How can I stretch my ears without tapers?
The few wraps of tape on your plugs will help to slowly and safely stretch your ears. Taping takes longer than using a taper, but it will help you keep your ear lobes thick and healthy for the bigger sized gauges. Most people assume that they can use regular tape, electrical tape, or duct tape but this is not true!
Why are tapers not recommended?
Tapers are essential tools for stretching your lobes, but they are not designed to be worn as jewelry. Tapers have a distinctive shape – long and heavier on one side than the other. This uneven distribution of weight can lead to problems in your lobes over time, such as blowouts and damage.
What can I use to stretch my ears?
Tapers. These are the long, spiky things you put into your piercings to start stretching out the skin. They come in various sizes (or gauges), depending on how much you want to stretch out your piercing. Most tapers are acrylic or steel.
What lubricant can you use to stretch your ears?
Jojoba oil is the best lubricant for ear stretching which can be used in its pure for or as an additive to stretching balms. A commercial-grade lubricant such as Ear Butter of Jojo Oil helps you from preparing to stretch to massaging the lobes after a stretch.
Can I use Vaseline to stretch my ears?
A: While Vaseline may seem like a readily available option, it is generally not recommended as a lubricant for ear stretching. Vaseline is petroleum-based and can potentially trap bacteria, clog the stretched hole, and hinder the healing process.
What is the safest method of ear stretching?
Another method of stretching is the use of skin-safe or medical grade tape. The tape is carefully wrapped around the piece of jewelry and (along with lubrication) inserted in the ear lobe. The jewelry should go in easily and not feel uncomfortably big.
Are tapers bad for ears?
In general, tapers are only recommended for wearing in smaller gauges as jewelry. Large gauge tapers will pull the ear unevenly because of the heavy side of the taper.
Why are tapers bad for ears?
Tapers should only be used for short periods of time and should be followed by the insertion of a plug or tunnel made from high-quality materials. It is not recommended to wear tapers as jewelry as they are not designed to be worn for extended periods of time and can cause damage to the ear.
Why do tapers hurt?
If your earlobe feels tight or you're in pain after inserting the taper or plug, then the size is too big and you should opt for something smaller. Only very mild discomfort and pain are normal; everything else is a clear signal that you're stretching too fast.
Do stretched ears ever stop smelling?
The odor will be stronger while you are stretching your ears. This is because the ear is trying to heal and will produce more sebum and dead skin. When you get to your desired ear gauge you will notice less of an odor. The other part of the smell is the plug itself.
Should I sleep with gauges in?
In fact, it is generally recommended to remove your gauges before sleeping to allow your earlobes to rest and heal. This can help prevent any potential complications such as irritation or infection, and allow your ears to recover fully.
Is it normal to bleed when stretching your ears?
Stretching your ear safely shouldn't cause sharp pain or bleeding. These are signs that you're trying to stretch your ears too quickly.
Can I put Vaseline on my gauges?
Use Plenty of Lubrication
Stay away from petroleum products like Vaseline, A&D ointment, and Neosporin—or other antibiotic ointments—as they may leave behind an oily film which keeps oxygen and cleaning solutions out.
Can I use olive oil for ear stretching?
Any natural oil is good for your ears, but we recommend you try using jojoba oil (try our jojoba oil ), vitamin E oil, coconut oil, olive oil, emu oil, and bio oil. Any of these will do a great job and soften your earlobes to help them retain the necessary moisture.
Is Vaseline safe for gauges?
Jojoba and emu oil are two types of oils that are excellent for this type of application. Ear stretching balms and creams or any type of water-based lubricant would also be suitable. However, be sure to avoid oil-based lubricants, such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline). .
How can I stretch my ears naturally?
Take your tape of choice and wrap it around your plugs 2-3 times. This will gradually and safely make a difference in your stretch size. Wash and lubricate the plug, insert slowly into your ear, and allow time to heal. Repeat every 2-3 weeks until you increase the stretch to your desired size.
Can I use Moisturiser to stretch my ears?
Some studies suggest that gently massaging your ears with a moisturizer like coconut oil may help some people reduce scarring. That keeps your ears in better condition so that they can withstand more stretching. Massage your ears once a day to keep them healthy while you stretch.
Can stretched ears go back to normal?
One person's earlobe may shrink back to normal after having a stretched piercing and another may need surgical repair. Generally, holes that are less than a half inch in diameter may shrink back naturally if the jewelry is left out. There is no guarantee, however.
Can I stretch my ears with spirals?
