How do you start gauges?

Start with the right gauge

It's often recommended that you start with 16 or 14 gauge when you first start stretching your ears. Stretching your ear larger than 2 gauge is often considered “the point of no return.” Once you stretch your ear to this point, you'll likely need surgery if you want the hole to fully close.

How do you start gauging ears?

To prepare your ears for stretching, apply a warm compress to the piercing for several minutes in order to ease up the tissue and make the stretch easier. Then, wash the area, rinse well and pat dry. Once you're ready for the stretch, apply oil around the perimeter of your piercing.

What size gauge should you start with?

For the majority of people, either 16 gauge or 14 gauge is a good starting point if you have only worn regular earrings. 16 gauge is a good starting point if you never wear earrings or if you have recently had them pierced and they are just healed up.

What to Know Before Getting gauges?

Can I go straight to gauges?

Ear stretching can be done as soon as you want. The only real condition is that you need to have a completely healed piercing before you start. It's best to wait up to 6 months (sometimes longer) to make sure it's fully healed and you'll be able to stretch evenly.

My Ear Stretching Journey | 12 Gauge Start Off

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.

Is 0g to 00g a big jump?

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. Even if the lobe is not visibly bleeding, micro-tears on the inside of the lobe occur.

What is the hardest stretch?

Does stretching your ears hurt the first time?

Stretching your ear safely shouldn't cause sharp pain or bleeding. These are signs that you're trying to stretch your ears too quickly.

Should I take my gauges out to shower?

Maintaining Ear Gauges. Remove your jewelry when you shower. 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.

Can I use Vaseline to stretch my ears?

Lubricants make a stretch easier. While you're out getting a new taper, get some Jojoba oil, Vitamin E oil or GaugeGear Stretching Balm (Neosporin and Vaseline are not good lubes for ear stretching). Lube up your ears and also the taper.

How long should I wait to put silicone tunnels in?

Stretch with surgical stainless steel or glass, then insert silicone tunnels when the stretch is fully healed. Healing after a stretch usually takes one to two weeks. Never insert jewelry into your body that another person has worn, no matter how well you know the person or how clean the jewelry seems.

Can you put plugs in right after tapers?

You don't need to rush through this process, but your ear should stretch pretty easily. 4. Once you have the taper through, you'll put the plug in right after.

How long does it take to gauge your ears?

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 long wait stretch ears?

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. It may take longer based on your own healing process.

How can I gauge my ears without tapers?

Are stretched ears still popular 2020?

Body modifications like stretched ears were rarely seen (except in traditional tribes). In the Western culture they were mostly seen in groups like punks or goths. Nowadays it continues to be on the rise.

How do gauges work?

"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.

How old do you have to be to get ear gauges?

adults. In order to be pierced or have jewelry inserted into a piercing you must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid photo ID. Acceptable identification includes the following: Driver's license.

Are tapers bad for stretching?

Stone tapers are not to be used for stretching at all. They are only for wearing in healed stretches as jewelry because they are porous and can carry too much bacteria. Once your ears are healed, stone tapers are a really pretty choice of jewelry.

Can I wear tapers as jewelry?

These porous materials should never be used in a healing piercing or a fresh stretch unless you like irritation, increased chance of infection, and your earlobes bonding to your tapers. Wear proper jewelry in your piercings. Tapers are made for stretching piercings, not as jewellery.

What oil is best for stretching ears?

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.