PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Personal Care and Style
Tattoos and Piercing
Piercings
How to Change Nipple Piercings Co-authored by Sasha Blue and Janice Tieperman
Last Updated: March 3, 2026 Fact Checked
Removing the Bar Piercings
|
Taking out Nipple Rings
|
Replacing the Ornament
|
Video
|
Warnings
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Sasha Blue and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Sasha Blue is a Professional Body Piercer and the Owner of 13 Bats Tattoo and Piercing Studio in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sasha has over 20 years of professional body piercing experience, starting with her apprenticeship in 1997. She is licensed with the County of San Francisco in California. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 250,410 times.
Nipple piercings are a fun way to display 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, safely unscrew and remove the initial piercing. Next, you’ll be ready to put in the jewelry of your choice! With a little time and practice, you’ll soon be a seasoned veteran at changing your nipple piercings.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Removing the Bar Piercings
1 Wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Lather your hands with antibacterial soap and rub them together for at least 20 seconds. Make sure that the soap gets in between your fingers as you go. Once you‘ve thoroughly scrubbed your hands, rinse them off with warm water. Be sure to air-dry or wipe them on a paper towel before continuing.
If you aren’t near any soap or water, use a hand sanitizer instead. It's extremely important to clean your hands so as to not deposit any bacteria into the piercing.[1]X Expert Source Sasha BlueProfessional Body PiercerExpert Interview
2 Unscrew the metal balls at the end of bar jewelry. Pinch the end of the metal ball on one side of your nipple bar. Rotate this ball counter-clockwise until it comes off the jewelry. Be sure to set this aside in a safe place so that you don’t lose it.[2]XResearch source
Keep in mind the “righty-tighty, lefty-loosey” rule whenever you remove body jewelry.
Advertisement
3 Slide the metal bar out of your nipple. Pinch the end of the metal bar with the ball still attached. Carefully and methodically, pull the bar straight out of the piercing. Don’t try to force it out or remove it too quickly, as you don’t want to damage the piercing in the process. Afterwards, set the bar aside for safekeeping so you don’t lose it.[3]XResearch source
If you have difficulty removing the bar, contact a local piercer for assistance.
If you’re wearing a nipple shield, slide this part off first.
4 Place the bar back in the metal ball so you don’t lose it. Screw the loose metal ball back onto the end of the bar. Rotate the ball clockwise, continuing until it’s securely attached to the rest of the jewelry. Set this item into a jewelry box or other secure place so you don’t lose it later.[4]XResearch source
If you don’t have one already, consider making or purchasing a jewelry box for your nipple ornaments.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Taking out Nipple Rings
1 Sterilize your hands with soap and water. Coat your hands with soap, lathering the product all over your fingers and palms until it’s sudsy. Ideally, try using antibacterial soap to make your hands as sterile as possible. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds before rinsing off all of the soap with warm water. After this, be sure to dry your hands thoroughly with a towel or air-dry them.
Be sure to also wash your wrists and the back of your hands.[5]X Trustworthy Source Mayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
2 Slide a thin, closed pair of scissors into the ring. Take a pair of scissors and insert it in the open loop of the nipple ring. Use extreme caution when you do this, and make sure that the pair of scissors is closed before placing it anywhere near your nipple. Only slide the scissors about 1 inch (2.5 cm) or so through the ring.[6]XResearch source
To be extra cautious, use a small, thin pair of safety scissors instead of regular scissors.
3 Open the scissors slightly to loosen the ring. Pry open the handle of the scissors slowly to force the edges of the ring apart. Use slow, methodical motions as you do this, as you don’t want to damage the jewelry in the process. Continue opening the scissors by a few millimeters until the hoop opens up.[7]XResearch source
Some nipple rings have a clasping mechanism. In this case, pinch your fingers on both sides of the ring to pry it open.
Try and angle the tips of the scissors away from your nipple as you remove the ring.
