Flatback Earrings & Jewellery

Shop flatback earrings and studs at SkinKandy, in titanium, surgical steel and 14K gold, for cartilage, lobe and labret piercings.

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Flatback earrings have a flat disc at the back of the post instead of a butterfly clasp, and they are the recommended style for cartilage piercings like the tragus, helix and conch, as well as lobe and labret piercings.

What makes flatback jewellery different?

  • Flat disc back: sits flush against the skin instead of a butterfly clasp or ball.
  • Two ways to attach the top: flatback tops fit with internal threading or a threadless push-in fit, depending on the style.
  • Recommended by our piercing specialists: flatbacks are preferred over butterfly-back or ball-back closures across cartilage placements.

Flatback sizes by placement

Placement Gauge Post length
Tragus, helix, conch, flat and rook 16G 6mm or 8mm once healed
Lobe 16G 6mm or 8mm
Labret, lip and philtrum 16G 8mm or 10mm

Flatback materials

  • Titanium: implant grade and recommended by our piercing specialists during the healing phase.
  • Gold: 14K Gold is a good choice for sensitive skin.
  • Surgical Steel: a valid flatback material, though it can contain traces of nickel.

Which piercings suit flatback jewellery?

Flatbacks are the primary recommendation across cartilage placements, including tragus, helix, conch, flat and rook, as well as lobe and labret piercings. Tragus piercings specifically call for a flatback rather than a butterfly-back stud, since the closure sits flush and secure against the ear. Labret, lip and philtrum piercings also use a flatback, which sits flat against the inside of the lip. Anti-tragus is the one cartilage placement where a flatback isn't the primary recommendation, since curved barbells and segment rings suit that placement better.

What gauge and length do I need for flatback jewellery?

Cartilage placements like tragus, helix, conch and flat use 16G flatbacks, most commonly sized at 6mm or 8mm once healed. Lobe flatbacks are also fitted at 16G, in the same 6mm or 8mm range depending on your anatomy. Labret, lip and philtrum flatbacks are fitted at 16G in 8mm or 10mm lengths, which is longer than most cartilage flatbacks to suit the different tissue thickness. Helix flatbacks are often pierced with a longer 10mm post initially, downsized to 8mm around 6-8 weeks, then sized to 6mm or 8mm once fully healed at 6-9 months.

Are flatbacks suitable for fresh piercings?

Yes, flatbacks are commonly fitted as the initial jewellery for cartilage, lobe and labret piercings. Surgical Steel is what our piercing specialists use for fresh piercings in studio, and it's a safe, valid flatback material while you heal. Do not remove your jewellery during the healing phase, as this can cause the piercing to close and make reinsertion difficult. Your piercing specialist can talk you through switching to a different flatback design once your piercing is fully healed.

Are flatbacks comfortable for sleeping and everyday wear?

Yes, the flat disc back is one of the main reasons flatbacks are recommended for cartilage placements, since there's no raised ball or hinge to press into your pillow or catch on clothing and hair. This makes them a practical everyday choice for lobe, tragus, helix and labret piercings alike. Flatbacks are also less likely to snag on masks, headphones or hats compared to hoops or dangles. If you're after the most secure, low-maintenance option for a healing or newly fitted piercing, a flatback is usually the safer choice.

How does a flatback compare to a segment ring?

A flatback has a flat disc back and suits both fresh and healed piercings, while a segment ring is a hinged hoop generally worn once a piercing is fully healed. Flatbacks are the safer, more secure choice during healing, since there's no hinge or gap that could catch or shift. Segment rings suit an established piercing, typically around 6mm diameter for tragus and anti-tragus. Both styles are available at 16G for most cartilage placements, so the choice comes down to healing stage and personal style.

Book a piercing at SkinKandy

Ready to fit a flatback in your next piercing, or upgrade a healed one? Our piercing specialists can confirm the right gauge and length. View our piercing menu to book.