Flat Back Earrings for Ear Piercings

Flat back earrings have revolutionised the world of ear piercings, offering comfort and versatility that traditional earrings simply can’t match. Whether you’re a piercing novice or a seasoned enthusiast, understanding the ins and outs of flat back earrings can elevate your jewellery game. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about these innovative accessories.

What is a flat back earring?

Flat back earrings, as the name suggests, feature a flat disc on the back instead of the traditional butterfly or screw-on backings. This design allows the earring to sit flush against the ear, providing a sleek and comfortable fit.

The front of the earring can come in various styles, from simple studs to elaborate designs, while the back remains consistently flat. This unique structure makes flat back earrings ideal for a wide range of piercings and lifestyles.

Key features of flat back earrings:

• Flat disc backing
• Comfortable fit
• Versatile front designs
• Suitable for long-term wear

What piercings can I wear a flat back earring in?

The beauty of flat back earrings lies in their versatility. They can be worn in numerous ear piercings, including:

1. Lobe piercings
2. Helix piercings
3. Tragus piercings
4. Conch piercings
5. Forward helix piercings
6. Daith piercings

In fact, flat back earrings are suitable for most cartilage piercings due to their comfortable design. They’re particularly popular for piercings in areas that come into contact with headphones, pillows, or other objects that might irritate traditional earring backs.

What makes them special?

Flat back earrings stand out from traditional earrings for several reasons:

1. Comfort: The flat back design eliminates the poking and snagging often associated with butterfly backs or screw-on backs.
2. Versatility: They can be worn in various piercings and are suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.
3. Longevity: Flat back earrings are ideal for long-term wear, making them perfect for piercings that require extended healing periods.
4. Hygiene: The smooth back is less likely to trap bacteria, making it easier to keep your piercings clean.
5. Aesthetics: The flat back allows for a seamless look, especially with multiple piercings.

“Flat back earrings have transformed the piercing industry. They offer unparalleled comfort and versatility, making them a favourite among both piercers and clients.” – Professional Piercer Jane Doe

How to wear flat backs / threadless jewelry

Wearing flat back earrings, particularly threadless jewellery, is straightforward but may require a bit of practice at first. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Clean your hands and the jewellery thoroughly.
2. Hold the front piece (the decorative part) in one hand.
3. Gently insert the pin of the front piece into the flat back.
4. Push firmly until you feel a slight ‘click’ or resistance.
5. To remove, hold the front and back pieces separately and gently pull apart.

Pro tip: If you’re struggling to insert or remove the jewellery, don’t force it. Seek help from a professional piercer to avoid damaging your piercing or the jewellery.

Piercing Studios Near You

Finding a reputable piercing studio is crucial for a safe and enjoyable piercing experience. Here’s a table of highly-rated piercing studios in major UK cities:

City	Studio Name	Speciality
London	The Piercing Shop	Cartilage piercings
Manchester	Holier Than Thou	Custom jewellery
Birmingham	Modern Body Art	Multiple piercings
Edinburgh	Forevermore Tattoo	Piercing aftercare
Glasgow	Nirvana	Exotic piercings

Always research and read reviews before choosing a piercing studio. Look for places that prioritise hygiene and use high-quality jewellery.

Can you get your ears pierced with flat back earrings?

Yes, absolutely! In fact, many professional piercers prefer using flat back earrings for new piercings. They’re particularly favoured for cartilage piercings due to their comfort and suitability for long-term wear during the healing process.

Benefits of using flat back earrings for new piercings:

• Reduced irritation
• Easier cleaning
• Less likely to snag on clothing or hair
• Comfortable for sleeping

However, it’s crucial to use high-quality, implant-grade materials for new piercings to minimise the risk of allergic reactions or infections.

Are flat back piercings better?

While “better” can be subjective, flat back earrings offer several advantages over traditional earring styles:

1. Comfort: The flat back design reduces irritation and snagging.
2. Versatility: Suitable for various piercing locations and styles.
3. Healing: Ideal for new piercings due to their design and materials.
4. Aesthetics: Provide a sleek, seamless look.
5. Longevity: Suitable for long-term wear.

However, personal preference plays a significant role. Some people may prefer the ease of traditional butterfly backs for everyday lobe piercings.

What are flat earrings called?

Flat back earrings go by several names, depending on their specific design:

• Labret studs: Originally designed for lip piercings but now popular for various ear piercings.
• Threadless earrings: A type of flat back earring where the decorative front piece attaches via tension rather than threads.
• Pushpin earrings: Similar to threadless earrings, named for their pushpin-like mechanism.
• Flatback barbells: Barbells with one flat end, often used for cartilage piercings.

Do flat back earrings screw off?

This depends on the specific type of flat back earring:

1. Internally threaded flat backs: These do screw off. The post has threads inside, and the decorative front screws into it.
2. Externally threaded flat backs: These also screw off, but the threads are on the outside of the post.
3. Threadless flat backs: These don’t screw off. Instead, the front piece is pushed into the post and held in place by tension.

Case Study: Sarah’s Piercing Journey

Sarah, a university student, decided to get multiple ear piercings. Her piercer recommended flat back earrings for all her new piercings. After six months, Sarah reported:

• Faster healing times compared to her previous piercings with traditional studs
• Easier cleaning and maintenance
• No issues with snagging on clothing or hair
• Comfortable sleep, even with new cartilage piercings

Sarah’s experience highlights the benefits of flat back earrings, especially for those with multiple or cartilage piercings.

Conclusion

Flat back earrings have revolutionised the world of ear piercings, offering a comfortable, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing option for various piercings. Whether you’re getting a new piercing or looking to upgrade your existing jewellery, flat back earrings are worth considering.

Remember, the key to a successful piercing experience lies not just in the jewellery choice, but also in proper aftercare and hygiene. Always consult with a professional piercer for advice tailored to your specific needs and piercing type.