Ear Expanders

Ear expanders

The phrase "ear expander" is typically used by someone looking for tools to aid in the stretching process. We normally call these Ear Tapers.

We have a wide range of ear expanders (AKA tapers) that span many gauges and material types. Whatever you are shopping for, you’ll probably find it here. Our collection not only aims to be diverse but also beautiful. Each material, color, and design speak to different ideals and fashion choices.  Suitable for beginners and those with already stretched ears.

Understanding ear expanders

Ears are stretched using a specially manufactured taper put into a healed ear hole, usually starting at a 16 or 14 gauge. It is safe to use the ear hole expander six weeks after the first stretch. The most uncomplicated technique to keep the lobes healthy is stretching them slowly and using a clean ear expander/taper kit.  Please see our guide to How to Stretch Ears Here for more information on the stretching process.

It can be difficult to find trendy cheap ear expanders of various sizes when expanding your ears, which is why we are here to help you every step of the way with safe and genuine jewelry that meets your demands perfectly.

It's also possible to expand ears which are already stretched with ear weights which use gravity to stretch the ear slowly over time.

Ear hole expander sizes

The following are the sizes of our expanders: 14g, 12g, 10g, 8g, 6g, 4g, 2g, 1g, 0g, 00g, 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 3/4", 7/8", 1", 28mm, 29mm, 30mm, 32mm, 34mm, 36mm, 38mm, 40mm, 42mm, 44mm, 46mm, 47mm, 48mm, 50mm, 0-gauge, and 2-gauge expanders. We offer single ear tapers and complete ear stretching kits.

Ear expander materials

Ear expanders can be made made using silicon, wood, glass, metal, and stone for variety. To ensure our customers have access to the best result while staying fashionable, we offer acrylic and metal ear expanders.  Ear weights may come in:

  • Stone
  • Glass
  • Metal
  • Wood

What is the difference between ear expanders and gauges/plugs/tunnels?

When it comes to ornamental jewelry for stretched ears, the phrases "gauges" and "expanders" can be interchanged.  But usually by ear expanders someone would be meaning the tool used to stretch ears which is usually called a taper. The term "gauge" refers to the size of the ear after it has been stretched. It can also relate to the plug or taper width-based size.

When stretching up and changing jewelry, knowing your gauge size is crucial. The term "ear expander" refers specifically to tools used to expand the ears (Tapers being the most common for people starting to stretch ears).  Where as Ear Gauges/Plugs/Tunnels are the jewellery worn inside the stretched ears.


Will ear expansion hurt my earlobes?

When done correctly, it shouldn't. Although you’ll likely experience some discomfort during the stretching, your ears will experience minimal pain since the process gradually takes place.

However, skipping sizes or going to a new stretch when the ear is not fully healed can cause damage. Wait at least a month in between your stretches.


Which is the best ear expanding plug?

You can stretch your ears using tapers and it's not adviced to stretch with plugs. See our tapers collection for ear stretching kits.


Why do I get ear funk?

Otherwise known as ear cheese, the term ear funk refers to a gross smell you might notice once you begin using an earlobe expander. First, ear funk does signify an infection; it's a normal body reaction that occurs when stretching ears. Ear funk is dead skin cells that have been held in place by the expanding jewelry.