Complete noob.....

[CostaCossie]

Hi,

So I'm new here but need help. I have my standard piercings and have done for about 12 years so no problems in waiting for those to heal. I got my first stretchers today and they are 1.6mm/14g. I have put them in as far as they will go without being too painful (it stings a little - I'm hoping this is about right?) but what do I do now? I'm guessing i keep pushing them in bit by bit as much as I can stand?

Can anyone please give me a bit of guidance? I have googled for it but I'd like to hear from people who have done this before

Thanks

[LucyFord]

Yeah, it's not always going to be painless to start. If you put some lubricant [I've used Vaseline, but I've seen it recommended that you use only water-based, like KY] on the jewelry, it'll be lots more comfortable.
You've got the right idea- listen to what your body tells you. And keep everything clean. :] Good luck!

[corazon_de_oro]

Stretching should really never hurt. If you're starting from a "standard" ear piercing, you are currently at about 1mm, so you should start with 16G, which is 1.2mm. It stings because your ears aren't ready for that big of a stretch.
If you can't put the whole taper in all at once, you need to wait longer. Tapers shouldn't be pushed in gradually.

[soundandfury]

i dont think feeling a bit of pain on the first pair is a terrible thing, only that you might want to wait longest on moving up, they are very fragile when they are first streched. just treat them kind is all.

[ast.riske]

I second what Corazon de Oro said. Don't skip gauges and you'll fare much better. You really shouldn't have much pain at all during stretching. If it feels warm and, maybe a little tingly, you're spot on. Pain is your body telling you something is wrong.

That said, if you try the 16g and it still feels painful, you may have really tight fistulas, like a friend of mine does. She can only wear 20g jewelry comfortably. Take your standard jewelry and measure it against a gauge wheel or, better, use a caliper to measure it. You may have to move to an 18g first, then 16g and so on. Good luck!