October 14, 2024

All About Dahlia Piercings (Joker Piercings): Healing, Pain, Price, Danger, Jewelry, Pros and Cons, Aftercare

Dahlia piercings (Joker piercings or Dahlia Bites piercings) are alluring and edgy and are sure to draw attention when seen in public. Their unique placement makes them one of the rarest piercings, even among piercing communities.

By learning more about the healing process and potential risks, you'll have a better idea of whether they're right for you.

What Is a Dahlia Piercing?

All About Dahlia Piercings (Joker Piercings)

A Dahlia piercing, also known as a Joker piercings or a Dahlia Bites piercing, is a pair of piercings that sit at the corners of the mouth. They are also sometimes referred to as joker piercings due to their location.

Dahlia Piercing Placement

The placement of Dahlia piercings is anatomically dependent. However, they are symmetrical and lie at the corners of your lips, alongside your molars.

Why Is It Called a Dahlia Piercing?

Most people are familiar with the Dahlia bites piercing because of how it got its name.

This piercing is named after Elizabeth Short (also known as the Black Dahlia) and the injuries she sustained to her face after she was murdered in 1947. The placement of these piercings at the corners of your mouth is similar to the area in which her attacker cut her.

On a less macabre note, this piercing is also sometimes called the Joker piercing due to the placement at the edges of the mouth and the attention the jewelry draws to the lips, especially when you smile.

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What's Special About a Dahlia Piercing?

Dahlia lip piercings are unique and can add an unexpected bit of dazzle to any smile. They are also seductive, especially for those who want to draw attention to their mouths. They are also pretty rare, even among piercing enthusiasts.

Dahlia Piercing Healing

How long do Dahlia piercings take to heal? The healing process for a Dahlia Bite piercing varies depending on your adherence to aftercare instructions. While some may take as little as 12 weeks to heal properly, others may take six months to a year.

Because of a Joker piercing's location, it is always in contact with food debris and other substances. Proper cleaning practices are vital so your piercings have the best chance to heal.

Dahlia Piercing Pain

While some assume Dahlia piercings are more painful than others, they generally rate a 3 or 4 out of 10 on the piercing pain scale.

Dahlia Piercing Price

How much are Dahlia piercings? On average, you'll spend around $40 to $80 for Dahlia piercings, depending on the quality of the jewelry and your piercer's experience.

Are Dahlia Piercings Dangerous?

Dahlia piercings are among the most challenging to heal correctly, and the risks are serious. If complications arise, they can be significant. You must be realistic with your expectations and prepare to deal with potential complications.

Dahlia Piercing Pros and Cons

Like all piercing placements, there are many benefits and drawbacks to consider before booking your piercing appointment:

Pros

Dahlia bites piercings are rare and eyecatching.
It's an alluring look for those wanting to draw attention to their mouths.
Joker piercings look great on those with fuller lips and an upturned smile.

Although its rarity is part of the allure, there are several reasons why this piercing is not commonly seen:

Cons

Dahlia piercings require absolute adherence to aftercare practices to minimize complications.
The healing process is longer than other piercings.
There is a higher risk of rejection.
Nerve damage may occur.
These piercings require exact placement by an expert piercer.

It's important to weigh these factors when deciding whether to get Dahlia piercings. Make sure you have the patience and time to commit to aftercare and are realistic about your expectations.

Dahlia Piercing Jewelry

Dahlia lip piercings are located in a high-movement area, so getting the right type of jewelry is essential to help with the healing process and reduce the chances of complications.

Labret Studs Are Most Common Jewlery Type

Flat back labret stud with a ball titanium $18.9, SHOP NOW.

Flat disc-back labret studs are the best jewelry option for Dahlia Bite piercings as they provide more stability. You should not use bead backings initially as they will rub on your teeth, or you may accidentally bite down on them.

Dahlia Piercing Jewelry Length and Gauge

The typical gauge and length of jewelry used are 16G/1.2mm (14G/1.6mm is available too) and 12mm. Significant swelling is associated with Dahlia piercings. However, to account for the swelling, your piercer may use a longer length to ensure there's enough room.

To minimize the risk of rejection and abscesses, you should stick with labret studs or, if you want, switch to curved barbells once they heal.

Dahlia Piercing Hoops: Can You Use Hoops for This Piercing?

Hoop-type jewelry is not recommended for Dahlia piercings. Hoops do not offer as much range of motion, and because your mouth is constantly moving throughout the day, you run a higher risk of irritation. If you use hoops that are not large enough, they will pull whenever you smile or open your mouth wide.

Recommended Materials for Dahlia Piercing Jewelry

When choosing your jewelry material, picking the correct type of metal is important. Some metals are more allergy-prone or easier to care for than others. Nickel and gold can cause contact dermatitis in some people, so it's best to stay away from these two metals for your initial piercing.

1. Titanium: About $20-$40

Tiny piercing with natural semi-precious gemstones titanium $24.9, SHOP NOW.

Titanium has a reputation for being the best metal for piercings for many reasons. It is lightweight, hypoallergenic, durable, nickel-free, non-corrosive, and won’t tarnish.

Its non-porous nature reduces places bacteria can hide, promoting healing.

Titanium is also hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely to cause allergic reactions. Titanium is nickel-free.

Its high density-to-strength ratio means your jewelry is very durable.

A lower density also makes titanium lightweight, a big plus for many users. Finally, the metal comes in many colors because you can anodize it.

The only real downside to titanium jewelry is that you will pay more for all those positive traits. Shop for implant-grade titanium with designations like ASTM F-136, ASTM F-67, or ISO 5832-3.

