A plug is a type of earring for a stretched earlobe piercing. While plugs and other larger types of jewelry for stretched earlobe piercings are commonly called "gauges", this term is incorrect. Professional piercers will not use the term "gauges" and will inform you that gauge is an increment of size, not a name for a type of jewelry. If you choose to insert plugs into your stretched earlobe piercings, you must insert jewelry in clean environment to prevent acquiring a bacterial infection during the process.
Step 1
Confirm with a professional piercer that your new plug earrings are made from a product that is safe for inside of your earlobe piercings. Ask your piercer if the size--the gauge and length--is suitable for your anatomy and no stretching is necessary to insert the plugs into your piercings. Inserting plugs into your piercings that are too large or have a large flare can cause trauma to your earlobe piercings and scarring.
Step 2
Step into a hot shower. Allow the hot water to run over your earlobe piercings and jewelry. Remove any jewelry from your ears.
Step 3
Wash your earlobes and the inside rim of your stretched ear piercings with soap and your hands. Washcloths harbor bacteria and are not suitable for cleaning your piercings. Rinse the soap off your earlobes and piercings with hot water.
Step 4
Apply a lubricant, such as liquid soap or a water based lubricant, to the outside of one of your plug earrings. Push the plug into your earlobe piercing from the front of your ear. Stop pushing when you feel the back of the plug exit out of the back of your earlobe piercing hole. Touch the front and back of plug to ensure that each side of the plug is equally sitting in your earlobe piercing.
Step 5
Repeat the lubrication and plug insertion in your other earlobe piercing. Wash any remaining lubricant off your earlobes and plugs with soap and water. Dry the outside of your plugs and earlobes with a paper towel once you exit the shower.
Tips and Warnings
- Allow a professional piercer to insert your plugs if your earlobe piercings need to be stretched to accommodate your new plugs. Purchase plugs from professional piercing shops to avoid allergic reactions from earrings that contain a high nickel content.
- Stop pushing your plugs during insertion if you feel resistance to avoid tearing the skin in your earlobe piercing. Never use a lubricant that has been used during previous sexual contact to avoid possible bacterial infections.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Water
- Lubricant
