The Ultimate Guide to Dahlia Piercings & Joker Piercings

The Dahlia piercing (also known as the Joker piercing) is a bold, rare piercing with a dark aesthetic. It is named after the famous Black Dahlia case from the 1940s. The Joker's signature smile, located at the corner of the mouth, creates an edgy aesthetic that lives up to its namesake.

Although the dahlia piercing is not a mainstream lip piercing and can even be considered rare, it has a cult following among alternative fashion lovers and body modification enthusiasts. This piercing is not for the faint of heart. If you are looking for a facial piercing that will attract a lot of attention, consider the dahlia. Due to its uniqueness and complexity, here is everything you need to know before getting a dahlia piercing.

What Is a Dahlia Piercing?

The Dahlia piercing is a set of two symmetrical piercings located at the corners of the mouth, giving the illusion of a wide smile. As a result, more and more people are associating it with the Black Dahlia case and the Joker character .

Unlike more common lip piercings, the Dahlia is located further back on the face, near where the lip meets the cheek. This is something that almost no other piercing does, which is what makes it unique and complex, and means it requires precise techniques and a skilled hand to get it right.

The Cultural and Aesthetic Appeal

The dahlia piercing similarly carries a rich (and slightly dark) cultural weight. Actress Elizabeth Short was tragically murdered and had a horrific "smile" tattooed on her face. Despite its somewhat gruesome origin ties, it has evolved into a form of artistic self-expression, especially enjoyed by those who enjoy unconventional expression.

However, in modern pop culture, piercings are often associated with the Joker's Smile. The chaotic smile and strong presence make this look sometimes called "clown piercings". In fact, it is inspired by movies and alternative fashion, and it is also a statement that you are confident, avant-garde, and unique. It has a unique symbolic meaning in subcultures (Goth, punk, etc.).

How Much Do Dahlia Piercings Hurt?

When it comes to piercings, pain is always part of the conversation, and understandably so. The flesh at the edges of your mouth may seem sensitive, but the truth is that a dahlia piercing is less painful than other lip piercing types. However, since this is a double piercing (one on each side), you’ll experience both in one session unless you choose to have them done separately. If you have a low pain tolerance or are anxious about needles, it’s best to pierce one side first, wait for it to heal a bit, and then pierce the second side. Remember that the pain is only temporary, but that intense, symmetrical look? It’s definitely worth it.

Healing Time and What to Expect

The time span for healing a dahlia piercing is long, and on average, the healing period is anywhere from 12 to 20 weeks or even longer. The differences in healing time are often attributed to post-operative care practices. What makes dahlia piercings particularly tricky is their location. Since they are located right at the corners of the mouth, which are in constant motion when talking, chewing, smiling, and yawning. Without proper care, they are more susceptible to irritation, swelling, and even expulsion. We’ll go into more details on the rules of dahlia care later.

But before you do that, you need to know what to expect after getting your piercing. Minor swelling, redness, and pain are completely normal for the first few days. You may also notice difficulty eating or opening your mouth fully. By week 2 to 4, the initial pain should subside, but this doesn't mean the piercing is completely healed. Internally, it's still repairing the tissue and closing around the jewelry.

Aftercare Rules

Aftercare can make or break your piercing. The location of dahlia piercings exposes them to food particles and other harmful substances in the mouth, and frequent movement of the corners of the mouth can also adversely affect them. But if you perform proper aftercare, you can avoid most complications caused by dahlia piercings.

And rinse your mouth with sterile saline or sea salt every day. Soak a clean cotton pad and gently press it against the outside of the piercing for 3-5 minutes. Dahlia piercings are closer to your molars, and you chew mostly with your molars, which can cause food particles to slide into the healing piercing. Soak in sea salt water after eating to remove debris. Be careful not to use mouthwashes that contain alcohol. You can use a mouthwash specifically designed for healing oral piercings.

Be Mindful While Eating. The dahlia piercing is located near the molars, so it is easy to accidentally bite the jewelry. If the jewelry is pulled, there is a high chance of rejection. Stick to soft foods for the first week, such as mashed potatoes, soup, and yogurt. Chew slowly and avoid any sticky, crunchy, or spicy foods.

Maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth after every meal, and don't forget to gently brush your tongue. Bacteria grow quickly in the mouth, and regular oral hygiene can help your piercing heal faster. Consider bringing a travel toothbrush with you, especially during the early healing period. Cleanliness is the most important thing.

