Ear Stretching Guide
The Complete Ear Stretching Guide: Tips, Techniques, and Aftercare
Ear stretching is an ancient body modification practice that continues to gain popularity among piercing enthusiasts today. Whether you’re a beginner looking to size up gradually or a seasoned stretcher aiming for larger gauges, having a solid ear stretching guide is essential. The process requires patience, proper technique, and the right materials to avoid damage to the earlobes. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about ear stretching—from choosing the right piercing jewellery and tools to ensuring proper aftercare for a safe and successful journey.
What is Ear Stretching?
Ear stretching is the expansion of an earlobe piercing hole in gradual stages. Most earlobe piercings are done at 18g (1mm) or 20g (0.8mm). An earlobe piercing has to be fully healed before the stretching process can begin.
Those who have had pierced ears for some time and have worn dangles or heavy jewellery will have already unknowingly stretched the fistula slightly. This will make initial stretching quicker, requiring less healing time.
For those who do not have a lobe piercing but intend to stretch, a new 14g (1.6mm) piercing is done. Piercees should make sure to consult a professional piercer when planning to stretch their ears.
Piercees must always be told that prior to increasing the gauge to the next level, they need to wait at least a month between each stretch. The process is a slow procedure to prevent trauma to the tissue. In some cases, a period of 6-8 weeks is strongly recommended. A general rule is; the longer the period between the stretches, the healthier the lobes will be. Also, as the ear stretching jewellery increases in size, so does the length of the healing period.
Recommended Wait Time for Ear Stretching
As a guide, when moving from 16g to 14g and 14g to 12g, a 1-2 months wait time is necessary. From 12g to 10g and 10g to 8g, the wait time should be 2-3 months. Most professional piercers agree that 3-4 months is needed for moving from 8g to 6g, 6g to 4g, and 4g to 2g. After that, for each successive gauge increase, a healing period of 4-6 months is necessary. The piercee must always be aware and listen to their body during stretching. If at any time, the ear stretching jewellery won’t fit, wait some time before trying again with some lube.
Being inpatient and trying to hasten the stretching process is one of the biggest mistakes a piercee can make. The process is a long and slow undertaking. When Stretching with ear plugs and flesh tunnels it is important to go up one gauge at a time. This is to allow the fistula to fully heal. Also, it is recommended to only use stretching jewellery made of safe materials. Materials that are porous can harbour bacteria which will cause irritation, and slow down the healing.
Does Ear Stretching Hurt?
The ear stretching process, if done properly should not hurt or be uncomfortable. The piercee should only feel a slight tingling or stinging sensation. At any time, if the earlobe hurts or feels tight when wearing an ear plug or flesh tunnel, then the new size is too big and something smaller should be tried. Using oils such as Tea Tree or Jojoba at least two times a day will help with the healing and stretching process.
Most piercings take several months to heal completely and the new piercee needs to think ahead if there are any obligations that require taking out the piercing jewellery before the fistula has healed. This could be participating in a sports event, having a swim or surgery, or performing certain jobs. Taking out a piercing before it’s completely healed can also cause the fistula to close.
Publication date and/or Last Updated: November 13, 2023
Author: cesar@suprank.com
Views: 567
Copyright Holder: Acha Co., Ltd.
Company info: WholesaleBodyJewellery is owned and operated by Acha, a leading manufacturer and online supplier of piercing jewellery with more than 20 years in the industry.
