Ear Tapers

April 15, 2022  / by Alex Peace

What are Ear Tapers?

Ear Tapers are used as a tool to help stretch your ears.  They are a long cone shape that comes in several different types of material.  If you decided to not use a professional (remember we recommend seeing a professional) we suggest you use stainless steel ear tapers to help stretch your ears.  Ear tapers come in different sizes.  It is important to remember to move slowly and NEVER skip a size when stretching your ears.  Below are the sizes that come in our above kit.

• 14 gauge - 1.6mm
• 12 gauge - 2mm
• 10 gauge - 2.5mm
• 8 gauge - 3mm
• 6 gauge - 4mm
• 4 gauge - 5mm
• 2 gauge - 6mm
• 0 gauge - 8mm
• 00 gauge - 10mm

This ear taper kit is used to stretch from 1.6mm up to 10mm (14 gauge to 00 gauge).  Again it is important to move slowly and use each pair of ear tapers in order.  Click here for more information on How long should you wait between each ear stretch.

How to use Ear Tapers to Stretch your Ears

If you are ready to use ear tapers move slowly and push the pointed side of the ear taper through your already pierced ear.  It should be a smooth transition.  If you feel pain or bleed your ear is not ready for this size ear taper.   Remember ear tapers are a tool.  If you keep them in your ear for an extended amount of time you are going to cause an uneven weight in your ears that may cause damage to your tissue.

When the taper is in a comfortable spot in your ear you can place the orings on each side of the ear tapers to keep them in place.   Typically you will keep the ear tapers in your ears for no longer than a day before replacing them with the single flare plug.  You really do not want to wear the ear tapers for longer than 4 days.  Ear Tapers are very difficult to sleep in.  So it is ideal to try to do the stretch in the morning and have the single flare in your ear before you go to bed.

Once you feel good with how your ear tapers feel you want to push in the single flare plug while pushing the ear tapers out of your gauged ear.  You can take the oring on the front of your ears and push the ear tapers out while you are pushing the single flare plug in your ear.

We asked our customers "Do you have a story about any trouble you had when stretching your ears with ear tapers?"

We have given what we think is our best suggestion when stretching your ears with ear tapers, but let's hear what some of our customers are saying.  Remember everyone has a different opinion on this subject.  The best suggestion we have for everyone is to Stretch your ears with a professional.

Dani

I haven't had any problems with ear tapers but I only went up to a size 2 gauge.  My ears are super sensitive so I don't think they will enjoy the jump to a 0 gauge.

Lidija

No issue because I stopped using ear tapers, they're just not the best way to stretch. 8 gauge to 6 gauge started feeling like it was getting too big to taper, after 6 gauge, I only used tape or weights, once I hit 00g and up, heavy stone plugs were enough to get me to an inch over about 2 years.

Sara

Major rookie move. I slept freshly stretched with 0g steel ear tapers, woke up in slight discomfort but went to work with them anyway. Boy oh man, the weight + movement f***d them up good  I had to leave early to go home and take them out, my left ear was so swollen and painful it took a good 30 minutes to work it out. Haven't used them since 

Tink

I had used them when I was a teen and messed up my ears. Then I got a job at a piercing and tattoo shop and the piercer there explained that ear tapers are tools to fit in new jewelry when sizing up and should only be used by a professional. So I never used them again.

Lori

I had a hard time with stretching from 2 gauge to 0 gauge. I actually found a half-size steel ear taper that was a 1 gauge. & it made it so much easier. I always waited several months, sometimes even years before I went up sizes. Never skipped sizes or had too many problems. Other than being allergic to acrylics.

Stephy

I haven't had any problem with ear tapers, I made it up to 7/16 with no issue.

Benji

Ear Tapers were always great for me. No real problems.

For more ear stretching topics please click below...

How to care for your stretched ears after stretching

What is the preferred method to Stretch your Ears?

Does Stretching your Ears Hurt?

How long does it take to stretch your ears?

Top 10 Tips for Stretching your Ears

At what age did you start stretching your ears?

What was the rudest comment someone made regarding your stretched ears?

Did you have any regrets during your ear stretching process?

Double Flare Plugs versus Single Flare Plugs

How to get Teardrop, Coffin, and Saddle Plugs into your Stretched Ears.

Ear Stretching Blowouts

Healing Stone Plugs

Are my 1/2" Plugs 12mm or 13mm?