Vertical Labret Piercing

A variation of the classic labret, the vertical labret passes vertically through the lower lip so both entry and exit points are visible. Unique, bold and especially striking on fuller lips, it's a favourite for anyone wanting more impact from a lip piercing. We pierce with a 16 gauge curved barbell, and our SK Certified piercing specialists will confirm placement with you first.

PriceFrom NZD $50

Pain level: 4 to 5 / 10
Method: Needle
Minimum age:: 13 years*
Jewellery type:: Curved barbell View jewellery options
Downsizing:: 2-4 weeks
Fully healed:: Minimum 4 months

Book Now View Vertical Labret Jewellery

Two Piercings From $80

Get two of your favourite standard piercings for just $80 when pierced with selected surgical steel jewellery. Read more

Pain is subjective, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee of what you'll feel. Everyone's pain tolerance is different.

* Available: From 13 years with parental consent or 16 years without parental consent. Check our ID & consent requirements here.

What Is A Vertical Labret Piercing?

A vertical labret passes vertically through the lower lip, so both ends of the jewellery show on the surface rather than one end sitting inside the mouth. It's a bold variation on the standard labret placement.

Because both ends are visible, this piercing suits fuller lips especially well. Our SK Certified piercing specialists will check your anatomy first to confirm it's a good fit. Read more on our piercing info page.

Close-up of model wearing a gold hammered V-shaped segment ring septum piercing

What To Expect

Here's how your experience at SkinKandy unfolds from the moment you arrive.

How We Pierce

We pierce every vertical labret with a single-use hollow needle, never a piercing gun. Our SK Certified piercing specialists are nurse-trained and certified in infection prevention, so you're looked after from consultation through to aftercare advice. Read more about our approach on our piercing info page.

Choosing Your Jewellery

Every vertical labret is pierced with a 16 gauge curved barbell. Browse our vertical labret jewellery collection to see what's available.

Step By Step: Your Vertical Labret Piercing Experience

Your piercing specialist will mark the entry and exit points on your lower lip with you.
We pierce with a single-use sterile needle for a clean, precise vertical channel.
A 16 gauge curved barbell is fitted so both ends sit visibly on the surface.
You'll get full aftercare guidance before you leave, plus advice on when to come back for downsizing.

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE

Find Your Nearest Studio

Ready to book in? Check our age, ID and consent requirements before your visit so you know what to bring.

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Aftercare

Healing takes time, and oral care matters just as much as skin care for a vertical labret.

Your Daily Routine

Stick to a simple daily routine and stock up on the right products from our aftercare collection. For the full step by step, read our aftercare guide.

Clean with sterile saline twice daily, especially after eating.
Avoid swimming for 6 to 8 weeks.
Be mindful of smoking, alcohol, skincare and makeup.

When Can I Change My Jewellery?

We recommend downsizing between 2 to 4 weeks once the initial swelling has settled, with full healing taking a minimum of 4 months.

Pierced: Day one
Downsizing:: 2-4 weeks
Fully healed:: Minimum 4 months

Jewellery For Your Vertical Labret Piercing

The right barbell makes all the difference to comfort while your vertical labret heals, and to how balanced it looks.

Curved 316L surgical steel barbell piercing with polished ball ends

Starter Jewellery

We pierce every vertical labret with a 16 gauge curved barbell in 316L surgical steel, chosen to support healing from day one.

Implant Grade Titanium Curved Barbell Navel Clicker - SkinKandy | Body Jewellery & Piercing

Building Your Stack

Once you're healed, explore our full vertical labret jewellery collection for more top styles.

Not Sure What Metal Suits You?

If you're torn between finishes, our guide on silver, rose gold or gold can help, or browse everything by material to compare options.

FAQs

What is a vertical labret piercing?

A vertical labret passes vertically through the lower lip, so both ends of the jewellery are visible on the surface.

Does a vertical labret hurt more than a standard labret?

Most people rate it a 4 to 5 out of 10, slightly more than a standard labret since the channel passes through more tissue. Pain is subjective, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee of what you'll feel. Everyone's pain tolerance is different.

How long does a vertical labret take to heal?

Full healing takes a minimum of 4 months. See the average healing time by piercing type for how it compares.

What jewellery is used for a vertical labret?

We pierce with a 16 gauge curved barbell.

Will a vertical labret suit my lips?

It tends to suit fuller lips especially well, though our SK Certified piercing specialists will check your anatomy at your appointment. See our lip piercing guide for more.

When can I downsize my vertical labret?

We recommend downsizing between 2 to 4 weeks once the initial swelling has settled. Read why downsize your piercing for more on timing.

Can I eat and drink normally with a vertical labret?

Yes, but rinse with sterile saline after eating and avoid very hot or spicy food while it heals.

Can I get a vertical labret piercing as part of the two piercings from $80 deal?

Yes, this piercing qualifies for our two piercings from $80 deal when paired with another standard piercing and selected surgical steel jewellery.

Explore More Lip Piercings

A vertical labret pairs well with other lip placements. Check our lip piercing guide for more on choosing your placement, or explore some of our most popular lip piercings below.