2. Solid Gold: About $40-$200

Solid gold nose stud with opal 14K gold lip piercing $72.9, SHOP NOW.

This metal will not rust or tarnish. It is also easy to decorate and shape. The added alloys in 18k, and especially 14k, make them more durable than 24k gold pieces.

One downside to gold jewelry is the price tag, which is expensive. Another concern will be that the metal is soft, making it susceptible to bends, breaks, and gouges. Gold can also be heavy, especially with more pure karat ratings.

3. Surgical Steel: About $5-$30

Although it's generally considered hypoallergenic for most people, even surgical-grade steel may contain some nickel. Choose a different option if you are concerned about irritation or a nickel allergy.

Steel combines iron and carbon, improving its strength and ability to resist fracturing.

However, this silver alloy can contain other elements, including nickel. Make sure to buy surgical-grade steel jewelry. These will have ratings: ASTM F-138, ISO 5832-1, ISO 10993-6, ISO 10993-10, or ISO 10993-11.

One of the pros most people cite for steel jewelry pieces is the lower price point. Steel is also a durable option. These pieces are low maintenance because the steel does not corrode, rust, or tarnish.

Weight is the top complaint for those using steel jewelry pieces. Steel can be less comfortable if worn in piercings for long periods.

4. Niobium: About $20-$60

Niobium is a light grey metal known for its hardness that is like titanium. The metal resists corrosion and tarnishing like others on the list, creating minimal maintenance for you.

It might be the best metal for a piercing if you want titanium-like durability with more malleability. That extra pliability makes it easier for jewelers to shape pieces. Niobium can come in various colors as it is something that you can anodize.

The only real downsides are that it weighs a bit more than titanium and you will likely pay a bit more due to the process involved in manufacturing this metal.

Risks Associated With Dahlia Bites Piercings

Dahlia lip piercings feature several risks and are usually very difficult to heal. Some of the most common risks associated with this piercing include:

Considerable bleeding - If an inexperienced piercer punctures a blood vessel during the piercing process, you may experience significant bleeding.
Infection - Their location makes them susceptible to infection from mouth-borne bacteria and foreign contaminants, including food.
Gum and teeth irritation - Any mouth piercing can cause receding, inflamed gums and long-term tooth damage.
Migration or rejection - Because the cheeks and mouth constantly move throughout the day, Dahlia lip piercings can reject and migrate.

Because the healing process for Dahlia bites piercings can take six months to a year, your window of complications is also longer. Before scheduling a piercing appointment, make sure you can dedicate adequate time to the healing process and aftercare practices.

Cleaning

It is recommended to use sterile saline that you buy from the store, rather than homemade saline, for cleaning your piercings. Homemade saline may be too salty for delicate piercing sites, leading to dryness and delayed healing.

Using mild, fragrance-free soap and water to clean your piercing site is also an option.

If you prefer homemade salt solution. You can start by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt with one cup of distilled or boiled (for at least 20 minutes) water. You may choose to use less of the salt mixture like 1/4 to 1/8 teaspoon if you want a weaker solution that’s less likely to burn or sting. Stir the solution until it dissolves.

If you see signs of infection, you can also use antiseptic solutions, such as betadine, isopropyl alcohol, or diluted hydrogen peroxide. However, avoid using them for daily cleaning as they can damage cells.

Then proceed with the following steps to clean your piercing:

Soak a cotton ball, a paper towel or non-plush cloth with the solution. Avoid fabrics that could snag and pull the jewelry or leave fibers behind. Gently saturate the piercing and cleanse it. Don't remove the jewelry!
If you have a sterile saline wound wash that you buy from stores, then spay it while healing.
Ensure you cleanse the piercing of any discharge or crusty material.
Take clean gauze or cotton swabs and pat the area dry.

Your piercer should give you detailed instructions on how to keep your piercing clean once it has been placed.

Dahlia Piercing Aftercare

Opt for soft foods that aren’t overly spicy or acidic.
Chew very carefully to avoid biting your lip jewelry.
Avoid strenuous activities with your mouth until your piercings are fully healed.
Avoid mouthwash with alcohol.
Take care to avoid contaminating the piercing.
Avoid touching it or applying makeup very close to it.
Avoid getting in the water that might be dirty.
Clean your piercing twice per day using a saline solution made for wound cleaning or soap and water to prevent infection.
Avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation.
And of course, make sure to avoid snagging on clothes or towels.
Wear loose clothing. Avoid wearing tight clothing or clothing that may rub against the piercing, as this can cause irritation and slow down the healing process.
Use hypoallergenic jewelry like implant-grade titanium and 14- or 18-karat gold. Surgical-grade steel may contain small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions.
Don't move the piercing unless you're cleaning it. Pulling on a piercing early in healing is painful, but it also can get in the way of healing or damage the piercing itself.
Wait until your piercing heals before changing out your jewelry.
Watch for potential signs of infection and consult your piercer or doctor if it becomes infected.

Once your piercings are fully healed, you’ll be able to resume most of your daily habits. However, you may still find it difficult to eat certain foods or drink certain beverages that irritate the wounds. Be sure to talk with your piercer about concerns you may have.

To Conclude

Dahlia Bites piercings are a great way to express your individuality and can provide an alluring aesthetic. However, it's important to keep in mind the risks involved with this type of piercing and be realistic about the healing process and what your final result may look like.

If you are still thinking about getting Dahlia piercings, it's best to travel a bit to get it done by an experienced piercer in order to give you the best chances of healing and a successful outcome.