Once you move beyond standard piercing sizes, a new world of jewellery opens up. Plugs, tunnels, saddle plugs, hangers, weights -- the range is vast and the material choices multiply as you move into larger sizes. This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing jewellery for stretched lobes at every stage.
Stretched ear jewellery types: plugs (solid), tunnels (hollow), saddle plugs (concave), and hangers/weights. Single-flare plugs are for fresh and healing stretches; double-flare for fully healed lobes. For healing stretches: implant-grade titanium or glass only. For healed lobes: wood, stone, horn, acrylic, and organic materials are all options.
Plug vs Tunnel: The Key Difference
| Feature | Plug | Tunnel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | Solid cylinder | Hollow cylinder -- open through the middle | |
| Visible from front | Opaque face | Shows through (the hole is visible) | |
| Weight | Heavier (for same size) | Lighter | |
| Best for | Smaller sizes; subtle look | Larger sizes; the hollow aesthetic | |
| Flare options | Single and double | Single and double |
Flare Types: When to Use Each
Single-Flare
One flat face at the front; smooth barrel at the back with an O-ring groove. The smooth back can pass through a fresh stretch without catching. Essential for: fresh stretches, any stretch up to 3-4 months at that size, sleeping (remove at night in fresh stretches).
Double-Flare
Flared (widened) at both ends. The front and back flares prevent the plug from falling out without an O-ring. The back flare cannot pass through a fresh stretch without tearing tissue. Use only: in fully healed lobes that have worn the size for at least 3-4 months.
| Material | Fresh stretches | Healed lobes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implant-grade titanium | Excellent | Excellent | Non-porous; lightweight; biocompatible; any colour via anodising |
| Implant-grade steel | Good | Good | Heavier than titanium; non-porous |
| Borosilicate glass | Excellent | Excellent | Extremely smooth; excellent for dead stretching; comes in beautiful colours |
| Acrylic / Lucite | Avoid | Caution | Porous; harbours bacteria; not suitable for healing. Popular for large sizes due to lightweight. |
| Wood (teak, ebony, etc.) | Avoid | Good | Porous; must be kept dry and oiled; beautiful aesthetic; various types |
| Stone (obsidian, jasper, etc.) | Avoid | Good | Non-porous; heavy; beautiful; cold to wear |
| Horn / bone | Avoid | Good | Natural material; varies in quality; requires care |
| Silicone | Avoid | Caution | Can harbour bacteria; some people react; popular for comfort in large sizes |
Style Options by Size
| Size | Best styles | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 14G-8G (1.6-3.2mm) | Single-flare titanium or glass plugs | Subtle; barely visible as stretched |
| 6G-4G (4-5mm) | Single-flare plugs; small tunnels | Starting to be clearly visible |
| 2G-0G (6-8mm) | Single or double-flare; tunnels; first wood options | Visible gauge; wider material range once healed |
| 00G-12mm (10-12mm) | Full range -- plugs, tunnels, saddle, hangers | All styles available for healed lobes |
| 14mm-25mm | Large plugs, tunnels, hangers, weights | Organic materials popular; large glass |
| 25mm+ | Specialist pieces; custom options | Very large; specialist sourcing required |
Lobe Care for Stretched Ears
• Remove jewellery once weekly for thorough cleaning -- wash both the plug and the lobe
• Massage lobes with jojoba, vitamin E or coconut oil daily
• Air out the lobes without jewellery for periods during the day -- especially for acrylic wearers
• Check regularly for any signs of irritation, smell (indicates bacteria), or thinning of the lobe
• Avoid sleeping in heavy hangers -- the weight causes uneven stretching overnight
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the difference between a plug and a tunnel?
A plug is solid; a tunnel is hollow and shows through the middle of the lobe. Both come in single and double-flare options.
Can I wear wood plugs in a fresh stretch?
No. Wood is porous and cannot be sterilised. Use only implant-grade titanium or borosilicate glass for fresh stretches. Switch to wood once the lobe is fully healed at that size.
What are saddle plugs?
Saddle plugs have a concave (indented) profile in the centre, so they sit snugly in the lobe with the flares resting against the front and back of the lobe. Popular for everyday comfort wear in healed lobes.
Are silicone ear plugs safe?
Silicone should be used with caution for stretched lobes. It can harbour bacteria and some people react to certain silicone formulations. Implant-grade titanium, glass, and quality wood are all preferable.
How do I clean stretched ear jewellery?
Remove weekly and wash with mild unscented soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before re-inserting. For glass and titanium: can be boiled or autoclaved. For wood: wipe with a damp cloth, never soak. For stone: mild soap only.