Cardi B is known for her bold fashion statements, including her lip piercings. The rapper and singer often sports a piercing on her bottom lip called a Medusa piercing.
What is a Medusa Piercing?
A Medusa piercing is a lip piercing located under the center of the bottom lip, right above the chin. It is named after the mythological Greek creature Medusa, known for having snakes for hair and whose gaze could turn people to stone.
The Medusa piercing got its name because its positioning resembles snake bites, paralleling Medusa’s snaky locks. The jewelry sits vertically under the lip like the open mouth of a snake.
Medusa Piercing History
While Medusa piercings have become trendy in recent years, their origins can be traced back thousands of years. Body piercings were common in ancient cultures all over the world, including in Africa, the Middle East, India, and South America.
Ancient Aztecs and Mayans were known to pierce their lips and ears using gold labrets. Labret piercings refer to any piercing done on the lip, usually around the mouth and chin area. The term comes from the French word “l’auberet” meaning lip.
Lip piercings signified social status and were part of coming of age rituals and rites of passage. They were also believed to ward off evil spirits and danger.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, Medusa piercings started to gain popularity within the punk, goth, and underground body modification subcultures. The piercing began to enter mainstream attention in the mid 2000s and 2010s thanks to the influence of hip hop, rap, and Latin trap artists like Cardi B.
Why Cardi B Loves Her Medusa Piercing
Cardi B began sporting a Medusa piercing back in 2018. She usually pairs the subtle yet eye-catching lip jewelry with a bold cat eye and long sculpted nails.
The rapper has stated that she loves her Medusa piercing because it feels symbolic of her strong personality. She sees the piercing as representing female strength and empowerment.
Cardi has said, “A Medusa piercing to me is the ultimate boss lady lip accessory. Something about it shouts don’t mess with me. It gives me power when I wear it.”
On Twitter, Cardi explained, “Everytime I dress up and I wear my Medusa I feel like I can do anything and anything is possible. It’s like kissing myself because I love myself so much and I bless myself.”
Beyond style, Cardi has attributed more spiritual meaning to her Medusa jewelry, believing it protects her from evil. This references back to the mythological roots of the piercing used to ward off harm.
How Cardi B Maintains Her Medusa Piercing
Caring for a Medusa piercing requires diligence and consistency. The piercing is done through the center of the bottom lip, which harbors a lot of bacteria. Medusa piercings are prone to infection if not properly cleaned.
Cardi B religiously cleans her piercing twice a day with an antimicrobial sea salt mouthwash. She soaks the jewelry for 5-10 minutes to remove any buildup.
She avoids using alcohol-based mouthwashes as they can dry out the piercing. She also refrains from removing the original jewelry for 6 months to allow the fistula to fully heal.
Cardi also pays attention to the jewelry material she uses in her Medusa piercing. She prefers solid gold or titanium pieces over stainless steel. The smoother, higher quality metals pose less risk of inflammation.
Even when performing on stage and shooting music videos, Cardi makes sure her Medusa piercing is secured. She uses a flat back labret stud instead of a ring to prevent the jewelry from shifting and irritating the pierced hole.
The Meaning Behind Cardi B’s Medusa Piercing Jewelry
While Cardi enjoys changing up her lip ring style, she tends to favor bold Medusa studs with symbolic designs and gemstones.
- Snake jewelry – pays tribute to Medusa’s snake hair and the piercing’s reptilian inspiration
- Diamonds – represent success, luxury, and Cardi’s rap queen status
- Opals – considered mystical healing stones that ward off bad energy
- Gold bands – indicate prosperity, wealth, and fame
Cardi has also worn Medusa studs with crosses, hearts, crowns, and spiked balls. Each jewelry piece reflects different sides of the star’s personality.
Cardi B’s Medusa Piercing Evolution
While the fundamentals remain the same, Cardi often changes up the exact positioning and size of her Medusa piercing.
When she first got the piercing in 2018, it was a small subtle hoop worn towards the edge of her bottom lip.
In following years, she began positioning the Medusa ring dead center under her lip in a larger, more pronounced style. She also upgraded from a hoop to a flat back labret for security.
During her pregnancy with her son Kulture in 2018, Cardi temporarily removed the piercing. But it made a dramatic return in 2021 with a huge opal and diamond encrusted Medusa hoop.
Lately, her Medusa bling has been slightly scaled back but still makes a statement with snake and cross designs. She continues changing the studs to match her vibe and outfit.
Other Lip Piercings Cardi B Has Tried
While her Medusa has been the most constant, Cardi has experimented with other lip piercings over the years.
- Jestrum piercing – a vertical lip piercing situated in the center of the upper lip, through the lip tissue directly below the septum of the nose.
- Vertical labret – a lip piercing placed in the center of the bottom lip with the jewelry entering inside the lip instead of the outside.
- Smiley piercing – a lip piercing done horizontally, going through the upper gums behind the teeth so only the ends show when smiling.
- Snakebites – a lip piercing with one ring on the right side of the lower lip and another on the left side.
Her Medusa remains her one constant facial piercing. The others seem to have been more experimental and temporary.
What Jewelry Can Be Worn in a Medusa Piercing?
Medusa piercings are extremely versatile when it comes to jewelry options. The most common Medusa jewelry styles include:
- Barbell – a straight barbell with balls on each end
- Labret stud – a flat back stud with a decorative front
- Circular barbell – a fully circular ring shaped like a halo
- Horseshoe barbell – shaped like an upside down horseshoe
- Septum clicker – a hinge allows the ring to open and close in place
When it comes to materials, titanium and solid 14+ karat gold are recommended. Surgical steel contains nickel which can irritate piercings. Jewelry should also not be plated as it can flake off.
