Body modification has been a thing for ages, and one of the coolest ways to modify your body is by stretching your ears. Ear stretching, also known as gauging or earlobe stretching, involves gradually making your earlobe piercing bigger so you can wear different-sized plugs or tunnels. It might sound a bit scary at first, but stretching your ears is a super cool and expressive way to show off your style, and it's pretty safe and comfortable if you do it right. In this guide, we'll dive into the world of stretched ears, from the basics of getting started to all the details about putting in plugs.

Getting Started

Decide Why You're Doing It

Before you jump into the world of stretched ears, think about why you want to do it. Show off your unique style? Or maybe it's part of a cultural tradition.

Do Your Research

Take the time to learn about the different methods of ear stretching, the materials you can use, and how to take care of your ears afterwards. Look up online communities, read articles, and talk to professional piercers who know all about stretching ears. The more you know, the better choices you can make.

Ear Stretching Methods

Tapering

Tapering is a popular way to stretch your earlobes. Basically, you use a tapered piece of jewellery, usually made of surgical steel or acrylic, to gradually push and stretch the tissue of your earlobe. It's important to take it slow and use some lube to make it less uncomfortable and reduce the risk of tears.

Taping

Taping is a nice and gentle way to stretch your ears. You start off with a small gauge plug and then add layers of medical tape to your jewellery every few weeks. This method allows for a gradual stretch, so it's less likely to damage your earlobe. 

Dead Stretching

With dead stretching, you basically let your earlobe stretch naturally over time. It's the slowest method, but it can be the least painful and damaging. You've just got to be patient and wear your current jewellery size for a while before you move up to the next size.

Materials and Jewellery

Using the Right Stuff

Picking the right materials is super important for a healthy stretching journey. Surgical steel, titanium, glass, and certain types of plastics like biocompatible acrylic are the way to go. Stay away from materials that might cause allergic reactions or irritations. Nobody has time for that.

Rocking Plugs

Plugs come in all sorts of styles. You have single-flared, double-flared, and screw-on plugs to choose from. Single-flared plugs have one flared end and one removable end, while double-flared ones have both ends flared and are usually worn in ears that are fully healed after stretching. Screw-on plugs have threaded ends that you screw onto your jewellery.

Size Matters

When it comes to ear stretching, we measure things in gauges. The smaller the number, the bigger the size. The initial piercing is usually done at 18 or 16 gauge. For stretched ears, common gauges range from 20g to 00g (or even larger for some folks). So, start off with a size that matches your initial piercing, and then slowly move on up from there.

Inserting Plugs

Clean and Sanitize

First things first, make sure both your hands and the jewellery are clean before you shove anything into your stretched ears. 

Lube it Up

Lubrication is key. Slather some water-based lube on both the plug and your ear to make things slide in smoother. Friction is not fun, and we want to avoid tears and discomfort.

Chill and Take Your Time

Don't rush the process. Find a chill spot with good lighting, relax, and take it easy. If it's not going smoothly, it's cool to take a break and try again later. Forcing that jewellery in can lead to major pain, tears, or even a blowout (a thinning of the back of the earlobe that is not pretty).

Pay Attention to Jewellery Style

Single-flared plugs are easy peasy with their removable end. Double-flared plugs might need a bit more patience and care. Screw-on plugs? Just give them a gentle twist to get them in place.

Aftercare

Aftercare is crucial for keeping your stretched ears healthy, my friend. Make sure to clean your jewellery and ears with fragrance-free antibacterial soap. Stay away from alcohol-based stuff because that can mess with your skin.

Take it easy, and let your ears rest and heal between stretches. Once your ears have healed up, think about downsizing to a smaller gauge for a bit.

Now, let's talk troubleshooting. If you see thinning or uneven tissue at the back of your earlobe, you might be dealing with a blowout. Try downsizing and massaging gently, but if it gets worse, hit up a pro.

Infections are no joke. Keep up with proper hygiene to avoid them. If you suspect an infection, take out your jewellery, clean the area, and see a healthcare professional.

Stretching your ears can be a rad journey of self-expression, but you have to approach it with patience, knowledge, and care. Talk to a piercer you trust and stay informed. Follow these tips, and you can rock stretched ears safely and stylishly.