Most ear piercings that people get done at Claire’s or any other mall store/kiosk (of which there are at least 4 in the Erie, PA mall) using a piercing gun are 18 or 20 gauge. Some girls, later in life, realize they want to wear larger gauge piercings in their ears. These larger piercings, that don’t have pointed backs or back plugs, are more comfortable to wear and harder to lose down the shower drain.
If you are looking into gauging your ears safely look no further.
Step 1: Get a piece of jewelry that is one size larger than the gauge than you are currently using. Remember, gauging sizes go smaller the larger they get. So if you have an 18 gauge then you want to go to a 16 gauge. If you have a 16 go to a 14 gauge. Clean it in alcohol before use. When you stretch a piercing, even one that’s thoroughly healed, it can create hairline splits in the skin.
Step 2: Coat the new piercing in Vaseline or extra virgin olive oil. A very thin layer will help the piercing slide in easier. Taking a hot shower beforehand can also help.
Step 3: Clean the piercing and the skin surrounding it with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol.
Step 4: Massage a little olive oil into the skin surrounding the piercing. This helps keep the tissue soft when you’re gauging your ears.
Step 5: Wait at least 2 weeks before going up another size. If you still feel that your ears are tender do not go up just yet; waiting an extra week or two is not going to do any harm. You might be in a hurry, but to stretch a piercing too quickly can damage tissue and even create a lump known as a blowout.
Tips:
Captive bead rings, straight barbells and curved barbells are often the best for gauging ears. They don’t get caught in hair easily and look tasteful.
If you get a blowout go back one gauge size and massage tea tree oil and olive oil into the skin; it will soften it up and help it tighten up. Wait a month before gauging up again.
If you’re looking to get some free piercing gauges for gauging ears, try these Listia.com auctions. They’re in order from the smallest size to the largest, going up to 10 gauge.
These piercings can run from $5 and up apiece if purchased at the Erie mall or one of the surrounding body piercing shops.
Missed out on the freebies or not seeing the exact piercing gauges you want? Try these cheap alternatives:
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