If you’re looking to try a unique type of lip piercing, angel fangs are definitely a fun and stylish option. Once you put on spike-style jewelry, they can look like a pair of fangs sticking out from your lips! In this article, we’ll walk you through all the basics of angel fangs—what they are, where they’re placed, how long they take to heal, and everything you should know. This is a simple guide to help piercing lovers better understand and rock their own unique angel fang look.
What Are Angel Fangs Piercings?
Angel fang lip piercings are a type of lip piercing. They’re done symmetrically on both sides of the upper lip. Because they’re vertical piercings, the bottom of the jewelry comes out through the lower edge of the upper lip. When spike-style jewelry is worn, it creates a fang-like visual effect.
They are a type of symmetrical lip piercing located on the upper lip area, exiting through the lower lip line. They’re often worn with curved barbells, and the ends usually feature spike-like tips, which is what gives them that “fang” appearance. In most cases, angel fangs are placed in the fuller part of the upper lip so the jewelry sits properly and stays in place.
Healing Time for Angel Fangs
Angel fangs typically take about 12–16 weeks to heal. Right after getting them done, you may experience swelling, redness, soreness, or tenderness around the pierced area, but these symptoms usually start to improve after a few days. Lip piercings can also make your lips feel drier than usual.
If there are no complications, the piercing should fully heal within 16 weeks.
At the beginning, eating may feel a bit difficult. Be careful not to bite or catch the jewelry while eating. Always follow your piercer’s aftercare instructions closely to support proper healing.
Basic Things to Know About Angel Fangs Piercings
You need the right upper lip anatomy
To get angel fangs, you need a suitable upper lip structure. Like many facial piercings, angel fangs are anatomy-dependent, which means not everyone is a safe candidate.
For this piercing, your upper lip needs to be full enough and have a defined lip ridge to support the jewelry. If your lips are too thin or too flat, the piercing may not heal properly or may not sit in the correct position. Because of this, angel fangs are not suitable for everyone.
Even if you’re technically a good candidate, the piercer still may not place them exactly where you imagine, since placement has to prioritize safe healing.
They can shift over time
Angel fangs have a tendency to migrate. “Migration” means the piercing slowly moves from its original position to a new one. Because lip piercings are constantly affected by talking, eating, and mouth movement, migration is fairly common.
If your jewelry starts to look like it’s sinking, shifting position, or if the piercing feels like it’s getting larger or stays irritated and painful after several days, it may be migrating. If that happens, it’s best to contact your piercer as soon as possible. They can tell you whether the jewelry should be removed.
Your body may reject the piercing
Angel fangs can sometimes be rejected. This means your body recognizes the jewelry as a foreign object and gradually pushes it toward the surface of the skin until it may eventually fall out.
Other signs include increasing redness, swelling, and pain around the piercing site.
As with migration, if you suspect rejection, you should contact your piercer right away.
They can leave scars
If your piercing migrates or falls out, it may leave noticeable scarring. Even if you remove it yourself, there is still a high chance of leaving a mark. These scars can sometimes appear as small raised bumps under the upper lip.
They can sometimes affect your teeth
Although not always, oral piercings like angel fangs can rub against teeth and gums while eating or talking. Over time, this may lead to enamel wear, chipped teeth, or gum irritation.
However, if placed correctly, the jewelry may not actually enter the mouth at all, which reduces the risk of dental damage.
How to Decide If Angel Fangs Are Right for You
If you like the look of angel fangs but aren’t sure you’re ready to commit, you can try a simple test first. Use extra ball or spike barbell jewelry and apply a small amount of eyelash glue on the spots where you’d want the piercing, then temporarily stick the jewelry there.
This can give you a rough idea of how angel fangs would look on your face.
However, keep in mind that angel fangs are heavily dependent on anatomy, meaning not everyone can safely get them. Even if you’re eligible, a piercer may still not be able to place them exactly where you want. If you’re seriously considering this piercing, always consult a professional piercer.
Angel fangs can also be difficult to heal because they are prone to rejection and migration. If you decide to remove them, they may leave noticeable scars. Make sure you understand the aftercare requirements and choose a style that fits your lifestyle.
