How can I tell what size my gauges are?

Try sliding your jewelry into the opening to see if it fits.

If it fits perfectly and snuggly in the opening, you found the size! The gauge measurement is the number printed next to the cutout circle. Gauge wheels usually provide the measurement in the gauge size along with the millimeters or inches.

What size is my ear gauge?

"Here [in the U.S.] it's measured by gauge." Gauge sizes work in reverse, meaning that the higher the number, the thinner the width. So higher numbers (like 16 gauge) are thinner than smaller numbers (like a 6 gauge). When discussing gauges, references to a "larger gauge" means bigger around, not a bigger number.

Is a 16 or 18 gauge smaller?

Gauge is the standard unit of measure for sheet steel and wire products. The lower the number, the thicker the steel. Therefore, 16 gauge is thicker than 18 gauge steel.

What is the most common gauge size?

Gauge sizes typically range from 20 to 00. When the gauge size of a piece of jewelry extends beyond 00, its measurement is expressed in millimeters or inches. The most common gauge size for body piercings, in general, is between 18 and 16.

What is the smallest gauge size?

What is the smallest size gauge? A standard ear piercing is 20g or 18g so the smallest gauge size is 20g. Gauge sizes are always even numbers and the smaller the number the bigger the earring, so from 18g the next size up would be 16g.

Understanding Gauge Sizes

Can I stretch my ears every 2 weeks?

Stretching your ear too quickly can tear the skin. Only increase your jewelry by one size (2 gauge) at a time. Wait 4 to 6 weeks before increasing sizes. Wait for inflammation and pain to subside before increasing the size of your gauge.

How big can gauges be and still close?

What size can I stretch up to without permanent damage? There are a lot of different opinions on this topic, but the majority of professionals in the body modification industry recommend never going any larger than 2 - 0 gauge if you want your ears to totally close up where you can't see through them.

What size gauge can you not go back from?

The so-called “point of no return,” which is the size or gauge after which you will not be able to go back to original size, is a range between 0g and 4g for the majority. But, it's important to note that this isn't always the same for everyone.

What gauge is a normal ear piercing?

Standard ear piercings are a 20g or 18g if they were pierced by a gun. If they were pierced by a professional, the lobe piercing will typically be a 16g or 14g. After a minimum of two months it is typically safe to change the jewelry, but the piercing may still feel sensitive.

What size gauge is between 0 and 00?

The half size between 0g and 00g is 9mm and is occasionally called 00g. Forcing a stretch too big or too soon will result in a ripped ear lobe.

Do gauges permanently stretch your ears?

Once the scarring, the fibrosis, set in, it doesn't close. I know some ear holes close with a scar ... So, for the people stretching their ear holes with the gauges, it's a permanent thing.

Can you go back from 00 gauge?

If you stretch your lobe to 00g or smaller, you are a much better candidate for your ear going back to "normal". However, if you stretch your ear to a severely large size - like an inch in diameter - then your chances are much smaller that your ear will ever go back to the way it was.

Do stretched ears shrink back?

Lend An Ear

“Regularly massaging the lobe with Vitamin E oil and other preparations can help repair scar tissue.” While this is an effective method in many cases, the ear will never completely return to normal. Many individuals will find, while the hole does shrink, it never completely closes.

What is the hardest stretch?

Should you leave tapers in?

If it's too tight, what you'll do is tear the skin off the inside of your hole. This is painful and incredibly unpleasant and bloody. Repeat until you get the taper all the way in. Leave it for at least a couple of hours, ideally overnight.

What does it mean when your gauges itch?

The inner ring of skin around the piercing will become red and irritated, and potentially even lumpy. It will most likely be itchy or painful, and you may also experience an infection. These blowouts are the result of your skin being stretched too far and failing to heal properly.

What's the biggest size gauge you can start with?

What Gauge Should You Start Stretching With? This is probably the first question that most people have when they begin stretching. After making sure that your ears are fully healed from the initial piercing, you can start stretching at a 16 gauge. Most regular piercings are at 18 gauge.

Are stretched ears still popular 2020?

In the Western culture they were mostly seen in groups like punks or goths. Nowadays it continues to be on the rise. Ear stretching is growing in popularity with both men and women and it does not seem to be confined to any one type of group.

Are stretched ears unprofessional?

6 answers. Yes. They just ask nothing offensive or scary be worn or scarred into your body. Gages up to one inch are acceptable.

How fast do gauges close up?

Once it fits properly, go down another size until you reach the smallest gauge. Once you reach this point, your hole should be able to close on its own. This entire process usually takes at least 2 months. You can also help your ears along the road to healing by cleaning and massaging them with oils and moisturizers.

Can you wear tapers as jewelry?

A taper is a cone or spike shaped piece of jewelry that is used to stretch a piercing up a size. The shape of the taper allows the piercing to stretch smoothly as the taper is pushed through the ear. Certain tapers can also be worn as jewelry. Tapers are very helpful in stretching up the sizes between 14 and 0 gauge.