Tongue piercings are typically done through the center of the tongue, although some piercers offer a "tongue web" piercing that is under the tongue. It's a practice that dates to ancient Maya and Aztec cultures, but is gaining increasing popularity in the United States, possibly because it can be concealed.

Typical costs:

Tongue piercings typically cost $30-$90, depending on location and competition in the area. Some piercers charge for the piercing and the jewelry separately, but the total generally falls in that range. For example, Slave to the Needle^[1] , a Seattle tattoo and piercing shop, charges $40 for basic jewelry and $25 for the piercing bringing the total to $65.
While piercers charge different prices, tongue web piercings typically cost $5-$10 more than a standard tongue piercing.
Body jewelry typically costs $15-$50 per piece. Price varies based on composition of the jewelry. For example, a barbell (a metal cylinder with screw-on caps on both ends) with gemstones on each end would cost more than a barbell with plastic caps.
A good mouthwash that is labeled anti-bacterial and does not contain alcohol is generally recommended for tongue piercing aftercare. A bottle of mouthwash typically costs $4-$10.

What should be included:

The tongue piercing should include the piercing itself, a piece of jewelry in the piercing and instructions for aftercare. Standard tongue piercings usually include a straight barbell; tongue web piercings are typically curved barbells.
After the swelling around the piercing has healed, piercers typically have the customer return to shorten the length of the barbell.

Additional costs:

A 5%-15% gratuity for the piercer is considered standard.
People who have had a tongue piercing may want to stock up on cold foods such as ice cream immediately after a piercing when the tongue is swollen and it hurts to chew. A pint of ice cream typically costs $2-$5.

Discounts:

Areas where there is more competition among piercers typically have lower prices.

Shopping for a tongue piercing:

Piercing laws vary by state. The Association of Professional Piercers tracks legislation by state^[2] . The association also provides a searchable database of members^[3] .
Look for a piercer that operates in a clean environment. Certificates of membership or from local health departments might be posted on walls.
A National Institute of Health^[4] study found a correlation between tongue piercings and long-term adverse dental problems, particularly cracked or chipped teeth.

Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.

Post

Comments (6)

CostHelper News

7 Must-Have Tailgating Toys
Tailgating is an art form these days -- and a crazy one at that. There is an entire industry that caters to die-hard sports fans, providing all the comforts of home in a parking lot setting. || Posted September 12 2013

Boo! Don't Get Scared by Halloween Store Prices
Some people call me morbid. I call it a playful realism about human life expectancy. Either way, as soon as the local Halloween stores open, I'm in there checking out the inventory. || Posted September 4 2013



	‣ All CostHelper Blog Posts

What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Lip

Amount: $60.00

Posted by: Anonimonoxy in Fayetteville, NC.	Posted: June 25th, 2019 11:06AM
Piercer: Todd