Horizontal Lip Piercing in Nairobi, Kenya
A horizontal lip piercing is a surface or semi-surface style lip piercing where the jewellery (often a barbell) goes horizontally through the lower or upper lip (rather than vertically through the lip or the standard labret style). It tends to require more care because lip movement and contact (with teeth, food, utensils) increase complication risk. It’s less common than standard labret/lip piercings, so placement, quality jewelry and aftercare matter a lot.
Horizontal Lip Piercing
Key Features of a Horizontal Lip Piercing
- Unique Placement: The piercing runs horizontally across the surface of the lower (or sometimes upper) lip, with both entry and exit points on the same lip — unlike standard lip piercings that go through the lip into the mouth.
- Surface Piercing Type: It’s considered a surface piercing, meaning it sits just beneath the skin layer instead of penetrating through tissue. This makes it more aesthetic-focused but also more delicate.
- Customizable Position: Can be placed centrally for a balanced look or off-center for a more asymmetrical and edgy appearance, depending on facial symmetry and personal style.
- Jewelry Style: Uses surface barbells, curved barbells, or PTFE flexible bars designed to reduce pressure and migration risk. Jewelry choice plays a huge role in healing success.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Offers a distinct and artistic appearance, making it a favorite among those seeking a piercing that stands out from traditional styles like labret or snake bites.
- Moderate Pain Level: Generally rated around 4–6/10 in pain, as lips are sensitive and richly supplied with nerves.
Healing Duration: Takes approximately 8–12 weeks to heal, depending on aftercare and body response. - Higher Migration Risk: Because it’s a surface piercing, it has a higher chance of rejection or migration if not placed properly or if incorrect jewelry is used.
- Best Done by Professionals: Requires experienced piercers familiar with surface techniques to ensure correct depth, angle, and jewelry fitting.
- Expression of Individuality: Perfect for clients who want a bold, fashion-forward lip piercing that isn’t commonly seen, enhancing their unique aesthetic.
Horizontal Lip Piercing Procedure
Getting a Horizontal Lip Piercing requires precision, hygiene, and expertise, as it’s a surface piercing that demands accurate placement to minimize migration and ensure proper healing. Here’s how the process is typically done by a professional piercer:
- Consultation & Assessment
– Before the procedure, your piercer will:
– Examine your lip anatomy to confirm suitability (not everyone’s lip structure allows for this piercing).
– Discuss placement preference (central or off to one side).
– Go over risks, aftercare, and jewelry options.
– Ensure you’ve completed any necessary consent forms and are in good health for the piercing. - Cleaning & Preparation
– Our piercer thoroughly disinfects the area around your mouth to prevent infection.
– You’ll be asked to rinse your mouth with an antiseptic or saline mouthwash.
– Both entry and exit points are marked precisely on the lip for correct alignment and symmetry. - Piercing Process
– A sterile hollow needle is inserted horizontally through the outer layer of the lip (not into the mouth).
– Our piercer ensures the needle passes smoothly between the two marked points, staying within the correct depth under the skin.
– Once the channel is created, the jewelry (usually a surface or curved barbell) is carefully inserted through the opening.
→ Duration: Around 10–15 minutes from start to finish.
→ Pain Level: Moderate — typically rated 4–6/10 due to lip sensitivity. - Final Inspection & Cleaning
– Our piercer checks alignment and jewelry tension to ensure it sits comfortably and evenly.
– The area is cleaned again using saline or antiseptic solution.
– You’ll receive aftercare instructions and guidance on how to manage swelling, cleaning, and healing. - Post-Piercing Care Guidance
– Expect mild swelling or redness for a few days.
– Avoid touching or moving the jewelry.
– Follow our piercer’s recommended cleaning routine twice daily.
Considerations Before Getting a Horizontal Lip Piercing
Before committing to a Horizontal Lip Piercing, it’s important to understand the unique challenges, anatomy requirements, and lifestyle factors that come with this bold modification. Here’s what to consider beforehand:
-
Lip Anatomy and Suitability
– Not every lip shape or thickness is ideal for this piercing.
