Why do people stretch their ears?

What Is Ear Stretching? Ear stretching allows people to wear unique types of jewelry in their ears known as “spacers” or “gauges.” Some people stretch their ears because of cultural traditions, while others just like how it looks.

What do stretched ears symbolize?

History has shown us that ear stretching was initially used to show that an individual belonged to a group or a tribe. It was accepted by the group and they were marked as being "one of us". When someone did not have stretched ears they were considered to be an outsider or someone who did not belong to the tribe.

Why do people like stretched earlobes?

"It is a slightly more committed body art than temporary practices or ear piercing. The more you stretch the skin, the more commitment you are expressing to a counter cultural look."

Why you shouldn't stretch your ears?

Stretching too quickly can tear your ear tissue in half or cause earlobe skin to detach and hang from your head. Stretching too quickly or not taking care of your ear may also result in an infection.

What culture does ear stretching come from?

The first recorded use of ear-stretching comes from Ancient Egypt, and can be seen in the sarcophagus of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun. In addition, anthropologists believe that the use of having stretched ears originated in sub-Saharan Africa.

Why People Stretch Their Ears

Are stretched ears attractive?

During the survey, the respondents were asked how attractive they find tunnel piercings/stretched earlobes on women. The results were sorted by gender. 13 percent of the male respondents said they find it very attractive for a woman to have tunnel piercings/ stretched earlobes.

Is ear stretching spiritual?

Stretching wasn't for aesthetic purposes for them, but one of spirituality. They held the belief that stretched earlobes helped invite spirits into the body. At the same time, the material of ear spools and flares indicated their status in society.

Do stretched ears go back to normal?

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. Also, one will most certainly be left with a dimple mark where the piercing once was.

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.

Are stretched ears professional?

If you want to stretch your ear lobes, the best advice is to have a professional do it. This ensures that the gauges turn out the way you want them.

Is ear stretching painful?

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 you undo gauges?

The holes can shrink back if they're under a half inch in diameter, but larger ones need plastic surgery. Despite decades of the fad, there seems to be little information on how to reverse it. Fixing gauged earlobes is such a new plastic surgery procedure that according to Dr.

Do gauges ever close?

Because your ear lobes have healed around the tunnel, plug, or taper you used to stretch the ear, your ears will never completely close. Keep in mind that your best expectation is to shrink the size of the holes. If you experienced tearing, infections, or blowouts, your ears may not shrink as much.

When did stretched ears become popular?

Body modification grew in the '00s

As a part of this trend, ear stretching was increasing in popularity, driven in part by the emo culture in the '00s. More places were offering ear stretching as an alternative to piercing. DIY kits also became available on the open market.

Why do people put large holes in earlobes?

People from various cultures and time periods throughout the world have stretched their earlobes because the cartilage of the ear has adequate strength to hold up large pieces of jewelry placed in pierced and stretched earlobes.

Can you have stretched ears as a cop?

Body art, tattoo(s), brand(s), intentional scarring, and/or mutilation that is not able to be covered or concealed is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, foreign objects inserted under the skin, pierced, split or forked tongue; and/or stretched out holes in the ears.

What is ear cheese?

If you've experienced itching, pain, or drainage from your ear, this could indicate an ear infection affecting the ear canal. Sometimes, even if the infection inside the ear canal has cleared, bacteria or fungi might remain . This can cause a cheeselike smell behind your ears.

What are the big holes in ears called?

What are flesh tunnels, you ask yourself. One glance around a packed train or a bustling shopping street and you'll find them: these giant holes in some people's ear lobes. The trend, in which people allow piercers to stretch their earlobe with rings of various shapes and sizes, has been growing for a few years now.

What is the hardest stretch?

What is the biggest you can stretch your ears before it won't go back?

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.

How much does it cost to close up stretched ears?

Earlobe surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure, and is not covered by insurance. Earlobe repair generally costs $550 per earlobe or $800 for both earlobes. More complex repairs, such as required to close gauge holes may cost up to $2000 depending on the complexity.

Why did Aztecs stretch their ears?

The Mayan and Aztec tribes of Central America revered ears, believing them to be conduits of spiritual energy. While stretching goes back as far as human remains do, the style of plugs and flesh tunnels as we know them today can be traced straight back to them.

What African tribes stretch their ears?

THE MAASAI PEOPLE OF KENYA

In the Maasai tribe of Kenya, both the men and the women have traditionally stretched their ears. Although it seems to be a fading practice, you still see many women and some men honoring the custom. They use stone, elephant tusks, bone, and wood.

Do ears grow back?

Earlobes never stop growing.

But, like our noses, our ears never really stop growing — or more specifically, the cartilage part of your ear keeps growing (our bones reach their full size after puberty).

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.