Ashley Piercing Jewelry: A Beginner Guide to Procedure, Care, and Styling

Ashley piercing is a type of lip piercing that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It’s a unique and edgy piercing that goes through the center of the lower lip and out through the back of the lip. This piercing is also known as an “inverse vertical labret piercing,” and it’s similar to a vertical labret piercing, but with the jewelry sitting inside the mouth instead of on the outside.

The popularity of the Ashley piercing can be attributed to its uniqueness and versatility. It’s a piercing that can enhance facial features and provide a new way to express oneself. Additionally, the variety of jewelry options available for this piercing has made it even more appealing to those looking for a unique and personalized look. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the Ashley piercing process, aftercare tips, and more.

Ashley Piercing Procedure

If you’re considering getting an Ashley piercing, it’s important to know what to expect during the piercing process. Here is a detailed description of the Ashley piercing procedure:

1. Research and choose a reputable piercer: Before getting an Ashley piercing, it’s essential to choose a reputable and experienced piercer. Look for piercers who have positive reviews, use high-quality jewelry, and follow proper hygiene and safety practices.
2. Prepare for the piercing: Before the piercing, your piercer will give you instructions on how to prepare. This may include cleaning the area around your lower lip and avoiding alcohol, drugs, and caffeine for a few hours before the piercing.
3. Choose your jewelry: The type of jewelry used for an Ashley piercing varies based on personal preference, but a curved barbell or a small captive bead ring are common options. Your piercer will help you choose the right jewelry for your anatomy and desired look.
4. Mark the piercing location: Once you’ve chosen your jewelry, your piercer will use a pen or marker to mark the center of your lower lip. This ensures that the piercing is symmetrical and in the desired location.
5. Numbing the area (optional): If you’re concerned about the pain, your piercer may apply numbing cream or ice to the area to reduce discomfort.
6. Pierce the lip: Using a sterilized needle, your piercer will insert the needle through the marked location and out through the back of the lip. This creates a hole that the jewelry that can be inserted.
7. Insert the jewelry: After the piercing, your piercer will insert the jewelry through the newly created hole. This is typically a curved barbell or a small captive bead ring.
8. Aftercare instructions: After the piercing, your piercer will provide you with aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing. This may include cleaning the piercing with a saline solution, avoiding certain foods and drinks, and avoiding smoking.

The Ashley piercing procedure typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the individual’s anatomy and the piercer’s experience. While the piercing can be painful, the level of pain varies from person to person. By choosing a reputable piercer and following proper aftercare instructions, you can minimize the risk of complications and ensure that your Ashley piercing heals properly.

How painful is an Ashley piercing?

The level of pain experienced during an Ashley piercing varies from person to person. Some people find the piercing to be relatively painless, while others may experience more discomfort.

To manage the pain during the piercing, your piercer may apply a numbing cream or ice to the area to reduce discomfort. It’s important to communicate with your piercer about your pain level during the piercing so they can adjust their technique accordingly.

After the piercing, it’s normal to experience some pain, swelling, and soreness. To manage the pain, you can take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed by your piercer or healthcare provider. Applying a cold compress to the area can also help reduce swelling and discomfort.

It’s important to avoid touching or playing with the piercing during the healing process, as this can cause irritation and prolong the healing time. Following proper aftercare instructions provided by your piercer can help reduce the risk of complications and ensure proper healing of the piercing. If you experience severe or prolonged pain, swelling, or redness, it’s important to contact your piercer or healthcare provider for advice.

How long does Ashley piercing take to heal?

The healing time for an Ashley piercing can vary from person to person, but it typically takes between 6 and 12 weeks for the piercing to fully heal. During this time, it’s important to follow proper aftercare instructions to minimize the risk of complications and ensure proper healing.

After the piercing, it’s normal to experience some swelling, redness, and soreness. You may also notice some discharge or crust around the piercing, which is a normal part of the healing process. To promote healing, it’s important to clean the piercing regularly with a saline solution and avoid touching or playing with the piercing.

It’s also important to avoid certain activities during the healing process, such as kissing, smoking, or using oral products like mouthwash or lipstick. These activities can irritate the piercing and prolong the healing time.

If you experience any signs of infection or complications during the healing process, such as severe pain, excessive swelling, or discharge with an unusual odor, it’s important to contact your piercer or healthcare provider for advice.

Ashley Piercing Aftercare

Proper aftercare is crucial for the healing and maintenance of an Ashley piercing. Here are some tips for aftercare:

1. Use a saline solution or a mild, fragrance-free soap to clean the piercing at least twice a day. Gently clean around the piercing with a cotton swab or clean fingers, being careful not to rotate the jewelry. Avoid using harsh chemicals or alcohol-based products, as these can cause irritation and delay the healing process.
2. Avoid touching or playing with the piercing, as this can cause irritation and delay the healing process. Don’t go swimming or soaking in hot tubs, pools, or natural bodies of water during the healing process, as these environments can harbor bacteria that can lead to infection.
3. Watch for signs of infection, such as excessive swelling, redness, discharge with an unusual odor, or fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your piercer or healthcare provider for advice. Maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day and using a non-alcoholic mouthwash. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as these can delay the healing process and increase the risk of infection.
4. Once the piercing is fully healed, you can change the jewelry yourself or have it changed by a professional piercer. When changing the jewelry, be sure to use sterile tools and handle the jewelry with clean hands. Avoid twisting or forcing the jewelry, as this can cause damage to the piercing.

Ashley Piercing Jewelry Styles

There are several types of jewelry that are suitable for Ashley Piercing, such as labrets, curved barbells, and circular barbells. If you want to use diamonds, then salt and pepper diamonds are the best. It’s crucial to select jewelry that’s specifically designed for lip piercings to ensure it fits correctly and minimizes the risk of infection.

To avoid irritation, allergic reactions, or infections, it’s vital to choose high-quality materials for Ashley Piercing jewelry. Surgical steel, titanium, gold, and bioplast are appropriate materials. On the other hand, avoid using materials such as nickel or brass, as they can cause allergic reactions or tarnish rapidly.

When selecting the appropriate size and length of Ashley Piercing jewelry, it’s crucial to take into account the size of your lip and tissue thickness. Opt for a comfortable length that won’t rub against your gums or teeth. The jewelry’s gauge should also be appropriate for the piercing, ranging typically from 16 to 14 gauge.

Labret Bars Crystal Style Ball

• Durable
• Made of stainless steel
• 20 different designs
• Will not cause allergies 

Buy Now

How much does an Ashley piercing cost?

The cost of an Ashley piercing can vary depending on several factors, including the location of the piercing studio, the experience level of the piercer, and the quality of jewelry used. On average, the cost of an Ashley piercing can range from $50 to $100 or more. It’s always best to research reputable piercing studios in your area and inquire about their pricing and services.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Ashley piercing is a unique and edgy piercing that has become increasingly popular in recent years. This type of lip piercing offers versatility and can enhance facial features, making it a popular choice for those looking for a unique and personalized look. When considering getting an Ashley piercing, it’s important to research and choose a reputable piercer, prepare for the piercing, and follow proper aftercare instructions to minimize the risk of complications and ensure proper healing.

Overall, an Ashley piercing can be a great way to express oneself and add a unique touch to one’s appearance, but it’s essential to make an informed decision and follow proper aftercare instructions to ensure a successful piercing experience.