Flatback Jewellery at SkinKandy
Flatback jewellery sits flush against the skin with a flat disc back, making it the primary recommendation across cartilage placements like tragus, helix, conch and rook, as well as lobe and labret piercings. It's fitted at 16G for most cartilage and labret placements, and 18G or 20G for lobes, available in Surgical Steel, Titanium and 14K Gold. Our piercing specialists recommend flatbacks over butterfly-back or ball-back closures across cartilage placements, since the low profile is more comfortable for sleeping and less likely to snag. This collection covers both fresh piercings and healed upgrades.
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, giving a clean, flush finish 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, since the flush fit is comfortable from day one. 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 sits flush with 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 offer a different look for 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.
