We are often been asked how to safely (and painlessly) stretch ears lobes, or for that matter other parts of the body using Insertion Tapers. We have written this brief guide to give you the basics of Ear Stretching - Painlessly - Low Cost - and easy enough, for any one to do.

Ear stretching is simple, but it will take a bit of time and patience. Most importantly, do not rush the process, if it hurts, then you need to slow things down a bit, and allow more time between each stretching. Speed can damage your ear lobe, tear the skin and cause scarring. Take the time to create the perfect setting for your new Ear Jewelry.

All you need to start is an inexpensive Surgical Steel Insertion Taper, and the jewelry you wish to insert. We suggest light weight jewelry for the inital piercing, Acrylic Plugs are a good choice, as well as Captive Bead Rings. Whatever you choose, keep it light weight to reduce stress on your Ear Lobe during the inital stretching.

We recommend Professional Quality Insertion Tapers, over the cheaper Flat Taper. Insertion tapers allow the jewelry to slide inside the taper. Then as the Taper slides thru the ear, you can release the jewelry from the taper, when it is in place. Less fumbling, and less hassle. Body Sensations, carries individual tapers from 18g to 1" (Yes that large!) in our eBay Store, as well as complete Insertion Taper sets, for those determined to go  all the way...

Notice how the Jewelry fits inside the Taper in the below photo:

Ear Piercings usually start at either 18g, or 20g. So to create a home in your ear for a 16g piercing, you would need a 16g taper. If you are already at say a 10g piercing, then you would need an 8g Insertion Taper to go to the next step.

Please play it safe, sterilize the Insertion Taper, the Jewelry, and wash your hands, and the skin surface of your ears with Antibacterial soap. Begin by relaxing the ear lobe, by massaging it gently, this will help the taper slide in. Lubricate the taper with our A & D Vitamin Ointment. Next fit the jewelry into the end of the insertion Taper, and push the Taper slowly into your piercing, go slowly, STOP if it hurts. Because of the tapered design you should be able to go half to 3/4 of the way thru. When it meets resistance, Stop, Relax, Take a Deep Breath, and then continue the push. A small jiggle will release the taper from the jewelry, and your new Ear Jewelry will be in place. There may be a small amount of pain, or a burning sensation, but nothing more. Now that was not so bad was it?

Small Tapers go in relatively easily, but please give your ear lobe time to heal and stretch properly. We suggest at least a month between each  stretch. For the larger gauges, we suggest a longer waiting period.  Most importantly, listen to your body and do not rush the process.

When you have reached the desired gauge size, then its time to go shopping! Find some spectacular, one-of-a-kind Plugs & Ear Jewelry  that are as unique as you are in the Body Sensations store.

This guide  will give you the basics of using Insertaion tapers, but if you have any concerns at all, nothing beats the advice of your local Body Piercing shop.

Body Sensations Body Jewelry