2 Simple Ways to Remove Flat Back Earrings and How to Get Them Unstuck

The easiest way to remove screw in or push pin flat back earrings, even if they’re stuck

Co-authored by Devin McSween

Last Updated: October 25, 2022

Screw in Flat Backs

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Push Pin Flat Backs

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Stuck Earring Tips

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Things You'll Need

If you recently got your ears pierced or are an earring junkie, you probably know that flat back earrings are more comfortable and wearable than traditional butterfly backs. However, these little earrings can be difficult to remove and leave you feeling like they’ll be stuck in your ear forever. Do not fear, because in this handy guide we’ll tell you how to easily remove each type of flat back earring, plus give you tips on how to get them out if they’re stuck.

Things You Should Know

Remove screw in flat back earrings by rotating the front piece of the stud to the left.
To remove push pin flat back earrings, pull the front piece of the stud and the back post apart.
If your earrings are stuck, apply rubbing alcohol or petroleum jelly to loosen them up.

Section 1 of 3:

Screw in Flat Backs

Rotate the front piece counterclockwise to unscrew it from the post. Gently grip the front, decorative piece of the earring with one hand and the flat back post with your other. Unscrew the front part of the stud by turning it to the left until it is loose from the stud.^{[1]
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- With most flat back earrings, you screw the top, decorative bit into the backing post. However, some earrings may be reversed, so you will need to unscrew the flat back piece from the stud.
- The screw in flat back earring is also called an internally threaded flat back.

Section 2 of 3:

Push Pin Flat Backs

Pull the front piece and back post apart. Grasp the front, decorative piece of the stud with one hand and the back post with your other as you tug. If you feel a lot of resistance, gently twist the front piece back and forth as you pull.^{[2]
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- It’s normal to have to pull with a bit of force to get the push pin earring apart.

Section 3 of 3:

Stuck Earring Tips

1
Remove buildup around the earring with rubbing alcohol. Pour rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad and pat it around your earring and earlobe. This will remove any dead skin cells and buildup that might make your earring stick.^{[3]
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- It’s always a good idea to clean your ears before you take out your earrings, especially if you're taking out your earrings for the first time.
2
Lubricate the post with petroleum jelly. With clean hands, take a bit of petroleum jelly and massage it around the earring. Move your earring back and forth to work the jelly into the hole and loosen the earring.^{[4]
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3
Wear a clean pair of latex gloves for extra grip. If your earrings are really tight and stuck on, latex gloves will help you hold onto the front piece of the earring as you unscrew or pull it out.^{[5]
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- Rubber gloves work just as well if you have a latex allergy.
4
Ask your ear piercer for assistance. If you are still having trouble removing a stuck flat back earring, make an appointment with your piercer to remove your earrings. If this isn’t a new piercing, call your local piercing shop to see if they can help you.^{[6]
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