The Complete Guide to Ball-Back Earrings & Cartilage Piercings
Including How to Remove, Types, Troubleshooting, and FAQs
Shop Ball Screw StudsWhy Ball-Back Earrings Are Trending Again
Ball-back earrings — also known as screw-back studs — have quietly become a favourite for modern piercings. Their smooth, secure design keeps your jewellery comfortable, stylish and safe for everyday wear. Whether you’re getting your first helix piercing or curating a full ear stack, ball-back studs are the perfect mix of fashion and function.
At Galleria Armadoro, all of our ball-back and screw-back earrings are crafted from hypoallergenic, REACH-certified materials, making them safe for even the most sensitive skin. Each piece is plated in thick layers of 18 ct gold or white rhodium, so you can start your new piercing with jewellery you’ll actually want to wear throughout your entire healing time. Simply take your favourite pair to your piercer and get your initial piercing done with a piece you truly love.
What Exactly Is a Ball-Back Earring?
A ball-back (or screw-back) earring features a threaded post that twists into a small metal ball instead of a butterfly clip. This subtle design difference makes a big impact — combining security, comfort, and everyday wearability.
Ball-backs are especially popular for cartilage piercings such as the helix, flat, and tragus — areas that need stable, comfortable jewellery during healing.
@galleriaarmadoro 🔑 5 Simple Steps to Put On Your Ball Back Earrings: 1️⃣ Hold the ball back stud earring by the post. 2️⃣ Align the post with your piercing hole. 3️⃣ Gently push the post through until fully inserted. 4️⃣ Twist the ball screw back onto the post. 5️⃣ Ensure the ball is tightly secured! #BallBackEarrings #HowToRemoveBallBackEarrings #ScrewBallBackEarrings #GoldFlatBackEarrings ♬ u guys are pretty wtf - ki
How to Remove a Stuck Screw-Back Safely
If your earring feels stuck, don’t panic — this happens often. Follow these steps to safely loosen and remove it without damaging your jewellery or your piercing:
You can find detailed aftercare advice in our Piercing Aftercare Tips for a Speedy Recovery .
@galleriaarmadoro 🚫 PSA: Avoid the butterfly posts for your cartilage piercings! ❌ They can cause pressure, irritation, and even delay healing. Instead, opt for our piercing ball screw post studs for maximum comfort and style. 💫 Designed for secure wear and faster healing, these studs are the perfect choice for your cartilage piercings. ✨ Trust us, your ears will thank you! 👂💎 #PiercingTips #CartilagePiercing #JewelleryCare #GalleriaArmadoro #PiercingSafety #JewelleryHacks #EarStackGoals ♬ WTF - Nightcore
Ball-Back vs Flat-Back vs Butterfly
| Type | Comfort | Security | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ball-Back (Screw-Back) | Very comfortable, smooth edges | Extremely secure | Helix, flat, conch |
| Flat-Back (Labret) | Lies flush against skin | Secure but harder to change | Tragus, conch, multiple stacks |
| Butterfly Back | Can poke or loosen | Least secure | Healed lobe piercings |
Butterfly backs may work for healed lobes, but for cartilage they often cause pressure, irritation, or even infection. If you’re unsure which style suits you, read our Ear Piercing Guide — it covers placement, pain levels, and healing timelines for each area.
Ball-Back Studs and the Curated-Ear Trend
The curated ear — mixing multiple piercings in different shapes and sizes — continues to dominate 2025 jewellery trends. Think elegant symmetry, mini hoops, and sculptural studs stacked gracefully up the ear.
If you’re planning new piercings, start by reading our Guide to Helix Piercings and Piercing Gun vs Needle to understand safe methods and placements before booking your appointment.
Once healed, layer your ball-back studs with tiny huggies, cuffs, and clicker hoops to create a truly personal ear story — a look that’s expressive, balanced, and uniquely yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — ball-back earrings are ideal for cartilage because their smooth screw-on design prevents irritation and provides a secure fit. They’re especially comfortable in helix, conch, and tragus piercings where stability is key.
Absolutely. Our hypoallergenic, REACH-certified ball screw-back earrings are safe for initial piercings. Take your chosen pair to your piercer to get pierced with jewellery you’ll love from day one.
Use clean hands, rubber gloves for grip, and twist counter-clockwise while stabilising the front. If it’s still tight, soak in warm saline for a few minutes. Visit a professional piercer if it won’t move. See our Aftercare Guide for details.
Ball-backs screw on securely with smooth comfort. Flat-backs sit flush against the skin, perfect for stacked piercings. Butterfly backs push on but can irritate cartilage — best for healed lobes. Read our Ear Piercing Guide to learn more.
Cartilage piercings usually heal in 6–12 months. Lobe piercings take 6–8 weeks. Healing varies by placement, jewellery quality, and aftercare. Always clean twice daily and avoid sleeping on new piercings.
Yes. The smooth rounded backs make screw-back studs comfortable for sleeping — they don’t poke or catch like butterfly backs. Just ensure they’re snug but not overtightened.
Choose nickel-free, hypoallergenic metals such as 925 sterling silver, 18 ct gold, or white rhodium plating. Galleria Armadoro earrings are REACH-certified, ensuring safe and irritation-free wear.
They can if the threads collect residue. Clean regularly and check tightness weekly — finger-tight is enough. Over-tightening can jam the screw threads or strip the post.
Soak in warm water with mild soap or saline, gently brush threads with a soft toothbrush, rinse, and dry fully. Always clean your jewellery before reinserting it into healed piercings.
Explore our Piercing Collection — featuring ball-back studs, huggies, and hoops crafted from premium hypoallergenic materials. Designed in Athens, loved worldwide.
Why They’re Ideal for Cartilage Piercings
Cartilage areas — helix, conch, tragus — need jewellery that’s stable, low-profile and easy to keep clean. Ball-back studs meet every requirement:
Because cartilage receives less blood flow than your lobe, healing can take 6–12 months. Wearing high-quality, hypoallergenic jewellery throughout this period helps prevent bumps, redness, and prolonged soreness. Explore our Piercing Collection for screw-back styles in both 18 ct gold and white rhodium plating — perfect for this stage.
How Long Cartilage Piercings Take to Heal
Healing time depends on placement and care:
During this period:
For a full timeline and professional care tips, visit our Guide to Piercing Aftercare.
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The Galleria Armadoro Difference
Our ball screw-back earrings are not just safe — they’re designed to last and to shine. You can take them directly to your piercer for your first piercing and keep them in through every stage of healing.
Ready to Start Your Piercing Journey?
Discover the full range of ball-back studs, huggies, and hoops in our Piercing Collection and find the perfect piece for your next ear story.
Because your first earring shouldn’t be temporary — it should be one you’ll love wearing long after it heals.
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