hey please help plugs?

[mr.nate]

I was just wondering if you could start gauging your ears with plugs or do they have to be those spike things sorry that my question may sound stupid but yea please leave your comments please Thanks.

[caadam]

No problem! Here's a chance to learn some new terminology.

For one, there is no such word as gauging. The proper term is stretching. Gauge is simply the name of a measurement, but it's not a verb. Another, the spike things are called tapers. They are used to gradually stretch the lobes from one size to another. So there ya go! ♥

I would suggest you try not to stretch with plugs. That's called dead stretching, and it can result in blowouts and especially tears. There have been some people who have done it successfully without any effects, but it's better off, since you're just starting, that you begin using tapers.

Just buy one taper at the next size from where you're at right now. So if you are at a normal piercing (22g-18g), go buy an 18g or 16g taper with a pair of steel/titanium/glass plugs!

[mr.nate]

Thanks that helped a lot sorry I didn't know the terms. But I have another question i had 4g in my ear before ten i went back to regular earrings where should i start now? 16g again?

[caadam]

Yes, your next size up would be either 18g or 16g. I say 18g because from my personal experience, it could potentially be the next size up. It was for me, at least!

But if you buy a 16g taper and plugs, really pay attention to how your lobes respond. If the taper slides through without any pain, then you're good! If you start to feel some uncomfortable stinging and burning, you want to stop and start at 18g instead. Saying this, don't push the taper through quickly. Do it slowly that your lobes have time to stretch, thus letting you know if they're going to be able to handle it.

And when you stretch, make sure your lobes and hands are clean. Use a regular, scent free antibacterial soap; don't use rubbing alcohol on your ears, but feel free to use it on your taper and plugs if they are steel or titanium (and maybe glass, but I'm not sure).

Choose something to lubricate your ears: oils such as emu, jojoba, Naked, and vitamin E are great choices. You can also use a butter called Holey Butt'r which works very well, too.

[mr.nate]

thank i appreciate it alot thanks for the help but is it possible you can link me to nice glass tapers and plugs because the site you refereed i cant find any.

[caadam]

SURE!

King's Body Jewelry's 18g - 00g stretching kits. They are the only site that I've found that have their kits start at 18g WITH a pair of jewelry. Of course, you'll find sites that have tapers kits that start 18g, but with no jewelry, which can be a bummer to have to buy the jewelry separately.

Body Art Forms' stretching kits, but they only start at 14g, which I don't reccomend you do. The reason I link it, though, is so when you do reach 16g for a couple of months, and then you're ready to go up to 14g, you can just go and start buying from Body Art Forms, because they're WAAAY cheaper than King's Body Jewelry. lol

[mr.nate]

well here is the problem lol my job only allows it if its clear and the only clear tapers i found were in hot topic. So yea im looking for more of a clear look. lol

[DJChildhood]

Heya!!
in my opinion, use tapers. I did deadstretching and it worked out badly.
also, just google for a seller!!

I found some SICK ass plugs doing that (aztec/mayan calendar wood, working clocks, etc. etc.)

Search like this: (your size) clear plugs/tapers

Should come up with slme sweet stuff man ^^

[mr.nate]

yea i found some sweet clear glass tapers thanks guys you helped alot. do you know good glass and wood ones?

[DJChildhood]

For wood ones go to omericaorganic.com
they're a bit pricey but inpecably nice.