How to Gauge Your Ears

Gauging is the process of gradually stretching your ear piercing so it will accommodate larger earrings or jewelry. The size or gauge of an earring post increases as the number gets smaller. For example, an 18-gauge post is larger than a 20-gauge post. If done properly, gauging should not be painful, and it should not cause your ear to bleed or tear.

Things You'll Need

• Pierced ears
• Larger earrings
• Anti-bacterial soap
• Water-based lubricant
• Cotton balls
• Sea salt
• Distilled water

Instructions

1. Buy a pair of metal earrings one size larger than your piercing.

2. Gently massage your earlobe, then soak it in hot water for a few minutes to soften the skin and open the piercing.

3. Wash your hands and earlobe with an anti-bacterial soap. Rinse well and pat dry.

4. Rub a bit of water-based lubricant on the front and back of your piercing.

5. Cover the earring with water-based lubricant, and gently push it into the piercing. Do not force it. Go very slowly, giving your ear time to adjust to the larger size. It's very important that you take your time or you may tear your ear and cause it to bleed. This process should not hurt.

6. Clean your earrings and earlobes at least once daily with an anti-bacterial soap, and use a cotton ball to remove any crustiness. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

7. Soak your ears in a solution of distilled water and a pinch of sea salt for five minutes.

8. Allow your ears to heal; it usually takes about a month for newly gauged ears to heal. You will know your ears are healed and stretched when the new earrings turn easily in your piercing without any discomfort.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're not happy with the stretching, stop wearing the thicker earrings and your piercing will return to a smaller size.

• If you experience any bleeding, excessive pain or signs of infection, see your doctor.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish