Snake Eyes Piercing: The Bold and Edgy Trend Taking Over Body Art
Body piercings have long been a way for individuals to express their personal style, and over the years, we’ve seen a surge in unique and daring designs. One such piercing that has been gaining popularity among body modification enthusiasts is the snake eyes piercing. Known for its bold and edgy look, the snake eyes piercing has become a statement piece in the world of piercing and body art.
In this article, we’ll dive into the details of the snake eyes piercing, how it’s done, the risks and aftercare involved, and why it has become such a popular choice for those looking to add a little extra edge to their appearance.
What is a Snake Eyes Piercing?
The snake eyes piercing is a type of tongue piercing that involves placing two piercings on the underside of the tongue, right in the center, to create the illusion of a “snake eyes” look. These piercings are typically placed close together, making them appear as if they are one continuous piercing, giving the effect of a snake’s eyes.
This piercing is usually done with straight barbells or micro-barbells, which are small enough to sit comfortably within the tongue and create the desired look without being too bulky. The placement of the piercings and the jewelry used is what distinguishes this piercing from other types of tongue piercings.
Key Features of Snake Eyes Piercing:
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Location: The piercings are placed on the underside of the tongue, very close to the tip.
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Appearance: The placement and design give the impression of a pair of snake-like eyes.
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Jewelry: Typically uses straight or micro-barbells to sit flush against the tongue.
The Origins and Popularity of Snake Eyes Piercing
The snake eyes piercing, while relatively new compared to other traditional body piercings, has quickly gained a cult following. Its rise in popularity can be attributed to several factors, including its association with edgy, rebellious fashion and its appearance in popular culture. Body modification enthusiasts, including those in the punk, goth, and alternative scenes, have embraced the piercing as a symbol of individuality and boldness.
Social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, have also contributed to the increasing visibility of this piercing. As influencers and body modification enthusiasts share their snake eyes piercings, more people have become interested in trying this daring look for themselves. The rise of “extreme” piercings and modifications has made the snake eyes piercing an appealing choice for those looking to push boundaries.
How is a Snake Eyes Piercing Done?
Getting a snake eyes piercing is a relatively straightforward procedure, but it requires a skilled and experienced piercer to ensure proper placement and safety. Here’s what you can expect during the piercing process:
1. Consultation with the Piercer
Before getting the piercing, you’ll have a consultation with a professional piercer. During this session, the piercer will assess the anatomy of your tongue to ensure that it’s suitable for the snake eyes piercing. Not everyone’s tongue is anatomically suited for this piercing, as the piercings need to be placed in a very specific location to avoid damage to the tongue’s muscles or nerves.
2. Marking the Piercing Locations
Once your tongue is deemed suitable for the piercing, the piercer will mark the spots on the underside of your tongue where the two piercings will be placed. It’s important that the piercer ensures the piercings are aligned symmetrically, as uneven placement can lead to discomfort or complications.
3. Sterilization and Numbing
The piercing area will be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized to reduce the risk of infection. While most people find the snake eyes piercing relatively painless, the piercer may apply a local numbing agent to the area to ensure that the procedure is as comfortable as possible.
4. Piercing the Tongue
Using a sterilized needle, the piercer will make two small holes in the underside of your tongue, carefully placing the piercings close together. Straight or micro-barbells are then inserted into the piercings. The piercer will check the placement and adjust the jewelry to ensure it sits correctly.
5. Aftercare Instructions
After the procedure, the piercer will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions. This is a crucial part of the healing process to prevent infection or complications.
Risks and Considerations of Snake Eyes Piercing
Like any body piercing, the snake eyes piercing comes with some risks. It’s important to understand these risks before proceeding with the procedure. Here are some things to consider:
1. Infection
Infections are always a concern with any body piercing, and the snake eyes piercing is no exception. The mouth contains a lot of bacteria, which can easily transfer to the piercing site if proper aftercare isn’t followed. Ensuring that you clean your piercing regularly and following your piercer’s instructions is essential to minimize the risk of infection.
2. Damage to the Tongue
The snake eyes piercing is placed very close to the tip of the tongue, which means there’s a risk of damaging the tongue’s muscles or nerves. If the piercings aren’t placed correctly, they can interfere with your ability to speak, eat, or move your tongue freely. Additionally, the placement could potentially cause nerve damage, which might result in a loss of taste or tongue sensitivity.
3. Swelling and Discomfort
After the piercing, swelling is common and may cause temporary discomfort or difficulty speaking or eating. It’s important to avoid touching the piercing or using harsh mouthwash during the healing process, as these can cause irritation and slow down healing.
4. Jewelry Issues
Since snake eyes piercings are placed so close together, there’s a risk of the jewelry rubbing against each other, which can cause irritation. Additionally, the jewelry may become loose over time and need to be adjusted or replaced. It’s important to choose high-quality jewelry to avoid these issues.
5. Healing Time
The healing process for snake eyes piercings can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on how well you follow aftercare instructions and how your body heals. During this time, it’s crucial to avoid eating hard, spicy, or acidic foods that could irritate the piercing. Rinsing your mouth with saline solution or antiseptic mouthwash is often recommended to keep the piercing clean.
Aftercare for Snake Eyes Piercing
Proper aftercare is crucial for ensuring your snake eyes piercing heals correctly and without complications. Here are some tips for caring for your new piercing:
1. Keep the Piercing Clean
Regular cleaning is essential to prevent infection. Use saline solution or an antiseptic mouthwash to rinse your mouth after eating and drinking. This will help remove any food particles that may have gotten stuck in the jewelry.
2. Avoid Touching the Piercing
It’s important to avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands. Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing, and try to avoid playing with the jewelry to minimize irritation.
3. Watch What You Eat
During the initial healing period, avoid consuming hard, spicy, or acidic foods that could irritate the piercing. Stick to soft, bland foods and be gentle when chewing to avoid putting pressure on the piercing.
4. Be Patient
Healing can take time, so be patient with the process. Avoid changing the jewelry too soon and give your piercing time to fully heal before making any adjustments.
5. Monitor for Signs of Infection
If you notice any signs of infection, such as excessive swelling, redness, pus, or a foul smell, it’s important to contact your piercer or a healthcare professional for advice. Early intervention can help prevent complications.
Is Snake Eyes Piercing Right for You?
The snake eyes piercing is not for everyone, as it requires careful consideration of your tongue anatomy and a willingness to go through the healing process. However, for those who are looking for a bold and unique body modification, the snake eyes piercing offers a distinctive look that’s both eye-catching and edgy.
If you’re considering a snake eyes piercing, make sure to visit a reputable piercer with experience in this type of piercing. Discuss your concerns, and ensure that you follow all aftercare instructions to promote proper healing and minimize risks.
Conclusion
The snake eyes piercing is a bold and striking way to express individuality and creativity. Whether you’re drawn to its unique look, its association with body modification culture, or simply its cool factor, this piercing is sure to make a statement. By understanding the procedure, risks, and aftercare requirements, you can make an informed decision about whether the snake eyes piercing is right for you. If done correctly, this piercing can be a long-lasting and eye-catching addition to your body art collection.
