Butterfly earring backs have two loops, creating the butterfly “wings,” with a hole in between. The earring post fits through this hole. The “wings” help stabilise and keep the earring front flush against the ear lobe. The post usually has a groove or two, which prevents the butterfly wing earring back from slipping off inadvertently. It only takes a couple of times to get the hang of removing butterfly earring backs.

  • Butterfly earring backs have two loops, creating the butterfly “wings,” with a hole in between.
  • The post usually has a groove or two, which prevents the butterfly wing earring back from slipping off inadvertently.

Wash your hands with soap and water. This will help prevent an infection in your pierced ear.

Stand in front of a mirror. Until you get comfortable removing your earrings, you will find the mirror helpful to see what you are doing.

Grab the earring with your forefinger and thumb of one hand while grabbing the butterfly earring back with the forefinger and thumb of the other hand.

Keep the earring stable while pulling the butterfly earring back gently and straight back off of the earring post. If the backing seems stuck, gently twist while pulling.

Pull the earring out of your ear once the backing has been removed.

TIP

Plug any sink drains you happen to be standing over when removing your earrings. Small earrings and the backs are easy to drop and can fit down the drain opening.