316L surgical steel is the recommended material for ear stretching. There are both stretchers and spirals made of this material, but keep in mind that solid tapers can feel heavy on the ear. The ones specifically designed to wear as jewelry are often hollow to reduce the weight.
How can I thicken my earlobes?
One of the best ways to thicken lobes is to downsize and allow the skin to regain a better blood flow, and grow more skin cells, before slowly, and carefully, stretching back up. Oil massages are also particularly useful, as the act of massaging encourages blood flow to the area.
Why not to use tapers to stretch?
Do not use tapers at home, they are a tool meant for professional use and can easily cause tearing. We typically tell people to wait 6-8 weeks between lobe stretches, 2-3 months for non-lobe soft tissue stretches, and 3 months minimum for cartilage stretches.
Should I shower with gauges in?
Once your piercings are fully healed (after 12 weeks), you should remove your jewelry when you shower. This is the most effective way to clean both your piercings and your jewelry.
What is a dead stretch?
Dead stretching is the process of putting a larger piece of jewellery into the piercing; this is only advisable if it fits in without pressure otherwise you risk a blowout. This method works better when you have been at the previous size for a while and the piercing has loosened up.
Do tapers hurt?
Pain when sizing up is a sign something is wrong. If you have intense pain, resistance, or bleeding when inserting a new taper or adding another layer of tape, you should stop. Your ear is not fully healed and sizing up now could cause damage. Stay at your current size and wait a week before attempting to size up.
Do tapers cause blowouts?
If you use tapers, make sure you aren't skipping sizes with too large of a taper. The big end of the taper should only be one size up from your current size. Remember, skipping sizes is a direct route to ear stretching blowout because it will tear the skin of your ear.
Does dead stretching hurt?
Dead stretching is stretching your piercings using nothing more than time, massage, a quality body oil, gravity, and the right jewelry. If done properly, your journey to a large gauge piercing should be relatively painless and easy.
Is it okay to leave tapers in?
Remember ear tapers are a tool. If you keep them in your ear for an extended amount of time you are going to cause an uneven weight in your ears that may cause damage to your tissue.
Can I stretch my ears every 2 weeks?
Waiting 6 to 24 weeks is how long to wait between ear stretches, as the general recommendation. A minimum wait time of at least one to two months between each stretch is the recommended timeframe to wait in between stretches. This gives your ears enough time to heal and reduces the chance of potential risks.
Are tapers better than fades?
It's all about your hair type, lifestyle, and personal style. If you've got thick hair and want a style that's easy to manage, a fade might be your best bet. If you're after a classic, versatile look, you might want to try a taper fade. And remember, your barber's there to help you find the best style for you.
Should I dead stretch my ears?
Whilst tapers are great to safely assist with the transition of larger gauge piece of jewellery, dead stretching should only be used when your current jewellery is getting loose. The industry standard for dead stretching is going up in 1mm increments and as always, never skipping sizes.
What do ear gauges symbolize?
In some cases, larger gauge sizes were seen as signs of bravery or strength while smaller sizes represented more feminine qualities such as fertility or beauty. Ear gauges were also sometimes used to mark important milestones in life like coming-of-age ceremonies.
How do you prevent ear cheese?
Remove your earrings and thoroughly clean the outer crevices, your earring holes, and the backs of your ears with soap and water, says Dr. Patel. You'll want to clean your ears and earring holes regularly to avoid ear cheese buildup and, in turn, the accompanying smell.
Can I leave tapers in overnight?
Stretching with Tapers Timeframe
In the ear stretching process, typically up to 24 hours during a given interval is the maximum amount of time that you would want to allow for wearing tapers before switching over to ear piercing plugs.
Do gauges ever fully heal?
Many variables affect whether or not a stretched piercing will return to its original size, such as the length of time taken to stretch and the amount of time the piercing is fully healed at a particular size. However, everyone's ears are different and some ears will not heal back even from a size smaller than 8mm.
Do gauges ever heal?
Yes, it is possible for the earlobe to recover. The earlobe is made up of fatty tissue that is covered by soft skin, which is very capable of recovering its original shape in a few months only if the size of the piercing is not too large.
Why can't you wear tapers as jewelry?
Tapers are not meant for long-term wear as jewelry. Uneven weight distribution can lead to blowouts and damage. Use tapers as tools for stretching, not as decorative items. Insert your chosen jewelry immediately after guiding the taper through.
How can I stretch my ears without tapers?
The few wraps of tape on your plugs will help to slowly and safely stretch your ears. Taping takes longer than using a taper, but it will help you keep your ear lobes thick and healthy for the bigger sized gauges. Most people assume that they can use regular tape, electrical tape, or duct tape but this is not true!
