Hey :)

Alright alright...Plugs are def. what's hot right now and you're curious about how to start up. Oh first of all I'm going to introduce myself cuz since this is my first blog! My name is Miranda and I am the co-owner of BMA Modified. Currently, I am attending California University of Long Beach, double majoring in Business Marketing and Fashion Merchandising, minoring in Fash. design. I was born in Indonesia, moved around a bit, and now I'm in LA. My grandpa was part of a Native Riau tribe, so it's in my blood to love and appreciate body modification. :) Please rate so I know if I am successful on helping you guys!

Gauges

A normal ear-ring hole is 20g (Usually when a gun is used). As the gauge number decrease, the bigger the size really is. The increments between gauges are usually between 1.5mm-2mm. The recommended healing time for ear lobes is 4-8 weeks. NEVER SKIP GAUGES! It hurts, it will leave you with REALLY ugly, wrinkly lobes, and the it will have less chance to close up nicely just in case you decide to downsize.

Size order

20g, 18g, 16g, 14g, 12g, 10g, 8g, 6g, 4g, 2g, 0g, 00g, 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", 3/4", 7/8", 1".

There are many ways to get to your dream size such as; ear weights, scalpel, flushed, insertion tapers, but today I will introduce you to regular economical tapers.

Remember, these are guides from experience. Many people react differently and you are doing this on your own risk, I am not held responsible.

Flares?

Double Flare

PROS: They look neat, fit amazingly, no ugly o-rings, doesn't fall out easily
CONS: Harder to get in and take off. You have to stretch a bit past your size to get them in, or wait til your lobes loosen up naturally.

Single Flare

PROS: Has the look of the double flare from the front without the pain. Only one o-ring.
CONS: O-rings. That's all about I can think of. Single flares are pain savers.

No Flare

PROS: Easy in, easy out. Tend to run cheaper
CONS: O-rings. Looks more juvenile.

The Goal

Stretch less painfully, minimize scar tissues.

Ingredients

*Lots of spare time (many ppl tend to get hot and angry for a bit after the stretch)

*Lubrication (Olive oil, jojoba oil, dial soap). 

*Tapers

*Jewelry desired after stretching- I recommend surgical steel or acrylic (if you're on a budget). DO NOT USE ORGANIC MATERIALS TO STERTCH OR WEAR THEM ON FRESH LOBES! They're beautiful and my favorite, but wait until you heal.

*Sterile workspace

*Clean towel

Instructions

1. Take a hot shower, relax.

2. Lay down the towel. This will be the base for your tools.

3. Make sure your workspace is clean and your tools are ready to go. Wash your hands "doctor" style.

4. Lube your taper and your lobes thoroughly. 

5. Insert the taper in slowly and listen to your body. You don't want to hear a ripping sound and there should not be any resistance or tugging. Just push it slowly, don't be afraid to stop if it hurts too bad. You can always put the o-rings in and wait for a little bit.

6. Once you get the taper in, I usually like to wait about an hour or two before I take it out to change into my desired jewelry. This allows your lobes to adjust to the new size so when I take it out, it doesn't shrink right away.

7. Once you get the taper in all the way, pull it out from the thick end and insert your jewelry. Double flared jewelry are very hard to get in. I suggest getting single flared plugs for a fresh stretch.

8. Keep your lobes clean! Never use alcohol or peroxide to "disinfect". Use warm sea salt water or bactine. Take off your o-rings often because lots of bacteria build up near them.