The ball closure ring or BCR is a relatively recent invention that can be worn in many different kinds of piercings. This includes ear piercings, lip piercings, nose piercings and several others. Whilst BCRs are a modern addition to body jewellery, they are also one of the most versatile. Not only can you wear BCRs in single piercings all over the body, but they can also be worn with orbital and other piercings that feature two holes.

What is a BCR piercing?

A BCR piercing stands for Ball Closure Ring. This is a type of ring or hoop piercing jewellery that is secured using a small ball. The two elements of the BCR, the ring and the ball, create a pressure hold that keeps the jewellery in place.

How does a ball closure ring work?

A BCR or Ball Closure Ring works by using the tension between the ring and the ball to hold the jewellery in place. The BCR ball has small grooves into which the ends of the ring are placed. The pressure between the ball and the ring holds the BCR in place.

How do you open a BCR ring?

To open a BCR ring you need to release the tension on the ball. This can be done by pulling or twisting the ring of the BCR in order to release the ball. Alternatively, you can use BCR pliers, which are similar to long nose pliers, to gently open the Ball Closure Ring. This will ease the ring open and allow the ball to be taken out.

How do I change my BCR piercing?

To change your BCR piercing you need to release the pressure on the ball that is held in place by the ring in order to remove it. This can be done by either twisting or gently pulling apart the ring. Take care not to pull the ring too far apart because when you want to re-insert your BCR you will need to squeeze the ring closed on the ball once you have placed it in your piercing. Make sure to line up the dimple or groove in the ball with the end of your ring to keep the Ball Closure Ring securely in place.

If you want to regularly change your BCR you may want to purchase ball closure ring pliers to help with this process.

How do you get a ball closure ring out of your ear?

It can be difficult to get a ball closure ring out of your ear, especially because the jewellery is likely to be quite small and quite close to the ear. To get your BCR out of your ear you must remove the ball which is held between the ends of the ring. Contrary to common belief, the BCR does not use a screw-in method but instead uses small indents in the ball to hold the ring in place, simply using pressure. Captive bead ring removal can be difficult so don’t be afraid to ask for help from your piercer.

How do you put on a closure ring?

It can be difficult to put on a closure ring. You may want to practice without putting it in your piercing at first or ask someone else to help you. Using a mirror can also be helpful when putting on a closure ring because you will need to line up the ends of the ring with the dimple in the ball of the piercing jewellery. You can then squeeze it shut so that the ends of the BCR ring are held against the ball. This will hold your ball closure ring in place.

Captive bead ring vs ball closure ring

The captive bead ring and ball closure ring are the same types of piercing jewellery. Both work by placing the ends of the ring into an indent on the ball in order to hold it in place. They are also sometimes shortened to be known as CBR or BCR. The captive bead ring is occasionally known as a captive ball ring but all these variants refer to the same type of piercing ring.

Do captive bead rings fall out?

Captive Ball Rings can fall out but it is unusual for this to happen. The CBR piercing is held in place using the pressure between the ring and the ball so unless the ring opens the ball will not fall out. If you are worried that your CBR is becoming loose you can gently squeeze the ring to ensure each end is firmly held in the dimple of the ball.

As BCRs are such a popular type of jewellery for a number of piercings, we make sure to keep plenty of colours and styles in stock at Blue Banana. Our Ball Closure Rings come in a variety of sizes, materials, and colours so you can choose CBRs that will suit your style and needs.

Picking Out BCRs

It is important to choose the right size and material for your piercing jewellery as your body may react differently to different materials. Getting the right size of BCR is important for the health of your piercing. Your piercer will help you to choose an appropriate diameter for your body shape.

Size: BCRs are measured by the diameter and gauge of the ring. The first number is the gauge (displayed in mm) and the second is the diameter e.g. 1.2 x 10mm.
Material: Choosing a high quality material such as titanium will provide you with a hypoallergenic material that is perfect for everyday use. Surgical steel is also a good choice for healed piercings as it is durable.

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Inserting/Removing BCRs

Before handling your piercing, always make sure to wash your hands with antibacterial soap.

A BCR uses pressure to hold the ball of the ring in place, keeping the jewellery secure. To remove your BCR you will need to gently pull the ring open. Some people find it easier to twist the ring apart. Whichever method you choose the goal is to gently ease the ends of the ring out of the groove in the ball.

You can get a pair of BCR pliers to help you to remove your jewellery. These will help you gently ease open the hoop. If you are unsure about removing your BCR yourself then it is best to consult a piercer who will be happy to help and can also give you advice for the next time you want to change your jewellery.

To insert a BCR, place one end of the ring in your piercing and gently work the ring around until it is in place. Next, take the ball and squeeze the ends of the ring into the groove of the ball. Make sure your BCR is secure and adjust the jewellery to sit in the best position.

Whenever you are removing, changing or inserting BCR jewellery make sure you have a secure place to put the ball as this is the easiest part to lose. Always make sure your jewellery and piercing are clean before inserting new jewellery.

Where can you use BCRs?

BCRs are an incredibly versatile type of piercing jewellery that can be used in many different types of piercing. You can wear Ball Captive Rings in:

Anti Tragus
Auricle
Conch
Daith
Lobe
Helix
Orbital
Pinna
Rook
Snug
Spiral
Tragus
Eyebrow
Canine
Cyber
Labret
Medusa
Shark Bites
Snake Bites
Spider Bites
Viper Bites
Frowny
Web
Nostril
Septum
Navel
Nipple
Female Genital
Male Genital

Other Guides & Ranges

Please Note: Blue Banana piercing information is based on knowledge from our experiences as one of the UK's top piercing studios. All details provided should be read alongside professional advice. Please see our full Piercing Articles Disclaimer, here.