Tunnels and plugs come in various shapes and sizes. It is always a good idea to educate yourself before getting a piercing, but also when you already have a piercing it can be useful to be well informed.
The standard earring is well known to everyone. However, an emerging trend has been introduced, stretching the earlobe with a decorated plug or tunnel. But there is confusion about the difference between a tunnel and plug. So we will discuss the main differences:
– The tunnel versus the plug
– No-flare
– Single-flare
– Double flared
– Screw-fit
The difference between the tunnel and the plug
The term ‘ear plugs‘ and ‘ear tunnels‘ are often used interchangeably and thus create the impression that they are more or less the same. Although they show similarities there is a clear difference.
The main difference is in the appearance of the jewellery. A tunnel (as you would expect) is hollow inside. You can see through the jewellery and this is highlighted inside the piercing cavity. A plug on the other hand, is solid and fills the piercing cavity. But although this difference seems simple it sometimes can be hard to distinguish the two. Many tunnels include a decorated plate at the front meaning that you can only see a little through the hollow inside. Is this a tunnel or a plug?
While this discussion could go on endlessly, we distinguish a clear difference. A tunnel can be best described as a ‘coiled up sheet’ that is a hollow tube. Although there are ornaments, patterns and motifs in the hollow tube inside the tunnel the tunnel still remains transparent.
A plug is solid, one piece, and fills the whole piercing cavity.
No Flare plug
The term no flare plug is common in conjunction with a tunnel or plug. This flare freely translated means a ‘ridge’. The no-flare tunnel or plug logically has no edges. Because these tunnels or plugs are completely flat it makes it easier to slide into the piercing cavity. To ensure that a no-flare tunnel or plug will not fall out of place, they come with two O-rings.
An O-ring is a small rubber band. A no-flare tunnel or plug is always longer than the average earlobe thickness. Because of this it sticks out both at the front and the back. The O-rings must be placed until they sit against the earlobe. If this happens on both sides then the plug or tunnel will remain in place. Because a no-flare tunnel or plug O-rings will affect how the piercing will look it is more common to choose for a single-flare, double-flare or screw-fit tunnel or plug.
The main advantage of a no-flare tunnel or plug is that it can effortlessly (without pressure and/ or pain) be pushed through the piercing hole. Because there is no pressure required when placing the piercing in the hole, it is not necessary for the piercing cavity to be completely healed.
Single Flare plug
A single flared plug is lik a no-flare tunnel or plug except that it has one edge. In general, the ridge is positioned at the front of the piercing. This ensures that a single-flare tunnel or plug is easily placed into the piercing cavity. It should be pushed into the piercing cavity until the front edge is pressed against the earlobe.
Next, the O-ring has to be backside to the extended part of the plug in order to be pressed against the earlobe. If this happens the tunnel or plug is secured in the piercing cavity and can not fall out unexpectedly. The difference between the no-flare and single-flare is that the O-ring is not needed for the front side of the single flared tunnel or plug therefore not affecting the appearance of the tunnel or plug.
Like the no-flare plug or tunnel the single-flare can effortlessly be pushed into place without pressure or pain. Because this sort of tunnel or plug does not need pressure when inserting it, the piercing cavity does not need to be completely healed.
Double-flared plug
Logically the double-flared plug is double flared on both sides meaning that it has raised edges on either side. As a result, you don’t need the O-rings, and therefore,they have no influence on the appearance of the piercing.
When placing a double-flared tunnel or plug you must ensure that one of the upright edges is being pressed against the piercing cavity. This requires a light touch and some ductility of the piercing cavity. Double-flared tunnels or plugs are therefore only suitable for fully healed piercing cavities and are not suitable if you have just stretched your earlobes!
Screw-fit plug
A double flared plug is only suitable for fully healed piercing cavities. But what if you have recently stretched your earlobe but want a the look of a double-flared tunnel or plug? Then the screw-fit tunnel or plug is the ideal outcome!
A screw-fit tunnel or plug has two edges like a double flared plug but has a removable back. This back piece can be unscrewed; the screw-fit (similarly to the single or no-flare) can be pushed through the earlobe. This should be easy and without pressure or pain. You can then screw back on the tunnel or plug.
When placing the screw-fit plug it will look the same as the double-flared tunnel or plug but does not require completely healed piercing cavities.
Ten articles before and after
What Is a Tragus Piercing? A Brief Guide | CHURINGA PIERCING AFTERCARE
Can I Get Pierced Right Now? How to Safely Get Pierced During COVID | CHURINGA PIERCING AFTERCARE
Basic need to know information on the labret | CHURINGA PIERCING BLOG
The Helix and Tragus piercing | CHURINGA PIERCING BLOG
What Is Piercing Spray (And Where Can I Buy It)? | CHURINGA PIERCING AFTERCARE
Belly button bars of 8, 11 or 12 mm | CHURINGA PIERCING BLOG
Which Piercing Should I Get Next? Our Favorite Piercings for Summer | CHURINGA PIERCING AFTERCARE
Stretching Guide – Gauging your ears | CHURINGA PIERCING BLOG
Intimite piercings – The clithood piercing | CHURINGA PIERCING BLOG