Jewelry shopping can be intimidating. That’s why we started Ask Holden, our blog where we answer your FAQs, break down scary industry lingo, and guide you in finding the perfect piece of jewelry.
This advice is for informational purposes only. If you are still unable to remove the ring after following the steps, please seek help from a medical professional.
How to Get a Stuck Ring Off
Stuck rings are a more common issue than one might think and can certainly cause a lot of stress to the ring wearer. Nobody wants to have to cut through their wedding band (especially one that you customized yourself)! But if you’re panicking about how to get a stuck ring off your finger, don’t worry—there are several safe ways to try at home before turning to medical help.
Just, whatever you do, please do not pull and tug vigorously at your stuck ring. It will only cause more swelling and make it more difficult to remove safely.
Elevation
Reducing the swelling may be all you need to succeed in how to get a stuck ring off. There are two ways to do this. You can hold your hand under freezing cold water and/or place an ice pack on the swollen part of your finger until the swelling reduces. Or, if ice water doesn’t work, you can hold your hand straight up in the air to reduce the swelling and get your blood flowing.
Be patient while you wait for the swelling to go down and take some nice, deep breaths. This is an important first step in how to get a ring off safely. We promise that everything is going to be okay. Once the swelling reduces, you’ll have that ring sliding off your finger in no time.
The Floss Technique
If you’ve got a ring stuck on your finger, try this dental floss ring removal method, as recommended by The American Society for Surgery of the Hand:
You will need a long piece of string, ribbon, or dental floss. Thread the floss string underneath the back of your ring, making sure to leave a piece of extra string at the base of your finger. Then, wrap the remaining portion of the string around your finger, going up towards your finger tip, until the string is wound tightly around your knuckle. Make sure that there is extra string left above your knuckle.
*While the string should feel snug, do not (I repeat: DO NOT) wind the string so tightly that you cut off circulation! You need to maintain blood flow to your finger at all times to avoid any potential damage.*
Next, rub Windex onto the string, your ring, and your finger to reduce friction. This lubrication helps make the ring stuck on your finger easier to remove.
If you don’t have Windex, you can also use cooking oil, vaseline, hand lotion, or even soap.
Pull the end of the string that is looped around your ring towards your knuckle. The ring should begin slowly twisting off of your finger as you unwind the string. Keep pulling the string until it is past your knuckle and you can easily remove the ring.
Still can’t get the ring off?
If you are unable to remove your ring after trying these methods, or if it is painful, seek medical advice. Emergency rooms and fire departments can cut the ring from your finger with special equipment.
Please let us know if these suggestions were helpful. If you have removed your stuck rings using other methods, please contact us and we will be happy to add them to our blog. Or make a video and tag us on social media - we’d love to see the solutions you come up with!
PSA
Things happen. But you can help avoid a ring stuck on finger situation by starting with the right ring size.
If you don’t know your size, you can get a ring size kit from us before ordering. And, if your ring doesn’t fit (which we’re going to assume based on the fact that you’re reading this), we also offer one free complimentary resizing within 60 days of the delivery or pickup date. You can read more about our resizing policy here.
Questions? Give us a shout at help@hiholden.com or a ring (pun intended) at 646.722.6817.
FAQs
1. How do I get a stuck ring off my finger?
If you’re wondering how to get a stuck ring off your finger, try reducing swelling with ice or elevation, then apply a lubricant like lotion or soap. Gently twist the ring off without force. If it still doesn’t budge, try the dental floss ring removal method.
2. What is the dental floss ring removal trick?
The dental floss ring removal technique involves wrapping floss tightly around your finger to compress swelling, then carefully unwinding it to slide the ring off. Add a lubricant like Windex or lotion to make the process easier.
3. Why is my ring stuck on my finger?
A ring stuck on finger is usually caused by swelling due to heat, salt intake, or injury. It’s common and usually not serious. Avoid pulling hard—it can worsen the swelling.
4. Can Windex really help remove a stuck ring?
Yes! Windex works as a lubricant and can help get a ring off easily when combined with gentle twisting or the floss technique. If you don’t have Windex, use hand lotion, cooking oil, or petroleum jelly.
5. What should I do if I still can’t get the ring off?
If home remedies don’t work, or if you’re in pain, stop immediately and seek help from a medical professional or jeweler. Emergency responders and jewelers have tools to safely remove a stuck ring without damage.
6. How can I prevent getting a ring stuck again?
Make sure your ring fits properly. If it feels too snug, consider resizing. At Holden, we offer one free resizing within 60 days of delivery—and you can request a free ring sizing kit before ordering.
7. Is it safe to sleep with a ring on if it feels tight?
We don’t recommend it. Swelling can occur overnight, especially in warmer temps or due to diet. If a ring ever feels tight, remove it right away to avoid a stuck ring situation.
8. Do you demonstrate this technique anywhere?
Yes! Check out Holden’s TikTok to see a full video of how to get a stuck ring off using the floss method.
About Holden
Love looks different for everyone, and your jewelry should too. Holden offers engagement rings and wedding rings that are built around you. Discover the soft sweep of a Curved Band, the timeless beauty of our Gemstone rings, or the refined strength of a Signet design.