A flat back earring has nothing sticking out behind the ear. Instead of a butterfly clasp on a long pointed post, the back is a smooth flat disc that sits flush against the skin. There is no sharp end to catch hair, mask straps or pillowcases, and nothing to dig in when you sleep on your side. That is the whole reason professional piercers use them.
How a flat back works
The piece is in two parts. The post goes through the piercing from behind, with the flat disc resting against the back of the ear. The decorative top pushes into the post from the front. On OSCO jewellery this connection is threadless: a pin on the top slides into the hollow post and holds by tension. Bend the pin very slightly before inserting it and it locks securely.
Why that matters for everyday wear
- Sleeping. The disc is around 3mm across and flat, so lying on it is comfortable in a way a butterfly back never is.
- Hair and clothing. Nothing protrudes, so nothing snags. This is the main reason flat backs are the standard for cartilage piercings like the helix and tragus, where a snag is painful.
- Changing your look. Because the post stays in, you can swap tops without removing anything from the piercing. One post, many tops.
- Hygiene. A threadless post has no screw threads to trap bacteria, which is why it is preferred for healing piercings.
Are flat backs only for cartilage?
No. They are just as comfortable in lobes, and many people who switch never go back to butterfly backs. Every OSCO lobe earring is a flat back.
What they are made of
Every OSCO flat back is ASTM F136 implant-grade titanium in 1.2mm (16g), the grade used for surgical implants and the gauge used for professional piercings. It is nickel-free and will not turn your ears green, which we back with a 100-Day Green Ear Guarantee. Posts come in 6mm and 8mm lengths; most healed piercings take 6mm.
Browse the full range of flatback studs, or visit the OSCO studio in Northwood to be fitted in person.