The Ashley piercing, also known as the vertical labret piercing, is a type of lip piercing located on the bottom lip, under the lip itself. It is a vertical piercing that goes through the bottom lip from top to bottom, exiting on the inside of the mouth. Here’s a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about Ashley piercings.
What is an Ashley piercing?
An Ashley piercing is a type of lip piercing where a needle punctures through the bottom lip, entering from outside the mouth and exiting on the inside of the lower lip. The name Ashley comes from celebrity Ashley Osborn who helped popularize this piercing in the 1990s.
This piercing is also sometimes called a vertical labret piercing. The word “labret” comes from the Latin word for “lip” – labrum. Since the piercing goes vertically through the bottom lip, it is referred to as a vertical labret piercing.
Where exactly is the Ashley piercing done?
The Ashley piercing hole goes through the center of the bottom lip, puncturing the lip tissue from top to bottom.
The entrance hole is placed directly under the lip line, on the outer surface of the bottom lip. This external hole is usually fitted with a flat back labret stud on the outside.
The exit hole is on the inside of the lower lip, where the post comes through. This inside hole may have a ball or gem attached for decoration. So you have adornment on both sides of the lip – outside and inside.
What jewelry is used for an Ashley piercing?
The initial Ashley piercing jewelry consists of a labret stud with a flat back disk on the outer lip surface. This flat back rests flush against the lip, allowing the new piercing hole to heal.
After it has healed, the Ashley piercing can be fitted with various kinds of jewelry including:
- Labret studs with decorative ends like gems, crystals or designs
- Circular barbells
- Curved barbells
- Vertical labret spikes
The most common and safest initial jewelry is a simple labret stud made of surgical steel or titanium. once healed, you can wear jewelry made of gold, platinum or other materials.
What gauge or thickness options are there?
Ashley piercings are usually done at 14g or 16g gauge.
- 14g – This is 1.6mm thickness and is the most common gauge for an Ashley piercing.
- 16g – This is 1.2mm thickness and is a thinner, more delicate option.
16g may be preferred by people who want a daintier look. 14g will allow for a greater variety of jewelry options in the long run.
What is the procedure of getting an Ashley piercing?
Here are the steps a professional piercer will take to perform your Ashley piercing:
- The area will be cleaned and disinfected. The lip may be marked on the outside to denote where the needle will go through.
- A receiving tube is placed on the inside of the lip to support the tissue.
- A sterilized hollow piercing needle is inserted through the marked spot, penetrating from the outer lip surface to the inner lip.
- The initial jewelry – the labret stud – is quickly inserted into the fresh piercing.
- The jewelry ends are fixed into place with balls screwed on securely.
- The outside and inside of the lip is cleaned again.
The actual piercing process takes only a few seconds. Piercers often advise you to exhale as the needle goes through, to help you stay relaxed. Getting an Ashley piercing should not be overly painful with an experienced professional.
How is the healing and aftercare done?
Ashley piercings can take around 6-10 weeks to fully heal. Proper aftercare is crucial during the healing period. Here are some Ashley piercing aftercare tips:
- Wash your hands before touching the piercing.
- Use a saline solution or sea salt water to clean the piercing 2-3 times daily. This helps remove crusties and freshens the site.
- Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash after meals.
- Avoid touching or playing with the jewelry as this can introduce bacteria.
- Don’t try to change the jewelry during initial healing phase.
Eating soft foods, staying hydrated and maintaining good oral hygiene will also help the Ashley piercing heal well. Avoid spicy foods that can irritate it. Take ibuprofen if there is significant swelling.
See your piercer if the site develops signs of infection like persistent redness, severe swelling or pus-like discharge.
Are there any risks or complications?
When properly done by a trained professional, Ashley piercings are relatively low risk. However, as with any piercing, there are some possible complications to be aware of:
- Swelling – Some swelling and soreness is normal during the healing period. Excessive swelling can potentially be a sign of infection.
- Scarring – Scarring is possible if the piercing gets infected or the jewelry gets pulled on excessively.
- Damage to teeth and gums – The Ashley piercing may rub against and gradually damage the gums or teeth. Proper jewelry fitting minimizes this risk.
- Nerve damage – There are risks associated with puncturing the lip tissue since there are lots of nerve endings there. This can potentially lead to numbness or loss of sensation if nerves are damaged.
Following your piercer’s aftercare instructions closely reduces the risks. Also avoid playing with the jewelry, changing it too early, or exposing the piercing to bodily fluids through contact sports or intimate lip contact during healing. See a doctor immediately at any sign of infection.
Is there a lot of pain with an Ashley piercing?
There is a moderately high level of pain associated with Ashley piercings since the lip area is very sensitive. However, the actual piercing process only takes a few seconds.
