Ear Stretching: Care and Maintenance Tips for Your Piercings
Many people enjoy ear stretching as a form of body modification, and it can be a fun and exciting experience. However, maintaining these stretched piercings requires careful consideration and proper care. In this guide, we'll discuss tips for cleaning your ears after stretching and how to ensure your piercings remain open and cared for properly.
Concerns After Ear Stretching
One of the common concerns after stretching your ears is cleaning the hole. You may have noticed the tunnel steel that holds your piercing open, and wondered if it is safe to remove it to clean the hole. Our community shared their insights and tips on how to handle this situation effectively.
Immediate Reinsertion
Many experts recommend that if you need to remove the tunnel steel for cleaning, you should replace it as soon as possible. As Caroline mentioned, immediately replacing the steel will make the process much easier than waiting. If you do remove the tunnel steel, gently clean the area with saline solution and jojoba oil, which can help prevent the piercing from closing.
It's important to note that skin doesn't snap back rapidly. Cleaning and reinserting the tunnel steel should be done as soon as possible to prevent the piercing from closing. Using anything other than saline solution can overly dry the skin and may cause it to break.
Seek Professional Help
A trusted tattoo artist can provide valuable advice and assistance. As Caroline's tattoo artist friend noted, it's best to return to the piercer who initially performed the stretching to get guidance tailored to your specific needs.
Understanding the Stretch
14g is not considered a significant stretch, especially for those who are used to other forms of ear piercing. The focus should be on maintaining the piercing with proper care and cleaning. You don't need to remove the jewelry to clean the hole if you're following the correct aftercare instructions.
Additional Tips for Cleansing
For those seeking alternative methods to keep their ears clean and open, a hot shower can be an effective solution. As an additional tip for stretching, it's mentioned that taking a hot shower with the tapers in can help. This can cause the tunnels or plugs to loosen and make it easier to clean the area.
Finally, it's crucial to approach the care of stretched ear piercings with caution and patience. Taking the necessary steps for cleaning and maintenance can help ensure your piercings remain healthy and open. If you're unsure about any aspect of your piercings, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional piercer for advice.
Conclusion
Proper care and maintenance are key to enjoying long-lasting and healthy stretched ear piercings. By following the tips outlined here and seeking advice from professionals, you can keep your ears clean and comfortable. Whether you're stretching for the first time or maintaining an established piercing, taking the right steps can make all the difference.