Pushpin Piercings, Push-pop jewelry, Press-fit jewelry, Threadless Piercing Jewelry - Top Questions Answered

What are pushpin piercings?

Pushpin jewelry is a popular style of studded labret jewelry. This type of jewelry is also referred to as push pop jewelry, press-fit jewelry, or threadless jewelry. Pushpin studs have a top with a thin post with a bend at the end attached to it. This post helps the top latch into the labret. The labret is the flat back piece of a piercing stud, which can aid in faster healing. These labrets can vary in length depending on the placement of the piercing. A professional piercer will choose the length and thickness to work best for your ear anatomy and healing process. 

In threadless jewelry, there is no “screw” or threading of a barbell unto a post. Instead, the post goes straight into the labret post. This type of jewelry is the perfect option for persons who love to change their jewelry often. It is so quick and easy! 

Advantages of pushpin jewelry

✅ Easy to insert and remove

✅ One labret post can fit multiple threadless ends. So, it can be easily changed to many designs or stud styles

✅ Due to their sleekness in nature, they also work perfectly for tiny dainty piercing styles

✅ Very secure

✅ Easy to adjust

But be careful; the jewelry could fall out if not bent and inserted correctly.

 

Where can pushpin jewelry be worn?

These push pin piercings make excellent jewelry for lip piercings, eyebrow piercings, cheek piercings, nose piercings, cartilage, and lobe piercings. 

 

How do I know the right size?

When purchasing jewelry for any piercing, it is crucial to get the correct size to avoid any pain or discomfort. Buying a size too small may not fit the piercing, while one too big might hurt or simply will not fit. Most push pin posts and ends can work interchangeably in any universal push pin post, regardless of the gauge. However, there are some styles and sizes that work better in some piercings. 

Earlobes

Most earlobes are pierced with 18-gauge needles, so the pushpin post should be approximately the same thickness. This is about the same size as a regular earring post. 

Ear cartilage

Ear cartilage piercings usually require thicker jewelry for comfort and ease in healing. 16-gauge posts jewelry is usually the best size for this piercing location. 

Straight push pin posts usually work best in outer helix, forward helix, conch, and tragus piercings. But for rook piercings, curved push pins are the best choice. 

Nostrils

Most nostril piercings are done with a straight 18-gauge post; therefore, an 18G post would be appropriate. Pushpins may be a little difficult with nose piercings, but be patient and ask for help if you need to.

Eyebrows

Eyebrows are typically pierced with a curved 16-gauge post. These are very fitting for the area and easy to insert or remove.

Lips

Lips are usually pierced with a 14-gauge thick post. Pushpin jewelry provides excellent comfort for piercings like these due to the flatness of the back.

Note: If your piercings are smaller than the regular sizes listed above, ensure you find and select the appropriate sizes. 

How do I insert my push pin jewelry?

1. Insert the labret post into your piercing, whether cheek, nostril, cartilage, or lip piercing. 
2. Once the labret post is in place, slide the pushpin jewelry top halfway into the hole at the front of the labret post. 
3. Bend the pushpin top down gently to create a slight angular bend. The bend is necessary to keep the jewelry secure. However, over-bending could make the jewelry too tight, so bend gradually, then re-adjust the angle as needed later on.
4. After bending, slide the pushpin top all the way into the labret post to judge the comfort of the fit. If it fits too tight or too loose, unbend the pin slightly, remove the end, and try again.
5. Once you are satisfied, wear your jewelry proudly.

How do I remove my push pin jewelry?

Removal should be straightforward. Simply push the top in slightly, twist and pull out while holding the back in place.

If you encounter any issues, don’t freak out! Pause and try to remove again by slowly twisting and pulling the front out of the labret rod. 

But what if it is really stuck?

Sometimes piercings can get build up around the jewelry that makes it a little harder to remove. If you are experiencing any pain or swelling at the piercing site when trying to remove, pause and clean the area with saline solution. Let the area rest for a few hours before attempting again. If it still persists, contact your piercer or a health care professional; they will know how to safely assist you. 

 

Threadless vs. Threaded piercings

Threadless piercings refer to push pin jewelry that requires a simple insertion and removal method. As discussed earlier in this post, the rod is inserted into a post placed in the piercing hole. While threaded piercings have a top with a screw attached to the bottom. This screw secures the threaded labret backing for a secure fit. 

This comes in two types: 

Internally threaded- Has the ‘threading’ on the removable ball, which allows for easy installation and a snug fit.

Externally threaded- the ‘threading’ is on the post on which the ball will be added. This type may damage your skin and the piercing when being installed or removed. Persons are advised against using this. 

 

Advantages of threaded jewelry:

✅ Extremely sturdy and secure when tightly screwed

✅ Great for larger styles for extra stability

✅ Easily adjustable 

This type of screwed jewelry may become loosened over time or while sleeping. This is normal and expected, so just tighten it every few days to ensure that it remains secure in the piercing. 

Whichever piercing jewelry you choose to wear, research to ensure they fit and are comfortable to wear. 

 

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