Snake Eyes Piercing: Everything You Need to Know (+ Why We Do Them)
Share
The snake eyes piercing is one of the most striking and rare piercings available. Two balls at the tip of the tongue, placed like the eyes of a snake — hence the name. If you're looking for a studio in Rotterdam that does snake eyes piercings, you'll find that most piercers refuse them. At MIRRDO. we do offer them, but we're honest about it: they are not suitable for everyone. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know.
What exactly is a snake eyes piercing?
A snake eyes piercing, also known as a "horizontal tongue tip piercing," is a piercing that goes horizontally through the tip of the tongue. You'll see two balls at the front of your tongue — the eyes of the snake. The jewelry is a curved barbell that runs from one side of the tongue to the other.
Why do most piercers NOT do this?
This is the question we get most often. Most piercers refuse to do snake eyes because they are afraid of the risks. And those risks are real if done incorrectly. The tongue consists of two tongue muscles that work together. A horizontal piercing through the tip of the tongue can almost literally "attach" these muscles, which can theoretically cause restricted movement. Additionally, the risk of migration is higher than with many other piercings.
But here's the thing: this applies to poorly placed snake eyes. With the right anatomy, the right jewelry, the right placement technique, and good aftercare, snake eyes piercings can last a long time without problems. At MIRRDO., we always assess whether your tongue anatomy is suitable before deciding whether to perform the piercing.
Who are snake eyes suitable for?
Not everyone has the right anatomy for a snake eyes piercing. We look at:
- Tongue length and width — the tongue must be wide enough for sufficient jewelry space
- Position of the tongue tip — some people have a shorter or thicker tongue tip, making placement more difficult or impossible
- General oral health — healthy gums and no active oral problems are required
- Willingness to follow aftercare instructions — oral piercings require a lot of attention during the healing period
How is the piercing placed?
At MIRRDO., we always work with a needle, never with a gun. We only use implant-grade titanium jewelry — this is crucial for oral piercings, as cheap material can lead to tooth damage, allergic reactions, and infections. Placement only takes a few seconds. Your tongue will swell afterwards, which is why we start with a longer barbell that provides space.
Aftercare for snake eyes piercings
Oral piercings have specific aftercare instructions. Here's what you need to know:
- Rinse your mouth with saline solution or alcohol-free mouthwash after every meal
- Avoid oral contact, alcohol, smoking, and spicy foods for the first few weeks
- Eat soft foods for the first few days — smoothies, yogurt, soup
- Do not touch the piercing with dirty hands
- Come back for a "downsize" once the initial swelling has subsided (usually after 4-6 weeks) — this is crucial to prevent tooth damage
How long does healing take?
Snake eyes piercings typically heal completely within 6 to 12 months. The first few weeks are the most challenging due to swelling and getting used to the jewelry in your mouth. After 4-6 weeks, the first phase is over, and you'll receive smaller jewelry. Once fully healed, the piercing will feel like a part of your body after a few months.
Cost of a snake eyes piercing at MIRRDO.
The price for a snake eyes piercing at MIRRDO. in Rotterdam can be found on our price list. The price always includes the titanium starter jewelry, placement, and the first aftercare check-up. We also offer a downsize service so you can switch to shorter jewelry in a timely manner.
Ready for your snake eyes?
Want to know if snake eyes are suitable for you? Visit MIRRDO. at Nieuwe Binnenweg 321A in Rotterdam, or make an appointment directly via our website. We will first assess your anatomy and discuss everything honestly with you — no pressure, just honest advice.