What are gauges on a body?

The typical jewelry worn in a large stretched piercing is a plug, sometimes referred to as a “gauge” or “gauges”, which refers to the sizing system used in the U.S. It is solid and usually cylindrical, and may be flared out at one or both ends (saddle-shaped), or kept in place by o-rings fastened around the ends.

How do gauges work?

A gauge size indicates how big a piercing hole must be to accommodate the jewelry. “Here [in the U.S.] it’s measured by gauge.” Gauge sizes work in reverse, meaning that the higher the number, the thinner the width. So higher numbers (like 16 gauge) are thinner than smaller numbers (like a 6 gauge).

What are gauges called?

Plugs vs. Gauges. Plugs and gauges are two concepts used in the world of ear stretching and piercing. These two words are used all the time in a very interchangeable manner, which is why sometimes people find it difficult to tell them apart. The actual jewelry they are looking for is called plugs.

What do stretched ears represent?

Traditionally around 15 years of age and before marriage, a girl’s lip and ears are pierced. The stretched ears and lip show that the girl has grown into a woman and is now able to have children. It is a custom that allows the tribe to distinguish their women from those of other tribes.

What’s the point of no return for gauges?

The point of no return when thinking about ear stretching is a term that is used to define the point at which you may be able to stretch your piercing (typically speaking about ears, but stretching other piercings have their own point of no return) that when you take out the plugs for an extended period of time it will

Does gauging ears hurt?

Stretching your ear safely shouldn’t cause sharp pain or bleeding. These are signs that you’re trying to stretch your ears too quickly.

Do gauges stink?

The reason your ear gauges smell bad is because they’re sitting in your ear. Your skin sheds almost every hour on the hour and all of those dead skin cells are left sitting on the gauge. Thus the stinky smell. To prevent this, a strict cleaning regiment is needed.

Can you use Vaseline to gauge your ears?

Stretching Process (taper method) Lubricant will make the taper super slick, so it will slide through easy. Lubricants make a stretch easier. While you’re out getting a new taper, get some Jojoba oil, Vitamin E oil or GaugeGear Stretching Balm (Neosporin and Vaseline are not good lubes for ear stretching ).

What size gauge is a normal earring?

Gauge Size: Insert a standard earring post through your piercing – this is going to be a 20G size post. If it fits snugly, then your gauge size will be 20G. If you can move it around a little bit, try an 18G size. If you can move it around quite a bit, then you probably want a 16G size.

Is it called gauging your ears?

All About Ear Stretching (Ear Gauging) Ear stretching (also called ear gauging) is when you gradually stretch out pierced holes in your earlobes. Given enough time, the size of these holes could be anywhere from the diameter of a pencil to that of a soda can. Ear stretching takes time and effort.

How many types of gauges are there?

All gauges can be divided into four main types, independent of their actual use.

Why are gauges used?

Gauge, also spelled gage, in manufacturing and engineering, a device used to determine, either directly or indirectly, whether a dimension is larger or smaller than another dimension that is used as a reference standard.

Why do gauged ears smell?

The reason your ear gauges smell bad is because they’re sitting in your ear. Your skin sheds almost every hour on the hour and all of those dead skin cells are left sitting on the gauge. Thus the stinky smell.

How do I stop my ears from stretching?

Preventing stretched earlobes can be a matter of practicing the following habits:

1. Replace heavy earrings with lightweight ones.
2. Remove your earrings while sleeping to avoid injury.
3. Stay away from earrings that may get caught in other objects often, such as large hoops or ones comprised of wicker or “grabbing” materials.

How do you start gauging your ears?

Tapers

1. To stretch with tapers, the first thing you need to do is wash your hands and anything going in your ear lobe.
2. Next, you’ll want to pick a lubricant.
3. Put the lubricant on the taper and your earlobe and then slowly put the taper in.
4. Once you have the taper through, you’ll put the plug in right after.