How to Use Ear Stretchers

Ear stretchers are used to gradually increase the hole size in pierced ears. The stretchers very slowly stretch the tissue surrounding the holes, causing tiny tears in it. The stretchers remain in place until the tears have fully healed, thus creating larger holes. Stretching ears correctly should take a while. Here is how to do it right.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pierced ears
• Ear stretchers
• Antibacterial soap
• Lubricant
• Salt water solution

1. Do not proceed until you have fully healed pierced ears. It usually takes about 6 weeks for a pierced hole to completely heal.

2. Purchase ear stretchers, which come in a variety of different gauges; however, tapered stretchers are most commonly used. These are ear stretchers that taper in size from the small, starting gauge to the larger, ending gauge. Opt for stainless steel ear stretchers, or tapers, as they are the least likely to pick up bacteria, thus reducing your chances of infection.

3. Wash your hands, using antibacterial soap. Your hands should always be clean and bacteria-free prior to touching the ear stretchers or your piercings.

4. Massage your ear lobes gently to increase circulation. This will help make the stretching process easier.

5. Insert the tapered ear stretcher into your pierced hole, as far it will comfortably go. Once you reach that point, push it just slightly farther. This should be a very small amount. You will feel a tingling sensation in your ear lobe. If you feel pain, you have gone too far.

6. Apply the rubber, circular rings to the tapered ear stretcher to hold it in place.

7. Leave the ear stretchers in place for 2 weeks. The time period for healing varies greatly from person to person. Don't feel the need to rush the healing process, as this can lead to problems.

8. Care for your ears between stretches. You should mix 1 tsp. of sea salt into 8 ounces of warm water and apply the solution to your stretched ears 3 times daily.

9. Take your time with the stretching process. If you rush it, you're more likely to create scar tissue and get infections. Once your body is ready, you can then insert your ear stretchers farther. Follow the same healing and care process after each new stretch session.

Tips & Warnings

• Stretch slowly. Do not rush the process because that can lead to deformed holes, infections and torn ears.
• You should never bleed when stretching your ears. If you bleed, you have gone too far.
• Make sure there is no dirt, dust or debris on the ear stretchers.
• Expect some soreness and inflammation from the stretching process but you should not experience extreme pain.
• Once an ear has been stretched, the hole rarely returns to its original size. Keep this in mind prior to committing to stretched ears.