How to change nipple piercings
Nipple piercings are a great way to show off your unique style. Once your piercing has healed, you have a variety of jewelry options to choose from, including nipple bars, rings, and shields. Before you can insert any new jewelry, you must safely unscrew and remove the original piercing. Then you can use the jewelry of your choice! With a little time and practice, you’ll soon become proficient at changing your nipple piercings.
Remove bar piercings
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
Lather your hands with antibacterial soap and rub them together for at least 20 seconds. Be careful not to get the soap between your fingers. Once you’ve scrubbed your hands thoroughly, rinse them off with warm water. Allow them to air dry or wipe them down with a paper towel before proceeding.
- If you don’t have soap or water nearby, use hand sanitizer instead.
Unscrew the metal balls at the end of the stick jewelry.
Hold the metal ball on one side of your nipple stick. Twist this ball counter-clockwise until it detaches from the jewel. Set these aside in a safe place so you don’t lose them.
- When removing body jewelry, remember the following rule: “To the right, the clasp closes and to the left, it opens”.
Push the metal rod out of your nipple.
Grab the end of the metal rod that still has the ball attached. Gently pull the rod straight out of the piercing. Don’t try to force it out or remove it too quickly, or you could damage the piercing in the process. Then put the wand aside for safekeeping so you don’t lose it.
- If you’re having trouble removing the wand, contact a local piercer to help.
- If you’re wearing a nipple shield, slide that part off first.
Put the stick back into the metal ball so you don’t lose it.
Screw the loose metal ball back onto the end of the stick. Twist the ball clockwise until it is firmly attached to the rest of the jewelry. Place this item in a jewelry box or other safe place so you don’t lose it later.
- If you don’t already have one, consider making or buying a jewelry box for your nipple jewelry.
Remove nipple rings
Disinfect your hands with soap and water.
Lather your fingers and palms with soap until sudsy. Ideally, use antibacterial soap to keep your hands as sterile as possible. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds before rinsing off all the soap with warm water. Then dry your hands thoroughly with a towel or let them air dry.
- Make sure to wash your wrists and the backs of your hands as well.
Slide thin, closed scissors into the ring.
Take a pair of scissors and insert them into the open loop of the nipple ring. Be extremely careful while doing this and make sure the scissors are closed before bringing them near your nipple. Only push the scissors through the ring about an inch.
- To be extra careful, use small, thin safety scissors instead of regular scissors.
Open the scissors slightly to loosen the ring.
Slowly squeeze the handle of the scissors to separate the edges of the ring. Use slow, methodical movements as you do this, as you don’t want to damage the jewelry. Continue opening the scissors a few millimeters until the ring opens.
- Some nipple rings have a locking mechanism. If this happens, press your fingers on either side of the ring to pry it open.
- Try twisting the tips of the scissors away from your nipple as you remove the ring.
Pull the metal ring off your nipple to take out the jewelry.
Gently angle the ring to make it easier to pull out of the piercing. Using slow, careful movements, pull the metal ring out of the piercing. If the ball is connected to one side of the ring, slide the ring out over the side without the bead.
- If you’re having trouble pulling out a nipple ring, be sure to seek professional help.
Exchange the jewelry
Clean your jewelry with warm water and salt to keep it sterile.
Make a cleaning mixture by stirring 1 teaspoon (5.7 g) of antibacterial soap into a small glass of warm water. Place your ring, staff, or shield in the solution for five minutes. Stir in the salt until it dissolves.
- If your jewelry doesn’t have additional accessories like rhinestones, jewels, or acrylic, consider boiling off the metal instead.
Push the rod through the piercing to hold it in place.
Hold the end of the metal rod with two fingers and start pushing it through the piercing. Work slowly and methodically unless the rod slides right through the piercing. If the jewelry won’t go in, try to insert it using slow, gentle movements. However, do not force the jewelry in or you may injure your nipple.
- If you’re having trouble inserting one of your pieces of jewelry, ask a piercer for help.
If using a stick, screw the loose metal ball onto the end of the jewelry.
Secure the piercing by screwing the other metal ball onto the end of the bar. Slowly rotate the ball clockwise while holding the piece of metal in place with your fingers. Don’t let go of the metal ball until you’re sure it’s connected to the rest of the jewelry.
Slide the staff through the center slot when you are carrying a shield.
Place the nipple shield on the metal stick and align the stick to the center. Make sure the metal in the nipple shield is centered before placing the shield on the surface of your nipple. Proceeding, as usual, insert the metal rod through both the shield opening and the piercing to secure the jewelry.
Nipple shields have a special slot through which the rod passes. Make sure the staff goes through it or the shield won’t be securely attached.
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Secure the jewelry with a ball if you wear a nipple ring. Take the ballless end of the nipple ring and gently slide it through the entrance of the piercing. Don’t try to force the ring in or slide it through quickly, use smooth, careful movements to insert it. Once the ring is in place, secure both ends with the metal ball.
Some nipple rings have different locking mechanisms. Take this into account when securing your jewelry.
