How To Remove A Captive Bead Belly Button Ring

Captive bead rings are ring-shaped piercings with the ring threaded through the center of a bead. To keep the bead from falling out, the ring is closed to make one continuous O-shape. Unlike traditional rings, such as those worn in the ear, there is no backing on a captive bead ring. Instead, the ring must be pried open for the ring to be removed. Specially-made piercing tools make it easy to remove captive bead belly button rings, but you can also remove this type of jewelry with traditional household tools.

Step 1

Wash your hands and the piercing thoroughly with warm water and soap. For extra safety, you may also disinfect the area by swabbing alcohol on the piercing with a cotton ball. Even old piercings that have healed and show no sign of infection may have an adverse reaction if dirt or bacteria gets into the pierced site.

Step 2

Wrap medical tape around each of the tips of the pliers. Metal pliers have teeth to provide grip, and these teeth may scratch or damage your belly button ring. Not only will this make the jewelry less attractive, it could provide a home for bacteria.

Step 3

Insert the needle-nose pliers into the middle of the belly button ring. Hold one hand under the piercing or stand over a table in case the bead unexpectedly falls out as you pry the ring open.

Step 4

Slowly expand the jaws of the pliers to begin to pry the ring open. Remove the bead as soon as the ring is open wide enough for the bead to slip off. Continue to pry the ring open until the opening is large enough for you to remove the jewelry from your navel.

Step 5

Gently rotate the ring until it comes free of your belly button.

Tips and Warnings

Enlist the aid of a professional piercer if you have difficulty removing your piercing or if the piercing is infected or injured in any way. Piercers have special tools for prying open captive bead rings and they can do so without injuring you or damaging the ring. If the ring does not come out easily and you have opened it as wide as you can, apply a small bit of liquid soap to to the ring for lubrication.
If your piercing is injured, infected or has not yet healed, do not remove your piercing yourself. Consult a doctor or reputable piercing parlor for assistance.