How to Select a Gauge Size for an Ear Piercing

Selecting the right gauge size for an ear piercing will allow you to choose an earring that will fit your ear, reducing the chances of infection. In addition, you can stretch the piercing to accommodate a wider variety of jewelry options, such as hoops, rings and even some of the more exotic hole-stretching devices.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap
• Petroleum jelly
• Alcohol swabs
• Insertion tapers
• Metal earrings
• Cotton ball
• Pure sea salt

Instructions

1. Consult a piercing professional to help you select the proper gauge size for an ear piercing. It may be difficult to select this gauge size on your own, and if you're inexperienced, you might accidentally choose a size that will stretch the piercing too much.

2. Learn about the various gauge sizes used to pierce ears, noting that a larger gauge constitutes a smaller needle. For instance, many initial piercings are done with a 16-gauge or 18-gauge needle. Insertion tapers, which slowly widen the holes, usually range from 10 gauge to 0 gauge, with a 00-gauge taper used for the largest piercings.

3. Select a gauge size for an ear piercing by gradually moving up one size at a time. You will then need to use insertion tapers temporarily to give your piercing time to heal and expand before you can wear normal jewelry or move up to the next gauge size. This will usually take at least a week.

4. Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap before inserting a new gauge size. There is a mild risk of tearing the hole as you insert the taper, and having dirty hands or fingernails is a sure way to start an infection.

5. Wash your ears completely with soap and warm water before switching to a new gauge size for an ear piercing, and wipe the front and back surfaces of your ear with alcohol swabs. Use petroleum jelly to help you slowly slide the new insertion tapers into your ear piercing.

6. Apply a cotton ball dipped in hot water and pure sea salt if the piercing becomes infected after you select a new gauge size. Dissolve 1/8 tsp. of sea salt in a cup of hot water, dip the cotton ball in the mixture and press to the ear once a day for a few minutes. See a doctor immediately if the infection persists for more than a few days.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose metal earrings and metal insertion tapers while you are making the transition to a larger gauge size. Metal earrings may reduce the chance of infection to the piercing in comparison to hardware that is made from ceramic or gems.