How Much Do Inner Lip Tattoos Cost?

Last Updated on February 7, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Inner lip tattoos are a unique and edgy body art choice. With their hidden placement inside the mouth, lip tattoos offer a discreet option for self-expression. But before getting inked, it’s important to understand the costs associated with this delicate tattoo area.

This guide covers the many factors that influence inner lip tattoo pricing.

How Much Do Inner Lip Tattoos Cost?

Inner lip tattoos typically cost between $50 and $100 on average. The exact price can vary based on the design complexity, tattoo size, artist expertise, and studio location.

Spiritustattoo.com writes that an inner lip tattoo is estimated to cost between $50 and $100 for a small one.

For comparison, small simple tattoos on the arm, leg, or back often start around $50. More intricate tattoos on these body parts range from $100 to $300 per hour.

Factors That Impact the Cost

Many elements contribute to the final price of inner lip tattoos. Some main considerations include:

The Artist’s Experience and Skill

Like all tattoo work, the artist’s talent and technique significantly sway cost. Reputable artists with a focus on oral tattoos may charge between $100 and $250 per hour. Their expertise with delicate lip tissue and small designs warrants a premium rate. Newer artists often charge closer to $50 to $100 per hour.

The shop’s location also impacts pricing. Studios in major cities like Los Angeles or New York City tend to set higher hourly rates. Shops in smaller towns or rural areas often have lower rates.

Design Complexity and Session Length

The actual tattoo design directly relates to the time and effort required. Simple lettering or micro tattoos take less than 30 minutes to complete. More complex designs with color or shading can take one hour or longer.

Session lengths of less than one hour are typically charged at a minimum rate around $50 to $100. The price goes up from there based on the hourly shop minimum.

Consultation and Design Fees

Reputable shops provide an initial consultation to discuss design ideas and review risks. There is sometimes a small fee for the consult, ranging from $50 to $100.

Creating a custom tattoo design also incurs an additional cost. Design fees range from $50 for simple concepts up to $200 for detailed drawings.

Studio Fees for the Tattoo Session

The bulk of the inner lip tattoo cost goes toward the actual session fee. This covers the artist’s time and shop materials to complete the tattoo.

Standard shop minimums fall around $50 to $100 per hour. The total depends on the length of the appointment. For example, a 1-hour session at $100 per hour will be $100 to $200 total.

Aftercare Products and Supplies

Caring properly for an inner lip tattoo requires specialty ointments and mouthwashes. These aftercare supplies typically add $20 to $50 to the total cost. The artist may include aftercare products in the initial pricing. But it’s smart to budget extra for a full supply.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a finger tattoo, a word tattoo, or a knuckle tattoo.

Touch-ups and Maintenance

Due to frequent wear inside the mouth, lip tattoos often require touch-ups every 1 to 5 years. Touch-ups cost around $50 to $100 per session. Proper aftercare reduces the need for frequent maintenance.

Health Risks and Precautions

Lip tattoos carry some unique health risks given their placement inside the mouth. Make sure to select an artist who follows sanitary practices and uses medical-grade tattoo inks. Improper technique or contaminated tools can lead to infections or dental complications.

Always disclose any mouth infections, cold sores, or other oral health issues before getting an inner lip tattoo. Certain conditions may require postponing the appointment until fully healed. Be sure to follow all aftercare instructions carefully.

How to Budget for an Inner Lip Tattoo

The best practice is to budget $150 to $300 to cover the complete costs for a basic inner lip tattoo. Here are some tips to keep costs affordable:

• Ask about new client specials or petite tattoo discounts.
• Opt for simple lettering or micro designs rather than complex artwork.
• Provide your own custom design to avoid extra drawing fees.
• Purchase your own aftercare supplies rather than using the shop’s products.
• Be cautious of shops with rates notably lower than the average pricing. This may indicate issues with skill or sanitary practices.

Bottom line: Focus your budget on an exceptional artist rather than shopping only by price. An extra investment upfront will pay off in vibrant results and fewer touch-ups down the road.

Final Words

Getting an inner lip tattoo is a unique investment in personal self-expression. While costs vary based on specific factors, the average price range falls between $50 and $100. With proper planning and budgeting, inner lip tattoos can be an affordable and rewarding experience.

FAQs about Inner Lip Tattoos

How long do inner lip tattoos last?

Most inner lip tattoos last 1 to 5 years on average before needing a touch up. Their lifespan depends on factors like tattoo quality, design simplicity, artist skill, and proper aftercare.

With optimal application and care, some may last up to 10 years. But fading and blurring will happen sooner rather than later inside the mouth. Plan for periodic maintenance sessions every few years.

How painful is an inner lip tattoo?

Inner lip tattoos are generally considered mildly to moderately painful. The level of discomfort varies by individual. Placement on thinner lip tissue tends to be more sensitive versus thicker areas inside the mouth.

The center bottom lip or upper portion near the gumline often feels the least uncomfortable. Use numbing creams or take pain relievers to help manage discomfort during the session.

Is it safe to tattoo the inside of your lip?

Inner lip tattoos can be safe when applied correctly using sterile technique. But the mouth comes with higher risks for infection than other body parts. Ensure the artist uses a fresh sterile needle, medical-grade ink, and adheres to strict sanitary standards.

Avoid unhygienic shops or scratcher artists. Proper aftercare is also essential to prevent complications. Consult your dentist beforehand if concerned about gum or dental issues. While not 100% risk-free, inner lip tattoos can be a safe choice with an experienced artist.