The emo subculture of the 2000s was a youth movement characterized by a distinctive style, music, and attitudes. Emo was an abbreviation for emotional hardcore, a music genre that evolved from punk rock in the 1980s. The music was known for its emotionally charged lyrics, often dealing with heartbreak, isolation, and angst themes. In the 2000s, the emo sound became more polished and mainstream, with bands like My Chemical Romance, Dashboard Confessional, and Fall Out Boy achieving commercial success.
Emo fashion was also an essential aspect of the subculture, with individuals often wearing dark, tight-fitting clothing and accessorizing with piercings, tattoos, and dark eyeliner. Emo hairstyles were usually characterized by long, straightened hair that often covered one eye. The style was often seen as a rebellion against mainstream fashion and a way to express individuality and non-conformity.

The subculture strongly emphasized the importance of feelings and self-expression, with individuals often sharing their emotions through music, art, and writing. Emos often felt like outcasts and were drawn to the subculture to connect with others who shared their experiences of alienation and emotional turmoil.
Despite its popularity, the emo subculture was often stigmatized and misunderstood. However, the subculture remains an integral part of youth culture history and has influenced fashion, music, and attitudes for years to come.
One of the trends popularized by the subculture was the double lip piercings known as Snakebites.
What are Snakebite piercings?
Snakebite piercings are lip piercing where two symmetrical piercings are placed on either side of the lower lip, mimicking the appearance of snake fangs. This type of piercing is a popular choice among those who are into emo or punk subcultures.
Snakebite piercings are typically done using a hollow needle, and the jewelry used is usually a tiny stud or ring. Aftercare is essential for this piercing, as the mouth contains many bacteria and can become infected. The pierced will be advised to avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and kissing for a few weeks after getting the piercing and to rinse the mouth with saline solution or an alcohol-free mouthwash.
What is the Best Method for Snake Bites Piercings, and Who Should Perform Them?
A snakebite piercing is something that everyone may try, and however, people will undoubtedly attempt to do it themselves because of the abundance of online do-it-yourself tutorials. Don’t get your ears pierced if you can help it.
The snakebite piercing is not something we recommend you do by yourself. Trust only a qualified and well-respected piercer, even if it costs more. Only a professional piercer has the training, experience, and equipment to safely and effectively pierce a snakebite.
When will my piercing from a snake bite be fully healed?
Researchers have shown that a snake bite piercing can take up to two months to heal completely. The discomfort may last up to a month, but try not to stress too much because it is manageable. And as the wound heals, the pain will gradually lessen. The edema may not peak for another 3–5 days. It’s worth noting, though, that recovery times might range widely.
What Precautions Should You Take with Your New Snakebite Piercing?
It would be best to take several precautions after getting snakebite piercings to ensure they heal properly and don’t get infected. Keep your diet light and easy for the first several days. You should only eat carb-heavy foods like spaghetti, yogurt, soups, etc. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles whenever possible when brushing your teeth. It’s essential to use an antimicrobial mouthwash to prevent bad breath.
Add ice cubes to your cold beverages to reduce the swelling. Extra pillows used at night to prop up the head are also beneficial. Reduce the potential for spreading any germs by cleaning your hands thoroughly with soap and water before beginning any cleanup work at the spot. Use a saline solution to clean the area twice or thrice daily.
It’s important to note that, like any body piercing, snakebite piercings come with risks, such as infection, scarring, and jewelry rejection. It’s also essential to choose a reputable and experienced piercer and ensure proper sterilization techniques are used to minimize the risk of infection.