Lah-bret or lah-bray? What's a labret?
What's a labret? Better yet, how do you say it? Many people say lah-bray, as if it's a French word. It's actually pronounced lah-bret. Its roots are in Latin, if you like knowing random trivia. Labrets resemble barbells, but have a flat disc at one end instead of a bead. The other end has a threaded bead, as you'd expect. We carry labrets with external and internal threading. We have something for everyone!
You'll see labret jewelry in lip piercings like Monroe, Medusa, or its namesake piercing. Because the disc lies flat against the inner lip, it won't irritate your gums. It's also used in other piercings - like lobes, nose, conch, and tragus. We recommend wearing labrets with a rounded back, as they're the most gentle on gums.
There's a few twists on this classic jewelry though:
- A Disturbed labret has a large spike instead of a bead. The spikes come in many different lengths and shapes. These are meant for the lip and labret piercings, but we sell them often as earrings too! They're a conversation starter, where ever you wear them. Can you guess what band gave this style of labret its name?
- A Fishtail labret is an older version of the modern labret. Instead of the flat disc on the end, it has a thin, flat bar, bent at a 90-degree angle. Many people found this uncomfortable and that it fell out in their sleep - this is why the design has evolved.