How to Stretch Ears With Tape

Putting a cigarette in your newly stretched lobe is not recommended.

Stretched earlobes can make a bold statement about your personal style, but finding stretching tapers can be difficult once you reach a certain size. Stretching the earlobes is usually achieved using 2 to 3 inch long tapers to gradually increase the size of the piercing; the taper is lubricated and pulled through the existing piercing and then quickly replaced with new, larger jewelry. Typically, the largest taper size available is 1 inch. Bigger sizes tend to be expensive and hard to find. Stretching the ears with tape, known as "taping" presents a cheaper and readily available alternative.

Things You'll Need

• Plug or flesh tunnel
• PTFE tape
• Water-based lubricant (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash your hands, your piercing, and the plug or flesh tunnel you intend to use. Use a gentle, unfragranced soap or cleanser to avoid irritation of the piercing.

2. Take the PTFE tape and wrap one layer around the center of your plug or flesh tunnel. Make sure the edges of the tape are flat against the jewelery.

3. Reinsert the jewelery. Use a small amount of lubricant if you have trouble getting it back in.

4. Let the piercing rest for a day or two and then repeat the process, adding another layer of tape. Keep adding tape, one layer at a time, every few days until you achieve your desired gauge.

Tips & Warnings

• PTFE tape is available at most hardware stores. If you prefer, you can use bondage tape instead; you can find bondage tape at adult stores or buy it online.

• Always allow your piercing to rest before adding layers of tape. Adding more than one layer of tape per day is not recommended, as stretching too fast can cause injury.

References

• OneTribe Organics: Earlobe Stretching FAQ
• Piercology: Piercing FAQ's - Earlobe Stretching