Whether you’re going for your first ear piercing or second, you’ll most probably opt for a threaded earring to adorn your new piercings. However, did you know that threaded earrings are of two types – internally and externally threaded earrings? Threaded earrings contain an end ball that screws in and out, commonly known as the ‘end’ of the ‘post.’
Internally Threaded Earrings: With this type of threading, the earring shaft is smooth on the outside with a threaded hole inside the ball end of the barbell. It is screwed into the place once the ball is fitted. Internally threaded earrings are typically harder to find and usually more expensive, owing to the fact that it is more difficult to craft. However, the quality is also superior to that of externally threaded earrings.
Externally Threaded Earrings: These threader style earrings are more commonly found than internally threaded earrings. The screw is on the earring itself with external threading, while the post has a hole that screws onto the earring. Externally threaded earrings are less expensive and easier to craft.
Pros & Cons
Externally Threaded Earrings
Pros:
- You can easily find these types of earrings online or at any jewelry shop.
- They’re easier on the pocket as externally threaded earrings are both relatively cheaper to buy and design.
- They come in a large variety of styles, metals and colors. You’ll be spoilt for choice!
Cons:
- Externally threaded earrings are unsuitable for new piercings as the coarse threads pass through the sensitive skin when removing or putting on the jewelry. This can cause micro-tears in the skin around the piercing.
- These exposed threads can acquire germs as they go through the piercing and remain in touch with the skin. This increases your risk of infection.
- The rubbing of the threads can irritate the skin, which may result in an irritation bump. It can also cause the piercing to rip.
- Damage can be caused even to healed piercings. Even if your piercing has fully healed, an externally threaded earring will keep scraping on the skin as you put it on or remove it.
Internally Threaded Earrings
Pros:
- Internally threaded earrings eliminate the chance of sharp threads scratching your skin, which is very good for new piercings. They glide through the piercing without hurting it or intensifying the discomfort.
- With the threading having no contact with the skin, the chance of bacterial interaction and infection is also greatly reduced.
- Internal threading is a standard for the Association of Professional Piercers (APP), especially for fresh piercings, as it causes no irritation. This leads to fewer bumps and keloids.
- Internally threaded jewelry tends to be more secure than its external counterpart, as the post is longer and fits snugly into the shaft.
Cons:
- Finding a good pair of internally threaded earrings may prove difficult, as they are not easily available.
- When you do find internally threaded earrings, you might find them expensive.
- This style of threading is a bit more complicated to craft as compared to external threading.
So, which is better?
Although each threading style has its merits and demerits, internally threaded earrings are by far, the best choice. You may want to spend a little more on them to put your health and safety first. Internally threaded earrings are the best choice, especially for fresh piercings. Having said that, this threading style does not prevent inflammation. Swelling, redness and soreness are common after a new piercing. Therefore, following the aftercare instructions provided by your piercer is important to ensure your piercing heals well.
How to Wear Internally Threaded Earrings?
Wearing internally threaded earrings may seem like a daunting task, but they’re simple to put on. Once you learn how to wear threader style earrings, you’ll get the hang of it in no time!
- Wash your hands and dry them well. Using clean hands will prevent infection, especially with a new piercing.
- If your piercing is still healing, make sure the piercing is clean and sanitized as well.
- With clean hands, slide the earring into the piercing. You’ll notice it’s very smooth and doesn’t cause any irritation.
- Hold the earring in place and screw the post into the shaft until it’s secure.
That’s it! Putting on internally threaded earrings is very similar to external threading. The only difference is successfully locating the hole in the shaft to screw on the post. Once you get it right, you’ll find internal threading a lot more secure and painless.
Ready to build your own earring stack with threaded earrings? Then go ahead and shop online for hoop earrings, studs, danglers and drop earrings at Angara.com.
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