4 Remove the metal hoop from your nipple to take out the jewelry. Angle the ring carefully so that it’s easier to pull out of the piercing. Using slow, careful movements, ease the metal ring out of the piercing. If the bead is connected or attached to one side of the hoop, slide the ring out via the non-bead side.[8]XResearch source
If you have any trouble getting a nipple ring out, be sure to contact a professional for help.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Replacing the Ornament
1 Wash your jewelry with warm water and salt to keep it sterile. Create a cleaning mixture by stirring 1 tsp (5.69 g) of antibacterial soap into a small glass of warm water. Place your ring, bar, or shield in the solution for 5 minutes. Be sure to stir in the salt until it dissolves.
If your jewelry doesn’t have extra accessories like rhinestones, jewels, or acrylics, consider boiling the metal instead.
2 Slide the bar through the piercing to keep it in place. Pinch the end of the metal bar with 2 fingers and begin finessing it through the piercing. Work slowly and methodically as you do this, unless the bar immediately slides through the piercing. If the jewelry doesn’t go in, try inserting it with slow, careful movements. Don’t force in any jewelry, though, as you don’t want to damage your nipple.[9]XResearch source
If you’re having difficulty inserting any of your jewelry, ask a piercing professional for assistance. They have the tools and the skill that makes it much easier to put it back in.[10]X Expert Source Sasha BlueProfessional Body PiercerExpert Interview
3 Screw the loose metal ball on the end of the jewelry if you’re using a bar. Secure the piercing into place by screwing the other metal ball to the end of the bar. Slowly turn the ball clockwise, using your pinched fingers to keep the metal piece in place. Don’t let go of the metal ball until you’re positive that it’s secured to the rest of the jewelry.[11]XResearch source
4 Line the bar up in the center slot if you’re wearing a shield. Place the nipple shield on top of the metal bar, setting the bar in the center. Make sure that metal is centered in the nipple shield before placing the shield onto the surface of your nipple. Proceed as you normally would, inserting the metal bar through both the shield opening and the piercing to secure the jewelry into place.[12]XResearch source
Nipple shields have a special slot for the bar to go through. Make sure that the bar goes through this, or else the shield won’t be secure.
5 Secure the jewelry with a bead when wearing a nipple ring. Take the bead-free end of the nipple ring and gently slide it through the entrance of the piercing. Don’t try to force it in or push it through quickly—instead, use gentle, careful movements as you guide the ring through. Once the ring is in place, secure both ends with the metal bead.[13]XResearch source
Some nipple rings have different clasping mechanisms. Keep this in mind when securing your jewelry.
Advertisement
Common Questions: Removing or Replacing a Nipple Piercing
Is it safe to change your own nipple piercing?
Yes, it's safe to change your own nipple piercing as long as it's completely healed. This usually takes 9 to 12 months, which is quite a bit longer than most piercings. Changing out your jewelry before it's fully healed can cause issues like nerve damage, nipple damage, and infection.[15]XResearch source
How do you unscrew a nipple piercing?
To remove a captive bead nipple piercing, hold the jewelry firmly with your index finger and thumb. Use your other hand to grab the bead or ball with your index finger and thumb. Pull in one direction and apply force in the opposite direction to remove the ball or bead. Slowly rotate the jewelry out of your nipple.
When is it safe to change a nipple piercing for the first time?
It’s safe to change out your nipple piercing once it’s fully healed, which usually takes 9 to 12 months. The healing time is a lot longer than other types of piercings, so try to be patient. A healed piercing is never sore to the touch and should not have any swelling or discharge present.[16]XResearch source
How do you take off a nipple piercing permanently?
