How to Remove Flat Back Earrings: A Comprehensive Guide
by Werneri Grundström
·5 minutes
Flat back earrings are popular for their comfort and secure fit, but removing them can sometimes be tricky. This guide will walk you through the process of safely removing flat back earrings, whether they're threaded or push-pin style.
What Are Flat Back Earrings?
Flat back earrings are a modern alternative to traditional earrings, characterized by their smooth, flat backing that sits flush against the ear. This design offers several advantages:
- Enhanced comfort, especially for side sleepers
- Reduced risk of snagging on clothing or hair
- A cleaner, more minimalist aesthetic
Flat back earrings come in two primary types:
- Threaded flat back earrings: These feature a post with threads that screws into the flat back piece.
- Push-pin flat back earrings: These have a straight post that pushes into the back and is held in place by tension.
Understanding which type you have is crucial for proper removal and care. You can usually determine this by gently attempting to unscrew the back. If it moves, it's threaded; if not, it's likely a push-pin style.
How to Remove Threaded Flat Back Earrings
Threaded flat back earrings require a specific technique for removal:
- Start by thoroughly washing your hands with antibacterial soap to minimize the risk of infection.
- Gently clean around the earring with a saline solution to remove any buildup that might impede removal.
- Grip the front of the earring firmly but carefully. Avoid squeezing decorative elements that might be delicate.
- With your other hand, hold the flat back securely.
- Begin to twist the back counterclockwise while holding the front steady. It's crucial to keep the front stationary to prevent irritation to your piercing.
- Continue rotating until the back comes off completely. This may take several turns.
- Once the back is off, gently pull the post out of your ear.
If the back is particularly stubborn, you can try these additional steps:
- Apply a small amount of high-quality lubricant, such as jojoba oil or vitamin E oil, to the threads. These are skin-safe and can help ease removal.
- Use a warm compress on your ear for a few minutes before attempting removal. This can help relax the skin and make the process more comfortable.
Removing Push-Pin Flat Back Earrings
Push-pin flat backs require a different approach:
- As always, begin with clean hands and a clean earring area.
- Hold the front of the earring steady with one hand. This prevents pulling on your piercing.
- With your other hand, grasp the back firmly.
- Pull the back straight out with a steady, gentle force. Avoid twisting or turning, as this can cause discomfort and may damage the earring.
- If you feel resistance, don't force it. Instead, try gently wiggling the back while maintaining a steady outward pull.
- Once the back is removed, carefully slide the post out of your ear.
Some push-pin flat backs have a slightly angled post. If this is the case, you may need to angle your pull slightly to match the curve of the post as it comes out.
Tools That Can Help
While most flat back earrings can be removed by hand, certain tools can make the process easier and safer:
- Rubber grips or latex gloves: These provide better traction, especially for small or slippery earring parts.
- Earring removal pliers: Specially designed for jewelry, these have rubber-tipped ends to grip earrings without scratching them. They're particularly useful for very small or tight backs.
- Warm compress: A washcloth soaked in warm water can help relax the skin and may make removal more comfortable.
- Magnifying mirror: This can be invaluable for seeing small parts clearly, especially with intricate earrings.
- Lubricant: A skin-safe oil like jojoba or vitamin E can help ease tight threads. Always patch test any new product first.
Remember, these tools should be used gently. The goal is to assist removal, not force it.
When to Seek Professional Help
While removing flat back earrings is often a simple process, there are situations where professional assistance is necessary. Seek help from a professional piercer or jeweler if:
- You experience persistent pain or swelling around the piercing.
- The earring refuses to budge after several careful attempts.
- You notice signs of infection such as redness, unusual warmth, or discharge.
- The earring appears to be embedded in the skin.
- You have a known nickel allergy and suspect the earring might contain nickel.
Professionals have specialized tools and extensive experience in dealing with challenging removals. They can often resolve issues quickly and safely, minimizing the risk of injury or damage to your piercing.
Caring for Your Ears After Removal
Proper aftercare is crucial to maintain the health of your piercing:
- Clean the area thoroughly with a sterile saline solution. Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can be too harsh and delay healing.
- Gently pat the area dry with a clean, lint-free cloth or gauze. Avoid rubbing, which can irritate the skin.
- If the area seems irritated, you can apply a small amount of tea tree oil diluted in a carrier oil, known for its antiseptic properties. Always patch test first.
- Allow the piercing to breathe for several hours before reinserting jewelry. This helps prevent moisture buildup and reduces the risk of infection.
- Monitor the area for any signs of irritation or infection over the next few days.
If you're changing to new jewelry, ensure it's made from high-quality, hypoallergenic materials like surgical stainless steel, platinum, or 14k gold to minimize the risk of reaction.
Maintenance Tips for Flat Back Earrings
Regular maintenance can significantly extend the life of your earrings and make future removals easier:
- Clean your earrings regularly, at least once a week. Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap to gently scrub away any buildup.
- For threaded backs, apply a tiny amount of thread locker designed for jewelry. This prevents overtightening and makes future removal easier.
- Avoid using excessive force when inserting push-pin backs. They should slide in smoothly with gentle pressure.
- Regularly check the tension of push-pin backs. If they become loose over time, it's safer to replace them than risk losing your earring.
- Store your flat back earrings separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching or tangling.
- Consider having a professional jeweler check your earrings annually, especially for expensive or sentimental pieces.
Conclusion
Removing flat back earrings doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right technique and a bit of patience, you can safely remove your earrings at home. Remember, if you encounter any difficulties or signs of infection, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Proper care and maintenance of your earrings and piercings will ensure both comfort and style for years to come.