→ If your lip tissue is too thin, the piercing might reject quickly or migrate.
→ Our professional piercer will assess your anatomy to ensure the jewelry can sit correctly beneath the skin without excessive tension. -
Higher Rejection and Migration Risk
– Because it’s a surface piercing, the body may treat it as a foreign object and push it out over time.
– Even with proper placement and care, some people’s skin simply doesn’t retain surface piercings well.
– Using high-quality titanium or PTFE jewelry and following strict aftercare can greatly reduce this risk. -
Pain and Healing Time
– While pain is moderate during the procedure, the healing process can take 8–12 weeks — or longer if irritated.
– Swelling, tightness, and mild discomfort are common in the first week.
– Lip movement during talking, eating, or facial expressions can sometimes slow healing. -
Lifestyle & Professional Settings
– Facial piercings are not always accepted in formal workplaces or schools.
– Consider your work, school, or social environment before getting one.
– If you engage in sports or physical activities, extra care is needed to prevent snagging or impact. -
Maintenance Commitment
– This piercing requires consistent cleaning and attention.
– You’ll need to avoid smoking, alcohol, kissing, and makeup near the area during healing.
– Failure to follow aftercare can lead to infection or scarring. -
Risk of Scarring
– If the piercing rejects or is removed, visible scarring or uneven texture on the lip can remain.
– Always ensure proper placement depth and jewelry size to minimize trauma. -
Professional Piercer Selection
– Choose a licensed piercer with proven experience in surface and facial piercings.
– The piercer’s technique and jewelry choice play a major role in whether the piercing heals successfully or fails.
Horizontal Lip Piercing FAQ’s
Pain and Healing for a Horizontal Lip Piercing
A Horizontal Lip Piercing involves puncturing the delicate surface tissue of the lip, making it moderately painful and requiring extra attention during the healing process. Since lips are rich in nerve endings and constantly move, healing depends greatly on care, hygiene, and jewelry choice.
Pain Level During the Procedure
Pain Rating: ⭐ 4–6/10
- Most of our clients describe the sensation as a quick, sharp pinch followed by mild soreness or throbbing.
- Because lips are soft and sensitive, you may experience brief discomfort during the needle insertion and jewelry placement.
- Our skilled piercer’s use sterile tools and precise technique that significantly minimize pain and trauma.
Immediate Aftereffects
- Swelling & Redness: Common for the first 3–5 days.
- Tenderness: The area may feel sore, especially when talking, smiling, or eating.
- Minor Bleeding or Clear Fluid: Normal in the first few days as the body begins the healing process.
💡 Cold compresses and an alcohol-free saline rinse can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Healing Timeframe
Healing Stage | Duration | What to Expect |
Initial Healing | 1–3 weeks | Swelling decreases, tissue begins to tighten around jewelry. |
Intermediate Healing | 4–8 weeks | Most irritation subsides; lip returns to normal movement. |
Full Healing | 8–12 weeks | Piercing stabilizes; no discharge or soreness. |
⏳ Healing time can vary depending on your skin type, hygiene routine, and jewelry material.
Factors That Affect Healing
- Jewelry Quality: Titanium or PTFE jewelry heals faster and reduces irritation.
- Touching or Twisting: Constant movement delays healing and may cause rejection.
- Diet: Avoid spicy, salty, and acidic foods that can irritate the piercing.
- Smoking & Alcohol: Both can slow healing and increase infection risk.
- Hygiene: Keep the area clean with saline solution twice daily.
Signs of Healthy Healing
✅ Mild swelling and redness in the first week
✅ Clear or slightly white fluid that crusts lightly
✅ Gradual reduction in tenderness and tightness
✅ No foul odor or pus
Signs of Possible Infection or Rejection
🚫 Increasing pain, heat, or swelling after the first week
🚫 Yellow or green discharge
🚫 Jewelry moving closer to the surface or skin thinning
🚫 Persistent bleeding or crusting
If any of these symptoms appear, Contact Us immediately.
