What ear gauge is the point of no return?

In North America, most stretching methods go up by a single even-sized gauge increment at a time. 0g (8 mm), is generally considered to be “the point of no return”: a hole larger than this size will rarely close to a standard piercing size.

Can you reverse gauges in your ears?

People with gauges who choose to undergo earlobe repair surgery are looking to reverse course and restore their ears to their original shape. However, as a result of having stretched their earlobes so dramatically, the skin cannot retract to its former shape without help from a surgeon.

How big can you gauge your ears and still close up?

What size can I stretch up to without permanent damage? There are a lot of different opinions on this topic, but the majority of professionals in the body modification industry recommend never going any larger than 2 – 0 gauge if you want your ears to totally close up where you can’t see through them.

How long does it take for 0 gauges to close?

Once it fits properly, go down another size until you reach the smallest gauge. Once you reach this point, your hole should be able to close on its own. This entire process usually takes at least 2 months. You can also help your ears along the road to healing by cleaning and massaging them with oils and moisturizers.

Will my ears shrink back from a 00?

Most people can go between 2g (6mm) – 00g (10mm) and expect their ears to revert back to a normal piercing, after a few months of healing. If you want don’t want stretched ears forever, be sure to stretch slowly and never skip sizes.

How do you know if you blew out your ear gauge?

The development of a blowout causes a ring of skin to form behind the piercing. This ring is usually red, irritated, and painful. A blowout may give the piercing the appearance of turning inside out.

Can I leave my gauges out overnight?

There is no steadfast rule on when it is a good idea to start allowing your lobes to relax. We personally believe that at ANY size it is beneficial to leave your plugs out for at least a little while, and that at any size larger than 2 gauge (1/4”) anyone should be able to leave their jewelry out overnight.

Will 1 inch stretched ears close?

Because your ear lobes have healed around the tunnel, plug, or taper you used to stretch the ear, your ears will never completely close. Keep in mind that your best expectation is to shrink the size of the holes. If you experienced tearing, infections, or blowouts, your ears may not shrink as much.

What’s the difference between ear gauge and ear plug?

The terms “gauges” and plugs are very often used interchangeably to describe ornamental jewellery for stretched ears. Technically, the term “gauge” refers to the size to which the ear has been stretched. It can also refer to the size of the plug based on width.

How big of a gauge do you need for ear piercings?

Begin stretching your ear with a size 16 or 14 gauge. Ears are typically pierced using an 18 or 20 gauge, so 14 is the largest size you can start on and avoid damaging your ears. Starting at any larger than this size puts your ear at-risk of tearing. Purchase a set of ear tapers at a piercing studio.

What should you know about getting your ears gauged?

Over time, you’re basically stretching the pierced hole in your lobe to a desired size. Thus, there are certain things to know if you get your ears gauged that differ from regular piercing maintenance. Gauging isn’t something that will happen overnight — and it will likely take a lot of time and patience.

How many ear gauges are safe to stretch?

Thankfully since then, mankind has developed safer and cleaner ways of stretching ears. Usually starting at a 16 or 14 ear gauges, ears are stretched via a specially developed taper that is inserted into a healed ear piercing. About six weeks after each stretch, it is safe to stretch again.