So I’ve been stretching my ears for quite sometime now, I went from an 18g to a 6g in a day and it hurt like a you know what. After a few months, I wanted to stretch them further but couldn’t afford it so I took them out and they shrunk quite a bit but not fully. I then decided that I wanted to stretch them again when I got Christmas money so I went back to a 6g and I’ve up each size and now i’m a 00g. I want to stretch to a 9/16 eventually but I’m currently only concerned with my next size. I don’t see much of a difference between the 00g and the 7/16g and so I’m thinking I have the ability to just skip the 7/16 and go straight to 1/2g? I can handle pain, and my ears are fully healed so I don’t see the issue with it but I don’t want to really mess it up.

Answer:
It's unwise to stretch that fast. It causes too much trauma to your earlobes, and puts you at risk for something called a “blowout” (Google it). Here's my recommendation for stretching relatively swiftly without putting that much strain on your earlobes, and at the same time saving you some money by not requiring you to purchase new plugs for each new size: white plumber's/Teflon tape. Now that you're at 00g, let your earlobes rest for a few weeks. Wait for them to get stretchy - if you pull on them, is there a gap between the plug and your skin? If so, you're ready to stretch. Begin with a few layers of the Teflon tape. It should fit snugly in your earlobe. Some people are able to add a layer or two each day; some have to wait a bit longer between new layers. This is by far the gentlest, least painful way to stretch your earlobes. Trust me. (Plus, plumber's tape is very cheap. A roll might be less than $2 at hardware store/grocery store.)

It also helps to take a hot shower before adding new layers, and make sure your earlobes are lubricated with something healing like shea butter or cocoa butter lotion.

Answer:
Nope, you should not skip sizes, yeah you probably can take pain, so can i, but that doesn't mean to skip. There might not be a 'difference' but that's no reason to skip. Just take your time and stretch slowly. I've always stretched with Teflon Tape, and after about a week or two, I would be at least a size or two larger. Maybe try that. Just take your time, there's no reason to rush. Good luck! [:
- And if you decide to stretch with the tape, add a layer or two of tape every other day.
Answer:
you should not…by any means…any.any means….stretch your ears so swiftly and drastically. I mean you can, but it guarantees permanent damage. so when you finally decide to get rid of your gauges (if you do) you’ll have torn so much tissue it will never recover to a small side. you should WAIT a least 1 1/2 before going to the next high gauge. If you don't you are asking for permanent damage to your ear lobes. don’t jump gauges.