Why do my gauges close so fast?
In general, smaller gauges will close more quickly than larger gauges. For example, a piercing that has been stretched to a 2g (6mm) will likely close within a few months, while a piercing that has been stretched to a 0g (8mm) or larger may take up to a year or more to close completely.
Is olive oil good for gauges?
First of all, get a good lubricant: Vitamin E oil (jar or pill form), jojoba oil, olive oil, or emu oil are commonly used. This assures a smooth painless insertion of jewelry. Do not, under ANY circumstances, use Vaseline.
Is baby oil good for gauges?
A: Baby oil can be used as a lubricant for ear stretching, but it is not specifically formulated for this purpose. It is important to note that not all baby oils are created equal, and some may contain fragrances or additives that could potentially irritate the skin.
Is coconut oil good for gauges?
Massage your earlobes at least once a day with coconut oil, jojoba oil, or another safe oil to keep it moisturized and promote healing. Wait at least 6 weeks between gauges, but keep an eye on your piercing. Don't go up to the next gauge if you notice any redness, swelling, or irritation after 6 weeks.
What is safe to stretch ears with?
Speaking generally, of course the safest material to stretch with and wear in a fresh stretch would be surgical steel 316L. So surgical steel would be the most conservative approach. However, bear in mind that people have been stretching their ears for thousands of years... before any kind of steel was made.
Do stretched ears ever stop smelling?
The odor will be stronger while you are stretching your ears. This is because the ear is trying to heal and will produce more sebum and dead skin. When you get to your desired ear gauge you will notice less of an odor. The other part of the smell is the plug itself.
How long can you leave gauges out before they shrink?
It's important to note, though, that each body is different. While someone who may have had their ears stretched to a large size had them shrink back down, it may not be the case for you. With this said, it generally takes anywhere from 4 months for smaller gauges to a year or more for larger gauges.
Can I use olive oil for ear stretching?
Any natural oil is good for your ears, but we recommend you try using jojoba oil (try our jojoba oil ), vitamin E oil, coconut oil, olive oil, emu oil, and bio oil. Any of these will do a great job and soften your earlobes to help them retain the necessary moisture.
Is Vaseline OK in ears?
Leave any excess Vaseline in place because it's a good lubricator for your ears; DO NOT try to remove it with a cotton bud. Cotton wool and Vaseline ear precautions are safe, most reliable, easily accessible and affordable. DO NOT submerge your head under the water in the bath.
What oil can I use to stretch my ears?
Jojoba oil is the best lubricant for ear stretching which can be used in its pure for or as an additive to stretching balms. A commercial-grade lubricant such as Ear Butter of Jojo Oil helps you from preparing to stretch to massaging the lobes after a stretch.
How do I relax my ears?
Ear stroking
Try tracing the outline of your ear, tracing the inner curves of your ear cartilage, and stroking around the whole ear at once with the fleshy parts of your fingertips. You can also stroke the spot behind the ear from the top down where the ear joins with the head for a wonderful relaxing effect.
Can you use Vaseline as lube for piercings?
Yes, vaseline and petroleum jelly products are meant to protect the skin. No, you should not use it on your piercing.
Can you use lotion for gauges?
As you stretch your ears, it's a good idea to massage the area and use lotion or coconut oil to keep the lobes moisturized. This will break down any scar tissue and keep the lobes healthy as they stretch.
Will my ears shrink back from a 0?
Will it? Most people can stretch up to 0 gauge and shrink their ears back without having an issue.
Should I take my gauges out to sleep?
In fact, it is generally recommended to remove your gauges before sleeping to allow your earlobes to rest and heal. This can help prevent any potential complications such as irritation or infection, and allow your ears to recover fully.
Is it normal to bleed when stretching your ears?
Stretching your ear safely shouldn't cause sharp pain or bleeding. These are signs that you're trying to stretch your ears too quickly.
Do stretched ears hurt?
Stretching your ears can take months or years, depending on how large you want them to be. During this time, your ear will be sensitive. However, they should never be painful or stressed. A good rule of thumb is to go up one gauge size every four to six weeks.
How can I shrink my gauged ears naturally?
Can earlobes get thinner?
Can you stretch your ears with tape?
How do you fix thin earlobes?
Can you skip gauge sizes?
Can I stretch my ears by myself?
Take your plugs out and massage your earlobes with vitamin E oil daily. Make sure to keep up this habit for at least the first week after you remove your plugs. Vitamin E promotes blood flow, helps dissolve scar tissue in the ear and can help promote earlobe shrinkage.