Improper healing can lead to infection, swelling, or other complications.

Aftercare tips:

• Rinse your mouth with a saline solution or alcohol-free mouthwash after eating or drinking anything besides water.
• Avoid playing with the jewelry, as this can delay healing and increase the risk of infection.
• Stick to soft foods for the first few days to reduce irritation.
• Keep up with regular oral hygiene, but be gentle around the piercing site.

Healing usually takes around 55 days, but it can vary depending on your health, diet, and how well you follow aftercare instructions.

Is a Snake Eyes Piercing Right for You?

A snake eyes piercing can be a striking, fashion-forward choice if you’re prepared for the commitment. However, the potential for dental damage and functional issues means it’s not for everyone.

If you decide to get one:

• Choose an experienced piercer with a strong portfolio of oral piercings.
• Follow aftercare instructions strictly.
• Invest in quality jewelry to reduce complications.

Done right, a snake eyes piercing can be both safe and stylish—but it’s a decision to make carefully.

Snake Eye Tongue Piercing

The snake eye tongue piercing requires that you pierce the tongue at its tip and insert a single barbell horizontally. A curved barbell is used in most cases, and it goes straight through the tip of your tongue.

Some people may expect this piercing to be painful. However, the snake eyes piercing is quite painless to have done.

It is important that you do not play around with your new piercing jewelry during the healing period, as it will delay the overall healing process of your piercing.

Piercing aftercare is one of the most important aspects that will play a big role in the outcome of your snake eyes piercing. If the piercing heals improperly, there are chances of an infection in the mouth. To avoid this you need to make sure you are adequately taking care of your piercing as it heals.

Since the mouth is host to a whole lot of bacteria, the chances of a tongue piercing becoming infected are quite high. Therefore, it is important that you take all the essential aftercare steps suggested by your piercer.

For achieving optimum results, you need to make sure you play with the piercing as little as possible. This will only elongate the healing period and increase the chances of infection. Washing your mouth out with a saline solution is a good way to reduce the chances of an infection.

Best Jewelry for a Snake Eyes Piercing

The most common choice is a curved barbell, which sits comfortably in the piercing and enhances the “snake eyes” look. Always choose high-quality materials such as implant-grade titanium or surgical stainless steel to minimize allergic reactions and irritation.

Talk to your piercer before switching jewelry to ensure it won’t disrupt the healing process.

Snake Eye Piercing Pros and Cons

Every piercing comes with its own pros and cons: snake eye piercings are no exception. We’ll talk about the good and bad aspects so you can get your facts straight before making a decision. 

Pros

• Lower pain level – Many people find the procedure less painful than expected.
• Quick healing – Usually heals in under two months with proper care.
• Less bleeding – Tongue piercings generally bleed less than other types.
• Discreet – Easily hidden unless you stick your tongue out.
• Stylish and unique – Offers a bold look that stands out from more common piercings.

Cons

• Tooth and gum damage – Jewelry can chip teeth or cause gum recession over time.
• Oral discomfort – May cause temporary soreness or swelling.
• Speech changes – Some people experience a lisp or changes in tongue movement.
• Chewing difficulty – Can make eating certain foods awkward during healing.
• Reduced tongue function – In rare cases, may limit movement or flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions About Snake Eyes Piercings