How to Wear Threadless Flat Back Earrings: Step-by-Step Guide

Threadless flat back earrings work differently from regular studs - and once you know how, it takes about five seconds. No screwing, no butterfly clasps, no tools. Just a push and they are in. Here is exactly how to do it.

Video:

What You Are Working With

Cross-section view: the pre-bent gold pin sits inside the hollow post, creating spring tension that holds the earring in place

Every Shemisli threadless flat back earring has two separate pieces:

  • The post: the flat back bar that goes through your piercing. Flat disc on one end, open hollow tube on the other.

  • The top: the decorative piece you see from the front. It has a small pre-bent pin on the back.

The bent pin is the key. When you push the top into the post, the bent pin creates spring tension that holds everything secure. No thread, no screw - just tension. That is what makes it threadless.

How to Put In Your Flat Back Earring

Overview: Step 1 - post through piercing from back | Step 2 - top connects to post | Step 3 - push closed and secure

STEP 1 - Insert the post through your piercing from the back

Push the flat back post through the back of your piercing hole until the post tip is visible from the front of your ear. The flat disc sits flush against the back of your ear - nothing pokes or protrudes.

STEP 2 - Insert the top pin one-third into the post

Insert one-third first, apply gentle bend, then pull apart and re-insert to lock securely

Take your decorative top and insert the small bent pin into the hollow opening of the post - but only one-third of the way in. Do not push it all the way yet.

STEP 3-  Bend the pin slightly while partially inserted

With the pin sitting one-third inside the post, apply gentle pressure to bend the pin slightly. This increases the spring tension that holds your earring secure. You will feel a small amount of resistance - that is correct.

STEP 4 - Push both ends firmly together to close

Push the top and post firmly together until secure. Give both ends a gentle tug to confirm the earring is locked in. If it feels loose, see the fix below.

How to Remove

Hold the flat back post between your fingers and pull the decorative top straight out in the opposite direction. No twisting required - it comes apart cleanly.

Pro tip: never remove flat back earrings over a sink. The top is small and can slip easily. Remove over a flat surface so nothing gets lost.

If Your Earring Feels Loose

A loose fit means the pin needs a slightly stronger bend to create more tension:

  1. Remove the top from the post completely

  2. Re-insert the pin about one-third of the way in

  3. Apply slightly more pressure to bend the pin

  4. Pull apart and re-insert fully - test for security

  5. Repeat until the fit is snug

Important: do not over-bend the pin. Increase gradually - a little more pressure each time until the fit is right.

Quick Tips

  • Shemisli flat back studs are available in 20G, 18G, and 16G - match the gauge to your piercing

  • All of our push pin heads fit in any gauge or any length of our push pin posts.
    We can only guarantee our push pin heads fit in our posts, and we don't know if they are compatible with posts from other stores.

  • Flat backs are comfortable to sleep in - nothing pokes behind your ear

  • Buy new tops and use your existing posts - one post, many different looks

  • Do not bend the pin near the base of the stud, always bend it at the midpoint

  • For a cartilage piercing change for the first time, a professional piercer can help

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How do threadless flat back earrings stay in?

The decorative top has a small pre-bent pin that creates spring tension when inserted into the hollow post. That tension holds the earring securely - no thread or screw needed. The tighter the bend on the pin, the more secure the fit.

Why does my flat back earring feel loose?

A loose fit means the pin needs a stronger bend to create more tension. Remove the top, re-insert one-third of the way, apply slightly more bend pressure, then push together and test. Repeat until secure.

Can I use any top with my flat back post?

Tops and posts must match in gauge. A 16G top fits a 16G post, an 18G top fits an 18G post. Shemisli flat backs come in 20G, 18G, and 16G - check the gauge of your existing post before purchasing new tops separately.

Are flat back earrings hard to put in yourself?

Not once you know the technique. The steps take about five seconds after the first few times. The most common mistake is pushing the pin all the way in before bending it - insert one-third first, bend, then push fully closed.

Can I sleep in flat back earrings?

Yes - this is one of their biggest advantages. The flat disc back means nothing protrudes behind your ear, so there is nothing to press into your neck or scalp when you sleep on your side.