How to Remove Flat Back Earrings: A Step-by-Step Guide

Flat back earrings are a popular and stylish choice for many piercing enthusiasts. Known for their secure fit and sleek appearance, they are often used in cartilage piercings such as the helix, tragus, conch, and even lobes. While these earrings are designed for comfort and safety, removing them can be a bit tricky if you’re unfamiliar with how they work. Whether you’re changing jewelry or cleaning your piercing, here’s everything you need to know about how to safely and effectively remove flat back earrings.

What Are Flat Back Earrings?

Flat back earrings, also known as labret studs, consist of two parts:

• The Flat Back Plate: This sits flush against the back of your ear or piercing.
• The Front Piece (Stud or Gem): This screws or pushes into the back to secure the earring in place.

There are two main types of flat back earrings:

1. Threaded (Screw-On): The front piece screws into the post.
2. Threadless (Push-Pin): The front piece pushes into the post using tension.

Understanding which type you have is key to removing it properly.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Remove Flat Back Earrings

1. Wash Your Hands

Before handling any piercing, wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and warm water. This minimizes the risk of introducing bacteria to the site.

2. Identify the Type of Flat Back Earring

Take a closer look:

• If your earring has a smooth post and the front piece can be wiggled slightly, it’s likely threadless.
• If you can feel a twist or resistance when turning the front piece, it’s probably threaded.

3. Removing Threaded Flat Back Earrings

• Hold the back plate steady: Use one hand to gently grip the flat disc at the back of your ear.
• Unscrew the front: With your other hand, twist the front piece counterclockwise. This may take a little effort if it’s tightly secured.
• Be patient: If it feels stuck, try twisting gently while applying slight pressure forward or backward.

4. Removing Threadless Flat Back Earrings

• Hold the back plate: Again, use one hand to grip the flat back securely.
• Pull the front piece: With your other hand, pull the front stud straight out. It may feel snug due to the tension fit, but it should release with steady pressure.
• Twist slightly if needed: Some people find it easier to twist slightly while pulling to ease it out.

Tips for a Smooth Removal Process

• Use gloves or tissue if your fingers keep slipping on the tiny pieces.
• Don’t rush – being too forceful can hurt or damage the piercing.
• If it’s your first time, consider asking a professional piercer for help.
• Clean the jewelry and piercing site before and after removal with saline solution to prevent infection.

When to Seek Professional Help

If the earring won’t budge, the piercing is painful, or there’s any sign of infection (redness, swelling, discharge), don’t try to force it. Visit a reputable piercer who can remove the jewelry safely.

Conclusion

Flat back earrings may seem intimidating to remove at first, but with a little patience and the right technique, it’s quite manageable. Always prioritize hygiene and gentle handling, and when in doubt, reach out to a piercing professional. Whether you’re switching styles or just doing routine maintenance, knowing how to properly remove your flat back earrings is a key part of healthy piercing care.