- Introduction
We decided to create a convenient guide to help and advise novices – and the more experienced of you – with how to properly stretch and take care of your earlobes. Those who would like to embark on the adventure, be careful! Start with a pretty little hole, adorn it with rings or other wonders and increase the diameter as you – while being sure about this physical change you can manage over the months. Sanitizing, patience, observation, adaptation are this operation’s keywords that will progressively transform you!
- A little bit of history…
Ear stretches have a tribal origin commonly shared by some primitive peoples (from Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania), even though they didn’t share the same symbolism from one tribe to another. It seems that in prehistoric times, it was believed that spirits penetrated the body through the ears. Back then, metal jewels, that were introduced in the lobe to enlarge it, had the power to push them away and to ward off bad spells. Some mummies found trace, indeed, these beliefs.
- How to properly start?
It all begins with a classic ear piercing, pierced with a 1.2mm or 1.6mm needle, which is approximately a sewing needle’s diameter. However, these needles can also be large: 4mm or more! Note that in professional studios, no one would use a gun for multiple reasons, especially hygienic ones.
Before you start stretching your lobe, it’s important to remember that depending on the jewel’s width, it won’t be easy to back off and return to a normal size if you change your mind. A stretch’s natural tendency to heal varies from one person to another, but also depends on your stretching techniques and your skin’s elasticity. That’s why the « point of no return » is different from one person – and lobe – to another. If you already have or want to stretch, don’t forget that you provoke a tiny injury and that it’s always important to take care of it. If you just pierced your ears to stretch them, it’s better that you wait between 4 and 6 weeks before doing anything, due to the
The best thing to do for a freshly stretched ear is to wash it on a daily basis, with warm water. A little quantity of antibacterial soap also does the trick (but watch out, don’t be excessive)! Stretching can be uncomfortable sometimes and I would advise you to wash your ear with some saline instead of using any antibiotic ointment that would harm your lobe more than anything else.
If in doubt, don’t hesitate to go see a professional!
- Some things to know
No more rumors and stereotypes, we enlighten you!
WHAT’S THE LOBE STRETCH POINT OF NO RETURN? IS IT REALLY 10MM ?
We would like to give you an exact width, but it’s impossible!
It depends on each lobe and person. We’ve seen lobes entirely rebuild from a 12mm stretch and others that struggle under 8mm… They’re all different. It relies a lot on the techniques, the frequency between each stretch, the use of lubricant or not, and of course, your general skin’s elasticity. All these factors play a role in your ear’s recovery for a return to the intial size. Fortunately, for those who have passed this point and need to remove their piercing, restorative surgery may be an option. However, for medium-sized ears, things usually don’t go that far.
Is using silicone plugs for stretch good?
Using silicone is a very easy way to stretch your ear that can be less painful than some other methods. But keep in mind that it’s not recommended.
Why ?
The sudden plug opening in your ear can cause lesions that can cause a “blowout”. Therefore, its use is more advisable when you keep your current healed size but want to switch for another aesthetic.
Use this technique with moderation.
How long between each stretch size?
To prevent any lobe trauma or infection, it’s better to wait for your stretch to properly heal before scaling it up. This period lasts, in general, 3 to 4 weeks depending on people. We noticed that there’s always an ear less elastic than the other… Urban legend? Up to you 😉
Is it painful?
It isn’t supposed to be. It’s possible that you’re feeling a bit of heating or stretching due to your jewel insertion. In any case, it rarely lasts more than a few days.
« Blowout », a big word? Not exactly, but it’s ugly. In fact, it’s a lobe trauma, due to several successive violent stretches (too big, too fast…). It’s easily recognizable: the inside part of your lobe can be found outside, folded and your skin turned red on this part.
How to get rid of it?
It’s recommended that you reduce your plug size while correctly placing it to cancel the fold. Prevention is better than cure! Increase your lobe width gradually, be patient and lubricate it with adequate products.
How shall we do it?
Alone like a grown up.
The jewel’s wight should be enough to naturally stretch your ear’s skin, with a steel plug or an expander* for instance. To go from a size to a higher one, it’s preferable that you use warm water (to relax your skin) and mild soap (to lubricate it). Some professionals also recommend natural products like jojoba oil, known for its hydrating and healing properties. Some people decide to opt for a faster and more radical method, with cones or insertion stems when the jewel wasn’t enough. The stem is slipped into the lobe with lubricant, aligned with the new plug. Once you’ve reached the widest end of your stem, the plug is inserted like a velvet glove (or almost). Professionals have multiple sized tapers which make it safer. Generally speaking, the cones you buy are to slide in your lobe within a few days to a couple of weeks.
Sometimes, this methode causes tearing and a little bleeding. It’s a bad sign. If this happens, you must be very careful: treat and clean your lobe properly to avoid any risk of complication and/or downgrade. All bleeding induces a longer wait until the next stretching process.
READY FOR YOUR STRETCHING!
Remember that stretching your lobe is a gradual process, size by size, step by step.
The first steps:
1. Be sure about your jewel’s hygiene (even though you just bought it from a professional), clean it with an antiseptic soap, that makes foam or a special cleaning alcohol wipe.
2. Then, prepare your skin to reduce the infection risk: get rid of microorganisms. Before stretching, clean both front and back of your lobe with any kind of disinfectant solution.
3. Lubricate! You’d better apply the lubricant (water based) on the jewel and your ear, while you’re in the shower, a mild soap is enough (in addition to water).
4. Gently and surely, push the jewel in your earlobe.
Good luck (and don’t fuck it up)! ☺