Tapers and plugs are the two types of equipment used in ear stretching -- but they serve completely different purposes. Confusing them is one of the most common causes of stretching complications. A taper is a tool for the stretching moment. A plug (or tunnel) is jewellery for wearing. They are not interchangeable.
Tapers are cone-shaped tools used only for the moment of stretching they ease the new size in and are immediately replaced with a single-flare plug. Tapers are not jewellery and should not be worn. Single-flare plugs or tunnels are the correct jewellery for wearing at each stretched size. Double-flare plugs are for fully healed stretched lobes only.
What Is a Taper?
A taper (also called a stretching taper or insertion taper) is a cone-shaped piece that starts narrow at one end and widens to a specific gauge at the other. It is inserted into the piercing thin-end first, using its graduated width to gently stretch the tissue as it passes through.
The key fact: a taper is a tool, not jewellery. Once the taper has passed through and the tissue is at the new size, it is immediately followed by a single-flare plug. The taper is removed; the plug stays.
Why You Must Not Wear Tapers as Jewellery
• Tapers have uneven weight distribution heavier at one end. This creates uneven pressure on the healing tissue and causes the lobe to stretch unevenly ('cat-bum' shape)
• The narrow end falls forward through the lobe constantly, creating a slow continued stretch beyond your target size
• The asymmetric stretch produces scar tissue that makes the lobe harder to stretch evenly later
• Many tapers are acrylic, which is porous and harbours bacteria
Types of Plug and When to Use Each
| Type | Description | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Single-flare plug | One flat end (front face); one O-ring groove at the back | For fresh stretches and early healing at each new size. The O-ring allows easy removal. |
| Double-flare plug | Flared at both ends; cannot fall out | For fully healed lobes only. The wide back flare cannot pass through a fresh stretch without tearing. |
| Tunnel (hollow) | Hollow cylinder; shows through the lobe | Same usage as plug single-flare for fresh, double-flare for healed |
| Saddle plug | Curved/concave profile; sits snugly | For healed lobes; comfortable long-term wear |
| Hanging / dangle | Weight hangs from the tunnel or plug | Healed lobes only weight stretches tissue if worn in fresh stretches |
The Correct Sequence for Each Stretch
• Step 1: Taper (inserted from front, thin end first)
• Step 2: Single-flare plug follows the taper through in one motion
• Step 3: Taper removed; plug seated; O-ring secured
• Step 4: Wear the single-flare plug for the full healing period at this size
• Step 5: Once fully healed at this size, switch to a double-flare or healed plug if desired
• Step 6: Only then repeat the taper process for the next size
Materials: What Tapers and Plugs Should Be Made From
| Material | Tapers | Fresh stretches | Healed lobes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Implant-grade titanium | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Best overall for all stages |
| Implant-grade steel | Good | Good | Good | Heavier than titanium |
| Borosilicate glass | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Smooth surface; very good for dead stretching |
| Acrylic | Avoid | Avoid | Acceptable (caution) | Porous; harbours bacteria; not for healing |
| Wood | N/A | Avoid | Good | Not sterile; excellent for healed lobes |
| Stone / horn | N/A | Avoid | Good | Natural materials; for healed lobes only |
| Silicone | N/A | Avoid | Caution | Can harbour bacteria; some people react |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sleep with tapers in?
No never wear tapers for extended periods. The uneven weight distribution stretches the lobe unevenly. After inserting the new size, immediately swap to a single-flare plug.
What are single flare plugs?
Single-flare plugs have one flat face (the front visible part) and one smooth end with an O-ring groove (the back). The smooth back end can pass through a fresh stretch without catching; the O-ring holds the plug in place.
What are double flare plugs?
Double-flare plugs are flared at both ends. They cannot be inserted into a fresh stretch the back flare would tear the tissue. Only wear double-flare once the lobe has fully healed at that size.
How do I know when I can switch to double flare?
Once the lobe has fully healed at a size typically 3-4 months of wearing a single-flare at that size without tenderness or discharge the double-flare can be worn. Test by trying to insert it without force; it should pass through without resistance.
What is the best material for ear stretching tapers?
Implant-grade titanium or borosilicate glass. Both are non-porous, autoclave-sterilisable, and smooth. Avoid acrylic tapers they are porous and cannot be properly sterilised.