Make sure to get your Medusa jewelry from a reputable piercing shop. Avoid cheap jewelry that could be lead-based or porous, raising infection risks.
Recommended Medusa Jewelry Types
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Labret Stud | Secure, stays in place Heals easiest |
Less visible from a distance |
| Barbell | Fun, stylish look Visible when talking |
Can more easily shift around |
| Circular Barbell | Super eye-catching Stays put well |
Harder to insert/remove |
Medusa Piercing Pain Level
Pain levels for lip piercings like the Medusa vary greatly for each individual. It depends a lot on personal pain tolerance and anatomy.
That said, the Medusa ranks on the more painful end of facial piercings. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being extremely painful, most describe the Medusa as between a 5-8.
The needle passes through thick tissue and cartilage right under bone. However, the actual piercing takes just seconds. Adrenaline and endorphins help numb any post-piercing soreness.
Swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the site are normal during the initial healing for the first week or so.
Medusa Piercing Risks & Safety Precautions
Like any piercing, the Medusa does carry some risks when proper precautions are not taken.
Safety measures for Medusa piercings include:
- Choosing an extremely skilled, experienced piercer in a licensed studio
- Using a new sterile hollow piercing needle, never a piercing gun
- Having the jewelry inserted immediately after the piercing
- Quality jewelry material – implant-grade titanium, 14+K solid rose or yellow gold
- Avoiding smoking, kissing, oral sex, and excessive alcohol during the healing period
- Cleaning carefully with sterile saline spray 2-3 times daily
- Not changing jewelry until fully healed (2-3 months)
Potential risks if safety guidelines aren’t followed include:
- Infection – unsterilized equipment and poor hygiene introduce bacteria
- Rejection – immune system attacks the piercing channel
- Migration – improper jewelry size or material can cause migration
- Damage to gums and tooth enamel from improper jewelry size, position, or habits like chewing on the jewelry
- Nerve damage
- Excessive scar tissue build up
See a medical professional at the first signs of infection like discharge, swelling, and redness. Never attempt to remove an infected piercing yourself.
Medusa Piercing Aftercare & Cleaning Routine
Proper aftercare is vital for quick healing and prevention of complications like infection.
A daily cleaning routine for a new Medusa piercing should include:
- Wash hands before touching the piercing
- Use a sterile saline spray or non-iodized sea salt soak – spray 2-3 times daily
- Rinse for 30 seconds after eating and drinking anything besides water
- Gently pat dry with disposable paper products – never rub the piercing
- Avoid makeup, lotions, and creams around the piercing
Other tips for promoting healing:
- Use an alcohol-free antimicrobial mouthwash twice daily
- Sleep on a clean towel to avoid bacteria transfer from sheets/pillows
- Take zinc and vitamin C supplements to boost immunity and wound healing
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet
Avoid submerging the piercing in baths or swimming pools. Oral contact and friction can introduce harmful bacteria while healing.
How Long Does a Medusa Piercing Take to Heal?
With optimal placement, high-quality jewelry, and proper care, a Medusa piercing will be fully healed in about 2-3 months. However, timeframes vary significantly.
Healing progresses through several stages:
- Initial swelling and tenderness: First 3-10 days
- Lymph fluid drainage: Around 10 days to 6 weeks
- Developing fistula: 1-2 months
- Maturation: 2-3 months
With oral piercings, a fully matured fistula may still be forming beneath the surface up to 9 months later. Play it safe by waiting at least 6 months before changing jewelry.
Medusa Piercing Cost
Average pricing to get your Medusa piercing done professionally can range from $50 – $100, not counting the cost of quality jewelry.
What impacts the total pricing includes:
- Geographic location – bigger cities are more expensive
- Studio reputation and experience – more in demand piercers charge more
- Jewelry material and style – solid gold and gemstones cost more
Avoid bargain shopping for discount piercings, especially when it comes to the Medusa’s tricky placement. This is a time to prioritize skill and safety!
Finding a Reputable Medusa Piercer
So how do you find a qualified professional you can trust for your Medusa piercing? Here are tips for vetting studios and piercers:
- Verify licenses and permits are up to date
- Confirm a range of emergency safety procedures are in place
- Read reviews and talk to past clients
- Schedule an in-person consultation to evaluate technique, hygiene and bedside manner
- Ask about sterilization method and equipment – should be autoclaving
- Avoid pop-up shops with temporary booths and piercing guns
Also evaluate the piercer’s expertise with oral and lip piercings specifically. The Medusa has unique risks and nuances compared to earlobe piercings.
Getting pierced by an APP member is ideal. APP stands for The Association of Professional Piercers, which maintains the highest health and safety standards in the industry.
Should You Get a Medusa Piercing Like Cardi B?
Interested in following Cardi B’s lead and getting a signature Medusa piercing? Here are key considerations to determine if it’s right for you:
- Your natural lip shape and anatomy
- Willingness to diligently follow aftercare guidelines
- Potential dental damage – consult your dentist first
- Your personal style and fashion preferences
- Confidence to rock a bold piercing that stands out
- Commitment to 6+ months of no kissing or oral sex during healing
- Budgeting at least $70-$100 for quality work
For the adventurous fashionista, a Medusa piercing can be the perfect way to emulate Cardi B’s edgy glam signature style! Just be sure to find an ultra qualified piercer and follow safety precautions to avoid complications.
Conclusion
Cardi B’s Medusa piercing has undeniably become her fashion trademark. The strategically placed lip ring suits the star’s fiery confidence and adds symbolism connected to female strength.
When done safely by a skilled professional, a Medusa piercing can be a fun way to express your personal style. But the intricacy does require diligent aftercare and maintenance to prevent migration or infection.
By starting with the basics, carefully researching your piercer, and following cleaning best practices during healing, your Medusa piercing can look great for years to come!
