Butterfly Back Earrings vs Flat Back Jewellery: Are They Really That Bad?

A quick disclaimer before we begin:

This is intended as a brief overview of the topic and not a deep dive into every aspect of jewellery design or piercing methods.

To be clear: I do not use handheld piercing guns or staple-style piercing devices and strongly oppose their use. I also do not recommend traditional butterfly back earrings for new piercings.

However, a common question remains:

Are butterfly back earrings really as terrible as piercers often make them out to be?

You may have heard phrases like "real piercers don't use guns" or "butterfly backs are low-quality compared to proper body jewellery." While there is truth behind many of these statements, the conversation can become very black and white.

Some slightly controversial points may appear in this article, so stay with me.

To keep things simple, I've put together general information focused on common issues and troubleshooting.

Let's get into it.

The Butterfly Back Design

Traditional butterfly back earrings rely on pressure to hold the backing in place. The backing clicks into grooves on the post, which creates friction each time jewellery is inserted or removed.

Over time, this design can create several issues:

  • Scratching and wear on the jewellery surface
  • Backings loosening or tightening unexpectedly
  • Pressure changes from sleeping, movement or accidental knocks
  • Risk of stretching, self-enlargement or tearing when worn incorrectly

How to minimise these issues:

  • Never wear butterfly backs in fresh piercings
  • For healed piercings, regularly check the fit
  • Consider silicone backs as a softer alternative
  • Replace worn backings as needed
  • Upgrade to properly fitted implant-grade flat back jewellery where possible

A correctly fitted flat back largely removes these concerns altogether.

The "One Size Fits All" Problem

Traditional earrings are often produced with a one-size-fits-all approach.

The problem? Bodies are not one-size-fits-all.

Post lengths and thicknesses vary significantly between manufacturers, while ears vary greatly between individuals.

This can result in jewellery being:

  • Too short
  • Too long
  • Too thick
  • Too thin
  • Poorly fitted overall

How to minimise these issues:

Know your needs and purchase accordingly.

There are high-quality implant-grade options available both custom-made and ready-to-purchase through reputable studios and jewellery brands.

Flat back jewellery offers significantly more flexibility. Posts are available in 1mm size increments, along with additional variations to suit anatomy and comfort.

For many people, flat backs become a "set and forget" option — ideal for those who prefer minimal jewellery changing.

Hygiene Concerns

Traditional butterfly backs are often bulky and filled with small crevices.

Unfortunately, tiny spaces are excellent at trapping:

  • Dead skin
  • Soap residue
  • Moisture
  • Hair products
  • Natural body oils
  • Bacteria

The small opening in butterfly backings can also allow fluid and debris to collect and build up over time.

Gold jewellery stamps can create another issue.

Many gold earrings contain karat stamps positioned directly on the post or near the wearable area. While useful for identifying gold quality, these tiny engraved marks can become difficult-to-clean collection points.

This may contribute to:

  • Irritation
  • Odour
  • Itchiness
  • Recurring buildup
  • Ongoing irritation / flair ups 
  • Infections 

How to minimise these issues:

  • Avoid jewellery with stamps positioned on wearable surfaces
  • Choose smooth, highly polished designs
  • Wear jewellery that does not require daily removal for cleaning
  • Select the smallest backing suitable for your needs to improve airflow and cleaning access
  • Clean jewellery daily in healing & healed piercings with normal hygiene routine 

Flat Back vs Butterfly Back: Everyday Comfort

One of the most common complaints people have with butterfly backs is comfort.

Issues commonly include:

  • The post poking into the neck while sleeping creating scratches, rashes or wounds. 
  • Pressure & bruising pain from bulky 4–6mm butterfly backs pressing into neck
  • General discomfort when lying on the side

Flat back jewellery eliminates these issues and makes wear almost entirely unnoticeable. 

The smooth rear surface sits flush against the skin, making it significantly more comfortable for sleeping and everyday wear.

Final Thoughts

Correctly fitted flat back jewellery remains the gold standard for:

✔ Hygiene
✔ Comfort
✔ Versatility
✔ Long-term wear

That said, flat backs are not perfect for everyone.

They can be more difficult to insert and remove, especially for people with reduced dexterity, vision limitations or anyone unfamiliar with how the jewellery works.

I don't believe you need a piercer to change your jewellery.

However, you may need a piercer to properly fit you, teach you how your jewellery functions and help you find jewellery suited to your anatomy.

Butterfly backs are not inherently evil but they are not ideal, they are not perfect and there are better options. 

In my opinion, they should be kept to well-healed earlobe piercings only, worn correctly and used with an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and where and if possible flat backs should be the go to. 

For more information contact us with any questions at info@cherrycore.com.au or to view how Threadless and threaded jewellery works visit  our how to change your jewellery page at 

 https://www.cherrycore.com.au/pages/install-jewellery?_pos=1&_psq=how+to+in&_ss=e&_v=1.0