If you’ve ever been offered a choice between threadless and internally threaded jewelry and thought,
“Okay… but what does that actually mean?”
you’re not alone.
Both are considered professional-quality jewelry systems, and both are vastly better than externally threaded pieces. But they work differently, and those differences matter more than most people realize.
Let’s break it down clearly.
First: what both systems do right
Before we compare them, it’s important to say this plainly:
Both threadless and internally threaded jewelry are designed to keep threading away from the piercing channel. That alone reduces irritation, tearing, and long-term damage compared to externally threaded jewelry.
If your piercer is offering either of these systems, you’re already in good territory.
The difference is in how they function day to day.
How internally threaded jewelry works
Internally threaded jewelry has:
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A hollow post
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Internal threads inside the post
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A top or end that screws into the post
Pros
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Secure when properly tightened
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Widely available in many styles
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Familiar to many piercers and clients
Cons
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Threads can loosen over time
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Repeated screwing causes micro-wear
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More friction during installation and removal
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Can be harder to downsize quickly
Internally threaded jewelry works well, but it relies on rotation and torque, which means more movement over the life of the piercing.
How threadless jewelry works
Threadless jewelry uses a tension-based system.
It consists of:
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A smooth post
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A decorative end with a small bent pin
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The pin slides into the post and stays secure through tension
No twisting. No screwing.
Pros
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Fewer mechanical failure points
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Less micro-movement in the piercing
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Faster and easier downsizing
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One post, many interchangeable tops
Cons
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Slight learning curve for insertion
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Requires proper bending for security
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Not ideal for very heavy decorative ends
Threadless jewelry is popular in modern studios because it prioritizes stability and flexibility over force.
Why many professionals prefer threadless for healing
Healing piercings benefit from:
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Minimal movement
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Minimal pressure
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Minimal handling
Threadless systems excel here because:
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There’s no rotational stress
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Jewelry changes are quicker
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Downsizing can be done efficiently
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The post remains undisturbed
This doesn’t mean internally threaded jewelry can’t heal well. It absolutely can. But threadless systems reduce the number of variables that can interfere with healing.
Downsizing and long-term wear: where threadless really shines
One of the biggest advantages of threadless jewelry is modularity.
You can:
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Keep the same post
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Change the top
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Adjust style without removing the post
This matters because:
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Every removal disrupts the piercing slightly
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Frequent swaps increase irritation risk
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Long-term comfort improves with fewer changes
Threadless systems support the idea of slow adornment: building a piercing wardrobe instead of replacing pieces.
When internally threaded jewelry still makes sense
Internally threaded jewelry can be the better option when:
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The jewelry is heavy or ornate
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The design doesn’t suit a pin system
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The piercing placement requires extra security
It’s not outdated. It’s just more situational.
What actually matters more than the system
Here’s the part people often miss.
Threadless vs internally threaded is less important than:
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Proper jewelry length
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Correct placement
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Material quality
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Timely downsizing
The best system in the world won’t fix:
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Jewelry that’s too long
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Pressure from sleeping
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Poor aftercare habits
The system helps. The fit finishes the job.
So… which one is better?
For most people, most of the time:
Threadless jewelry is the more forgiving, flexible option, especially during healing and long-term wear.
Internally threaded jewelry remains a solid, professional choice for specific designs and preferences.
Neither is about trends.
Both are about reducing unnecessary stress on the body.
The real takeaway
The goal of piercing jewelry isn’t just to look good.
It’s to coexist with your body.
Jewelry that minimizes movement, friction, and disruption will almost always outperform jewelry that doesn’t, regardless of aesthetics.
That’s the difference that actually matters.
