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Published Thursday, May 7, 2026

How To Change a Flat Piercing Jewelry

Not sure how to change jewelry for a flat piercing? Don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks once you know the steps. This guide will walk you through the process in a simple, safe way so you can switch your jewelry with confidence.

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Make Sure Your Piercing Is Healed First

Before you even think about changing your jewelry, check that your piercing is fully healed. Flat piercings go through cartilage, which takes longer to heal than soft tissue. The healing time for this piercing is 9 months to 1 year.

If your piercing still feels sore or looks irritated, wait a bit longer. Changing it too soon can cause problems.

 

Clean Your Hands and Jewelry

Always start with clean hands and clean jewelry. This helps prevent infection.

  • Wash your hands with soap and water
  • Clean your new jewelry with mild soap and water
  • Dry everything with a clean towel

Simple and clean is all you need—no harsh chemicals required.

washing jewelry in mild soap and warm water drying jewelry with a clean paper towel

 

Know Your Jewelry Type

Most flat piercings use a labret stud with a flat back. There are two common styles:

  • Threaded jewelry: The top screws on and off
  • Threadless jewelry: The top pulls out and pushes back in

 

How to Change Jewelry for a Flat Piercing

Step 1: Remove the Old Jewelry

Reach behind your ear and hold the flat back in place.

  • For threaded jewelry: Unscrew the front piece
  • For threadless jewelry: Gently pull the front piece out

Once the top is off, slide the post out carefully.

hold back of labret and twist top pulling threadless end out of post


Step 2: Insert the New Jewelry

Take your new jewelry and insert it from the back of your ear to the front.

  • Go slow and steady
  • Don’t force it—if it doesn’t slide easily, pause

sliding new jewelry through the piercing


Step 3: Secure the Top

  • Threaded: Screw the top back on
  • Threadless: Push the top firmly into place

Make sure it feels secure but not too tight.

pushing threadless end into post

 

Need Extra Help?

If you’re having trouble inserting your jewelry, a taper can make things much easier.

How to Use a Taper

  • Attach your jewelry post to the taper
  • Insert the taper from the back of your ear
  • Guide it through until the flat back sits flush
  • Remove the taper
  • Attach your jewelry top (screw or push in)

This method helps guide the jewelry smoothly through the piercing.

adding taper to post inserting taper from back of piercing removing taper from post

 

Final Tips

  • Take your time—don’t rush
  • Work in a well-lit area
  • Use a mirror if needed
  • If something hurts, stop and try again later

Changing your jewelry should feel easy, not painful.

 

 

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