Remove the jewelry and clean the area with saline. Avoid harsh soaps and skin care products for 2-3 weeks as the hole heals. If you see any discharge during this time, rinse the area with saline solution. Avoid touching or picking at the area. After 2-3 weeks the hole will begin closing up naturally.[17]XResearch source
Video
Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Warnings
If you have a new piercing, the worst thing you can do is twist it. Everytime you touch it, you can irritate it and make it take longer to heal, while also potentially heightening the chances of complications.[14]X Expert Source Sasha BlueProfessional Body PiercerExpert InterviewThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement
You Might Also Like
How toRemove a Nipple PiercingHow to Replace a Tongue PiercingHow toRemove a Nose RingHow toChange a Nose PiercingSigns That Your Belly Piercing Is Healed and Ready to ChangeWhen Can You Safely Change Your Septum Piercing?How toClean a Nipple PiercingHow toChange an Eyebrow RingHow toTake Your Nose Stud in and out of Your NoseHow toRemove EarringsHow toTake out a Lip RingHow toPut on a Captive RingHow toRemove Earrings for the First TimeHow toCare for a Nipple Piercing Advertisement
References
↑ Sasha Blue. Professional Body Piercer. Expert Interview
Co-authored by: Sasha Blue Professional Body Piercer This article was co-authored by Sasha Blue and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Sasha Blue is a Professional Body Piercer and the Owner of 13 Bats Tattoo and Piercing Studio in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sasha has over 20 years of professional body piercing experience, starting with her apprenticeship in 1997. She is licensed with the County of San Francisco in California. This article has been viewed 250,410 times. 10 votes - 90% Co-authors: 4Updated: March 3, 2026 Views: 250,410 Categories: Piercings In other languages Spanish Indonesian Dutch German French Portuguese Japanese
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 250,410 times.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Sasha Blue Professional Body Piercer Co-authors: 4Updated: March 3, 2026 Views: 250,41090% of readers found this article helpful. 10 votes - 90% Click a star to add your vote
Quizzes & Games
What Piercing Should I Get QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizEngagement Ring QuizTake QuizShould We Break Up QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toRemove a Nipple PiercingHow to Replace a Tongue PiercingHow toRemove a Nose RingHow toChange a Nose Piercing
Featured Articles
What 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanJuicy, Deep, & Hot-Seat Questions to Get to Know Your Friends Better40+ Talking Games to Play with Friends, Partners & MoreHow toMake Friends
Trending Articles
What Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursWhat Emojis Mean Sex?What Pokémon Am I QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouWhat JJK Character Am I Quiz
Featured Articles
The Different Types of People You Can Find in a Friend GroupAn Introduction to Kibbe Body Types (with Styling Tips!)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?From Alpha to Omega: A Guide to the 7 Male Personalities
Featured Articles
7 Easy Card Magic Tricks You Can Master in MinutesHow to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHow toHypnotize SomeoneThe Easiest Guinness World Records to Break: Which Will You Try?How to Solve a Rubik's Cube in 20 MovesHow toWhistle with Two Fingers
Watch Articles
How toEat GuavaHow to Get Yellow Stains Out of White ShoesLeft Eye Twitching for Females: What Astrology Says About Eye Twitching50 First Date Conversation Starters to Spark a ConnectionHow to Make a Mask Out of Paper (for Kids or Adults)How to Put Jibbitz on Crocs
Trending Articles
Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Finish the Lyrics QuizHow to Read Face Moles: Lucky and Unlucky PlacementsHow to Make the Magna-Tile Hologram from TikTokWhich Hunger Games District Would I Live In QuizCan Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?
Quizzes & Games
How Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizThe Impossible QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Personal Care and Style
Tattoos and Piercing
Piercings
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Sasha Blue Professional Body Piercer This article was co-authored by Sasha Blue and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Sasha Blue is a Professional Body Piercer and the Owner of 13 Bats Tattoo and Piercing Studio in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sasha has over 20 years of professional body piercing experience, starting with her apprenticeship in 1997. She is licensed with the County of San Francisco in California. This article has been viewed 250,410 times. 10 votes - 90% Co-authors: 4 Updated: March 3, 2026 Views: 250,410 Categories: Piercings In other languages Spanish Indonesian Dutch German French Portuguese Japanese 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
463 
1 Wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Lather your hands with antibacterial soap and rub them together for at least 20 seconds. Make sure that the soap gets in between your fingers as you go. Once you‘ve thoroughly scrubbed your hands, rinse them off with warm water. Be sure to air-dry or wipe them on a paper towel before continuing. 
