How to Remove Pierced Earrings for the First Time

Although gun piercing causes unnecessary tissue damage and pierces the ears with non-sterile equipment, it remains the most popular method for the procedure. The earrings used are straight studs that shoot through the ear with a pointed end and lock into place with butterfly backs. These backs can be notoriously difficult to remove and often require help from another person. Simply pulling on the backs does not remove them, since they have a built-in locking mechanism.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap
• Paper towel

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Wash your hands thoroughly and dry them with a clean paper towel.

   • 2

     Feel the back of the stud, or look at it if you're changing someone else's earrings. Locate the two small tabs inside the earring back.

   • 3

     Press the two tabs together. You will feel the earring back loosen.

   • 4

     Pull straight backwards on the earring back while keeping the tabs pressed in.

   • 5

     Remove the earring by pulling it out of the front of the earlobe.