Ashley Piercing FAQ

Professionally refered to as an "Inverse Vertical Labret Piercing," an Ashley piercing is a style of lower lip piercing typically performed in a vertical orientation along the midline or slightly off-center of the lower lip. This variant emphasizes a vertical placement that creates a unique, edgy look compared to the traditional horizontal labret.

For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

It’s another way of referring to the same inverse vertical labret piercing on the lower-lip described above—one that is designed to accentuate the natural contour of the lip with a stylish, modern twist.

For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

Initial healing usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks; however, complete healing may require 3 to 6 months, depending on individual factors and aftercare consistency.

For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

The cost of an Ashley piercing ranges from $40-$100 for the piercing service fees before adding on the cost of your jewelry. All of which will vary, depending on the studio, jewelry material (e.g., implant-grade titanium), and piercer expertise.

For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

The cost of an Ashley piercing ranges from $40-$100 for the piercing service fees before adding on the cost of your jewelry. All of which will vary, depending on the studio, jewelry material (e.g., implant-grade titanium), and piercer expertise.

For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

Clean the area twice daily using a sterile saline solution or a piercing aftercare spray. Gently rinse the jewelry and surrounding skin with clean hands or a cotton swab, avoiding harsh chemicals or alcohol that might irritate the tissue.

For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

Most Ashley piercings are performed using a 16- or 18-gauge needle. The jewelry selected (often a small stud or vertical labret) is sized accordingly to fit comfortably and minimize irritation.

For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

When properly placed with low-profile jewelry, an Ashley piercing should not damage your teeth. If the piece is too bulky or misaligned, however, it might come into contact with your teeth, potentially causing wear over time.

For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

Like most lip piercings, you’ll feel a sharp pinch at the moment of insertion followed by moderate soreness during the initial healing phase.

For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

If the jewelry is removed before the piercing is fully healed, the hole can start to close within hours to days. Even fully healed piercings may close quickly without jewelry, so continuous wear is important if you wish to keep it open.

For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

The pain is generally moderate—a brief, sharp pinch during the procedure followed by a few days of soreness. Most people find it tolerable with proper aftercare.

For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

Lip piercings typically have an initial healing phase of 6 to 8 weeks, with full healing potentially taking 3 to 6 months.

For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

Lip piercings usually cause a quick, intense pinch upon insertion with moderate soreness afterward; the discomfort is generally short-lived.

For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

Pain levels vary by individual, but most people report that the pain is manageable—a brief sharp sensation followed by mild tenderness.

For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

Visually, an Ashley piercing appears as a small vertical stud or labret placed along the lower lip. Its vertical orientation sets it apart from the traditional horizontal labret, giving the lip a more defined, modern look.

For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

(See question "What is an Ashley piercing?") It is the vertical style of lower lip piercing known for its distinctive placement and aesthetic appeal.

For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

(See previous cleaning instructions.) Use a sterile saline solution twice daily to gently rinse the piercing area; avoid using harsh cleansers that could irritate the sensitive tissue.

For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

(See question "How long does an Ashley piercing take to heal?") Approximately 6 to 8 weeks for initial healing, with full healing possibly taking up to 6 months.

For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

Healing times are similar to other lip piercings—initial healing in 6 to 8 weeks and complete healing over several months.

For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

The cost of an Ashley piercing ranges from $40-$100 for the piercing service fees before adding on the cost of your jewelry. All of which will vary, depending on the studio, jewelry material (e.g., implant-grade titanium), and piercer expertise.

For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

  • Avoid any touching, twisting, or playing with the piercing site or jewelry.
  • Gently rinse with water while you shower. Use sterile saline solution/wound wash spray as needed.
  • Avoid harsh soaps, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antiseptics.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

    • For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    Typically, small, low-profile pieces designed for the lower lip—usually in the 16- to 18-gauge range. Your piercer will choose a size that fits your anatomy comfortably.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    The name “Ashley piercing” is believed to have been coined in homage to an early wearer or influencer in the body modification community who popularized this vertical lip piercing style. The name now distinguishes this specific orientation from other types of labret piercings.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    When performed with properly fitted, low-profile jewelry and maintained with good hygiene, an Ashley piercing should not cause damage to your teeth. Problems typically arise only if the jewelry repeatedly contacts the teeth due to improper sizing or placement.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    Clementine Piercing offers Ashley Piercings in NYC. Johnny Pearce, one of the worlds top rated and most trusted piercing professionals, holds tenure at Clementine Piercing in NYC—making it an excellent option for trusted piercing services.

  • Look for professional, APP-certified piercing studios with:
    • Experienced piercers familiar with genital piercings
    • Strict hygiene and sterilization protocols
    • Positive client reviews and portfolio examples
  • Please feel free to use trusted resources like the “Find a Professional Piercer” search function on the Association of Professional Piercers website.

    • For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare