Known for being comfortable and secure, flat back earrings are a popular choice for daily wear. While flat back earrings look stylish and secure, they can be confusing to remove after the first attempt. Their construction (threaded and push-pin) is different from regular earrings, and the twisting or pulling isn't always obvious.
In this complete guide, we'll show you how to remove flat back earrings in simple steps and the tools you can use. Additionally, we'll provide an overview of everything you need to know about flat back earrings, including what they are and how to remove them if they become stuck.
How to Remove Your Flat Back Earrings?
The most common case for removing a flat back earring is to rotate the front piece of the stud to the left and remove the screw-in flat back earring. Remove the push pin flat back earrings by pulling the front piece of the earring away from the back post.
However, there is an even worse condition where the flat back earrings get stuck while removing. But don't worry, here we will help you with detailed steps to solve this situation. You can prepare the tools, such as rubbing alcohol, petroleum jelly, rubber, or latex gloves, in advance in case you need them:
1. Clean and Prepare Your Hands: Similarly, before removing any other piercing, even healed piercings, there is the possibility of infection.
2. Clean Your Ears with Rubbing Alcohol: Pour alcohol on a cotton swab or cotton pad and pat it around the earring and earlobe. It's a good idea to clean your ears before removing your earrings, especially if this is a new piercing.
3. Lubricate the Earring with Petroleum Jelly: Take a little oil or petroleum jelly in your clean hand and massage it around the piercing site.
4. Grasp the Earring: Firmly grasp the front and back of the earring with clean hands.
5. Twist to Unscrew: Gently twist the ends of the earrings in opposite directions until they can be unscrewed.
6. Wear Clean Latex or Rubber Gloves: If you find it difficult to grip or if your earrings are really tight. Rubber or latex gloves will help you get a better grip on the earring and increase the grip.
7. Remove the Flat Back Posts: After the earrings are completely unscrewed, gently remove the earring posts from your ears to prevent irritation. Please do not forcefully pull them out, as this may result in damage to your skin or tearing of your ear piercing.
8. After Removal Care: After removing your flat back earrings, clean the piercing area before putting on your new earrings.
Finally, if you are still unable to remove your stuck flat back earrings, please contact your ear piercer or call your nearest ear piercing store for assistance; do not force it out yourself.
What are Flat Back Earrings?
A flat back earring is just like its name sounds, with a flat back. It is designed to provide the ultimate in comfort and security, meaning that it can be attached to the ear without causing discomfort. These earrings can be worn 24 hours a day and are perfect for sleeping.
Instead of using the traditional butterfly or screw-back earrings, the flat back studs have a flat disc. While traditional earrings usually have a dangling design, flat back earrings fit snugly on the back of the earlobe.
Flat back earrings are a perfect fit with everything from casual style to formal attire. They are versatile and can be worn alone or with other earrings.
Benefits of Flat Back Earrings
- Flat back earrings can be worn all day long. The pre-bent nature of the earring top creates tension when inserted into the backing; this tension is what keeps the earring secure. You can comfortably sleep with your earrings in place, which is important for people who are getting their ears pierced for the first time and need to keep them in place for a certain amount of time.
- For new piercings, the smooth and fluid design of these earrings helps promote healing and prevents poking, especially for lobe piercings and cartilage piercings.
- Flat back earrings are safe for sensitive skin. They are typically made of implant-grade titanium and 14K white or yellow gold, which is hypoallergenic and less likely to irritate.
- Butterfly backs often get caught in hair or clothing or pop out. This does not happen with flat back earrings.
If you are considering getting your ears pierced, make sure flat back earrings are your first choice.
Choosing the Right Flat Back Earring Mechanism
Threaded or push-pin? Learn the difference between flat back earring mechanisms and which one is best for you! When choosing a flat back earring mechanism, consider comfort, safety, and ease of use.
Types of Flat Back Earrings (Labret)
- Internal Threaded Flat Back Earrings: Smooth ear posts with no exposed threads through the piercing, perfect for comfortable, healing, and sensitive ears.
- External Threaded Flat Back Earrings: Threads are located on the earring post and pass through the ear hole, which may cause irritation or discomfort.
- Push Pin Flat Earrings: Use a bendable pin to secure the front end. Comfortable to wear and easy to insert or remove, but may be less secure to wear during strenuous activity.
- Pin Spinning Flat Back Earrings: Have a secure screw-in mechanism and smooth posts, though they can be a bit tricky to maneuver.
|
Feature / Type |
Internally Treaded |
Externally Threaded flat |
Push Pin Flatback |
Pin-Screw Flatback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Threaded (Screws) on post |
X |
O |
X |
O |
|
Pin to attach and secure in post |
X |
X |
O |
O |
|
Screw to secure |
O |
O |
X |
O |
|
Threads (Screws) on attachment |
O |
X |
X |
O |
|
Smooth surface post |
O |
X |
O |
O |
|
Only a smooth, screw-free post goes through your piercing. |
O |
X |
O |
O |
Choosing the Right Post Lengths
Finding the right post length is one of the most important but often overlooked parts of choosing flat back earrings. It not only affects the appearance of the jewelry, but also the effect and comfort of wearing it.
1. Basic length: There are several standard post lengths for flat back earrings, with 6mm and 8mm being the most common.
2. For new piercings: Most professional piercers will choose a longer post for you, usually around 8mm, to allow for expansion and ease of cleaning.
3. Healed piercing: Once your piercing is fully healed, you can usually switch to a 6mm post. This shorter bar jewelry fits more snugly in the ear.
4. Fits without being tight: The right post should feel secure but not put pressure on the ear piercing. Snug-fitting earrings help with healing and everyday wear without discomfort.
5. Avoid too short or too long: An ear post that is too short may make the backing too tight against the skin, causing redness and swelling around the piercing.
Too long a post may cause the earring to sag or move during your activities, and this constant movement can irritate the piercing. It's also more likely to snag hair, clothing, or jewelry on you.
6. Know your ears: Everyone's ears are different. The length of the post that works for one person may not be ideal for another. Factors such as cartilage thickness, earlobe size, and the angle of the piercing can affect the fit of the earring.
How to Put In Flat Back Earrings?
It is very simple to wear and only requires the following steps:
- Sanitize the earrings and your hands.
- Insert the post from the back of your ear.
- Once the post is through the front of the piercing, take the top and screw or snap it on the post.
- Push the ends together firmly with your fingers, then gently tug both ends to ensure they are secure.
Clean and Care Your Flat Back Studs
To take better care of studs, you can clean them regularly. They are usually cleaned once a week, but if you wear them regularly, you can increase the frequency of washing. Cleaning your flat back earrings is essential to keeping them looking their best and preventing irritation.
- Soak them in warm water with mild soap.
- Then gently brush with a soft brush to remove any dirt or buildup.
- Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth.
- You may also consider using a jewelry cleaning solution, but be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
When not wearing, store your flat back earrings in a jewelry box or soft cloth bag, which will protect them from scratches or damage. Avoid placing them in damp areas as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are my flat back studs falling out?
Common reasons for flat back earrings falling off include:
- Incorrect wear: Not all flat back earrings fit all ear sizes. If the post or backing is too large or too small, the earring will not stay in place.
- Loose backing: Over time, the threads or clasps on the backing may lose their grip.
- Frequent activities: Everyday actions such as adjusting your hair, wearing a hat, or sleeping on your side can cause your earrings to loosen over time.
- Improper fastening: Inadequate fastening of earrings is one of the most common causes of earring loss.
2. Are flat back earrings suitable for sensitive ears?
Flat back earrings are suitable for sensitive ears, but if you are sensitive to metals, you may experience an allergic reaction. You can choose hypoallergenic materials such as titanium or surgical steel to minimize discomfort.
3. Can I wear flat earrings in my lobe piercing?
Yes, you can wear flat earrings in your lobe piercings! Especially if you like to wear your earrings to bed, you'll never be poked in the back of your ear again.
Conclusion
Knowing the design and using the right technique, removing flat back earrings is not a hassle. With a little practice following our guide, you'll soon be a pro at removing flat back earrings.
Flat back earrings are stylish, safe, and comfortable -- don't let the removal process intimidate you. Enjoy your flat back earrings!
