So, you’ve taken the plunge and decided to stretch your ears. Exciting, right? But with every new body modification, comes the added responsibility of aftercare. Proper aftercare can mean the difference between healthy, beautiful stretched ears and a hot mess. Let’s dive right in!
The Basics of Stretched Ears Care
Caring for your stretched ears isn’t a one-time deal, it’s a continuous process. If you’ve done your stretching right, there won’t be any open wounds to look after. But if you’ve been a tad impatient and ended up with a tear or rip, you’ll need to handle it with kid gloves – think of it as a new piercing.
DOs:
- Use a hot sea salt soak for your ears if they’re torn or irritated. Mix 1/8-1/4 teaspoon of sea salt with one cup of water, and let your lobes soak for five to ten minutes daily till they heal up.
- Opt for gentle cleaning with warm saline solution. Dissolve about 1/8″ to 1/4″ teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt in 8 ounces of water. Commercial saline sprays can also be your friend here.
- Use unscented, natural soap without any dyes for daily cleaning.
DON’Ts:
- Alcohol, peroxide, or Bactine? No way! These can be super harsh on your delicate lobes, killing even the healthy cells.
Keeping Those Lobes Healthy
Oil massages are the unsung heroes of ear stretching care. Not only do they help break down any scar tissue, but they also keep the skin supple and moisturized. The best time for a massage? Post a hot shower. Your pores will thank you for it. And while there are a plethora of oils to choose from – like emu, vitamin E, jojoba, Naked, and bio oil – don’t sweat it if you can’t get the fancier ones. Even simple vitamin E oil does the trick. Just remember, the massage itself is more important than the oil. Oh, and don’t rush! A solid five-minute session while jamming to your favorite tunes should do wonders.
Freshly Stretched Ear? Here’s Your Guide
Fresh stretches require a bit more TLC. Here’s a quick checklist by Alex Peace:
- Clean, but gently: Clean those ears daily using mild soap and water. Steer clear of alcohol-based products to avoid drying out.
- Stay Dry: After cleaning, ensure there’s no moisture trapped. Bacteria love damp places, and you don’t want any in your ear.
- Light is Right: Keep away from heavy earrings or weights initially. Lightweight plugs or tunnels, especially in stainless steel, are your best bet.
- Watch your sleeping position: Try not to sleep on your fresh stretch. Any added pressure might cause irritation or further stretching.
- Embrace the Jojoba: This oil not only moisturizes but also wards off bacteria. Post cleaning and drying, a little jojoba oil can go a long way.
- Hands off: Tempting as it might be, avoid playing with or twisting your earlobes.
- Patience, my friend: Healing can take months, so don’t rush into another stretch. Let your ears heal completely.
In conclusion, ear stretching is more than just a fashion statement. It’s a commitment. By following the above steps and guidelines, you’re ensuring that your ears stay healthy and fabulous. Remember, it’s not just about the destination (those gorgeous stretched ears) but also about the journey (the care and patience). Happy stretching!
