What is Stretching (Gauging)?
Stretching is a form of body modification that usually expands a healed piercing to accommodate larger jewelry.
1.) Getting started
To properly begin the process you need to first determine what size your currently at now. Jewelry sizes typically range from 20g(the smallest) to 00g( the largest). Sizes larger than 00g are referred to in inches or millimeters. This rule is usually applied in America. So I have included a table below.
2.) What do you need
If you now know your size you can go and get jewelry in the next size to start the process. You should only stretch with smooth, non-porous materials. Using steel, titanium, and glass are the best for your fresh stretches. If you have been at your current size for a while and you are sure the piercing is completely healed you can do something called dead stretching. This is where you put the next size right in. If not you should use the tapering method, but you should never wear tapers as jewelry. You should also use a type of lubricant to help the process go smoother. Jojoba or emu oil work fine.
3.) Start Stretching
Begin by washing your hands. Massage some lub into your ear and begin to push the taper in using the smallest side. You should stick to the next size up from where you are. If you encounter pain or resistance, stop immediately. If pain is felt it is a sign that your ears are not ready to stress to the next size, you must wait. some slight pain and resistance is expected but it should never be overwhelming. At larger size you may want to use the taping method. This is where you wrap small layers of teflon, PTFE, or bondage tape around a piece of jewelry and reinsert it into your ear. as you do this over several days adding new type to the jewelry the diameter of your ear should expand.
4.) Aftercare
Aftercare for a properly stretched piercing should be minimal. You should not use harsh chemicals like rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. It is helpful to use a saline slat solution on your ears, used twice a day.
5.) What now
After your ears have been stretched for a few weeks you may consider them healed. This allows you to wear jewelry recommended for a healed piercing. Such as bone, horn, or wood.
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