This article was co-authored by Stephanie Anders
and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA
. Stephanie Anders is the Owner and Head Piercer at Royal Heritage Tattoo and Piercing, a tattoo and piercing studio located in Los Angeles, California. Stephanie has over 10 years of piercing experience and her client list includes such stars as Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Alba, Cameron Diaz, Nicole Richie, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Sharon Osbourne.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 33,605 times.
While tongue piercings have been around for centuries, they’ve only recently begun gaining mainstream popularity in Western society. As they become less taboo, more and more women are getting tongue piercings for a variety of reasons. From boosting self-confidence to enhancing sexual pleasure, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about why females get tongue piercings.
Things You Should Know
- Many women get tongue piercings to express themselves. They like the way the piercings look and feel confident wearing them.
- Some women get tongue piercings to enhance sexual pleasure and to show sex positivity.
- Women may get tongue piercings to rebel against societal expectations and conformity.
Steps
-
Many women get tongue piercings simply because they like them. There isn’t always a specific reason someone gets a piercing. In many cases, women like the way tongue piercings look and want to have one themselves. Some even consider piercings to be an art form. [1] X Research source
-
Piercings have gained mainstream popularity, so more women want them. Over recent years, mainstream Western society has become more accepting of body modification than in the past. Some women have begun getting tongue piercings because they see other women and celebrities who have them, and they want to join in. [2] X Research source
-
Women may get tongue piercings to connect with their culture. Tongue piercings (and piercings in general) have a long history with religions and cultures across the world. For example, the Hindu goddess Lakshmi has tongue piercings, so some Hindu women may get a piercing to honor her. Many Native American tribes have practiced piercing for centuries, as well. [3] X Research source
-
Tongue piercings allow women to embrace and show off their individuality. Everyone wants to be able to express themselves, and piercings have a long connection with fashion and music subcultures and even political stances. A woman may pierce her tongue to physically express her personality and connect with like-minded people. [4] X Research source
-
Tongue piercings can enhance pleasure during oral sex. Some women choose to get their tongue pierced to provide a new and exciting experience for their sexual partner. Tongue piercings can also be a sign of sex positivity. [5] X Research source
-
Some women pierce their tongues to celebrate something special. They may get a tongue piercing to honor a deceased loved one who always wanted a piercing, or they may get one with a group of friends to remember the time they spent together. Getting a piercing can be a permanent reminder of something important.
-
Tongue piercings are less noticeable than other piercings. If a woman wants a piercing but can’t have or doesn’t want an obvious one, she might choose a tongue piercing because they’re easy to hide .
- Pro tip: for a more hidden option, professional piercer Stephanie Anders recommends a clear retainer. A retainer is a “clear piece of jewelry that can be worn that would be more hidden.” She suggests “something that’s made out of quartz or glass” rather than plastic “because plastic is porous.”
-
Some women get tongue piercings to take control of their bodies. Sometimes, people get body modifications after struggling with mental or physical illnesses or dealing with a traumatic situation. Getting a tongue piercing can give women a sense of control and security and remind them that they’re strong and capable of getting through tough situations. [6] X Research source
-
Tongue piercings typically heal faster than other piercings. If a woman wants to get a piercing but doesn’t want to deal with a long healing process, she might get a tongue piercing. If the piercing is properly cared for , the healing process generally takes about 3-4 weeks. [7] X Research source
- Pro tip: professional piercer Sasha Blue says “drinking cold water and/or eating ice chips helps bring down the swelling” in oral piercings.
Expert Q&A
Tips
- According to piercer Karissa Sanford, brush your tongue gently and slowly to avoid hitting the jewelry.Thanks
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about piercings, check out our in-depth interview with Stephanie Anders .
References
- ↑ https://healthresearchfunding.org/pros-cons-getting-tongue-pierced/
- ↑ https://www.spencersonline.com/blog/the-practice-of-piercings-what-your-body-jewelry-symbolizes/
- ↑ https://www.bodycandy.com/blogs/news/a-short-history-of-the-tongue-piercing
- ↑ https://www.spencersonline.com/blog/the-practice-of-piercings-what-your-body-jewelry-symbolizes/
- ↑ https://adornbodyart.com/blog-tongue-piercing-past-to-present/
- ↑ https://www.theswaddle.com/how-tattoos-piercings-can-serve-as-a-coping-mechanism-from-trauma
- ↑ https://www.urbanbodyjewelry.com/pages/tongue-piercing-information-aftercare