Stretching your ear piercing with plugs and tunnels is very popular. Once the piercing has healed properly, you can stretch the hole to a size that you desire. In this article, we explain how you can easily stretch the piercing yourself.
It is important that you stretch the piercing gradually and do not skip sizes whilst stretching the hole. When you are stretching the hole it should not hurt at any point. If you are unsure about stretching the already pierced hole or you are not sure your piercing has healed enough then always ask your piercer for advice. Possibly a professional piercer can stretch your ear to ensure that it goes well.
Stretching your ear, your preparation
As mentioned it is important that your piercing is healed properly. You need the following items before you can start stretching:
– A stretching kit or stretcher
– Lubricant or oil
– A taper/plug/tunnel of the correct size and made of metal (such as titanium or surgical steel)
It is advisable to stretch during or immediately after showering. The warm water softens and makes your earlobe more flexible that facilitates stretching. Ensure that the taper or stretcher is covered with oil or lubricant.
Step 1: Stretching
Once your earlobe is warm carefully push the taper in. Do not push too hard, but let the thin portion of the taper slowly go through the earlobe, slide it in without causing pain. If everything goes smoothly, you can push the taper through your earlobe. The skin around the piercing may feel slightly sensitive after stretching. You can now insert the plug or tunnel.
Step 2: Healing
Now the piercing is stretched it needs to heal. Make sure your piercings are clean and if necessary apply a nourishing balm, saline or lotion to the skin in order to prevent irritation. In no case should the taper or stretcher be worn as Jewellery, be sure to wear suitable materials for tunnels and plugs such as titanium, surgical steel or another metal. After 2-3 weeks, the skin has healed enough to wear jewellery from organic materials.
It is crucial to take time with continuing stretching your piercing. Be sure to take good care of your earlobes with balm, saline or lotion and stimulate the blood circulation by massaging them regularly. Once the piercing is completely healed again you can then stretch it further and then proceed to the next measurement. Normally it takes around 4-6 weeks to heal from when you first stretched the hole. Do not rush the stretching process, this may cause some scarring if not done properly and additionally stretching can be painful and difficult.
Ten articles before and after
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Belly button bars of 8, 11 or 12 mm | CHURINGA PIERCING BLOG
The different types of Ear Tunnels and Ear Plugs | CHURINGA PIERCING BLOG
What Is a Tragus Piercing? A Brief Guide | CHURINGA PIERCING AFTERCARE
Intimite piercings – The clithood piercing | CHURINGA PIERCING BLOG
Is My Body Jewelry Moving? A Beginner’s Guide to Piercing Rejection | CHURINGA PIERCING AFTERCARE
The different types of Nosepiercings | CHURINGA PIERCING BLOG
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