Long-Term Care Tips
- Avoid removing or changing jewelry too early.
- Keep makeup, lotions, and hair products away from the piercing.
- Maintain good oral hygiene, even though the piercing doesn’t enter the mouth.
- Once healed, clean occasionally to prevent buildup.
Horizontal Lip Piercing Aftercare Guide
Proper aftercare is essential for keeping your Horizontal Lip Piercing healthy, preventing infection, and ensuring smooth healing. Since this piercing sits on the surface of the lip and experiences constant movement, maintaining a clean and irritation-free environment is key.
Cleaning Routine
- Frequency: Clean the piercing 2–3 times daily during the healing period.
- Solution: Use sterile saline solution or a piercing aftercare spray (avoid alcohol or peroxide-based products).
- Method:
– Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the area.
– Spray or soak a clean cotton pad with saline.
– Gently press it over the piercing for 3–5 minutes to loosen any crust.
– Pat dry with a clean tissue or paper towel — never use cloth towels.
💡 Avoid over-cleaning, as it can dry out or irritate the skin.
Oral Hygiene
Even though the jewelry doesn’t pass through the mouth, keeping your lips and mouth clean helps reduce bacteria.
- Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash or saline rinse after eating or drinking.
- Brush teeth gently, avoiding toothpaste contact with the piercing.
- Keep lips moisturized with a fragrance-free balm (avoid petroleum-based products).
Things to Avoid During Healing
🚫 Touching or Twisting Jewelry: Can introduce bacteria and cause trauma.
🚫 Kissing or Oral Contact: Avoid until fully healed — increases infection risk.
🚫 Makeup or Lip Products: Keep away from the area; they can clog pores and irritate the piercing.
🚫 Smoking and Alcohol: Slow the healing process and dry out tissues.
🚫 Swimming in Pools, Oceans, or Hot Tubs: Risk of bacterial infection.
🚫 Spicy, Salty, or Acidic Foods: Can cause stinging and irritation in the early days.
Managing Swelling & Discomfort
- Apply a cold compress (wrapped in a clean cloth) to reduce swelling.
- Take anti-inflammatory medication (like ibuprofen) if needed, following dosage instructions.
- Stay hydrated and avoid excessive talking or facial stretching in the first few days.
Jewelry Care
- Do not remove or change jewelry during healing unless instructed by your piercer.
- Check that jewelry ends are snug but not tight.
- After full healing, clean jewelry occasionally to remove buildup.
Monitoring for Complications
Watch for signs of trouble:
- Infection: Redness, warmth, or pus-like discharge.
- Rejection: Jewelry migrating closer to the surface or visible thinning of the skin.
- Scarring: Small raised areas or discoloration.
If you notice any of these, consult our piercer or healthcare provider immediately — early action prevents serious issues.
Long-Term Maintenance
-
Once healed, continue gentle cleaning once or twice weekly.
-
Avoid sleeping directly on your piercing or applying unnecessary pressure to it.
-
If you plan to change jewelry, visit your piercer for professional jewelry fitting to avoid tearing or reopening the channel.
Horizontal Lip Piercing Jewelry
Choosing the right jewelry for a Horizontal Lip Piercing is crucial for comfort, healing, and long-term wear. Because this piercing is a surface piercing, it requires jewelry that minimizes pressure, reduces rejection risk, and fits the lip’s natural curvature.
Horizontal Lip Piercing Recommended Jewelry Types
Jewelry Type | Description | Best For | Common Materials |
Surface Barbell | Designed with 90° angles to sit flat under the skin, minimizing tension. | Most common choice for horizontal lip piercings. | Titanium, Surgical Steel, PTFE |
Curved Barbell | Slightly curved shape follows the natural contour of the lip, offering flexibility and comfort. | Suitable for lips with more natural curvature. | Titanium, Bioplast, PTFE |
PTFE (Flexible Bar) | Soft, flexible, and hypoallergenic; allows natural lip movement without irritation. | Ideal for sensitive skin or swelling-prone areas. | Medical-grade PTFE or Bioplast |
💡 Surface bars are generally preferred as they reduce migration and stay more stable during healing.
