Lip piercing is a custom that goes back as far as ancient history. Some tribes believed that it would make their ancestors spirits happy. For some, it was a ritual or a status symbol. For some, of course, it was just a sign of beauty, of femininity, like the members of the Makolo tribe of Malawi. The Mayans and the Aztecs wore labrets or special lip pins made of gold, jade and obsidian. Among some tribes in Africa, the labrets could well be a disk, rather than simple jewelry.

Lip piercing is popular today in many parts of the world. The location of the lip piercing can vary from individual to individual. Lower lip piercing can be done anywhere from the center to the length of the lower lip and the choice of jewelry for the lower lip can be studs, rings, tusks or spikes. Upper lip piercing is supposed to be a mark of beauty and a small barbell or a stud is often worn. Labrets without a ring come in fishtail or disk backs. Fish tail backs have a wire that is twisted and lies perpendicular to the piercing unlike disks which have a metal screw or the end of a barbell that covers or caps the post.

There are various types of jewelry available for lip piercing like labret studs for instance, which are easy to remove. Make sure the jewelry is made out of titanium, niobium, surgical steel or 18 carat gold. It takes from two to six months for a lip piercing to heal completely. With lip piercing gaining popularity, there are few ground rules that one should follow. It is most important, though, to get the piercing done by a professional, so proper hygiene is ensured and the jewelry is of the right metal and does not rub against the gums.

After the piercing make sure that it does not develop an infection - either viral or bacterial. It is important to rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash, and keep away from smoking and alcohol. Some people recommend taking extra Vitamin C and Zinc in order to help the healing process, as well.