Ear taping is a method used to gradually increase the size of ear piercings for stretching. It involves wrapping layers of tape around existing jewelry to incrementally increase its diameter, allowing for slow and controlled stretching of the earlobe.
How Ear Taping Works
The primary function of ear taping is to facilitate a gradual and safe increase in the gauge (thickness) of a stretched ear piercing. Instead of using larger jewelry to force a stretch, taping allows for tiny, more comfortable increments. Here’s how it works:
- Layering Tape: You begin by wrapping a layer of tape, such as PTFE (Teflon) tape or bondage tape, around your current jewelry.
- Gradual Increase: You continue wrapping layers of tape around your existing jewelry until you achieve your next target size.
- Time and Patience: This method is slow, allowing the ear tissue to adapt to the stretching without tearing or causing excessive pain. It might take a week or even longer to reach a target size depending on the person.
- Incrementally Add: Once you achieve the target size, you can insert jewelry of that size. If you desire a larger stretch size, you can begin the process again.
Benefits of Ear Taping
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Gradual Stretching | Reduces the risk of tearing or blowouts compared to larger jumps in jewelry size. |
| Comfort | Typically more comfortable than forcing larger jewelry into the piercing. |
| Customizable | The user can control the speed and magnitude of the stretch by adjusting the tape layers. |
| Less Irritation | Can cause less discomfort for those with sensitive skin and ears. |
Types of Tape Used
- PTFE (Teflon) Tape: Often favored for its non-stick properties and flexibility, which is important in a stretching scenario.
- Bondage Tape: Another popular option due to its flexible and skin-friendly properties.
How to Apply the Tape
- Clean your jewelry and ear piercing.
- Apply a thin layer of tape to your existing jewelry.
- Insert the jewelry back into the ear.
- Wait a few days and if it is still comfortable, apply an additional thin layer.
- Continue layering and changing the tape at regular intervals until you have reached the desired thickness for your next piercing size.
Important Note: Pay attention to any signs of pain, redness, or infection and adjust accordingly.