Jewelry Size and Gauge
- Gauge (Thickness): Typically 14G–16G depending on lip thickness and piercer recommendation.
- Length: Usually 8mm–12mm, chosen to allow room for initial swelling and movement.
- Ends: Flat or rounded disc ends are common for minimal irritation and a sleek appearance.
After healing, your piercer may recommend downsizing the bar to ensure a snug, comfortable fit.
Material Recommendations
Choosing high-quality, biocompatible materials prevents allergic reactions, rejection, and infection:
- Titanium (ASTM F-136): Lightweight, hypoallergenic, corrosion-resistant.
- Surgical Steel (316L): Durable and affordable, though may not suit very sensitive skin.
- PTFE / Bioplast: Flexible and great for reducing tension; ideal for active individuals.
- Gold (14K or higher): Aesthetic option for healed piercings only — avoid plated jewelry during healing.
Style Options
-
Minimalist Look: Simple curved or surface bars with plain ends for subtle elegance.
-
Decorative Ends: Choose gemstone, opal, or spike ends for a bold and artistic style.
-
Custom Designs: Some clients opt for matching pairs or symmetrical placements on either side of the lip for a unique effect.
Jewelry Change Timeline
- Initial Jewelry: Leave in place for at least 8–12 weeks or until fully healed.
- First Change: Always have it changed professionally to avoid reopening the piercing or causing irritation.
- Healed Piercing: You can safely switch styles or materials under guidance from your piercer.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Clean jewelry gently using saline solution or mild soap and warm water once healed.
- Avoid harsh cleaners, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide.
- Check ends regularly to ensure they’re secure but not overly tight.
💬 Pro Tip: For best results, always invest in implant-grade jewelry and have it installed by an experienced piercer. High-quality jewelry not only enhances your style but also ensures your piercing heals beautifully and lasts longer.
Cost Breakdown Table for Horizontal Lip Piercing in Nairobi, Kenya
Here’s an overview of typical pricing you might expect for a Horizontal Lip Piercing (also called a horizontal lip surface piercing) — along with relevant factors that influence cost. These are estimates and actual pricing may vary depending on studio, location, materials, and complexity.
Cost Breakdown Table for Horizontal Lip Piercing
Package / Service Component | Estimated Cost (KSh) | Details / Notes |
Procedure + basic jewellery (starter steel or basic titanium) | 2,000 – 3,000 | Standard studio rate for lip-piercing type services |
Jewellery upgrade (premium titanium, gold, decorative ends) | 500 – 1,500 | If you want higher grade material, aesthetic upgrades |
Aftercare kit/supplies (saline spray, cleaning instructions) | 300 – 800 | Includes cleaning kit or special oral aftercare |
Follow-up or downsizing visit (post-swelling) | 200 – 500 | Some studios include; others charge small extra |
Estimated Total – Basic Package | 2,000 – 3,000 | Procedure + standard jewellery |
Estimated Total – Enhanced Package | 2,800 – 4,300 | Includes upgraded jewellery + aftercare kit |
Why the Price Can Vary
Here are key factors that push the cost up or down:
- Jewellery Material & Design: Basic surgical steel or titanium is cheaper; gold, decorative ends or custom shapes cost more.
Studio Reputation & - Location: A studio in Nairobi’s CBD or with high hygiene standards may charge more.
- Complexity & Placement: Because horizontal lip piercings are more unconventional, our piercer may need to adjust placement carefully for aesthetics & healing — that may raise cost.
- Aftercare & Support: If the price includes extra aftercare (cleaning solution, mouth rinses, follow-up visits) the overall cost could be higher.
- Healing Considerations: The lip area moves a lot (eating, speaking), so more care is needed for successful healing; studios may reflect that in their pricing.
Summary – What to Expect
- For a clean, professional horizontal lip piercing with starter jewellery in Nairobi: approximately KSh 2,000 to 3,000.
