As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain Amazon, Rewardstyle, and other affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at zero cost to you). Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
Earrings with a ball, also known as captive bead earrings, are versatile accessories. They are often worn as a nose ring or in the ear lobe. They can also be used in cartilage piercings and as starter earrings.
However, if it’s your first time removing these kinds of earrings, you might wonder about the best way to do it. The good news is a captive bead ring isn’t difficult to remove. In fact, it’s not much harder than removing a traditional hoop earring.
What Are Captive Bead Earrings?
Captive bead earrings are small, hoop-shaped earrings with a ball connecting the two ends. They can be used with new piercings and may be more comfortable than a traditional ball stud earring, depending on the type of piercing.
How To Remove Earrings With A Ball: A Step By Step Guide
The main difference between small hoop earrings with a ball and ball stud earrings or screw-back earrings is that they don’t have an earring post where the back is pushed or screwed on.
Instead, they have a small bead that holds them in place. On each side of the bead is a dent. The ends of the earring rest in this dent, holding the ball in place.
To remove your captive bead earrings, you must first displace the ball. Then, slide the earring from the ear. Below shows you an easy way to do this – step-by-step.
1. Wash your hands
Before you attempt to remove earrings with a ball, it is important to make sure that you have clean hands and ears. Wash your hands thoroughly using soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. This will help to reduce the chance of introducing any bacteria or dirt into your ears.
Additionally, use a clean cotton ball soaked in warm water to gently wipe around the area of the earring. This will help to remove any dirt and debris that may be present.
2. Push the ball to the back of the earring
The second step to removing earrings with a ball is to push the ball to the back of the earring. To do this, take your index finger and thumb and pinch the ball gently between them.
Then, push the ball toward the back of the earring. You may have to rotate the earring slightly in order to get the ball to move. When the ball is pushed to the back of the earring, it’s much easier to get it out of your ear.
3. Grab the ball with your thumb and first finger
Now that you have the ball of your earring in your hand, it’s time to take it off. You’ll need to use your thumb and first finger to do this.
Take each of your fingers and wrap them around the ball. Make sure you’re using your thumb and first finger, as they are the strongest and will make it easy to grip the ball.
4. Apply pressure to the earring to release the ball
The next step is to apply pressure to the earring to release the ball. To do this, push the ball to one side using your thumb and index finger.
If the ball is particularly stuck, you can use a pair of pliers (needle-nose pliers work well) or tweezers to grip the ball and gently wiggle it off. Some people also find it helpful to use an earring back remover tool specifically designed to help remove the ball.
Be sure to use gentle force and be careful not to lose the ball. If you put too much pressure on the ball, it could pop off suddenly. You don’t want to drop it in case you lose it.
5. Pull the earring out of the earlobe
Once the earring has been loosened, it’s time to remove it. Gently pull on the earring to remove it from the earlobe completely.
Do not tug on it too hard, as doing so can cause pain or damage to the pierced area. If the earring becomes stuck in the earring hole, use tweezers to gently pull it out.
Once the earring is out, clean the area again to make sure no bacteria gets into the piercing hole.
What To Do With a Stuck Earring?
If you have a stuck earring, it’s important not to panic. With a little patience, you can wiggle the ball away from the earring and remove it safely.
The first thing you need to do if you’re having a hard time getting the earring out is to try to determine how stuck it is.
- Can you twist the ball in your fingers?
- Can you wiggle the ball from side to side?
- Does the ball not move at all?
If you can twist or wiggle the ball, there’s a good chance you can remove the earring with your fingers. Try to wedge your fingernail between the ball and the side of the hoop.
Once your nail is between the two, slide the ball backward slowly to remove it.
If you can’t move the ball at all, you’ll need to use a pair of pliers or tweezers to remove the earring. Grab the ball with your pliers (or tweezers) and start wiggling it in opposite directions and up and down to loosen it.
Do this slowly, and know that it may take some time. Once you’re able to move the ball, you should be able to remove it using your fingers.
Shop Captive Bead Earrings
Why Choose Captive Bead Earrings?
Captive bead earrings are simple and stylish. The nice thing about them is they can be used with several types of piercings – and they can be used with a new piercing instead of starter studs.
People often wear small hoop earrings with a ball with a septum piercing, as well as ear piercings. And if you’re using them as an ear piercing, they can be worn in your ear lobes or as a cartilage piercing. The ball can also be moved to the back, so the front of the earring looks like an infinite hoop earring.
But beyond their versatility, they are a great choice because they stay secure and are fairly simple to remove. Ultimately, small hoop earrings with a ball make a great option for practically anyone and any occasion.
Other posts you may like:
- How To Tell If Prada Sunglasses Are Real Or Fake
- How To Wear a Headband {9 Easy Ways}
- 11 Best Cheap Custom Name Necklaces
- How To Clean White Converse: 8 Simple Methods