How To Stretch Ears

If you've ever seen someone with large piercings, you may have wondered how to stretch ears. The process is simple, but requires the right equipment and the time and patience to stretch the ears out safely. It is important to always stop the process if you feel pain. Your earlobes may throb and feel some pressure each time you go up a gauge, but they should never actually hurt.

To stretch your ears, you will need:

• Pierced ears
• Ear gauges
• Lubricant
• Salt water
• Time

1. Be sure your pierced ears are ready. You should wait at least four to six weeks after piercing your ears before you attempt to stretch the openings. This will ensure that your original piercings have healed and it is safe to modify the opening.
2. Purchase the right ear gauges. Ear jewelry is numbered in even numbers ranging from twenty gauge, the smallest, to zero gauge, the largest. If you had them pierced with a piercing gun, the openings in your ears should be approximately eighteen gauge. Begin by purchasing sixteen gauge earrings and continue to decrease the number in single increments until you have reached the desired size. It is important not to skip numbers.
3. Lubricate and insert the gauge. A water-based lubricant will help the next size in ear gauge to go into your ear without pain. Be sure to work in front of a mirror and take your time to make sure you can insert the gauge. Some experts recommend taking a hot shower before you change the gauge to help your skin stretch better.
4. Care for the opening. A salt-water mist can help to soothe the stretched ears, as can applying a little lubricant to massage the area. Avoid putting any chemicals near your ears.
5. Work slowly. It is best to wait at least a month or two before trying to stretch the opening again. This will allow the ear to heal from its last stretch. It is always best to use caution when stretching the ears and see a doctor if anything doesn’t look or feel right.