Is this too large to start with?

[KattAlex]

Right now my ears are 20g, I think. I got your standard ear piercing about nine years ago for my 7th birthday so they are completely healed. Well, obviously I want to start gauging my ears but I don't know how to start. The only size barbels I can find are 14g and I fear this might be too large to begin with. Is it? Any advice?

[TheGreyEyedMonster]

i would look for a 16g barbell. theyre relatively easy to find and its what i started out with for both my lobe and cartilage stretches. its better than a 14g for sure. i would also look for 18g but ive never seen that size in stores (perhaps look online?) anyways, good luck!

[Drrob]

It really depends on what you have set as for your target gauge, I recently had my ears pierced with a 4mm/6 Gauge needle then my piercer put a 6 Gauge tunnel straight in.
I don't know if they can re-pierce your ears to this gauge but maybe worth enquiring - will save months of stretching.

Regards
Dr Rob.

[corazon_de_oro]

If you already have pierced lobes I wouldn't recommend repiercing; it'll take about the same amount of time since you should wait about 5-6 months after a lobe piercing before you stretch it.

Anyway, a lot of people can go from a "normal" earring to a 14G or so but only if the hole has stretched itself. Since you've had your ears pierced for 9 years it might work, just don't force anything. Try it after a long, hot shower with some oil or water-based lube. If it hurts or takes a lot of force, stop and get 16G.