The Best Way to Gauge Ears
- 1). Determine the size of earrings you have now (ears must be pierced to proceed with gauging). Most ears are pierced at an 18g, so if yours were done with a piercing gun, it is safe to assume this is your size. Gauge sizes range from around 18g to 00g (double zero). If you are 18g, your next size is 16g. Do not try and stretch your ears if they were recently pierced. Wait at least four months for them to fully heal.
- 2). Prepare the materials you will need to stretch your ears. Have your gauged earrings ready, water-based lubricant handy and the taper available in case you need it. The best time to gauge your ears is after a hot shower because your skin is soft and more flexible. Plan to begin stretching your ears around your next shower.
- 3). Use the water-based lubricant to slowly push the taper into your piercing hole, smallest end first. Use the taper to guide your gauged earring into the hole. The taper is used to gradually stretch your ears and to avoiding damaging your earlobe. Repeat with the other ear. Keep in mind you may not need to use the taper and might be able to gently push the gauged earrings into the holes without much effort.
- 4). During the stretching process, pay attention to how your ears feel. There shouldn't be a lot of pain and absolutely no bleeding. If you feel pain, stop stretching and wait for another time, after your ears have healed more.
- 5). Give your newly stretched ears about a month before you try to put in the next size. You'll be able to tell based on how they feel if you are ready for the next size. Remember, be patient!
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