2 Unscrew the metal balls at the end of bar jewelry. Pinch the end of the metal ball on one side of your nipple bar. Rotate this ball counter-clockwise until it comes off the jewelry. Be sure to set this aside in a safe place so that you don’t lose it.[2] 
3 Slide the metal bar out of your nipple. Pinch the end of the metal bar with the ball still attached. Carefully and methodically, pull the bar straight out of the piercing. Don’t try to force it out or remove it too quickly, as you don’t want to damage the piercing in the process. Afterwards, set the bar aside for safekeeping so you don’t lose it.[3] 
4 Place the bar back in the metal ball so you don’t lose it. Screw the loose metal ball back onto the end of the bar. Rotate the ball clockwise, continuing until it’s securely attached to the rest of the jewelry. Set this item into a jewelry box or other secure place so you don’t lose it later.[4] 
1 Sterilize your hands with soap and water. Coat your hands with soap, lathering the product all over your fingers and palms until it’s sudsy. Ideally, try using antibacterial soap to make your hands as sterile as possible. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds before rinsing off all of the soap with warm water. After this, be sure to dry your hands thoroughly with a towel or air-dry them. 
2 Slide a thin, closed pair of scissors into the ring. Take a pair of scissors and insert it in the open loop of the nipple ring. Use extreme caution when you do this, and make sure that the pair of scissors is closed before placing it anywhere near your nipple. Only slide the scissors about 1 inch (2.5 cm) or so through the ring.[6] 
3 Open the scissors slightly to loosen the ring. Pry open the handle of the scissors slowly to force the edges of the ring apart. Use slow, methodical motions as you do this, as you don’t want to damage the jewelry in the process. Continue opening the scissors by a few millimeters until the hoop opens up.[7] 
4 Remove the metal hoop from your nipple to take out the jewelry. Angle the ring carefully so that it’s easier to pull out of the piercing. Using slow, careful movements, ease the metal ring out of the piercing. If the bead is connected or attached to one side of the hoop, slide the ring out via the non-bead side.[8] 
1 Wash your jewelry with warm water and salt to keep it sterile. Create a cleaning mixture by stirring 1 tsp (5.69 g) of antibacterial soap into a small glass of warm water. Place your ring, bar, or shield in the solution for 5 minutes. Be sure to stir in the salt until it dissolves. 
2 Slide the bar through the piercing to keep it in place. Pinch the end of the metal bar with 2 fingers and begin finessing it through the piercing. Work slowly and methodically as you do this, unless the bar immediately slides through the piercing. If the jewelry doesn’t go in, try inserting it with slow, careful movements. Don’t force in any jewelry, though, as you don’t want to damage your nipple.[9] 
3 Screw the loose metal ball on the end of the jewelry if you’re using a bar. Secure the piercing into place by screwing the other metal ball to the end of the bar. Slowly turn the ball clockwise, using your pinched fingers to keep the metal piece in place. Don’t let go of the metal ball until you’re positive that it’s secured to the rest of the jewelry.[11] 
4 Line the bar up in the center slot if you’re wearing a shield. Place the nipple shield on top of the metal bar, setting the bar in the center. Make sure that metal is centered in the nipple shield before placing the shield onto the surface of your nipple. Proceed as you normally would, inserting the metal bar through both the shield opening and the piercing to secure the jewelry into place.[12] 
5 Secure the jewelry with a bead when wearing a nipple ring. Take the bead-free end of the nipple ring and gently slide it through the entrance of the piercing. Don’t try to force it in or push it through quickly—instead, use gentle, careful movements as you guide the ring through. Once the ring is in place, secure both ends with the metal bead.[13] 
Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.