It’s not every day you see someone rock an inner lip tattoo. But here’s what you should know before joining the club.
Related: No Ragrets: 5 Things to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Tattoo
Pop quiz: if you were to get a tattoo, where would you get it? Most would probably say either on the arms or legs. But if you really want a tattoo that makes a statement, you might want to go unconventional. Why not consider a lip tattoo?
You’ve probably seen people with tattoos on the inside of their lips—like Kendall Jenner, Madison Beer, and Paris Jackson. These discreet tattoos stay hidden but make a statement when revealed. After all, not everyone can just casually see the inside of your lips. You can also customize them however you like, from words and symbols to cool designs. The possibilities are endless, just like those lipstick combos to match the lip tattoo.
These tats are usually done on the inner lip and can be any design, but simple and bold works best since the area’s small and sensitive. You can go for color or black ink, but be careful with red ink—it can come with some side effects.
While lip tattoos aren’t as permanent as those on other body parts, they’re still a popular choice. Due to the rapid cell turnover in this area, they usually last one to five years before fading. But, before you go get one, because lip tattoos, just like any tattoo, are big decisions and aren’t exactly something you do on the fly, we’ve rounded up a few things you need to know about lip tattoos before committing.
PAIN LEVEL CHECK
When choosing a lip tattoo, go for a word that fits the space—around six letters usually works best. Aftercare is key, so avoid using anything peroxide-based, including toothpaste! Heads up: your tattoo won’t ever look as crisp as it did on day one. If you’re a lip biter, it’s gonna look a little rough over time, but the ink will still be there.
Getting a lip tattoo can hurt a bit, especially for those who aren’t great with pain. The process uses a needle, but don’t worry—your artist will apply a numbing cream first to help. Just keep in mind that you might need to ask for a reapplication as they work.
The feeling is kind of like someone drawing on your lips with a pen, but it can get scratchy, similar to a paper cut. With good aftercare, it should heal up in about two weeks.
SIDE EFFECTS
Lip tattoos can come with a few side effects like swelling, infections, scarring, and allergic reactions. Swelling usually goes down after a few days, but infections are more common with inner-lip tats because of all the bacteria and moisture in your mouth.
If your tattoo doesn’t heal right, it could scar, and allergic reactions might show up as rashes or hives. In rare cases, you could experience anaphylaxis, which needs immediate medical attention. To avoid complications like hepatitis or HIV, make sure your artist uses sterilized tools and sticks to the aftercare routine. Since your lips are super sensitive, healing can easily get messed up, so side effects aren’t that rare.
AFTERCARE
To keep your lip tattoo fresh, use alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash twice a day and brush your teeth as usual. Avoid spicy, acidic foods, alcohol, smoking, and vaping while healing. Stay away from kissing, oral sex, and sharing food for the first two weeks to avoid bacteria. And also, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and don’t overdo touch-ups to prevent blurring.
WHAT’S IT GONNA COST?
Prices can vary depending on whether you’re in the province or Metro Manila, the artist, and how detailed the design is. But honestly, it isn’t just the price. It’s way more important to check if the tattoo artist has experience with lip tattoos for a smooth process and to peep their past work before worrying about their rate.
CAN YOU STILL WEAR LIPSTICK?
Of course, you can! You can totally wear lipstick with a lip tattoo, just be careful to avoid products with oils or acidic ingredients, as they can mess with the healing or fade the tattoo over time.
Continue Reading: 6 Beauty Queens That Prove Tattoos Are Not Unladylike
