Ear Tapers

What are Ear Tapers?

Ear Tapers are used as a tool to help with ear stretching.  They are a long cone shape that comes in several different types of material.  If you are new to ear stretching we always recommend using a professional.  But if you  have made up your mind and decided to not use a professional we suggest you using one of our stainless steel ear stretching kit that includes tapers to help with ear stretching.   The ear stretching kit comes with tapers in different sizes for your ear.  It is important to remember to move slowly and NEVER skip a size when ear stretching.  You want to only use tapers as a tool and replace them as soon as possible with stainless steel  plugs.  Below are the taper sizes and o rings 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 stretching 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 tapers move slowly and push the pointed side of the taper through your already pierced ear.  It should be a smooth transition when ear stretching.  If you feel pain or bleed your ear is not ready for this size ear taper.   Remember 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. You want to get plugs in your ears as soon as possible.

When the taper is in a comfortable spot in your ear you can place the o rings on each side of the ear tapers to keep them in place.   Typically you will keep the 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.  you want to replace them with these single flare plugs. 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.

Should I use Stainless Steel or Acrylic tapers?

We always recommend using stainless steel when you are ear stretching.  This is the safest material when stretching your ears.  Use stainless steel for both tapers and plugs.  We do not recommend using acrylic tapers.  They are cheaper then stainless steel tapers, but also a porous material that will trap bacteria.  This will lead to infection in our stretched ear.  So put in a little more money and you will not have to worry about the doctor bills to pay for infected ears.  Stick with our stainless steel ear stretching kit.  It is both economical and safe for your ears.  Use the tapers and insert the single flare tunnels with o rings.

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.  Also let us know your story.  Have you used or ear stretching kit?  

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 stainless 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.