- With upgraded jewellery and more inclusive aftercare support: approximately KSh 2,800 to 4,300.
- Before proceeding, ask the studio exactly what is included (jewellery type, aftercare kit, follow-ups) so you can compare quotes properly.
⚠️ Possible Side Effects of a Horizontal Lip Piercing
While a Horizontal Lip Piercing can look striking and stylish, it’s also a surface piercing, meaning it carries a higher risk of complications than traditional through-and-through piercings. Understanding the potential side effects helps you identify early warning signs and take proper care to prevent long-term damage.
- Swelling and Bruising (Normal Early Reaction)
– Mild to moderate swelling is common for the first few days after the procedure.
– Lips may feel tender, warm, or slightly bruised due to the high number of nerve endings.
– Swelling typically subsides within 3–5 days with proper aftercare and cold compresses. - Pain and Soreness
– Expect light soreness or pressure for 1–2 weeks as the lip adjusts to the new jewelry.
– Excessive pain or throbbing after the first week may indicate infection or irritation. - Infection
– Bacteria from saliva, food, or touching the piercing can easily enter the wound.
– Signs of infection include redness, warmth, pus-like discharge, persistent swelling, or a foul odor.
– Immediate medical or piercer attention is needed if symptoms persist. - Migration or Rejection
– One of the most common risks of this piercing type.
– The body may push the jewelry toward the surface over time, causing it to shift position or fall out completely.
– Causes: Improper depth, poor jewelry material, excessive movement, or poor aftercare.
– Once migration starts, the piercing should be professionally removed to avoid scarring. - Scarring or Keloids
– If the piercing rejects or is removed too soon, it can leave a small scar or raised bump (keloid).
– Avoid picking or squeezing any bumps around the site — this increases scarring risk.
– Gentle massages with vitamin E oil (after full healing) may help reduce scarring. - Lip Damage and Tissue Thinning
– Repeated movement or tight jewelry can cause tissue erosion or thinning under the skin.
– If the jewelry starts to press visibly through the surface, see your piercer immediately. - Allergic Reactions
– Some people are allergic to low-quality metals (especially nickel).
– Always use implant-grade titanium, surgical steel, or PTFE jewelry to prevent allergic irritation or rash. - Gum and Tooth Irritation (If Poorly Placed)
– Incorrect placement or overly long jewelry may rub against the teeth or gums, causing irritation or enamel wear.
– This is rare in horizontal piercings (since they’re external), but still possible if jewelry shifts. - Dryness and Crusting
– Mild crusting of lymph fluid is normal as the piercing heals.
= However, excessive dryness or cracking can lead to irritation — use saline to clean gently and keep the area hydrated with a non-petroleum balm. - Swelling-Induced Difficulty in Talking or Eating
– During the first few days, swelling can make speech, eating, or smiling uncomfortable.
– Stick to soft foods, avoid spicy or acidic items, and chew slowly to avoid trauma.
💬 Pro Tip: Most complications can be avoided by choosing an experienced piercer, following strict aftercare, and using high-quality jewelry. If anything feels off — pain, movement, or irritation — don’t wait. Visit your piercer for an assessment right away.
Get In Touch
For more information on the list above and any other special services,please call or come in for free consultation
Testimonials
OUR LOCATION
Areas We Serve
NAIROBI
KIAMBU
KAJIADO
MACHAKOS















































































































































































































