Jewelry Options for Dahlia Piercings

Without a doubt, the most common and recommended jewelry choice for a dahlia piercing is a flat back lip stud. Small beads or other embellishments on either side of your mouth can accentuate your smile. And they sit comfortably and securely against the inside of your cheek, perfect for reducing friction when chewing or talking. The size of this piercing is usually 14G, but some people get a 16G needle so they can choose more delicate jewelry. Generally, a longer post is used to accommodate swelling when wearing the initial jewelry, and then shortened after a few weeks.

Dahlia lip studs come in a variety of popular styles, such as Classic ball ends, Gemstone studs, Flat discs, Opal, titanium, or matte black finishes. These options are perfect for matching your look.

If you want a more unique look, you can also consider curved barbells and captive bead rings.

Pros and Cons of Dahlia Piercings

Should I get a Dahlia Piercing? This is a question that bothers a lot of people. Like any body modification, Dahlia Piercing has both Pros and Cons. But I must tell you that Dahlia Piercing is not for everyone. Here is a balanced analysis of its pros and cons to help you decide if this piercing is right for your style and lifestyle.

Pros: Dahlia piercings are very rare, so they can be a striking feature. If you like to stand out and express your personality, this is a good choice. Also, a properly placed dahlia piercing can perfectly accentuate the natural width of the mouth and enhance balanced facial features.

Cons: The healing period of a dahlia piercing is up to 5 months or even longer. This is not a quick-healing piercing. And it requires very careful aftercare. You need to be prepared for long-term care, which is very demanding of patience and carefulness. If you can't do it, it is not recommended to choose this complex piercing. Moreover, continuous movements such as chewing, talking, and smiling can irritate the area and easily cause the piercing to shift or be rejected. Also, due to the complex location of the piercing, not all piercers have experience in dahlia piercings, and it is difficult to find the right professional.

Choosing a Piercer: What You Must Ask

I mentioned before that dahlia piercings are very demanding on the piercer. This is not something that can be done by just any piercer, you need to find an experienced piercer who specializes in dahlia piercings. When you talk to your piercer, be sure to ask:

• “Have you ever had a dahlia piercing done before?”
• “Can I see photos of your work?”
• “How do you ensure symmetrical placement?”

A good piercer will have a portfolio, will walk you through the process without hesitation, and will be honest with you if they haven’t done the style before.

Also, a professional piercer should use sterile, disposable needles, and if the piercer reports that he uses a piercing gun, don't hesitate to visit the next piercing shop. Since dahlia piercings are rare, you may not be able to find a qualified piercer in your area, especially if you live in a remote area. This piercing is worth a day or even a weekend getaway to visit a trusted professional. Don't rush it, your face deserves your attention.

How Much Will It Cost?

A dahlia piercing costs around $ 70-100, though this can vary depending on your location, the experience of your piercer, and the quality of the jewelry you choose. Generally, the initial jewelry ranges from $20–80 (per piece, and you’ll need two), which means the total upfront cost should be upwards of $100–200. However, there are many studios that include basic jewelry in the price of the piercing. While this may seem like a larger investment than a standard lip piercing, due to the rarity of dahlias, you can’t skimp on quality, and spending a few extra dollars on expertise and safe materials can save you from infection, misalignment, or expensive redos later on.

Dahlia Piercing vs. Other Lip Piercings: Which One's Right for You?

If you're not sure if a dahlia piercing is right for you, or you're wavering between other lip piercings, we compared it to other popular lip piercings to help you understand the differences in pain, placement, healing, and style. Each of these piercings has its own vibe.

Piercing Type	Placement	Pain Level	Healing Time	Style Vibe	Popularity
Dahlia	Corners of the mouth (left & right)	Moderate	12–20 weeks	Bold, symmetrical, rare	✦✦
Snake Bites	One piercing on each lower lip side	Low–Moderate	6–10 weeks	Punk, rebellious	✦✦✦✦
Medusa (Philtrum)	Center of the upper lip, under the nose	Moderate	8–12 weeks	Stylish, central focal point	✦✦✦✦
Labret	Center of the bottom lip	Low	6–8 weeks	Classic, minimal	✦✦✦✦✦
Ashley	Through the center of the lower lip (single entry/exit)	High	8–12 weeks	Subtle but striking	✦✦✦