Alright, let’s talk about one of the most debated piercings and its occasional pairing with tattoos: the snake eyes piercing. If you’re into bold body mods, you’ve probably seen this one—two tiny balls on either side of the tongue tip, giving the illusion of snake eyes staring back at you. Cool, right? Sure. Until you hear about the risks.
What Is a Snake Eyes Piercing?
This piercing isn’t your average tongue stud. Snake eyes are a horizontal barbell placed through the tip of the tongue, creating the look of—you guessed it—snake eyes.
At first glance, it’s edgy, sleek, and kind of badass. Pair it with a snake-themed tattoo, and you’ve got a whole vibe going. But here’s the thing: while it looks cool, it’s not without controversy.
The Risks (and There Are Plenty)
If you’re thinking about getting a snake eyes piercing, you need to know the risks. This isn’t like a standard tongue piercing—it’s way trickier and comes with some serious potential issues:
- Dental Damage: Those metal balls are constantly hitting your teeth, which can lead to cracks, chips, or erosion over time.
- Speech Issues: Some people find their speech changes permanently. That lisp might sound cute—for about five minutes.
- Migration and Rejection: The tongue doesn’t like being pierced this way. It’s common for the body to push the jewelry out over time, which can leave scars.
- Infections: Let’s not sugarcoat it—your mouth is full of bacteria. Without meticulous care, you’re opening the door to a nasty infection.
Snake Tattoos: The Perfect Pairing?
Now, let’s talk tattoos. If you’re going all-in on the snake theme, a snake tattoo is the ultimate companion to your piercing. Some popular ideas:
- Coiled Snake on the Arm: Classic, timeless, and versatile.
- Snake Wrapped Around the Tongue: A bold design that matches the piercing perfectly.
- Snake Eyes Tattooed on the Wrist: Subtle and stylish, with a nod to the piercing.
But remember, tattoos—unlike piercings—are forever. Don’t pair a permanent tattoo with a piercing that might not stick around.
A Story from the Chair
This one time, a client came in with fresh snake eyes and asked for a matching tattoo. They wanted a serpent wrapped around their forearm, ending with fangs biting into their wrist. Cool concept, right?
Midway through the tattoo session, they started complaining about their tongue swelling up like a balloon. Turns out, they hadn’t followed aftercare instructions, and their piercing was infected. We paused the session so they could deal with the mess, and it was a reminder: if you’re going for snake eyes, you’d better know how to take care of them.
FAQ: Snake Eyes Piercing and Tattoos
Q: Are snake eyes piercings safe?
A: They’re not recommended by most professional piercers due to the high risk of dental damage, rejection, and infection.
Q: How long do snake eyes piercings last?
A: They can last years with proper care, but many people experience migration or rejection after a few months.
Q: How much does a snake eyes piercing cost?
A: Typically $40–$100, depending on the studio. But remember, cheap isn’t always safe.
Q: Can I get a snake tattoo to match?
A: Absolutely. But make sure it’s something you’d love even without the piercing.
Q: What’s the healing time for snake eyes piercings?
A: About 4–8 weeks with proper care.
Resources for Snake Eyes and Snake Tattoos
- Snake Eyes Piercing Guide: Healthline
- Snake Tattoo Inspiration: Tattoo Journal
- Piercing Aftercare Tips: Body Art Guru
Final Thoughts
Snake eyes piercings are a bold statement, no doubt about it. But with high risks and potential complications, they’re not for everyone. If you’re committed to the snake vibe, consider pairing a safer piercing with a killer tattoo instead.