Alysa Liu, the dynamic figure skating sensation from Team USA, has illuminated a common misconception surrounding her dazzling smile. For many fans, the glint of silver adorning her mouth has been mistaken for precious gems or elaborate jewels. In reality, this distinctive sparkle is the result of a carefully placed mouth piercing.
Whenever Liu graces the ice or stands proudly on the podium, her prominent frenulum piercing – widely recognised as the “smiley” piercing – is on full display. This piercing is situated in the small band of tissue that connects the upper gum to the upper lip, adding a unique flair to her already radiant expression.
What makes this detail even more remarkable is that the 20-year-old Winter Olympics competitor opted for a DIY approach to her piercing. She revealed to NBC affiliate TMJ4 News that she performed the piercing on herself, a practice she’s maintained for just over two years. “I had my sister hold up my lip, and I was looking in the mirror, and I had my piercing needle, and yeah, just put it through,” Liu recounted with a candid smile.
Liu’s confidence in her self-piercing abilities stems from her perspective that it’s simply “another hobby” she’s cultivated. During a 2024 appearance on the In The Loop podcast, she elaborated on her thrifty and self-reliant approach.
The DIY Approach to Personal Adornment
“Getting pierced at a shop is really expensive for no reason,” Liu explained, highlighting the financial aspect. “So I thought I would learn it myself, be a little DIY girl. Yeah, so I picked that up just because it’s cheaper and I trust myself a lot to get it in the right spot placement wise for the jewelry.”
She meticulously detailed her process, emphasizing her commitment to safety and proper technique. “I bought all the supplies I would need, like piercing needles. I don’t do it with like safety pins or the piercing gun. I’m not, I don’t do that,” she stated firmly, differentiating her method from less professional and potentially more harmful techniques.
Beyond her signature piercing, Liu expresses her individuality through her striking hair. Her distinctive platinum blonde stripes woven through her dark brown locks are not merely a fashion statement; they carry profound personal significance. Each stripe represents a year of Alysa Liu’s personal and professional journey, a visual timeline of her growth. She initiated this tradition in 2023, consistently adding a new stripe each subsequent year, maintaining the trend for the past three years.
“Every year, I add a stripe,” she told NBC in January. “It’s gonna be like this for a year, then—next wintertime, end of December—I do another ring.” This ongoing artistic expression on her hair serves as a constant reminder of her achievements and evolution as both an athlete and an individual.
A Champion’s Journey on the Ice
Liu’s journey to international acclaim began at a remarkably young age. She made her Olympic debut in Beijing, China, in 2022, at just 16 years old. While she announced her retirement from the sport following that monumental event, her passion for figure skating proved too strong to ignore. In 2024, she made a triumphant return to the competitive circuit, a comeback that culminated in her winning the 2025 World Championships.
Her current Olympic campaign has already seen her secure a gold medal in the team figure skating event. As of Tuesday, she was poised to compete in the Women’s Single Skating Short Program. Heading into Thursday’s Free Skate event, Liu held a strong third-place position, offering another significant opportunity for her to add another medal to her already impressive collection. Her performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide, showcasing not only her exceptional talent but also her evolving personal style and self-assured presence.
