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Guaging ears

I don't know I went from 14 - 0 in a week or so, then they just kinda naturally stretched from the weight of the plugs till I was 1/2.

They've since shrunk to about 3/16, I've got very stretchy skin, think last time I did them it took only a few days with a taper to get the back up to 1/2".

If it hurts too much or skin starts taring stop, simple as that.
I'm not an expert or anything, just my experience right or wrong.
 
Don't blow out your ears trying to gauge them bigger too fast. Go slow. Buy tapers and make sure you keep your ears clean.

this

have you ever seen a picture of a blowout? that alone would keep you going slow.. looks like a pornstars used ***hole.

a month between stretches is recommended by every reputable stretching or jewelry website i've ever visited.

stretching slowly is pretty important so in a few years when u decide to go back your ears dont just look like burrito meat.

2g here btw
 
Once you heal up, assuming you have plugs in currently...try wearing a pair of Stainless Steel curved barbells or captive bead rings.

The extra weight of the jewelry hanging on your lobes will do some stretching and make the jump from 0 to 00 a little easier. I'm currently at 00,...have been for 5 or 6 years now,...this is where I'm staying. All other of my piercings have been removed.

That phase died out a long time ago for me,...while I think my ear plugs are flattering, tattoos are my body art of choice,...and I may finally be able to afford to get my sleeves finished up.
 
First. It's called stretching, not "gauging". Gauge refers to the size of the jewelry, you have 0 gauge plugs, or 14 gauge rings, or whatever. Stretching is what you do when you go up a size.

</rant>

Listen to your body. If you feel anything other than a slight discomfort, you're probably going to fast. If it hurts, gets swollen, or even worse bleeds, you're going way too fast. My ears have been at an inch now for years but when I was stretching, sometimes I could wait a couple weeks and be able to stretch, sometimes it took over a month. A couple times I got in a hurry and blew out my ears, and trust me, it's no fun. With my septum, stretched to a 6 from 12, I was able to stretch every 3 weeks or so as it seemed to heal up quicker than my earlobes. Everyones body is different, and some people heal faster than others. A month between stretches seems to work for most though.

When you think you're ready to stretch, try to put the new plugs in while taking a hot shower. The steam will loosen your skin a bit more than it already is, and if your ears are ready for it, will make it even easier.