How to Stretch a Lobe PiercingThere are a few different ways to stretch a piercing, these will be covered in this guide. In the next post is an extensive but not exhaustive list of FAQs regarding stretching, please read them before posting a question. If you can’t find an answer to your question then reply to this thread and the community will be more than happy to help you.
Tapers
Many of you will see tapers sold in shops, online and sadly hanging out of people’s ears. Please note that tapers are tools, not jewellery. They are simply there to guide the plug into your lobe.
How to use a taper:
- Once your lobe is ready to be stretched, you’ll need the following – a flat ended or concave taper, a single flared plug made from steel, titanium or glass.
- Use a natural oil or lotion to lubricate the lobe.
- Slowly slide the taper through the lobe and butt up the plug to the edge of the taper as you slide through so the plug follows through seamlessly.
- The taper will have come out the back of your lobe and the plug will now be in place, put on an o-ring and you’re done!
Dead Stretching
This is similar to the above except you don’t use a taper:
- Once your lobe is ready to be stretched, you’ll need a single flared, round ended plug made from steel, titanium or glass.
- Use a natural oil or lotion to lubricate the lobe.
- Slowly push the round end of the plug into the lobe.
- The plug will now be in place, put on an o-ring and you’re done!
Taping
Again, no use of tapers here but you’ll need PTFE tape, also known as plumbers tape, this can be bought in any hardware store and is very cheap.
- Once your lobe is ready to be stretched, you’ll need a single flared plug, PTFE tape and some natural oil (emu, jojoba, vitamin E etc.)
- Wrap a layer or 2 around the plug, make sure to smooth out any wrinkles
- Put plenty of oil on the tape and make sure it’s all absorbed into it, it will go clear at this point
- Insert the plug into your ear and you’re done.
- After 4-5 days add another 1-2 wraps (some people replace the whole lot, some just add on top with no problem)
- Again oil the tape and slide into the lobe, keep repeating this and you’ll eventually move up 1mm.
- If when inserting the plug you find it won’t go in then it will likely be because you have put too much tape on, take some off and try again. Always make sure it’s well-oiled too.
Some people also use bondage tape as it’s thicker and they find it easier to work with. You may find trying to use tape at very small gauges may be near impossible. Many find it just about ok at 2g/6mm.
DO’S AND DON’T’SThere’s quite a lot to take in when it comes to stretching so here’s some pointers to get you started on your way.
DO take your time, it’s not a race!
When stretching you want to only ever be going up in 1mm increments, if you can’t find a plug at a 1mm step up then ask for help. Only ever stretch when your lobe is ready and wait an absolute minimum of 1 month between. Many even suggest waiting longer at larger sizes so 2 months after 3mm and 3 months after 6mm.
DO listen to your body!
When stretching up you may feel a slight burn, tingle or sting that goes after a few moments. This is normal and means you have stretched ok. If you feel any discomfort, resistance (plug won’t go in), or any pain then you must stop. At this point if you carried on you wouldn't be stretching, you’d be ripping your lobe open causing significant damage.
DON’T wear tapers or spirals to stretch with
They have an uneven surface and are often made out of poor materials. They will cause issues down the line for you.
DON’T leave the plug in or ignore any problems
If you’re bleeding or weeping, if the lobe is angry/sore/swollen then remove the plug carefully and go back down a size or more to let the lobe repair and heal.