The Ashley piercing, explained

What is an Ashley piercing?

An Ashley passes straight through the center of the lower lip. Only one end is visible, sitting like a small stud right in the middle of the lip, while a flat disc rests against the inside of your mouth. That single point of light is what makes it look so clean and deliberate. It is sometimes called an inverse vertical labret, but most people just call it the Ashley.

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Know the difference

Ashley, labret, vertical labret

  1. Ashley

    One stud, dead center of the lower lip, on the lip itself. Only one end shows. Flat disc inside the mouth.

  2. Labret

    Sits below the lower lip, on the skin between the lip and the chin. The stud is on the face, not on the lip.

  3. Vertical labret

    Goes up through the lower lip with two beads visible, one on top of the lip and one just below.

What jewelry does an Ashley take?

An Ashley is worn with a flat back labret stud: a decorative top on the front, a straight post through the lip, and a flat disc on the back so nothing bulky sits against your teeth. Almost all Ashleys use a 16G (1.2mm) post, and the length you wear is usually 6, 8 or 10mm depending on how healed you are. Our size guide walks you through choosing.

The metal matters more here than almost anywhere, because the piece sits against the inside of your lip all day. We only use implant grade titanium, ASTM F136, for exactly that reason. More on our titanium.

Does it hurt, and how long does it heal?

Any piercing through the lip is a quick, sharp moment rather than a lasting pain, and most people find it very manageable. Lip piercings are commonly quoted as healing in the region of six to twelve weeks, but healing is personal and only the piercer who did yours can tell you where you actually are.

We sell jewelry, not medical advice. For anything about getting pierced, healing, swelling or aftercare, follow a reputable professional piercer. If something feels wrong, go and see them.

Wearing it day to day

Fresh Ashleys swell, so piercers start you on a longer post, then you switch to a shorter one once healed so it sits flat and stays clear of your teeth. That step is called downsizing, and it is the single biggest thing people get wrong.

Once settled, an Ashley is one of the most low profile, wearable lip piercings there is. When you need it hidden for work or sport, a plain flat disc top makes it almost disappear.

Ready for yours? Every stud is implant grade titanium, in silver or gold.

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