The lip will likely be sore for a few days after the piercing. Swelling can add to the discomfort. Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed during the healing period. The pain and swelling should gradually subside over 2-4 weeks.
Many people report that the Ashley piercing hurts less than expected. The anticipation tends to be worse than the actual piercing. Just be sure to go to an extremely experienced piercer to minimize pain and complications.
How much does it cost to get an Ashley piercing?
The average cost for an Ashley piercing ranges from $40 to $80. However, prices ultimately depend on factors like:
- The shop’s location – A studio in a major city will likely charge more than one in a small town.
- The piercer’s skill and experience level – Reputed piercers often cost more.
- The jewelry you select – High-end metals, gems or custom designs cost more.
- Additional aftercare products purchased – This adds to the total bill.
Reputable studios with highly skilled, experienced piercers tend to charge towards the higher end. This investment is worthwhile to minimize risks and have the best chance of proper healing.
Here is a table summarizing the average cost range:
| Cost factors | Price range |
|---|---|
| Piercing fee | $20 – $60 |
| Jewelry | $20 – $40 |
| Aftercare products | $5 – $15 |
| Total cost range | $40 – $80 |
Do Ashley piercings close up fast if you remove the jewelry?
The Ashley piercing may start closing quickly once the jewelry is removed because the puncture goes through a high blood flow area – the lips. But the exact timeline varies among individuals.
In some cases, the piercing holes can begin to contract within an hour after jewelry removal. Other times, it may start closing in a few days to weeks. If the piercing is more than a year old, it may not shrink up as fast.
To keep the holes open longer after removing jewelry, you can insert a plastic mouth retainer. But the Ashley piercing will likely seal up faster than oral piercings through the tongue or cheeks. If you want to be able to leave the jewelry out for longer periods, consider getting the Ashley piercing at a larger 14g gauge.
How long does it take for an Ashley piercing to heal?
An Ashley piercing takes around 6-12 weeks to fully heal. The healing timeframe depends on factors like:
- Your natural healing rate – Some people’s bodies heal faster than others.
- How well you care for the piercing – Proper aftercare speeds up healing.
- Complications – Infections or trauma can delay the healing process.
You can consider the Ashley piercing mostly healed when:
- There is no more pain, swelling or discomfort.
- Crusties and discharge have stopped forming.
- You can gently change the jewelry without irritation.
Even after it is considered healed, be gentle with your Ashley piercing for the first year. Avoid removing the jewelry frequently or letting strangers touch it.
What’s the best way to clean an Ashley piercing?
Here are some tips for safely cleaning your new Ashley piercing:
- Use a sterile saline solution – This is the best way to clean a new piercing. Saline is gentle and removes debris.
- Diluted tea tree oil also has antimicrobial properties to ward off infection.
- Gently wipe away crusties using cotton swabs soaked in saline solution.
- Rinse your mouth after eating to prevent food particles entering the wound.
- Avoid rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, ointments or harsh soaps.
Improper cleaning can irritate the sensitive new piercing. Over-cleaning it can also impede the natural healing process. Always make sure your hands are washed before touching the Ashley piercing.
What are the pros and cons of an Ashley piercing?
Pros:
- Unique and edgy piercing option for the lips
- Less risky than a lip ring through the actual lip tissue
- Once healed, very low maintenance piercing
- Allows for personalized decoration with a variety of jewelry
- Does not touch the teeth or gums like some other lip piercings
- Easier to hide than some lip piercings
Cons:
- Potential damage to gums and teeth
- Risk of infection and scarring
- May be uncomfortable initially until the piercing heals
- Eating and drinking can be difficult at first
- Not suitable for people prone to cold sores or with active acne around lips
Should I get an Ashley piercing?
If you are considering an Ashley piercing, assess the pros and cons carefully. Think about whether you will be comfortable with pain, swelling, potential complications, and the aftercare process.
An Ashley piercing can be an edgy, cute addition to your look if you are willing to adjust to the initial healing phase. But consider whether it will really complement your personal style in the long run. Since the puncture goes through a decent amount of tissue, this is not a piercing that can just be taken out on a whim if you change your mind.
Discuss your concerns openly with your piercer. Follow their instructions diligently through the healing process. With the right piercing technique and proper aftercare, you can safely enjoy a stylish Ashley piercing for years to come!
Conclusion
The Ashley or vertical labret piercing is an under lip piercing that goes through the bottom lip tissue from top to bottom. It is a delicate process that requires an experienced professional piercer. Proper healing can take 2-3 months involving sea salt soaks and oral hygiene. When done correctly, the Ashley piercing provides a subtle but striking edgy look. Although manageable, you need to be prepared for some initial discomfort, swelling and effects on eating until the piercing fully heals. With a unique and stylish final result, the Ashley piercing offers a bolder lip piercing option for the right individual.