Ear Gauging

Ear gauging is quite popular among the various body piercing trends today. Let me tell you that this technique is not a new trend, as this practice originated in Asia thousands of years ago. Many tribes in Asia are seen opting for it, even today. This is also widely practiced by African and South American tribes for centuries.

What is Ear Gauging?

It is a type of ear piercing where ear lobe piercing is slowly stretched so as to accommodate larger jewelry. The piercing is stretched until it is stretched into a noticeably larger hole. While the size of gauged ears varies depending upon the choice of an individual, let me tell you that it can be as large as big bangle earrings that girls wear. This process of stretching ear lobe piercing takes a lot of time, hence, needs patience. Sometimes reaching a desired size of gauge might take years as well. The time that ear stretching will take in your case basically depends on your ear lobes. You will have to give healing time of at least 2 weeks between two stretching. Elongating them at once can be risky and painful process.

Before you opt for one, get the existing ear lobe piercing evaluated by a professional. Also, visit an experienced professional. Remember that there is always a risk of infection while you opt for piercings. Proper aftercare is a must for an individual who gets his/her ear gauged. Wondering whether men opt for them? Hmmm...body piercings are no longer restricted till the female class and this one is no exception. You can find many men who opt to get their ears gauged. Ear piercings can be graced with various types of piercing jewelry. Let's find out the options available in jewelry.

Jewelry Options for Gauged Ears

Tunnel is the most popular jewelry. This is basically a hollow piece of jewelry which fits against inner circumference of the hole and keeps the center hollow. This open space in middle can be further used to wear multiple gauged earrings and plugs. You can find the tunnels in various materials and designs. Most of these also have white or colorful studs that highlight the gauge piercing. Saw the gauge ear plugs? Well, these are available in numerous styles and colors and look quite trendy. Think of a color and you can find a plug of that color. Designer or plain, there are many options to choose from. You can also grab the latest 'glow in the dark' ear plugs which will give you a stylish look. You can also pick plugs with stylish dangling pieces attached to it.

Remember that gauged ears are quite prominent and give a funky look. If you are confused, best to start from a small hole and gradually stretch it, as far as you can comfortably carry the look. Also, many believe that the stretched ear lobe will come back to its normal size after the jewelry is removed. While this is true, the results and time required may vary depending upon size of piercing and individual skin type. Really large gauges might not at all return to original sizes!