Ear tunnels are great jewellery pieces to expand the gauges, and if you are thinking about getting these done and going for expansion, you are in for a really sleek look. Earrings for ear expansion are centuries old, and now we know it as ear stretching, which is an entire process that requires dedication and attention to detail. You need patience with time to get the perfect look.
Ear stretching is the process of gradually increasing the size of your pierced hole to fit larger jewellery like ear plugs and tunnels. It will pump up your aesthetics and let you show off really cool jewellery in your friends and piercing circle.
Get Prepared, Tools You Need
First things first, you need the right equipment to avoid any mishaps.
- Ear expander: A cone-shaped tool to help ease into bigger gauges. Available in different sizes and stuff, most professionals recommend stainless steel or glass to be safe.
- Ear stretching jewellery: After using your ear expander, you’ll need premium plugs and tunnels to keep the stretch from closing away.
How to Expand Your Ear Holes (Step-by-Step)
Have you properly thought through the ear stretching and made the decision? If yes, follow this simple guide to keep the problems at bay. We still recommend going to a professional since this process is a little trickier to handle at home. Ready to start stretching?
Start Small and Clean
If you’re just starting out with a standard ear piercing, you’re probably rocking a 16g (1.2mm). But, if you’re ready to level up, grab a 14g ear expander (1.6mm) to get things going.
Lubricate and Gently Insert
Use a water-based lube (no oils, fam!) to keep things slick. Gently slide the ear expander through your piercing. There’s no need to rush or force it. If it starts to sting too much, take a pause and let it chill for a bit.
Wait It Out
Ear stretching requires patience. Give it at least 4-6 weeks before moving to the next size. During this time, make sure you’re cleaning the area daily and keeping it moisturised.
Size Up Gradually
Once your ears have healed, you can move on to the next size. Always consult an ear gauge chart to understand what size you’re at and what’s next. Going too fast will only cause tearing and set you back.
Ear Gauge Sizes and Chart
Best Methods for Ear Stretching
You can’t just wing it, there are specific ear stretching methods to follow:
- Taper Method: This is the most common way to stretch. You use a taper, which is like a cone, to gradually push through the piercing.
- Dead Stretching: If you’re super patient, this method involves slowly wearing heavier jewellery to naturally stretch your ears over time.
- Taping Method: Once you’re at larger sizes, some people wrap tape around their plugs or tunnels to add a little bit of thickness and slowly increase the size.
Types of Ear Stretching Jewellery
Once you’ve stretched your ears to the desired size, the fun part begins: picking your ear stretching jewellery. The most popular choices include:
- Ear plugs: These are solid pieces that fit snugly into the ear.
- Ear tunnels: Hollow jewellery that allows you to see through the hole. These are perfect for creating that edgy, bold look.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Before we wrap up, here are some rookie mistakes you’ll want to dodge:
- Stretching too fast: Rushing the process can lead to blowouts or infections, and that’s a no-go.
- Not using a proper ear gauge chart: It’s easy to get confused about sizes, so always double-check with a chart.
- Wearing unsafe materials: Stick to safe, non-reactive materials like surgical steel, titanium, or glass, especially during healing.
Stretching your ears is a rad journey that’s all about patience and care. Start small, move up slowly using your trusty ear expander, and pick the right ear stretching jewellery to make your look stand out. Use an ear gauge chart to stay on track, follow proper ear stretching methods, and don’t skip on the ear stretching aftercare.
Go ahead and rock those ear plugs and tunnels like the legend you are