Let’s talk about “Snake Eye” tongue piercings

We get asked about snake eye piercings from time to time, and we want to be very clear and transparent with our community:

Snake eye tongue piercings are NOT a safe or recommended piercing.

Here’s why ⬇️

They interfere with how your tongue actually works

Your tongue is made of two muscle groups that move independently. A horizontal (snake eye) piercing forces those muscles to work against each other. Over time, your body often tries to push the jewelry out, leading to rejection, scarring, reduced mobility, or chronic discomfort.

🦷 High risk of permanent dental damage

Because of the placement, the jewelry repeatedly contacts your teeth and gums when you talk, eat, or swallow. This can cause:

Cracked or chipped teeth

Gum recession

Long-term dental erosion

These issues are often permanent and costly to correct.

🦠 Increased risk of infection & complications

The mouth already contains a high level of bacteria. When a piercing is placed in a way that stresses muscle tissue and constantly rubs against teeth and gums, the risk of infection, swelling, and delayed healing increases significantly.

⚠️ Extremely high rejection & migration rate

Snake eye piercings are notorious for rejection. Even when initially successful, the tongue’s natural movement often forces the jewelry out over time, leading to pain, swelling, scarring, and wasted money.

🚩 Why most professional piercers will NOT perform this piercing

Reputable, educated piercers do not offer snake eye tongue piercings — not because they “can’t,” but because they won’t.

This piercing goes against accepted anatomy, safety standards, and long-term client wellbeing. Ethical piercers follow industry best practices and refuse procedures that are known to cause harm.

If a piercer does offer snake eye piercings, one of two things is likely true:

They are unaware of the long-term risks and anatomy involved, or

They are aware of the risks and choose to ignore them

Both should be major red flags. Your piercer should prioritize your health — not just making a sale. A professional piercer will always be willing to say no when a piercing isn’t in your best interest.

📜 Industry standards matter

Many professional organizations and regions actively advise against horizontal tongue piercings, and in some areas they are banned altogether. These guidelines exist to protect clients, not limit self-expression.

✅ Safer alternatives exist

If you like the aesthetic of tongue piercings, traditional vertical tongue piercings are placed to:

Respect natural tongue anatomy

Minimize damage to teeth and gums

Heal more reliably with fewer long-term complications

🖤 Our stance

We fully support body modification — but never at the expense of your long-term health. Some piercings simply aren’t worth the risk, and snake eye tongue piercings fall firmly into that category.

We believe education, honesty, and safety come first — always.

If you have questions about piercings, anatomy, or safer alternatives, we’re happy to talk and educate. No judgment — just facts.

Stay informed. Stay safe. 🖤