This is one of the most common questions when it comes to ear stretching – and one of the most important, which is why I included the answer in the title:
NO, Ear Stretching Should NOT Hurt!
When your ears are ready to stretch, the next jewelry size should fit in easily without any pain.
If you feel any resistance and are having a hard time stretching, your ears aren’t ready! Give them more time before attempting to stretch again.
If you force a stretch when your ears aren’t ready, your ears will sting and might get very swollen and painful. This is caused by tiny tears in the skin as you force it apart.
Forcing a stretch could cause unsightly blowouts, or even infection, since you’re literally ripping your skin apart (gross!).
But when you do it the right way, and wait until your lobes are ready, the skin will be flexible enough to admit the new jewelry without tearing.
Please be safe, and be careful when stretching. Remember – there’s no rush, and it’s not a race. Take your time for healthy, beautiful lobes.
What If My Ears Won’t Stretch?
If you’re having trouble getting to the next size, try doing daily oil massages for a month or so before trying again. Many people find that regular oil massages help to prepare their lobes to stretch to the next size.
You could also try the taping method: using layers of PTFE tape or bondage tape to gradually stretch to the next size. There is some controversy over whether this is a safe method or not, since PTFE tape and bondage tape weren’t designed to be worn in piercings, and the materials may cause issues with long-term use. It is a popular method of stretching, however.
A tutorial on the taping method is coming soon! Be sure to subscribe to the newsletter to be notified when it’s published 🙂
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