Is the Monroe Piercing a Good Choice for You?

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The Monroe piercing is a popular piercing style, especially among women. It sits close to the center of the face and is quite noticeable. For a piercing that’s difficult to hide and leaves a scar if you change your mind, you need all the information you can get. 

So, if you’re curious about the Monroe piercing, this guide is for you. Let’s discuss everything you need to know.


What is the Monroe piercing?

The Monroe piercing is a lip piercing that mimics the beauty mark of the star actress Marilyn Monroe. It has been popular since the 90s and still holds its own even today. 

This facial and oral piercing requires a bit more attention than other piercings because of its location.


Getting a Monroe piercing

For your Monroe piercing, ensure you visit a professional piercer. They must decide on the best angle and carry out the procedure in a hygienic location.

What size gauge is a Monroe piercing?

The typical needle size for a Monroe piercing is 16G, although your piercer can also use a 14G needle. 

Is a Monroe piercing painful?

A Monroe piercing is painful because of the multiple nerve endings present in the piercing site. However, the pain level depends on an individual’s pain tolerance. Some people say it hurts a lot and rate it a 6 out of 10 on the pain scale, while others say it feels like a pinch, placing it a 2. 

How much does it cost to get a Monroe piercing?

A Monroe piercing typically costs between $30 and $60, excluding jewelry. It may cost more based on the store location and the piercer’s professional experience. 

It’s important to visit a professional piercer as the lip is a sensitive and prominent place for a piercing, and you don’t want it wonky.

What does a Monroe piercing symbolize?

The Monroe piercing is named after the beauty mark of Marilyn Monroe. It symbolizes beauty and femininity. 

What are the side effects of a Monroe piercing?

Like other piercings, the Monroe piercing comes with risks, including damage to your gum (when the jewelry rubs against it), possible infection of the piercing site, and damage to the superior labial artery (if you go to a rookie piercer). 


Healing and aftercare

The healing timeline and aftercare practices for a Monroe piercing are similar to other lip piercings. However, since it’s also an oral piercing, it requires extra care to ensure a smooth healing process. 

When can I change my Monroe piercing?

You can change your Monroe piercing when it’s fully healed—it usually takes up to 6 weeks but differs from person to person. 

How long does a Monroe piercing take to heal?

The Monroe piercing usually takes up to 6 weeks to heal. However, the healing process can take longer due to infections or constant irritation. 

How to clean a Monroe piercing 

For every type of piercing, diligent aftercare is essential for proper healing. Here’s how to clean your piercing daily until it’s fully healed. 

Materials Needed

  • Q-tip/cotton swab
  • Saline solution
  • Mouthwash

Instructions

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
  2. Soak a q-tip or cotton swab with saline solution and clean the piercing site.
  3. Rinse your mouth with alcohol-free mouthwash (also after every meal).
  4. Repeat this 2-3 times daily.

How to take out a Monroe piercing

Taking out your Monroe piercing for the first time can be a bit challenging, but with patience and practice, you’ll get the hang of it.

Here’s a step-by-step process to follow.

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse your mouth with alcohol-free mouthwash to sanitize the piercing hole inside your lips.
  3. Remove the crust around the piercing hole with a q-tip soaked in saline solution.
  4. Wear latex gloves to help you grip the jewelry firmly.
  5. Pull your lip away from your gum with one hand.
  6. Get a grip on the back of the jewelry with your other hand and push it gently so that the top sticks out more.
  7. Use the hand holding your lips to unscrew the top of the jewelry.
  8. Gently pull the back out of the piercing hole.

Monroe piercing jewelry

Labret studs are the typical jewelry choice for Monroe piercings. One type of jewelry may seem to limit your choices, but labret studs come in various styles, from metallic to bejeweled studs. Take a look at some great options below.

Best CZ crystal Monroe piercing jewelry

BodyJ4You 3PC Labret Tragus Stud Earrings | 16G Surgical Stainless Steel CZ Crystal | Monroe Helix Cartialge Conch Medusa Lip | Body Piercing Jewelry Set

These 16G labret studs are made of surgical stainless steel. Each stud is a different length, making them suitable for starter jewelry and for when you downsize. It has a flat back, an internally threaded screw, and a cubic zirconia stone at the top. 

Buyers have said putting it in for the first time can be difficult. 


Best stainless steel Monroe piercing jewelry

Ruifan 10PCS 16G 316L Stainless Steel 3mm Ball Labret Monroe Lip Ring/Tragus/Helix Earring Stud Barbell,6mm Bar Length Body Piercing Jewelry

This 16G stainless steel jewelry is excellent for sensitive skin. It’s a 10-piece set with length options ranging from 6mm to 12mm. The seller packages it in a lovely velvet bag, making it gift-ready for your loved ones. 


Buyers say it’s a great piece and works for other piercings too.


Best push pin Monroe piercing jewelry 

ZS 12Pcs 16G Pushin Lip Rings, Stainless Steel Medusa Piercing Jewelry, 2mm 3mm 4mm CZ Forward Helix Earring, Labret Monroe Piercing Jewelry for Women Men (Sliver,L:8mm)

This flat-back push-pin stud is made of stainless steel. It’s a 10-piece 16G set with lengths ranging from 6mm to 12mm. It also has a CZ stone at the top.

Buyers say it’s easy to wear and stays put


Frequently asked questions

We’ve answered a few of the most asked questions about the Monroe piercing.

What side is the Monroe piercing on?

The Monroe piercing is on the left side of the upper lip. Your piercer will determine the best angle.

What’s the difference between a Monroe and Madonna piercing?

The Monroe piercing sits on the left side of the upper lip, while the Madonna piercing sits on the right side. 

Can you kiss after a Monroe piercing?

It’s advisable not to kiss immediately after getting a Monroe piercing to avoid irritating the site and prolonging the healing process. 

Why does my Monroe piercing smell?

Your Monroe piercing smells because of sebum, the oily secretion from the sebaceous glands. Sebum is essential as it lubricates the skin. However, the piercing will start to smell when it mixes with bacteria, dead cells, oil, and sweat. 

Stick to your aftercare care practices, cleaning the piercing often during the healing process to minimize the smell. 

How can I hide my lip piercing without taking it out?

Wearing a flesh-coloured or clear retainer is the best way to hide your lip piercing without taking it out. You can grow facial hair to cover the piercing if you’re male. 


Get your faux beauty mark

The Monroe piercing is a great look for women and even men. You can style it with labret studs with different styles. You’ll want to be careful with your jewelry color choice to prevent it from looking like a zit or acne scar.

If you follow the aftercare practices and are not in a hurry to change your piercing jewelry, you should have a smooth experience. 

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